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ORIGINAL LETTERS
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PREFACE.
In 1698 there was printed at Edinburgh a small tract, entitled, " A Catalogue of curious Manuscripts, &c, Collected by Sir James Balfour of Kinaird, Knight-Baronet, and Lyon King at Arms, kept in his famous Study of Denmilne : and now exposed to Sale." These Manuscripts were purchased in one lot, by the Faculty of Advocates ; and, as to actual importance, they still form no inconsiderable part of the entire collection of Manuscripts in the Advocates Library. Not the least interesting portion of the Balfour Manuscripts consists of about twenty volumes in parchment covers, containing a series of Original Letters on State Affairs in England and Scotland, during the reigns of Elizabeth and James, and the early part of the reign of Charles the First. Of these Letters a few were printed by Lord Hailes, in his Memorials of the Reigns of James and Charles ; and more recently they furnished the materials for two valuable contributions to the Abbotsford Club, under the following titles : — " The Melros Papers : State Papers and Miscellaneous Correspondence of Thomas, Earl of Melros :" in two volumes, printed at Edinburgh, 1837, at the expense of the Right Hon. John Hope, Lord Justice-Clerk : and " Letters and State Papers during the Reign of King James the Sixth ; chiefly from the Manuscript Collections of Sir James Balfour of Denmyln : " printed at Edinburgh, 1838, at the expense of Adam Anderson, Esq., Dean of
b
VI
PREFACE.
the Faculty of Advocates. Both these works were edited by James Maidinent, Esq., Advocate.1
In the same Collection there are three separate volumes, consisting of such Letters as Sir James Balfour had arranged as a distinct series, relating to " The Affairs of the Church of Scotland, from the year 1610 to the year 1625." Of these Letters, a partial selection was prepared some years ago, for the purpose of being printed for the Abbotsford Club, uniformly with the two works just mentioned ; but the plan was frustrated, — perhaps fortunately, as it has led to the present publication, which includes not only all the Letters contained in these three volumes, but nearly an equal number of others collected from the Public Records, or such repositories as were accessible to the Editor. But in this task he has experienced the serious disadvantage, in common even with other persons on the spot who may have liberal access to the originals, that there should be no detailed Catalogue of the extensive Collection of Manuscripts in the Advocates Library ;2 and no Inventory or descriptive Calendar of the several Records preserved in the General Register House. Under some proper regulations, these Records are now accessible for literary purposes, and the Editor has freely availed himself of such a privilege ; but the uncertainty in regard to the nature of the various Records or of the original documents there deposited, will appear from the Appendix consisting of Additional Letters, with the existence of which he only became aware when this work had nearly been brought to a close. The present series of Letters embraces a period sufficiently distinct in
1 To Mr Maidmcnt we are also indebted for the publication of other documents from the same repository, in his " Analecta Scotica," Edinburgh, 1834-1837, 2 vols. 8vo. In the Preface to a little volume (of which only a few copies were printed for sale), entitled, " Ancient Heraldic and Antiquarian Tracts, by Sir James Balfour of Dunmylne and Kinnaird," Edinburgh, 1837, 12mo, he has given a detailed account of the purchase of Balfour's Manuscripts by the Faculty of Advocates, in 1698.
' It cannot be otherwise than matter of regret, as well as astonishment, that, after the lapse of a century and a half, a collection of such interesting and valuable Manuscripts should still remain without a proper Catalogue.
PREFACE. vii
the History of the Church of Scotland, extending from the accession of King James the Sixth to the Throne of England in March 1603, to his death in March 1625. Most of the Letters are now printed for the first time, either from the autographs, or from authentic copies in the Registers of the Privy Council of Scotland.1 Without entering upon any detailed history of the period, some notices of the previous state of the Church may serve to illustrate the subsequent policy adopted and pursued by that Monarch in changing the Presbyterian- to a Pre- latic form of Church Government.
Amidst the various changes produced by the Reformation, while every thing in the form of idolatrous worship was abolished, the several Churches and Parochial divisions were preserved or retained, so far as was practicable. The difficulty of finding within a limited period a sufficient number of qualified persons to supply these several parishes, could not speedily be overcome. Ministers were appointed for the chief towns, and Readers or Exhorters were employed in the less populous places. As the Readers were not permitted to exercise the higher functions of the ministry, the expedient was adopted of dividing the country into twelve districts, to be visited by a Superintendent, who should dispense the sacraments, inspect the different churches, and assist in supplying the vacant charges in their respective districts. To insure the more vigilant performance of such duties, they were not allowed to remain in one place beyond a limited period. Even for the twelve divisions, not more than five Superintendents were ever appointed ; but similar powers were afterwards conferred on certain Ministers, who were named Com- missioners of particular localities, without being released from the charge of their own parish. It has been asserted that, by this appointment of Superintendents, the Episcopal forms were virtually recognized by the
1 In printing these Letters, the punctuation has been corrected ; nor was it thought necessary to retain either the contractions, or the obsolete form of z to express the letter y, used by some of the writers.
viii PREFACE.
Church. This assertion, though somewhat plausible, is far from being correct : this expedient was obviously of a temporary nature ; and the burden imposed upon the Superintendents was so onerous that one and all of them requested the Assembly to accept their resignations. The Superintendents and Commissioners may have received a larger stipend than the ordinary Ministers, yet this was no adequate compensation for their greater labours, or the expenses incurred in the course of their journeys from one parish to another.
If the scheme proposed in the First Book of Discipline, and sub- mitted to Parliament in August 1560, had been sanctioned by the Legislature, there can be no doubt that, while the clergy would have been provided with the means of subsistence, schools and colleges would have been placed on a surer foundation, and the wants of the poor and indigent would have been supplied. But while tbe Popish Prelates were allowed to retain two-thirds of their revenues, the Reformed Ministers and Readers for several years continued their labours under peculiar hardships and privations. The plan was at length devised and carried into effect, by the Regent Murray, in December 1567, of appropriating the entire thirds of all benefices to be paid to the Ministers, " ay and quhill the Kirk cum to the full possessioun of their propir patrimonie, quhilk is the Teindis." In this Act it is recited, that " the Ministeris " hes bene lang defraudit of thair stipendis, swa that thay ar becumin in " greit povertie and necessitie : And notwithstanding hes continewit in " thair vocatioun without payment of thair stipendis be ane greit space, * quhairthrow thay ar, and salbe constranit to leif thair vocatioun, " without remeid be provydit." ' The sums that were thus assigned were not considerable ; but the Collectors of the Thirds, in their Books of Assignation, furnish us with accurate lists of the several parishes, the names of the incumbents, and their stipends. The earliest of these Books is entitled " The Registre of Ministers, and thair Stipendis, sen
1 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. iii. p. 24.
PREFACE. ix
the yeir of Clod 1567." ' Including the Ministers who were appointed till 1571, the actual number was only 257, for 1080 churches, assisted by 151 Exhorters and 455 Readers : this was exclusive of Argyle and the Isles, of which no rentals were furnished.2 As instances of the spiritual destitution of that time, it may be stated, that in the 54 parishes of Stratherne (or Perthshire) there were only 12 Ministers and 39 Readers ; and in the three fertile districts of Ayrshire, Cunningham, Kyle, and Carrick, there were 47 parish churches, supplied by 11 Ministers, 15 Exhorters, and 23 Readers.
The same Parliament which adopted this Scheme of provision, ratified the Doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, as exhibited in the Con- fession of Faith ; and by a virtual acknowledgment of its Government, the stated meetings of the General Assembly, which always consisting of Lay Members, as well as Ministers, and exercising a paramount juris- diction, thus assumed a distinctive character : and the General Assembly still continues to be, as it were, a Representative National Assembly, in regard to Ecclesiastical Affairs.3
The death of the Regent Murray was an event most unfavourable to the Church and the peace of the country. As Knox's endeavours had not proved successful in prevailing upon the Government to dis- solve the Prelacies, and appropriate their revenues to the common funds of the Church, it is easy to discover the motives which led to the Acts of the Convention at Leith, 16th January 1571-2. Hitherto, as already mentioned, the Popish Prelates had been allowed to retain a large share of the temporalities of their several benefices ; and as the Nobles could
1 This Register of Ministers, from 1567 to 1571, is an interesting document, and was presented as a contribution to the Maitland Club, by the late Mr Alexander Macdonald (with a Preliminary Notice by Thomas Thomson, Esq.) Edinb. 1830, 4to.
* See the introductory notice to the extracts from the Book of the Assignation of Stipends, for the year 1574, contained in the Miscellany of the Wodrow Society, p. 319. Edinb. 1844, 8vo.
* Observations on Church and State, suggested by the Duke of Argyll's Essay on the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, p. 15. Edinb. 1848, 8vo.
x PREFACE.
not personally assume the ecclesiastical office, they adopted the expe- dient of appointing titular Bishops, for the purpose of securing the revenues for their own use ; and persons were found who were willing to assume the dignity, and receive only a share of the fruits of the benefice, assigning, in the form of leases and pensions, the remaining portions to particular individuals, while many of the Nobility obtained for themselves special grants of other church-lands and tithes. It was therefore concluded, that no change should be made in regard to the former Sees and Dioceses ; and a Dean and Chapter of learned Minis- ters were annexed to every Cathedral Church. The several Articles, Forms of Letters, and Oaths, agreed upon for admission of persons to benefices and spiritual offices,1 were approved by the Lord Regent, in the King's name, on the 1st of February 1571-2. Instead, how- ever, of waiting for vacancies occasioned by death, in January of the following year it was enacted that all Ecclesiastical dignitaries, and other persons holding benefices, who failed within a prescribed time to subscribe the Articles of Religion contained in the Acts of Par- liament, and to take an Oath acknowledging of his Highness and his authority, in presence of the Archbishop, Bishop, Superintendent, or Commissioner of the Diocese or Province, where they held their Eccle- siastical livings, should thereby incur the sentence of forfeiture, and such livings remain at the King's disposal.
John Carswell, Superintendent of Argyle and the Isles, had accepted the office of Bishop of the Isles in March 1566,2 and one or more inter- mediate appointments may have been made. For the two Metropolitan Sees of St Andrews and Glasgow, and for the Bishoprick of Dunkeld,
1 These Forms, &e. are preserved in C alder wood's History, vol. iii. pp. 170-194, and in the Booke of the Universal Kirk, vol. i. pp. 205-237.
" In the Miscellany of the Wodrow Society, vol. i. p. 281, are some notices of Cars- well, who, in July 1569, was rebuked by the General Assembly for accepting the office of a Bishop without their permission. He died before September 1572, when John Campbell, Prior of Ardchattan, became his successor.
PREFACE. xi
John Douglas, Eector of the University of St Andrews, John Porter- field, Minister of Kilmaronock, in Dumbartonshire, and James Paton, Minister of Muckhart, were nominated. As the former Canons required the presence of three Bishops to perform the act of Consecration ; to supply their place, letters of commission were issued on the 8th of Sep- tember 1571, for examining and admitting them to their respective benefices. Of these commissions, that for admitting Porterfield to the See of Glasgow may be subjoined, from " The Register of Benefices dis- ponit during the Government of the Earl of Mar, Regent."
COMMISSIO. GLASGOW. JO. PORTARFEILD.
OtJRE Soueraxe Lord, with auise of his richt traist Cousing Johnne Erie of Mar, Lord Erskin, Regent to his Hienes his realme and lieges; Considering how necessair it is, baith for the advancement of the Religioun and Kirk of God as for the commoun weill of the Realme, that personis prouidit to Bishoprikis, be ressoun thay ar to haue the charge and owersicht of the inferiour Ministeris, be of honest conuersatioun, sound doctrine, and sufficient habilitie and qualificatioun thairfoir; To the effect that in default of dew examinatioun, na avowit inymie to the trewth of God, nor ignorantis, be sufferit to enioy the patrimony of the Kirk : Thairfoir ordanis ane Commissioun to be maid, vnder the testimoniale of the Great Seill, in dew forme, Gevand, grantand, and committand full power, speciall command, expres bidding, and charge, to Maister Johnne Wynrhame, Superintendent of Fiff ; Maister Johnne Spottiswod, Superintendent of Lowtheane ; Maister Andro Hay, Commissioner of Levinax, etc. ; Maister Johnne Row, Minister of Sanct Johnnstoun ; Johnne [Andro] Lord Vchiltrie ; and Thomas Kennedy of Bargany, or any thrie of thame coniunctlie, to try and examinat the conuersatioun, doctrine, and qualificatioun of the maist reuerend father in God Johnne Archiebischop of Glasgow, laitlie nominat and prouidit to the said Archiebischoprik ; And according as thay sail find his honest conuersatioun, confessioun of religion, and qualificatioun for his said cure and charge, to gif him testimoniale thairvpon ; or vtherwise finding his inhabilitie and insuffi- ciency thairfoir, to notefie the same to our Souerane Lord, and his said Regent, that farther order may be takin toward the said Archibeschoprik, for the commoditie of the Kirk and Commoun weill, as apertenis ; and generalie, &c. ferme and stable, &c. : And that the said letter be extendit in the best forme, with all clausses neidfull. Subscriuit be the said Lord Regent, at Striueling, the aucht day of September, the yeir of God Im vc lxxj yeris.
The Commission for St Andrews bears the same date, and is in pre- cisely similar terms ; the same persons, or any three of them conjointly,
xii PREFACE.
being authorised " to try and examinat the said Mr John Douglas, laitlie nominat and providit to the said Archbishoprik." In that of Dun- keld, the benefice being declared to be vacant, by forfeiture of Robert Crichton, was conferred on Paton, " gevand to him the place, vote, and preheminance of Bishop in all tyme coming." There is no evidence to show .that any of these individuals underwent trial for admission, in con- sequence of these warrants ; but, in virtue of their office, Douglas and Porterfield sat in the Parliament at Stirling, and subscribed the " Admo- nitioun to the withhalderis of Edinburgh,"1 on the 7th of September 1571 ; and Johannes Archiepiscopus Glasguensis consents to the aliena- tion of the manse of the rectory of Glasgow, by the Rector, Mr Archibald Douglas, to Thomas Crawfurd of Jordanhill, and Janet Ker, his spouse, on the 20th of October 1571.
After the Articles agreed upon by the Convocation at Leith had been ratified, new letters were issued to the Dean and Chapter of the Cathe- dral Kirks of St Andrews, on the 28th January, of Glasgow, on the 8th, and of Dunkeld, on the 16th February 1571-2, authorizing them to pro- ceed to elect a Bishop for each of these Sees, without any reference to the previous nominations of Douglas, Porterfield, and Paton. Accordingly, Douglas's election was confirmed on the 9th of February, and on the following day his inauguration took place, the ceremony being con- ducted by John "Wynram, Superintendent of Fife, assisted by Robert Bishop of Caithness, John Spottiswood, Superintendent of Lothian, and Mr David Lyndsay, Minister of Leith, " who laid their hands on him, and embraced him, in signe of admission to the Archbishoprick." That same day, we are told, John Knox preached, in the presence of the Regent Earl of Morton ; but he not only refused to take any part in the inauguration of the said Bishop ; " yea, in open audience of niany then present, denounced anathema to the giver, anathema to the
receiver."2
1 Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, vol. iii. p. 70. » Calderwood's History, vol. ii. p. 20G.
PEEFACE. xiii
On the 20th of July 1572, a letter confirming Paton's election was issued, containing a command " to the Archbishop of St Andrews, and to the Superintendents of Fyfe, Lothian, and Angus, to consecrate the said Mr James Pawtoun." In the preceding month of January, the temporalities of the See had been granted to Archibald Earl of Argyle : on the 27th of April 1573, the temporalities were restored to " Mr James Paton, now electit, admittit, and confirmit Bishop of Dunkeld."
In regard to Porterfield, it may be inferred that his election was not confirmed ; and that, either in consequence of this, or of his subsequent resignation or deprivation,1 at the command of the General Assembly, like one of his titular successors, Eobert Montgomery, he resumed his duties as a parish Minister.2 His promotion as titular Archbishop of Glas- gow is explained by his connection with Alexander Earl of Glencairne, who had previously obtained yearly grants of the revenues of the Arch- bishopric.3
1 Privy Council Register, vol. xl., no. 68, referred to by Chalmers (Caledonia, vol. iii. p. 624), February 1571-2 ; but this letter or warrant makes no mention of Porterfield's resignation, to preclude his re-election.
* In the Register of 1567-71, John Porterfield, Minister of Kilmaronock, is mentioned as having then been promoted to the Vicarage of Ardrossan. In April 1568 John Porterfield had obtained the Vicarage of Ardrossan, and in June 1569 a similar grant of the Vicar- age of Stewarton was made in his favour ; but the General Assembly would not consent to this plurality, and the latter Vicarage was bestowed on Mr Archibald Crawford. In 1574 the parishes of Inehecalzeoch, Drymmen, Balfron, and Killerne, were conjoined to Kil- maronock, and Porterfield appears to have resigned his Vicarage of Ardrossan in favour of George Boyd, Reader at that Kirk. When Porterfield was translated as Minister of Ayr, in 1580, he was also appointed Commissioner for the districts of Kyle, Carrick, and Cunning- ham. He was alive in 1601, and was succeeded in the following year by John Welsch.
s The Earl of Glencairne, in a letter 25th of December 1568, requested that some steps might be taken by the General Assembly for placing John Porterfield, now banished from Dumbarton. On the 13th of October 1570, the " Erie of Glencarne wald not assist to this Parliament, bot depairtit of Edinburgh, becaus my Lord Regent wald nocht give to him the Archbishoprik of Glasgoic." (Diurnal of Occurrents, p. 191.) The Earl of Glencairne died in 1574 ; and in his Testament, dated at his " place of Kilmaronock," 9th of April 1574, we find one of three witnesses, who are styled " Servitours to the said nobill and potent Lord," was " John Porterfield, Minister of Kilmaronock."
xiv PREFACE.
To supply this vacancy, another license to the Dean and Chapter of Glasgow to choose an Archbishop and Pastor to their Metropolitan Kirk, was issued on the 30th of September 1573, in which no mention is made of Porterfield, the seat being described as vacant, through the forfeiture and barratry of James (Beaton), last Archbishop thereof. The dignity was conferred on James Boyd of Trochrig, through the influence of Robert Lord Boyd; and on the 3d November 1573 a letter was directed to James Bishop of Dunkeld, Adam Bishop of Orkney, John Bishop of the Isles, and Mr John Spottiswood, Superin- tendent of Lothian, for his consecration. This was followed by another letter in the usual form, for his obtaining a right to the temporalities of the Archbishopric.
The See of St Andrews became vacant " by the natural death of umquhile Mr Johne Douglas, last Archbishope thairof, of gude memo- rie." He died in the year 1574.1 From the delay that occurred in appointing his successor, some difficulty seems to have been expe- rienced in filling the office. The letter granting a license to the Dean and Chapter to proceed to an election is dated 10th of March 1574-5. No election taking place, another letter, in similar terms, was issued on the 14th of September 1576 ; when Patrick Adamson, formerly Minister of Paisley, and at this time " Minister of Goddis word in my Lord Regentis house," was elected; and on the 21st December 1576, a letter under the Great Seal was directed " to Robert Bishop of Caith- nes, Adam Bishop of Orkney, or to whatsomever Bishops or Superin- tendents, whom in this part it appertenis," intimating the Royal assent to this election, and commanding the saids Reverend Fathers to con- secrate the said Mr Patrick. Nine separate grants of pensions out of the fruits of this Benefice, by Patrick Archbishop of St Andrews, in the month of January, and other two in February, 1576-7, are recorded as confirmed, to as many dependents or servitors " to the Regentis 1 His Testament is dated at St Andrews, 8th of June 1574.
PREFACE. xv
Grace,"1 and afford a sufficient indication of the Earl of Morton's motives for sanctioning the appointment of titular Bishops. About the same time, three separate grants of the yearly pension of £500 each out of other Sees, were confirmed in favour of James, George, and Archibald Douglas, who are described as " sons naturall to the Regent."
The See of Aberdeen became vacant in 1577, by the death of Wil- liam Gordon, and the ordinary letters were issued with the license to the Dean and Chapter to elect a successor. Mr David Cunningham, Minister of Cadder, being chosen, a Commission under the Great Seal was directed to Patrick Archbishop of St Andrews, Mr George Hay, Commissioner over the Kirks in the Diocese of Aberdeen, and Mr John Craig, Minister of Aberdeen, commanding them to consecrate the said Mr David; it is dated 5th of October 1577.
The vacancies in other Sees, by death, resignation, or deprivation, were either in like manner supplied, or the temporalities granted to lay- men, until such places should be suitably provided. The " consecration," or " inauguration," mentioned, was the same form as had been used at the admission of a Superintendent, and much the same as still continues to be observed at the ordination to the pastoral office, by the imposition of hands.2 In some cases individuals were appointed who seem to have had no right to exercise any ministerial functions. But the Church of Scotland, in its General Assemblies, whilst it accorded to such per- sons their territorial titles, never elected one of the said Bishops as Moderator, to preside in their meetings, and resolutely continued not only to refuse the recognition of their having any ecclesiastical supre- macy, but passed various Acts for the purpose of limiting their power, and rendering them " subject to the discipline of the General Assembly, as members thereof." The King himself, after he had assumed the
• Register of Presentations to Benefices.
* " The Forme and Ordour of the Electioun of the Superintendents," &c., in March 1560-1, is contained in Knox's History, vol. ii. p. 143-150. Edinb. 1848, 8vo.
xvi PREFACE.
government, in 1579, was on the whole favourably inclined to Presby- tery, if we may judge from his recorded expressions ; and, in 1580, the platform of Church government was placed on a firmer basis, by the adoption of the Second Book of Discipline. It was not however for several years, and only after long and zealous contendings in their ordi- nary meetings of Presbyteries, Synods, and Assemblies, that this form was ratified in Parliament, by passing an Act for " abolishing the Acts contrary to the true Religion," 5th June 1592 ; and having thus obtained a legal sanction, it seemed destined to secure the permanent continuance of Presbytery in Scotland. This and the other Acts passed in 1592, embodying the system of the Presbyterian Church, as laid down in the Second Book of Discipline, it has been justly and eloquently remarked, "have survived the revolutions, and counter-revolutions, which were still " to follow in the distracted history of the Scottish Church, only from " that one great cause to which all human institutions must ever owe " any strength or permanence they may attain, from their coincidence " with the principles which had been impressed upon the mind of the " people, for whose governance they were framed."1
The Church at this time had attained a high degree of purity and efficiency; and the zeal of her Ministers had nearly rooted out the remaining seeds of Popery. In one Assembly, James himself de- clared " the Kirk of Scotland to be the sincerest Kirk in the world." The free and uncompromising manner in which the Clergy at times felt themselves called upon to remonstrate, and even to administer public rebukes to the King, was not calculated to gratify a Monarch who was already aspiring after absolute supremacy both in Church and State. It cannot indeed be denied, that Discipline was enforced with great rigour; that the solemn act of Excommunication pronounced against obstinate Papists and other offenders was followed by severe
1 Essay, Critical and Historical, on the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, by the Duke of Argyll, p. 83, 2d edit. 1849, 12mo.
PREFACE. xvii
penalties amd civil disqualifications ; and that the Ministers, by an assumption like that of the Komish priesthood, were inclined to exer- cise an uncontrolled authority in whatever they themselves chose to consider &s spiritual matters. But such assumption and intolerance seem to be inherent qualities in all ecclesiastical denominations, Pres- byterian as well as Popish, in modern as well as in early times.
King James's policy in such matters may be best illustrated by the intelligence communicated by the Resident Ambassador to Sir Robert Cecil, in a letter dated at Edinburgh, 19th of October 1600. After referring to the removal of Robert Bruce and the other Edinburgh Ministers who had been prohibited from preaching on account of their refusal to express a belief in the alleged conspiracy of the Earl of Gowrye, in the preceding month of August, the writer, George Nicolson, says : —
" Further, the King and Convention aforesaide haue agreed to haue " Bisshopps, and for the beginning haue ordeyned Mr Davyd Lyndsey '•' Bisshop of Rosse, Mr Robert Pont Bisshop of Orkney, Mr George " Gledstanes Bisshop of Cathnes, Mr Peter Blackburne Bisshop of " Aberdene the old Bisshop being deade ; and as soone as the King can " reduce the rest of the Bisshoprickes, to haue them also furnisshed with " Bisshopps, and for this purpose the King and said Convention haue " resolved that the Act of Annexation, the erection of Spirituall Landes " into Temporall Lordshipps ; and the annexation and disposition of " Patronages to gentlemen and others, shall all be annulled and revoked, " as well to increase the Kingis lyvinge by the Abbasies, Priories, &c, " as to establish the Bisshopps with the lyvings, and the Ministers with " the tenthes and livings belonging to the severall Churches. All which " for them selues they haue agreed on, and to attempt at this Parlia- " ment, if the tyme shall serue, els no. Allwaies these new chosen Bis- " shopps are to haue vote in this Parliament, and it can not be denyed ; " yet for the rest I see no appearance of it, nather the tyme fit, nor the
xviii PREFACE.
" King fully resolued to attempt them at this tyme, for they will get " great opposition, and that by the greatest, and great nombers whenso- " ever they shalbe labored for." '
Of the persons thus named, Robert Pont, as on a former occasion, refused to accept the office, without permission of the General Assem- bly; but Lyndsay, Gladstanes, and Blackburn, being duly admitted, appeared and voted at the ensuing Parliament, although, like their titular brethren, Alexander Campbell, Bishop of Brechin, and Peter Rollock, Bishop of Dunkeld, they had not received either Episcopal consecration or jurisdiction.
Such was the actual state of the Church in March 1603, when James succeeded to the Throne of England. The Presbyterian forms of Church government, worship, and discipline were established, and had taken a permanent hold on the affections of the people. The privileges of the Church remained in force ; and while the titles and offices of Prelacy were retained, with a right to sit and vote in Parliament nominally as Commissioners for the Kirk, they were bound by the injunctions of the Assembly to assume no superiority over their brethren. Notwithstand- ing the King's professions at his departure for England, that no change either in Church or State would be made, his attention was only with- drawn for a time from the affairs of the Church of his native country. His ultimate design soon became apparent.
In the well-known Conference at Hampton Court, in January 1603-4, between the English Prelates and some learned Puritans, which the King said, he had called " according to the example of all Christian " Princes, who, in the commencement of their reigne, usually take the " first course for the establishing of the Church, both for doctrine " and policie," it pleased his Majesty " both to enter into a gratu- 1 Original in Her Majesty's State Paper Office.
PREFACE. xix
" lation to Almightie God (at which wordes he put off his hat) for " bringing him into the promised land, where Religion was purely pro- " fessed ; where he sate among grave, learned, and reverend men ; not, " as before, elsewhere, a King without state, without honour, without " order ; where beardless boys would brave him to his face ; and to " assure us, that he called not this Assemblie for any Innovation, " acknowledging the Government Ecclesiasticall, as now it is, to have " beene approved by manifolde blessinges from God himselfe, both for the " encrease of the Gospell, and with a most happie and glorious peace." The mode in which the King continued to speak and direct matters during this three days Conference was such, that we are informed " all " the Lords and the rest of the present Auditors stoode amazed at it : " the Archbishop of Canterbury (Whitgift) said, that undoubtedly his '•' Majesty spake by the speciall assistance of God's spirite. The Bishop " of London (Bancroft) upon his knee protested, that his heart melted " within him (and so he doubted not, did the heartes of the whole com- " pany) with joy, and made haste to acknowledge unto Almighty God, " the singular mercy wee have received at his handes, in giving us such " a King, as since Christ his time, the like, he thought, hath not been : " Whereunto the Lords, with one voice, did yield a verie affectionate " acclamation." l
His Majesty most undoubtedly had not been accustomed to hear such abject language addressed to him by his Presbyterian subjects in Scot- land. Thus, at the meeting of the General Assembly held in the Chapel Royal of Holyrood, on the 10th of May 1586, the King assigned as one of the reasons for giving his assent to calling this Assembly, that they might " resolve among themselves of a forme of Discipline and Church Government most agreeable to the Word of God, which he
1 " The Summe and Substance of the Conference, which, it pleased his Excellent Maiestie to haue with the Lords, Bishops, and others of his Clergie, &c. Contracted by William Barlow, Doctor of Divinity, and Deane of Chester," pp. 4, 93. Lond. 1604, 4to.
xx PREFACE.
purposed to establish throughout the realme." Robert Pont, Minister of St Cutliberts, who then filled the Moderator's chair, replied, " Sir, "We " praise God that your Majestie, being a Christian Prince, has decored " our Assemblie with your own presence : we trust your Majestie speaketh " without hypocrisie." l It need excite no wonder, therefore, that the King's intentions should be strengthened on finding his title as Supreme Head of the Church so readily acknowledged in his new dominions.
The important design of effecting a Union of the two Kingdoms, as well as of the Crowns, and the negotiations conducted by the Commis- sioners for this end, withdrew the King's attention from the design to assimilate the Church of Scotland with that of England. This Treaty of Union being frustrated, his favourite scheme was resumed, and pro- secuted with a singular degree of pertinacity. To give a history of this period in regard to the affairs of the Church would be unnecessary. The statements of Calderwood, Row, Scott of Couper, and other early Presbyterian writers, may be chargeable with strong party feelings. Spottiswood, on the other hand, assumes a more subdued tone, and is most conveniently brief in his account of later events. His History, like Calderwood's, terminates with the death of James, and can lay no claim to the minute accuracy of the Presbyterian historian. For illus- trating the history of that period, and tracing the successive steps for carrying his Majesty's intentions into effect, it is obvious that there can be no more certain source, or one less liable to suspicion, than his own Correspondence with the individuals chiefly concerned in the admini- stration of public affairs.
Calderwood, who had obtained access to many original documents when engaged in writing his History,2 introduces the " Memorialls to be
1 Calderwood's History, vol. iv. p, 548.
' His larger History was completed in 1627, and afterwards rewritten and condensed : See the notices of the several Manuscripts of the work in vol. viii. of the Wodrow Societv odit:on. Edinb. 1842-9, 8 vols. 8vo.
PREFACE. xxi
proponed to his most Excellent Majestie" in February 1609, which were written by Archbishop Spottiswood, (and are inserted in the present collection, at page 187 ;) and he says, " By these Memorialls and direc- " tiouns may be perceaved the treacherie of the aspyring Prelates. If " anie man had asked at them then, or will yitt aske, Wherefore they " sent up hard Informatiouns to the King, prejudiciall ather to their " Brethren of the Ministerie, or other subjects, high or low ? they would " haue deepelie protested, and protested diverse tymes, that they wer " innocent ; and yitt, &c. . . . And whereas they have made, and make " the world beleave, that they are innocent of the directiouns that come " from Court, and serve for the weale of thair Estate, the reader may " heere perceive, that howbeit the King was als earnestlie sett to sett " them up in their full Estate, which they denied they were seeking as " they would wishe ; yitt do they direct the King, and lay doun over-
" tures and meanes which may be steadable to that end
" If we had all the Memorialls and Directiouns which they have sent up " to Court from tyme to txjme, we might have greater falshood and " knaverie discovered nor is lyke to come to our knowledge, or likelie " to be found in men of anie calling whatsoever."
Without drawing such an uncharitable inference, we may consider the following letters as affording conclusive evidence that such informations were actually transmitted by some of the Prelates to the King, and not unfrequently to promote their own selfish projects. The removal of David Lindesay from St Andrews, in 1G06,1 and of John Murray from Leith, in 1608,2 may be quoted as illustrations 3 But, on various occa-
1 Translated in 1606 to Forgandenny, and in 1609 to Leith. The sentiments expressed by Gladstanes, in Nob. XXV. and LXXX., were afterwards modified, No. CLVII. ; and " this fool," as he calls Lindesay, in place of being the " vainest and unrulyest man in Scotland," proved a quiet, serious, and pains-taking Minister. He is to be distin- guished from one of the sons of his colleague, the Bishop of Ross, of the same name, who held some preferment in the English Church.
» Sec notes to pages 124 and 189.
8 Another instance that may bo adduced, is the accusation sent to the King respecting
d
xxii PREFACE.
sions, the King himself alludes to his receiving such communications ; ;in<l he shows his natural disposition hy sending directions from Court about obscure individuals, or matters of very small importance.1 The very servile terms in winch James is addressed alike by the nobility and the dignified clergy cannot escape observation. The loss of a volume of the Privy Council Register, containing Royal Letters, between March 1612 and September 1623, is much to be regretted. Another series of letters, which would necessarily have been of very great importance, the correspondence of Archbishop Spottiswood, is not known to exist.2 But that many other letters of the period are still preserved in private repositories cannot be doubted ; 3 yet the following series is much more extensive and complete than could well have been expected.
For the purpose of raising the character of those Ministers on whom the dignity of Prelates had been conferred, an Act was passed by the Parliament held at Edinburgh on the 11th of July 1606, " anent the
the Lord Balfour of Burley,' at the Parliament in 1C12. In a Petition to the King, he requests that his accuser, Archbishop Spottiswood, may set down under his hand the par- ticulars alleged ; and after that he had cleared himself of such unjust imputations, he " entreats permission to lay before your Majesty, and the world, the particular misde- meanours of the Bishop of Glasgow, which being truly known to your Majesty, I think, you shall find him not worthy that trust he has of your Majesty, and most unfitting for the place and dignity he hath in your state." (Lord Hailes's Memorials, p. 44.)
1 See Calderwood's remarks, (History, vol. vii., p. 94.)
' The Archbishop, in his Last Will and Testament, made at Newcastle, 14th of January 1639, appoints John Maxwell, Bishop of Ross, Executor, " commending to his " fidelitie the edition of my Historic, if the same be not done by my self;" and in a separate clause is added, — " To my said brother, the Bishop of Rosse, I ordain the Manu- " scripts that I left at Roslin and Edinburgh, to be delivered, containing the Letters of his " Majesty's Father, and other Memorialls, together with the letters sent by his Majesty " that now is, by the Archbishop of Canterbury and himself, to me, at divers time-. " which may servo him for some good use." — Inquiries respecting these Papers have been made in various quarters, but without success.
3 The additional Letters in the Appendix were printed before the Editor happened to see a volumo entitled " Descriptive Index of the Contents of five Manuscript Volumes illustrative of the History of Great Britain, in the Library of Dawson Turner, Esq.," Great Yarmouth. 1843, 8vo. Connected with the present series, it contains a few let- ters, which are specified at the end of the present volume (page 458*).
PEEFACE. xxiii
Eestitution of the Estate of Bishops," — " restoring to the said Estate their ancient and accustomed honours, dignities, prerogatives, and pri- vileges." Nominations to all the vacant Sees had previously been made ; and compensations granted to some of the titular Prelates, that persons actually serving in the Ministry might be preferred.
The following letter, nominating Spottiswood to the See of Glasgow, upon the death of Archbishop Beaton, may be quoted, in order to illustrate the form of presentation to Bishoprics at this time ; but some delay in his admission must have taken place, as another letter of presentation in his favour is dated " at Our Palice of Westminster, 2d November 1604:"—
Ocre Souerane Lord, with avyse and consent of his Hienes trustie and familiar Counsellour, Mr John Prestoune of Fentounharnis, his Hienes Collectour Generall, Ordanis ane letter to be maid under his Hienes Great Seall, in dew forme makand men- tioun, Forsamekle as his Hienes wnderstanding the Archibischoprik and Benefice of Glasgw to be destitute of ane Archibischope, and to vaik in his Hienes handis, and at his gift and d;spositioun, be deceis of wmquhile James Betone, lait lauchfull Archibischop thairof ; And calling to mynd the lait Act of Parliament maid be the Thrie Estaitis of the Realme of Scotland, be the quhilk it was statute and ordanit that his Majestie sould give and dispone all Bischoprikis and utheris Prelaceis then vacand, or quhilkis thaireftcr sould happin to vaik, wanting Bischopis and Pastouris, to any persone or personis quhome his Hienes pleisit to chuse and elect maist able and qualifeit for the samin, and to provyde thame lawfullie thairto : And now, efter lang experience, and many docu- mentis sufficientlie hard and provit be his Majestie, of the literature, eruditioun, honest and laudable bypast lyfe of his louit Mr John Spottiswode, Minister at the Kirk of Calder, and of his willing mynd and intentioun to continew in the office and functioun of ane Minister in the Kirk of God ; Quha lykwayis lies gevin oft experience of his singu- lar mynd and earnest studie towardis his Majestie in dyvers eflairis committit to his credite, and if the grit panes and trawell takin be him in establisching of the Discipline within the Kirk of God, and propagatioun of Chrystis Evangell within the same, quhairin with ardent zeale, great affectioun, panes and travell, he hes commendablie dis- chargit his dewtie as becumis ane faythfull Pastor and loyall Subject, quhairof it becumis his Hienes of his princelie dewtie not to be unmyndfull, bot to requyte the samin, quhair- throw he may have the gritter occasioun daylie mair and mair to continew and persevcir thairin : Thairfoir, and for dyvers and sindrie utheris ressorabill causses, occasiounis, and guid consideratiounis moveing his Hienes, his Majestie, with aduise and consent of his said Collectour Generall, and Thesaurer of his New Augmentatiounis, hes maid, consti- tute, and ordanit, lykeas be the tennour of the said letter his Hienes makis, constitutis,
xxiv PREFACE.
ami ordanis tho said Mr John Spottiswode Bischope of the said Archbischoprik and Inmefice of Olasgw, and hes gevin, grantit, and disponit, &c. Promitten, &c. With com- mand, in the said letter, to the Lordis of his Hienes Counsell and Sessioun to direct let- tori, &c. ; And ordanis the said letter to pass immediatlie heiron, vnder his Majesties said Grit Seall, &c. At Hamptoun Court, the twentie day of Julij, the yeir of God
1" vj* and thrie yeiris. [Sic subscribitur.)
James R. Jo. Prestoun.
It is worthy of remark, that after the Reformation there prevailed a friendly feeling or recognition between the Sister Churches of Eng- land and Scotland, and the Reformed Churches abroad. At a later period, immediately after the accession of James, in 1603, in the " Con- stitutions and Canons Ecclesiastical, agreed upon in the Province of Canterbury, with the King's Majesty's Licence," in the 55th Article, containing a Form of Prayer to be used by all Preachers before their Sermons, are these words : —
" Ye shall pray for Christ's holy Catholic Church, that is, for the " whole Congregation of Christian people dispersed throughout the " whole world, and especially for the Churches of England, Scotland, " and Ireland." There can be no doubt that the Church of Scotland at this time was in every respect Presbyterian.
The prosecution, banishment, or imprisonment of Forbes, Welsh, and other Ministers, who maintained the lawfulness of the Aberdeen Assembly in 1605,1 and of those who were summoned to the Conference at Hampton Court in September 1606, having removed most of " the turbulent and unquiet spirits," the next step was the appointment of Constant Moderators to the several Presbyteries.2 This measure was
1 A detailed narrative by John Forbes, Minister of Alford, who acted as Moderator of the Assembly at Aberdeen, was published by the Wodrow Society, under the title of " Certane Records touching the Estate of the Church of Scotland." Edinburgh, 1846, 8vo. Among other documents relating to the proceedings at the Assembly, and the trial of Forbes and other Ministers who attended and maintained its legality, it contains the letter from the Privy Council, dissuading the Brethren from holding the Assembly, dated 20th June, and the Reply, dated on the 2d July 1605.
J The names of the Ministers who were nominated by the King as Constant Modera- tors with the letter enjoining Presbyteries to receive them, dated 6th of January 1607, are contained in the Booke of the Univcrsall Kirk, vol. iii. pp. 1085-40.
PREFACE. xxv
resisted with greater firmness than was anticipated, and was carried chiefly by the threats of imprisonment, or by silencing the most reso- lute opposers.
The following extracts from the Treasurer's Accounts are worthy of notice, as serving to illustrate some particulars connected with the affairs of the Church at this time ] : —
1606, April. Item, to ane boy passand of Edinburgh to the Commoun Clerkis of the Burghis of Cowper in Fyff, Perth, Dundie, Forfar, Aberdeen, Banff, Elgin, Forres, Name, and Innernes ; and delyvering to ilk ane of thame ane prentit Proclamatioun to be intimat to the Counsall of thair Burghis seuerallie, quhairby the Magistrates thairof micht be the better informit how to obey his Maiesties will and directioun set furth in the said Proclamatioun, Incais ony sklanderous speitches wer utterit publiolie or priuatlie aganis the proceidingis of the Counsall and Justices in trying of the Ministerie that war committit to warde, . . . . . viij ti.
Item, to ane boy passand of Edinburgh with the lyk prentit Proclamatiounis, to be delyuerit to the Commoun Clerkis of the Burghis of Linlythgow, Striui- ling, Glasgow, Dunbartane, Eenfrew, Irwing, and Lanerk, vj li.
Item, to ane uther boy passand of Edinburgh with the samen prentit Procla- matiounis, to be deliuerit to the Commoun Clerkis of the Burghis of Hadding- ton, Dunse, Jedburgh, Selkirk, Peibles, and Drumfreis, v ti. 1606, Maij. Item, be his Maiesties speciall command, to the Bishop of Glasgow,
(£2400.) ij- iiij" li.
Julij. Item, to the Bischop of Glasgow, to be his charges to' Londoun in his
Maiesties service, . . (£1200.) Im ijc li.
Item, be commandment of the Lordis of Counsall, to Mr James Balfoure, Mr Robert Wallace, Mr Adame Colt, Mr Andro Meluill, Mr James Meluill, Mr William Watsone, Mr William Scot, and Mr John Carmiehell, Ministeris, for thair charges and expensses in thair journay toward his Majestie,
(£2666, 13s. 4d.) Ijm vj° lxvj li, xiij s. iiij d. Item, be his Maiesties speciall command, to the Bisehop of St Androis, for payment and satisfactioun to Sir Andro Meluill and Mr George Young of thair pensionis quhilk thai had furth of the said Bishoprik, (£2000.) ijm li. 1610, May. Item, to Johne Archebischop of Glasgow, for his pensioun at this terme,
(£1000.) I" ti.
Junij. Item, be his Maiesties directioun and warrand to John Archebischop of
Glasgow, as his discharge and acquittance thairof producit upoun compt beiris, . . (£5046, 13s. 4d.) Vm xlvj li, xiij s. iiij d.
1 The Treasurer's Accounts from 1606 to 1610 are not preserved.
XXVI
PREFACE.
1610, Junij. Item, to Mr Robert Charteris, for prenting of the Proclamatioun maid inlii-
bitand all his Majesties leiges to speik ony thing aganis the proceiding of the Assembly at Glasgow, . . • • v *'•
Item, to Archibald Bald, Messenger, passand with letters to the Mercat Croce of Edinburgh, and a Trumpetour with him, discharging all Ministeris, Reidaris, or uther personis quhatsumevir, to impugne or querrell the Actis maid at the lait Generall Assemblie at Glasgow, And chargeing thairwith all Magistrates to sease on the personis contraveneris, . xx s.
October. Item, be his Maiesties warrand, to James Bischop of Orknay, Moderatour
of the Generall Assemblie at Linlythgow, in the moneth of (blank) 1608, To be distributit be the said Reuerend father to certane Constant Moderatouris of Presbytereis, and utheris Ministeris, according to his Maiesteis directioun gevin thairanent, as the samyn warrand producit beiris, (£3010.) iijm x ti.
1611, Apryle. Item, be his Maiesties precept to James Bischop of Orknay, for his
expensis and charges in repairing to Court, and in visitatioun of sundrie pairtis of his Diocie, as the said precept, with his acquittance producit vpoun compt beiris, .... (£1200.) I- ij° K.
1615, Februar. Item, to Andro Hay, in name of the rtcht reuerend Father in God Johnne Archbishope of Glasgow, the half of the soume of ane thousand nyne hundreth fyftie thrie pundis sex schillingis aucht pennies, as the compositiounes of certane remissiounes grantit to sum inhabitantis in Glasgow for heiring of Mess, and resetting and intertaneing of umquhile Johne Ogilbie, Jesuit, sayer and cele- brater of the same ; as the warrand with his acquittance producit heirupone beiris, extending to the soume of (£976, 13s. 4d.) ixc lxxvj li, xiij s. iiij d.
A General Assembly was at length held at Glasgow, in June 1610, when Archbishop Spottiswood assumed the Moderator's chair, and several Acts concerning " the Discipline of the Kirk in all time coming" were carried, with scarcely any opposition. These Acts, with certain explanations and changes not sanctioned by the Church, being ratified by Parliament in October 1612, Episcopacy was thus established, and his Majesty had the satisfaction of seeing the Church of Scotland brought to some degree of conformity with that of England. It was however thought that the Scottish Prelates were still deficient of the true Episcopal character; and three of their number, Spottiswood, Hamilton, and Lamb, were summoned to Court, for Consecration. The ceremony was duly performed, excepting that the necessity of re-ordination as Presbyters, although urged, was
PREFACE. xxvii
not held to be absolutely essential; and on their return to Scotland, they proceeded to invest their brethren with the same orders, or inhe- rent powers which they themselves were supposed to have received. How deficient this ceremony was, according to the sentiments now entertained, need scarcely be mentioned, as their own consecration, being destitute of the fundamental principle involved in the Apostolical succession, their subsequent act could not convey to others what they themselves did not possess.1
It is indeed very evident that Episcopacy, in its true and essential features, although at times nominally professed, and legally established, first in 1612, and again in 1662, never existed in this country ; and the views of some recent writers, as if the Bishops in Scotland formed consecutive links in the due order of Apostolical succession, are at best a mere delusion.
The proceedings at the Perth Assembly in August 1618, and other events connected with the affairs of the Church, are, more or less, clearly to be traced in the following Correspondence, and need not be recapitu- lated. But it may be observed, that the establishment of two Courts of High Commission in February 1610, to be presided over by the Archbishop in his own province, under the pretence of preventing the Council from exercising jurisdiction in Spiritual matters, seems to have originated in the evident reluctance on the part of the Lord Chan- cellor, and the Lords of Privy Council, to enforce the very harsh orders which were frequently sent from Court by the King, at the insti- gation of his Spiritual counsellors and informers, against the Ministers and such as opposed the scheme of constant Moderators, and other innovations. In these Courts, which afterwards were united,2 the Arch-
1 This subject has been ably treated in Letter xvi. of a work, entitled " The Exclu- sive Claims of Puseyite Episcopalians to the Christian Ministry Indefensible ; with an Inquiry into the Divine Eight of Episcopacy and the Apostolic Succession," by the Rev. Dr Brown of Langton. Edinb. 1842, 12mo.
' On the 21st of December 1615 (Calderwood's History, vol. vii., p. 204-10.)
xxv.ii PREFACE.
bishop, and any four of those who were named in the Commission, had the power of fining, imprisoning, or excommunicating any person they judged to be scandalous in life, or erroneous in doctrine and religion ; and any Minister who refused to comply with the mandate of the Com- missioners was liable to the severest penalties.1 But while so many of the most faithful and zealous Ministers were silenced, and like Robert Bruce, not permitted " to preach the Gospel" beyond the bounds to which they were rigidly confined, his Majesty and the Bishops them- selves found employment in endeavouring, but not very effectually, to check the rapid growth of Popery.
And what, it may be asked, was the residt of so many years nego- tiations, harsh proceedings, and pecuniary sacrifices, on the part of the King? The Presbyterian form of Church government was abolished, with a formal recognition of Diocesan Episcopacy ; but it was Episco- pacy of a most anomalous kind, carrying a mere semblance of Prelatic government ; Bishops who enjoyed tbeir dignities for many years with- out consecration, and were never canonically consecrated ; the observance of certain holidays, enjoined under severe penalties, was very generallv neglected ; ceremonies enjoined which the people almost universally refused to practise ; there was no Liturgy or fixed forms of prayer prescribed, and no alteration made in the common forms of Presby- terian worship ; the Bishops were restored to their old privileges in Parliament, as the Spiritual Estate, and they presided at Synodal Assemblies ; but they were contemned, and their Diocesan control only partially acknowledged by their Presbyters. On the other hand, his Majesty's Royal Prerogatives and Supremacy were asserted, the ambition of some aspiring and worldly-minded individuals grati- fied, and the Scottish Church brought to something approaching in an outward conformity to that of England. It would have been fortunate for James, " as !Nurse-Father " to the Church, had he pur- • Dr Cook's remarks in his History of the Church of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 224-5.
PREFACE. xxix
sued a different policy, for promoting its peace and the welfare of his subjects. At his death " he left in legacy to his Son," as an old writer remarks, " a discontented People ; an unnecessary expensive " War ; an encumbered Revenue, and an exhausted Treasury ; together " with the charge of his grandchildren by the Queen of Bohemia, that " were now divested of a large patrimony, derived to them by a long " series of illustrious ancestors. In fine, he entailed upon his Son all " the miseries that befell him ; and left in the minds of his subjects " those sparks of discontent that broke out some years after into a flame " of Civil War, which ended in the ruin of King Charles, and of the " Monarchy with him."1
It is this circumstance which may be considered as rendering the following Series of Letters of peculiar importance, as clearly testifying that Charles only adopted the same policy which Jame3 had pursued with such intense pertinacity, in regard to Ecclesiastical Affairs. Some years later, indeed, at the instigation of Archbishop Laud, in order to enforce a stricter conformity, a Book of Canons, and the Book of Com- mon Prayer, were prepared and commanded to be observed. These might at the time have been introduced without much opposition, but the discontent which had been smouldering so long from the effects of unwise and oppressive measures, then burst forth, and produced all those disastrous consequences that so speedily followed.
But leaving these matters to the Historian, it may be useful, before concluding this Preface, to present some brief notices of the chief Offi- cers of State ; and, as the collection likewise contains so many letters of the Scottish Prelates during the same period, to subjoin from the Register of Presentations to Benefices, an accurate list of the succession of Bishops, in the different Sees, from 1G03 to 1625.
1 Dr Wellwood's Memoirs, p. 20. Lond. 1700, 8vo.
xxx PREFACE.
Lord Chancellor of Scotland.
John Graham, Earl of Montrose, was appointed Lord Chancellor in January 1598. He was in some measure superseded, upon being nominated Lord High Commissioner to the Parliament which met at Edinburgh in April 1604. He died in November 1608.1
Alexander Setoun, Lord Ftvie, created Earl of Dunfermline, was educated at Rome for the Church, and took Holy Orders abroad, and became Prior of Pluscardine. On his return to Scotland he pursued his legal studies, passed Advocate, and was successively promoted to the bench, as one of the Lords of Session, in 1586, as President of the Court in 1593, and as Lord Chancellor in 1604. He held the latter high office till his death in 1622.2
Sir George Hay of Kinfauns, Clerk-Register, succeeded the Earl of Dunfermline as Lord Chancellor in July 1622 ; and was created Earl of Kinnoull in May 1633. He died in December 1634.
Lord High Treasurer.
Sir George Hume of Greenlaw was made Treasurer, Comptroller, and Collector, in 1601. He was created Earl of Dunbar, and a Knight of the Garter, in the year 1609 ; and died suddenly on the 30th of January 1611.
Sir Robert Ker or Carr, like his predecessor, was one of the King's favourites, and was raised to the Peerage as Lord Rochester in 1611, and was created Earl of Somerset in 1613. He was Treasurer from 1612 to 1616 ; but the chief duties of the office devolved on his kins- man, Sir Gideon Murray, Treasurer-Depute.
John Erskine, Earl of Mar, succeeded as Treasurer in 1616, and died in 1634.
1 Brunton's Senators of the College of Justice, p. 191. • lb. pp. 198-202.
PEEFACE. xxxi
Treasurer-Depute.
Sir John Arnot of Birswick, Provost of Edinburgh for several years in succession, was appointed Treasurer-Depute under the Earl of Dun- bar in 1604, and held the office till 1611. According to Scotstarvet, Arnot acquired considerable property, which his family retained for no lengthened period. But he appears to have been involved in debt at the time of his decease, in January 1616.
Sir Gideon Murray of Elibank, the second son of Andrew Murray of Blackbarony, became Treasurer-Depute under the Earl of Somerset. He was educated for the Church, and took his Masters' degree at Glas- gow, in 1581. In 1585 the name of Mr Gideon Murray, Chantor of Aberdeen, occurs as Minister of Auchterless in Banffshire ; thus con- firming Calderwood's remark, in noticing his death, 28th of June 1621, " This man put his hand to the pleughe of the ministrie, but returned back his hand." He was knighted in 1605, made a Lord of Session in 1613, and as Treasurer-Depute he had nearly the whole direction of the public revenue of Scotland. His son Patrick was raised to the Peerage as Lord Elibank in 1643.
. Sir Archibald Napier of Merchiston, one of the Gentlemen of his Majesty's Privy Chamber, was appointed Deputy Treasurer by the Earl of Mar, and he continued till 1630. He was created Lord Napier in May 1627, and died In 1645.
Secretary of State.
Sir James Elphinstone, appointed Secretary in 1598, was created a Peer in 1604, under the title of Lord Balmerinoch, and also became President of the Court of Session in March 1605. His trial for having added the words, " Sanctitatis v. obsequentissimus Filius," above the King's signature, in a letter addressed by James to Pope Clement VIII.,
XXX11
PREFACE.
some years previously, is well known ; and for this he narrowly escaped heing beheaded as a traitor in 1609.' He died in June 1612.
Sib Alexander Hay of Newton was Secretary from 1608 till 1612, when he exchanged the office for that of Clerk-Register.
Sir Thomas Hamilton, who received his legal education in France, passed Advocate in 1587, and -held various official appointments. In 1592 he was appointed a Lord of Session ; in 1596, King's Advocate; in 1612, Clerk-Register, which office he soon after exchanged for the Secretaryship with Sir Alexander Hay ; in 1616 he was President of the Court of Session. In 1613 he was created Lord Binning, in 1619 Earl of Melros, and in 1627 he relinquished the title for that of Earl of Haddington. During the life of King James he still retained the place of Secretary ; and in the reign of Charles he became Keeper of the Privy Seal. He died in May 1637.
Clerk-Register.
Sir John Skene of Curriehill was Clerk-Register from 1594 till his retirement, in May 1612.
Sir Thomas Hamilton was appointed Clerk-Register in May, and Secretary in October, 1612.
Sir Alexander Hat of Newton, as stated above, exchanged his office of Secretary with his predecessor. He died in February 1616.
Sir George Hay of Nether Lyf and Kinfauns studied abroad, and was made Commendator of the Priory of Charterhouse at Perth, in February 1599. He held the office of Clerk-Register from March 1616 till July 1622, when he was advanced to that of Lord Chancellor.
Sir John Hamilton of Magdalens, brother to the Earl of Haddington, was Clerk-Register from 1622 to 1632.
1 The proceedings, and various papers illustrative of this process, are contained in Pit- rairu's Criminal Trials, vol. ii., pp. 568-604.
PREFACE. xxxiii
*
King's Advocate.
Thomas Hamilton of Priestfield, afterwards Lord Binning, and Earl of Melros, held the office from 1596 to 1612.
Sir William Oliphant of Newton, from 1612 to 1626.
Lord Privy Seal. Sir Richard Cockburn of Clerkington, from 1595 to 1626.
Gentleman of the Privt Chamber.
John Murray, son of Charles Murray of Cockpool, " his Hienes lovit servitor," in February 1600 obtained a yearly pension of £420 out of the Abbacy of Dundrennan. Having accompanied his Majesty to Eng- land ; this confidential servant continued to act as a kind of agent for the Bishops at the English Court. He seems to have retained a con- siderable influence over the King ; and during the whole course of that reign, his interest was often solicited by persons of distinction. He cannot however be said to have neglected his own interest ; for having acquired very extensive possessions in Annandale, he was raised to the Peerage, as Viscount of Annand, in 1622, and Earl of Annandale, in 1624, bv Letters Patent, in which his long and faithful services are very amply acknowledged. His son, who succeeded in 1640, died without issue, when the title became extinct. The bulk of Sir James Balfour's collection of Letters and State Papers had probably been acquired from the representatives of the first Earl, who had retained in his own possession so large a number of official or private letters addressed to his Royal Master ; and this, in fact, may have proved the means of preserving them. Singularly enough, while the following- sheets were at press, in a mass of papers which the Editor purchased,
xxxiv PREFACE.
he recovered several stray letters, addressed to John Murray of Loeh- mabcn, which had escaped the notice of Sir James Balfour two cen- turies ago. Such of these as related to Church affairs are introduced into this series;1 many others, it is to be feared, were destroyed, or perished from damp in the place where they had been deposited.
St Andrews.
George Gladstones or Glaidstanes, a native of Dundee, studied at St Andrews. In October 1582 he was presented to the Vicarage of Monrois, in the Diocese of Brechin ; and about the same time became Minister of Abirlot. In July 1597 he was translated to St Andrews, as parish Minister ; and, in September 1598, he was appointed Chan- cellor of the University. In November 1600 he was nominated by the King to the See of Caithness, with a seat in Parliament, vacant by decease of Bobert Earl of March, last Bishop thereof. On the 21th of November ] 602, " Maister [George] Gledstanes, Bischop of Caithnes, be his Maiesteis directioun and command being ressauit and admittit to be ane of his Maiesteis Preuey Counsale, the said Maister George being personalie present gaif his aith in communi forma." 2 As Gladstones still continued Minister of St Andrews, this circumstance may have led the King to advance him to the Primacy, 12th of October 1604. A pen- sion of 300 merks was assigned to him, in lieu " of the Palice belangand to the said Archbischop as his proper maner place, callit the Castell of St Androis," and which he resigned " in the handis of owre maist gratious Souerane, to remain with his Hienes his maist noble progenie as ane
1 A few other Ecclesiastical letters, which belonged to a late eminent Collector, have come into the Editor's possession while this sheet is at press. Only two were of sufficient importance to be added to this series.
* Registrum Secreti Concilii.
PREFACE. xxxv
Palice belangand to the Crowne."1 His death, on the 2d of May 1615, is specially mentioned in the following Letters, and by Calderwood.2
John Spottiswood, eldest son of John Spottiswood, Superinten- dent of Lothian, and Minister of Calder, was born in 1565. He studied at Glasgow, where he took his Master's degree in 1581 ; and being licensed in 1586, he succeeded his father as Minister of Calder. In October 1589, he married Rachael, daughter of David Lindesay, Minister of Leith, and afterwards Bishop of Ross.3 In July 1603 he was nominated Archbishop of Glasgow, but was not admitted till the end of 1604. Amongst other grants which he received, for his services " in establishing the discipline of the Kirk," may be mentioned the Abbacy of Kilwinning, on the 9th of August 1614. He was trans- lated to the See of St Andrews, on the 30th of May 1615. During the reign of James, he continued to take a leading part in all matters of importance ; and having secured the favour of Charles, his ambition was at length gratified, in January 1635, when he was raised to the high dignity of Lord Chancellor of Scotland. Presbytery being restored by the General Assembly held at Glasgow in November 1638, Spottis- wood was deprived of both offices, and formally deposed. He spent the remaining portion of his life in London, where he died on the 26th of November 1639.
Aberdeen.
Peter Blackburn, a native of Glasgow, where he was educated, became one of the Regents in that University. In 1588 he was admitted Minister of St Nicholas's Church in New Aberdeen ; and advanced to that See on the 2d of September 1600, on the death of
1 Register of Presentations to Benefices, vol. iii. 3 History, vol. vii., p. 197.
3 " J 589, Sept'. 6. The quhilk day, compeirit Maister Jchnne Spottiswood and Eachiel Lyndsay, and gave up thair names to be proclamed, and maried within ane raoneth ; and in caice they be absent frome the eftir noon's sermone, sal pay xls. Thomas Lyndsay, cau- tioner. (In the margin.) Maried 12 October 1589." (Kirk Session Book of South Leith.)
noi PREFACE.
David Cunningham, Bishop of Aberdeen. On occasion of the Pre- lates joining in the Riding of the Parliament in July 1606, Blackburn considering it not beseeming the simplicity of a Minister to ride with such pomp, went on foot to the Parliament House.1 He died in June 1616.
Alexander Forbes was translated to this See from Caithness, 2 1st of July 1616, but died in December in the following year.
Patrick Forbes of Corse only entered into holy orders in 1612, in the 47th year of his age, when he became Minister of Keith in the Diocese of Murray. He was advanced to the See of Aberdeen in March 1618 ; and survived till March 1635.2
Argyle.
John Campbell succeeded his father, Neil Campbell, Minister of Kilmartin, as Bishop of Argyle, in June 1608. He died in 1612.
Andrew Boyd, Parson of Eaglesham (1588), a natural son of Lord Boyd, was preferred to this See, 13th of March 1613. He died on the 22d of December 1636, aged 70.
Brechin.
Alexander Campbell of Carco, titular Bishop of Brechin, resigned his office in April 1607, and died " at his place of Carco," in February 1608. He had obtained a grant of the Bishoprick in 1566, in his youth, through the influence of the Earl of Argyle.
Andrew Lamb, a native of Leith, was successively Minister oT Arbroath (1596), of Leith (1600), and of the Chapel Royal (1601.) In April 1607 he became Bishop of Brechin; and he was one of three
1 Calderwood's History, vol. vi., p. 494.
* A volume of Orations and Poems, on occasion of the Bishop's Funerals, was printed at Aberdeen, 1635, 4to, and reprinted, with numerous and valuable biographical notices, by C. F. Shand, Esq., Advocate, for the Spottiswoode Society. Edinburgh, 1845. 8vo.
PREFACE. xxxvii
Bishops who received Episcopal consecration in England, in October 1610. In August 1619 he was translated to the See of Galloway.
David Lindesay, D.D., Minister of Guthrie (1599), and of Dundee (1603), became Lamb's successor as Bishop of Brechin, 2d of November 1619. When Edinburgh was erected into a See by Charles the First, in 1633, and the first Bishop, Dr William Forbes, having died within twelve months, Dr Lindesay was translated from Brechin. He was deposed in 1638, and died in England in December 1641.
Caithness.
George Gladstones, Minister of St Andrews, was preferred to the See of Caithness, 5th of November 1600, on the death of Robert Earl of March, last Bishop thereof; and was translated to St Andrews in 1604.
Alexander Forbes, Minister of Fettercairn (1593), in November 1604 was promoted to Caithness ; and in 1616 was translated to Aberdeen.
John Abernethy, D.D., Minister of Jedburgh (1593), was appointed Bishop, 7th of December 1616. He continued in this See till the change of affairs in 1638; when he abjured Episcopacy, and was allowed to retain his parochial charge at Jedburgh.
Dunblane.
Andrew Grahame was elected Bishop in this See, in 1575, and resigned the said benefice and Bishoprick in February 1603.
George Grahame, a younger son of Grahame of Inchbrakie, in Perthshire, Minister of Cluny (] 593), of Auchtergaven and Logybryde (1595), and of Scone (1601), was preferred to this See. He was trans- lated to that of Orkney in 1615.
Adam Bellenden, Minister of Falkirk (1593), became his succes- sor in September 1615, as Bishop of Dunblane. He had a grant of the Priory of Monymusk, in February 1616. On the 16th of July 1621 the Deanery of the Chapel Royal, upon the resignation of Andrew
/
xxxviii PREFACE.
Bishop of Galloway, was granted to Adam Bishop of Dunblane, and his successors. In 1635 he was translated to Aberdeen, and died in Eng- land after his deprivation by the Glasgow Assembly.
DlJNKELD.
Petek Bollock of Piltoun was bred to the law, and was admitted an Advocate previous to the year 1575 ; and although not in orders, " a Bishop in respect of the benefice, but never a Minister,"1 he was made titular Bishop of Dunkeld in 1585, and a Lord of Session in 1596. He was one of ten Prelates who attended at the riding of Parliament in July 1606. The anomaly of a layman sitting in Parliament, and voting among the Spiritual Lords, led to his resignation, receiving a compensa- tion for the emoluments of the Bishopric, to make room for a person actually serving in the ministry.
James Nicolson, Minister of Meigle (1583), who presided at the General Assembly at Linlithgow,2 in December 1606, and was regarded as an efficient coadjutor in promoting the establishment of Prelacy, was then promoted ; but seems to have enjoyed no great satisfaction during the short period of his new career, not exceeding five or six months. Calderwood asserts, that " seeing his devices crossed, neither the King nor the Kirk contented, but his own estimatioun greatlie impaired, and specially for depraving the Act of Linlithgow, ane heavie melancholie fell upon him, which did wring his life from him."3 He died on the 17th of August 1607.
1 Calderwood's History, vol. vi., p. 493.
• It would seem that Nicolson had felt some reluctance in accepting this dignity. The Secretary, Lord Balmerinoch, in a letter to the King, dated 21st January 1G07, says : — " The Erll of Dunbar lies putt Maister James Nicolsoun and Maister Andro Lamb to ane poynt, so I hope your Maiestie salbe als wele pleesed with those twa Bischopis as ony of the rest, and that thair labouris in that work sail not be improffitable." (Letters and State Papers, p. 99.)
3 Calderwood further states that Nicolson " would not suffer the name or style of a
PREFACE. xxxix
Alexander Lindesay, Minister of St Madoes (1593), was promoted to the See of Dunkeld, in December 1607. In 1638 he was one of four Prelates who renounced their office, and abjured Episcopacy : submitting to his former Presbyterian parity, he continued to officiate as Minister of St Madoes.
Edinburgh.
This See was only erected by Charles the First, the 29th of Sep- tember 1633.
Galloway.
Gavin Hamilton, a son of Hamilton of Orbiston, second Minister of Hamilton (1590), and Minister of Bothwell (1595), was promoted to this See in February 1605. He was consecrated at London along with the Bishops of Glasgow and Brechin, 20th of October 1610. He died in July 1612.
William Cowpej, Minister of Bothkennar (1586-1593), and second Minister of Perth (1593-1615), was his successor. He was a volumi- nous author, his works combining great learning and piety, and he had long been opposed to all innovations in the Church. His nomination as Bishop of Galloway is dated in July 1612, but he seems to have delayed for some time accepting the office. As Bishop he also became Dean of the Chapel Royal of Stirling, and latterly resided in Edin- burgh, where he died 15th of February 1619.
Andrew Lamb, Minister in June 1605, was made Abbot and Com- mendator of the Abbacy of Cowpar ; and was translated from the See of Brechin to Galloway, 4th August 1619. He died in the year 1634.
Bishop to be putt in his latter will or testament, nor the rents thereof to come in reckon- ing among the goods and geare left to his wife and children." (Vol. vi., p. 672.) It is certain, that in his Confirmed Testament he simply styles himself Minister of Meigle.
xl PREFACE.
Glasgow.
John Spottiswood, Minister of Calder, as already mentioned, was nominated to this See after the death of Archbishop Beaton, the Roman Catholic Prelate, who had resided at Paris for upwards of forty years, and enjoyed the temporalities of the See of Glasgow till his death in April 1603. In October 1610 Spottiswood, Hamilton, and Lamb, received Episcopal consecration according to the form of the Church of England. Upon the death of Gladstones he was translated to St Andrews, in May 1615.
James Law, Minister of Kirkliston (1588), and Bishop of Orkney (1605), became Spottiswood's successor at Glasgow, in July 1615. He died in November 1632.
Murray.
Alexander Douglas, Minister of Elgin (1588), was promoted to the Sec of Murray, in November 1602, after the death of George Douglas, last Bishop, " with all the duties, privileges, &c, according to the dis- cipline of the Kirk." He died at Elgin in May 1623.
John Gcthrie, Minister of Abirlot (1607), of Perth (1617), and of Edinburgh (1621), was advanced to this See, 16th of August 1623. In November 1638 he was deposed, with the other Prelates, and excom- municated ; after which he appears to have held no pastoral office till his death.
Orkney.
James Law, Minister of Kirkliston (1588), became Bishop of Orkney in March 1605, where he sat till his translation to Glasgow, in July 1615.
George Grahame, Minister of Scone, and Bishop of Dunblane, was in August 1615 translated to Orkney. In 1638 he renounced his Epis- copal functions, and acknowledged publicly the unlawfulness of his
PREFACE. xli
office. He then retired into private life ; and by his submission he was exempted from the sentence of excommunication, and thereby retained his estate of Gorthy, and other possessions.
Ross.
David Lindesay. This venerable Minister, who survived all his bre- thren of the period of the Reformation, was in July 1560 nominated first Minister of Leith, and in this charge he continued for the long space of fifty-three years. He accompanied King James in his voyage to Norway, and performed the marriage ceremony with the Princess Anna of Denmark, in 1589-90. In June 1597 he obtained a grant of " all and sundry caynis and customes quhatsumever pertening to the Bishoprick of Ross," in consideration of " his great and profitable services, and the expenses, amounting to 2000 merkis, spent in his voyage to Denmark, at the time of the King's marriage." On the 5th of November 1600, he was appointed to the Bishoprick of Ross, then vacant by the decease of Alexander Hepburn, last Bishop thereof.
He died at Leith, 14th of August 1613. His son-in-law, the Arch- bishop of Glasgow, solicited the King, that David Lindesay, the second son of the late Bishop, should become his father's successor in that See,1 but the application was unsuccessful.
Patrick Lindesay, Minister of St Vigeans (1593), was appointed Bishop of Ross, 23d October 1613.2 In 1633 he was translated to Glasgow.
1 To distinguish him from his namesake, who happened to be his father's colleague and successor, as Minister of Leith (see note to page xxi.), it may be noticed, that in one of the Kirk Session Books of South Leith, the witnesses to the baptism of Agnes, daughter of George Smailholm and Barbara Lyndsay, on the 30th August 1608, were " Mr David Lyndsay, Bishop of Ross, Mr David Lyndsay younger, his son, Persone of St Tullois in Southwark, in London, and Archibald Prymrois."
' David Lindsay, " second iawfull son to Patiik Bishop of Ross," obtained a presenta- tion to the Monastery or Priory of St Bothaus, in Berwickshire, 23d July 1617.
xlii PREFACE.
The Isles.
Andrew Knox, second son of Vchtred Knox of Ranfurly, in Renfrew- shire, took bis degree of Master of Arts in the University of Glasgow, in 1570, and was Minister of Lochwinnoch (1582), and of Paisley (1585.) Upon the death of John Campbell, he was appointed Bishop of the Isles, 12th February 1605, and Abbot of Icolumkill, in February 1G0G. He was promoted to the See of Raphoe, in Ireland, by patent dated 26th of June 1611 ;l and there is reason to believe that he actually contrived to retain both Sees for several years. He received letters of denization, 22d of September 1619, probably on occasion of his continued residence in Ireland ; as his son,
Thomas Knox, Parson of Sorbie, who had been preferred to the Deanery of tiie Isles, 4th August 1618, became his father's successor as Bishop of the Isles, in February 1619. He died in 1628. His father, the Bishop of Raphoe, survived till 1632.
It only remains to add, that it did not seem to be very requisite to give a detailed reference to the Original Letters, as this would have inconveniently enlarged the Table of Contents. As already mentioned, a considerable portion of the Letters are contained in the three volumes of Sir James Balfour's collections on Church Affairs ; f in addition to those which are interspersed in his volumes designated " State Busi- ness."3 Some others are added from the originals among Wodrow's Manuscripts in the Advocates Library ; 4 besides such as belong to the
1 Archdeacon Cotton's Fasti Ecclesite Hibcrnictc, vol. iii., p. 351.
5 These volumes are marked 33 : 3 : 12, and 33 : 1 : 3, (the old marks, A. 2. 51, 5J. 53.) The letters (excluding a few not belonging to the period embraced in this publica- tion), contain, Vol. I., 97 letters ; Vol. II., 107 letters ; Vol. III., 80 letters.
8 The volumes on " State Business" are arranged chiefly according to the respective dates, and are bound in eleven volumes.
«Folib MSS., Vol. xlii. (Calderwood's collections), Nos. 2, 18, 38, 76, 117, 121,
PREFACE. xl
in
Editor of this Work.1 With a few exceptions,2 all the Royal Letters included in the Additional Letters, and the Acts of the Privy Council of Scotland, are given from the originals, or the official records in the General Register House.
In presenting these Volumes to the Members of the Bannattne Club, I may express the hope that they will be esteemed a valuable contri- bution to the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland. It may be proper to take this opportunity of stating, that the publication was recom- mended to me by the Secretary of the Club, who kindly offered his services both in forming the collection, and in conducting it through the press. The selections referred to at page vii., consisting chiefly of the Letters of Gladstones, Spottiswood, and other Bishops, had been pre- pared some years before by his younger Brother,3 for the purpose of being printed as a contribution by a friend of his for the Abbotsford Club ; but owing to the delicate state of his health, and his not having the convenience of free access to the originals, the project was long delayed, and was finally abandoned when the Abbotsford Club had dis- continued all active operations.
The present Collection of Letters and State Papers has extended much beyond the limits originally proposed, and this extension has
137, 177, 181, 188, 211; Vol. 1., Nos. 172, 173; Vol. lxvi., Nos. 39, 78, 85, 86, 100, 142, 145, 150. Quarto 1188., Vol. xx., Nos. 82, 331. The sources which fur- nished Nos. 1, 38, 202, 300, 305, 317, 356, 298f, and 298ft, are specified in the foot- notes.
■ These letters are printed in this series as Nos. 144, 240, 281, 282, 297, 304, 354, 358, 378, 399, 438.
* The Additional Letters, Nos. 193t and 197f, among the " Gray Letters," and No. 312ftf, from the Balcarras Papers, vol. viii., in the Advocates Library; No. 206f in the Earl of Morton's collection; and Nos. 2f, 44f, 120f, I73f, 205f, belonging to the Editor.
* Mr James Laing, who, on account of his health having finally settled at Kandy in the Island of Ceylon, died there, in the prime of life, in September 1846.
xliv PREFACE.
unavoidably occasioned a much longer delay than was anticipated. I regret the delay, but the Bannatyne Club at least will probably not consider this circumstance a disadvantage.
Norton Hall, Northamptonshire, 28th November 1851.
I
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF VOLUME FIRST.
PREFACE,
Page v
No. M.DC.HI.
1. His Majesty King James to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, 9 August, 1
M.DC.IV.
2. Mr Patrick Galloway to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, 10 February, 3 2.f A Note of Things which were proposed to be Reform- ed at the Conference held at Hampton Court, in
January, ..... . . 4
2.ff His Majesty to the Comptroller, ... 23 March, 455*
3. Mr James Duncanson to King James, . . . (no date), 8 3.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, . 25 September, 353*
M.DC.V.
4. Sir Alexander Stratoun to King James,
5. The Commissioners of the Kirk to King James,
6. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James, 6.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
7. The Provincial Assembly at Aberdeen to King James,
8. Sir Alexander Stratoun to King James,
9. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
10. Sir Alexander Stratoun to King James,
11. The Bishop of Murray to King James, ll.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
12. Charge by the Privy Council against Mr Robert Bruce, 14.f The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
14. Mr John Hall to King James, 14.ft His Majesty to Lord Spynie,
15. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
16. His Majesty to Mr John Caldcleuch,
|
19 January, |
10 |
|
19 „ • |
10 |
|
23 „ |
12 |
|
11 February, |
354* |
|
21 „ |
14 |
|
4 March, |
15 |
|
22 „ |
16 |
|
11 May, |
17 |
|
19 June, |
18 |
|
19 July, |
355* |
|
8 August, |
19 |
|
September, |
358* |
|
2 December, |
22 |
|
17 „ |
455* |
|
26 „ |
24 |
|
27 „ |
25 |
|
9 |
xlvi
CONTENTS.
No.
17. 18. 19. 20. 21.
21-t
21-tt
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
34.t
35.
36.
37.
«
S84J
38.t
39.
39.t
40. 41. 42.
M.DC.VI.
Mr Patrick Galloway to King James,
Mr John Scharp to King James,
Sir Thomas Hamilton, Lord Advocate, to King James,
Lord Fleming to King James,
Sir Alexander Btratoun to King James,
Lord Balmerinoch, Secretary, to King James,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
The Commissioners of the Kirk to King James,
Mr James Nicholson to King James,
The Earl of Dunfermline to King James, .
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
The Synod of Aberdeen to King James,
The Bishop of Ross to King James,
Mr John Johnston to King James,
The Bishops of St Andrews, Galloway, and Caithness, to King James, .....
The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
His Majesty to Mr William Scott,
The Lord Chancellor to King James,
The Lord Chancellor to King James, .
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
The Archbishop of Canterbury to King James,
The Earl of Montrose to King James,
Mr Patrick Lindesay to King James,
Report of the Conference betwixt his Majesty and some of the Ministers of Scotland at Hampton Court,
Note respecting this Report,
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
His Majesty to the Presbytery of Dunfermline,
Acts of the Privy Council of Scotland : — Charge against the Warded Ministers, His Majesty's Letter respecting them, dated Direction to Sir John Arnot for their Transporting,
The Earl of Montrose to King James,
The Lords of Privy Council, &c, to King James, .
The Lords Commissioners to King James, .
iaoa
Page
|
1 January, |
27 |
|
(no date), |
28 |
|
11 January, |
31 |
|
13 „ |
34 |
|
18 „ |
35 |
|
20 „ |
359* |
|
22 „ |
360* |
|
29 „ |
36 |
|
6 February, |
37 |
|
7 n |
38 |
|
9 „ |
40 |
|
20 „ |
41 |
|
7 March, |
43 |
|
14 „ |
45 |
|
15 „ |
45 |
|
17 May, |
47 |
|
21 „ |
48 |
|
25 „ |
50 |
|
16 June |
51 |
|
19 „ |
53 |
|
24 „ |
365* |
|
26 „ |
54 |
|
7 July |
M |
|
12 „ |
57 |
|
22 September, |
59 |
|
366* |
|
|
26 |
367* |
|
20 October, |
67 |
|
23 „ |
368* |
|
26 September. |
369* |
|
23 October |
370* |
|
13 December, |
69 |
|
13 „ |
70 |
|
16 „ |
72 |
M.DC.VII. 42.| His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
3 January, 371'
CONTENTS.
xlvii
No.
43. The Provost and Baillies of Edinburgh to King James, 43.f His Majesty to Lord Balmerinoch,
43.|t Act of Privy Council against Mr Charles Ferine, &c,
44. The Earl of Montrose to King James, 44.f His Majesty to Lord Balmerinoch,
44.tf His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
45. The Baillies and Council of Glasgow to King James,
46. The Bishop of Orkney to King James,
47. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
48. His Majesty to Sir John Leirmonth,
49. Mr Patrick Galloway to King James,
50. The Baillies and Council of Edinburgh to King James,
50. f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
51. The Bishop of Murray to King James,
52. His Majesty to Mr John Caldcleuch,
53. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
54. The Lords of Privy Council to the Presbytery of Cupar,
54. f The Lords of Privy Council to Mr Eobert Bruce, .
12. Mr Robert Bruce to King James, .
13. Mr Bobert Bruce to the Lords of Privy Council, . 54.ft His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
55. The Archbishop and Bishops to the Earl of Dunbar, oo.'f Act of Privy Council in favour of the Bishop of Murray,
56. The Bishop of Boss to King James,
57. The Bishop of the Isles to King James,
58. The Lords of Privy Council to King James, 58.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
59. The Bishop of Galloway to King James, . 59f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
60. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, 60.f His Majesty to the Duke of Lennox, • .
60. ft Act of the Privy Council on the ranking and voting of Bishops in Parliament, ....
61. Mr Bobert Howye to King James,
62. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
63. The Bishop of Aberdeen to King James, .
64. The Earl of Abercorne to King James,
65. The Baillies and Council of Edinburgh to King James,
66. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James, 66.^ His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, 66.ftt His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
67. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
68. The Bishop of Ross to King James,
|
1607. |
Page |
|
6 February, |
74 |
|
21 |
371* |
|
23 „ |
373* |
|
26 „ |
75 |
|
5 March, |
373* |
|
9 n |
456* |
|
7 „ |
76 |
|
14 „ |
78 |
|
16 „ |
80 |
|
7 April, |
81 |
|
7 „ |
82 |
|
8 N |
84 |
|
20 „ |
374* |
|
29 „ |
85 |
|
3 May, |
86 |
|
>» |
87 |
|
21 „ |
88 |
|
2 June |
376* |
|
(in June) |
20 |
|
(same time), 21 |
|
|
3 June, |
377* |
|
8 „ |
89 |
|
16 „ |
378* |
|
17 „ |
93 |
|
27 „ |
94 |
|
3 July, |
95 |
|
3 „ |
379* |
|
12 „ |
96 |
|
13 „ |
381* |
|
20 „ |
98 |
|
24 „ |
382* |
|
31 „ |
383» |
|
9 August, |
99 |
|
(no date), |
101 |
|
(no date), |
103 |
|
26 August, |
104 |
|
4 September |
106 |
|
4 „ |
108 |
|
6 „ |
383* |
|
6 „ |
385* |
|
8 „ |
109 |
|
17 „ |
110 |
xlviii
CONTENTS.
No.
66. tt Act for making open doors of Mr Andrew Melvill's Chalmer, . . . •
69. The Bishop of Durham to King James,
70. The Presbytery of Lanark to King James,
72. The Archbishop of Canterbury to King James, 72.J His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
71. His Majesty to Mr John Caldcleuch, &c, .
73. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
74. The Ministers of Edinburgh to King James, 74.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
75. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, 75.f Act of the Privy Council for Continuation of the Gene- ral Assembly, .....
1607.
Page
24 September, 384* 24 „
7 October, 12
18 18 28 28
111 113 117
387* 116 117 119
14 November, 388* (no date), 121
24 December, 389"
76.
76.t
77.
77-f
78.
80.
79.
81.
82.
82.f
82.ft
83.
83.f
83.ttt
83.ft
85. 84. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91. 92. 92.t
93.
M.DC.VUI. Mr John Murray, Minister, to King James, His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, The Lords of Privy Council to King James, His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, His Majesty to Sir John Houstone, Provost of Glasgow, The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, Sir John Houstone to King James, The Archbishop of St Andrews to Mr John Caldcleuch, Mr Andrew Boyd to King James, . His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, Acts of Privy Council against Mr Patrick Henderson, The Lords of Privy Council to King James, His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, Act of Privy Council against Mr David Calderwood and Others, ......
His Majesty to Sir John Houstone, The Commissioners of the Burrows to King James, His Majesty to the General Assembly at Linlithgow, The Archbishops and Bishops to King James, The Bishop of Durham to King James, The Presbytery of Edinburgh to King James, The Bishop of the Isles to King James, The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, The Lords of Privy Council to King James, The Lords of Privy Council to the Presbytery of Had- dington, ....
Mr Robert Durie to King James, .
9 February, 122
7 March, 391*
10 „ 124
20 „ 391*
20 „ 126
17 April, 127
19 „ 128 (no date), 132
25 April, 132
30 „ 392* 4 & 17 May, 393*
27 „ 140
30 „ 395*
30 „ 397*
7 June, 396* 14 „ 142
8 July, 146
20 „ 143
31 „ 145 (no date), 147
16 August, 151
17 September, 152 3 October, 154
13 „ 155
13 21
399* 156
CONTENTS.
xlix
No.
94. Mr John Forbes to King James,
95. The Presbytery of Stirling to King James,
96. The Ministers of Edinburgh to King James,
97. The Ministers of Edinburgh to King James,
98. The Presbytery of Edinburgh to King James,
99. The Bishop of Orkney to King James,
100. His Majesty to Sir John Houstone,
101. The Commissioners of the Assembly to King James,
102. The Commissioners of the Assembly to King James,
103. The Commissioners of the Assembly to King James,
104. Sir Alexander Drummond of Medhope to King James, 104.^ Act for Proclamation of the Convention,
105. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
106. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
1608. Pa#e
(no date), 158
10 November, 161
12 15 15 17 24 25 25 25 27 24
163 164 165 167 169 170 171 172 175 400*
6 December, 177 29 „ 179
M.DC.IX.
106.| His Majesty to the Convention of Estates,
106.ff His Majesty to the Convention of Estates, .
107. William Creichtoun to Sir Andrew Murray,
108. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
109. Mr John Prestoun to King James,
110. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
111. Memorials from the Bishops to his Majesty; and the Arch-
bishop of Glasgow to the Bishop of Galloway,
111.')' His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
111. ft His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
112. The Archbishops, &c, to the Lords of Privy Council, 112.f His Majesty to Sir Thomas Hamilton, Lord Advocate, 112.ft Act of Commission to the Archbishop of Glasgow,
113. Mr Patrick Symsone to the Commissioners of Assembly,
114. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
115. The Archbishop and Bishops to King James,
116. The Earl of Dunbar, &c, to King James, .
117. The Bishop of Orkney to the Presbytery of Jedburgh,
118. The Bishops of Ross and Orkney to King James
119. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, 119-t His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
1 1 !).ft Act in favour of the Archbishop of Glasgow,
120. Sir Peter Young to King James, .
120.t Sir Thomas Hamilton, Lord Advocate, to King James,
121. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
122. The Lords of Privy Council to King James,
122-t His Majesty to the Lords Commissioners on Benefices,
9 January, 401*
23 „ 402*
27 „ 180
28 „ 182 10 February, 184 10 „ 185
(no date), j^
5 March, 404*
'5 „ 405*
(no date), 191
24 „ 400* 28 „ 407*
3 April, 192
(no date), 193
7 „ 197 (no date), 198
9 ,,[1608?] 199 (no date), 200
30 May, 203
31 „ 409* 13 June 410* 19 „ 204 24 „ 411* 11 September, 205 28 „ 206
8 October, 413*
I
CONTENTS.
No.
122.ft The Lords Commissioners on Benefices to the Archbishops
and Bishops, .... 124.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, 124.f| The Lords Commissioners on Benefices to Lord Scone, 123. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James, 124.JJ His Majesty to the Commissioners on Benefices,
125. The Provost and Council of Glasgow to King James,
126. ' The Lords of Privy Council to the Earl of Dunbar,
127. The Bishop of Brechin, &c, to King James,
128. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
129. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
130. The Bishop of Ross to King James,
130-t The Lords of Privy Council to the Presbytery of St Andrews, .....
131. The Bishops of Aberdeen and Murray to King James,
132. Robert Lord Roxburghe to King James,
132.f The Commissioners for Visiting the University of St Andrews to the Rector, Masters, and Regents, .
1609.
Page
20 October, 415*
23 „ 416* 3 November, 417*
• (no date), 207
10 „ 418*
11 „ 210
17 „ 211
18 „ 212 (no date), 215
24 „ 218
27 „ 219
28 „ 419* 15 December, 220
(no date), 221
28
430*
M.DC.X.
133. Mr Peter Rollock of Pilton to King James,
134. The Lords of Council and Session to King James,
134. f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, 134.ft His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, 134.fff His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, 140.t Act of Privy Council against Mr John Harper and Others,
135. Mr Patrick Forbes of Corse to King James,
136. The Ministers of Edinburgh to King James,
137. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
138. The Bishop of Murray to King James,
139. The Bishop of Dunkeld to King James,
140. Mr Alexander Campbell, &c, to King James, 140.H His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
141. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
142. His Majesty to the Presbytery of Turreft',
143. His Majesty's Missive to Presbyteries,
144. His Majesty to Sir John Skene, Clerk Register,
145. His Majesty to Mr George Lindsay,
146. The Archbishops and Bishops to King James,
147. The Members of the Court of High Commission in the
Province of St Andrews to King James,
148. The Members of that Court to King James,
149. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
|
(no date) |
223 |
|
|
11 |
January, |
225 |
|
20 |
7> |
421* |
|
20 |
J» |
422* |
|
20 |
» |
423* |
|
►thers, 30 |
» |
423* |
|
15 |
February, |
227 |
|
17 |
» |
228 |
|
18 |
)> |
230 |
|
20 |
» |
231 |
|
22 |
» |
232 |
|
(no date), |
234 |
|
|
3 March, |
424* |
|
|
12 |
» |
235 |
|
31 |
» |
236 |
|
1 |
April, |
238 |
|
2 |
» |
239 |
|
2 |
» |
240 |
|
(no date), |
241 |
|
|
n the |
||
|
10 |
»> |
242 |
|
10 |
» |
243 |
|
18 |
» |
245 |
CONTENTS.
No.
149.f
150.
150.f
151.
152.
152.t
153.
153.f
154.
155.
156. 157.
158. 159. 159.f 159.ft
159.ttt
160.
101.
162.
163.
164.
164.t
164.ft
165.
166.
167.
168.
175.
169.
169.t
179.
170.
170.t
no.tt no.ttt
171.
His Majesty to the Earl of Dunbar,
His Majesty to the General Assembly at Glasgow,
The Lords of Privy Council to the Provost and Baillies
ofTayne, .....
The Archbishop of St Andrews to the Presbytery of
Chirnesyde, .....
The Bishop of Galloway to King James, His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, The Bishop of the Isles, &c, to King James, The Lords of Privy Council to the Lord Deputy of Ireland, Dr John Gordon, Dean of Salisbury, to King James, The Rector, &c, of the University of St Andrews to King
James, ......
Dame Margaret Setoun, Lady Paisley, to Queen Anna,
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
Memoires to the King His Sacred Majestie,
His Majesty to the Lords Auditors of Exchequer, .
Acts of Privy Council relating to Mr Charles Ferme, 13 &
1610.
8 May, 8 n
24 „
Page
425* 248
425*
28 „ 250
1 June, 251
30 July, 426*
(no date), 253
3 August, 427*
(no date), 254
22 „ 255
1 September, 257 12 „ 258
17 October, 258 17 „ 259
24 „ 429*
15 November, 429*
M.DC.XI. Act of Privy Council, Charge against Mr Robert Bruce, 21 February, 430*
The Bishop of Dunkeld to King James, » . 26 „ 262 The Bishops of St Andrews and Brechin to King James, 2 March, 263
The Bishop of Murray to King James, . . 11 „ 264
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 16 „ 265
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 21 „ 266
Mr Robert Bruce to King James, . . . 28 „ 431*
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, . 8 April, 432*
The Bishop of Orkney to King James, . . 2 May 267
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 9 „ 269
The University of St Andrew to King James, . 4 „ 271
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 25 „ 273
The Lords of Privy Council to King James, . 30 „ 285
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . 9 June, 274
His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, . 15 „ 433*
The Lords of Privy Council to King James, . 20 „ 291
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, . (no date), 276
The Lords of Privy Council to the Bishop of Murray, (no date), 434*
His Majesty to the Lord Chancellor, . . (no date), 435*
His Majesty to the Lord Chancellor, . . 17 August, 436*
The Bishop of Murray to King James, . . (no date), 277
lii
CONTENTS.
No.
172. The Archbishop of Glasgow to Sir James Sempill, 172.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
172.ff Act of Privy Council respecting the meetings of the High Commission,
172.ftt The Earl of Dunfermline, Lord Chancellor, to the Arch- bishop of St Andrews, ....
172.J t The Lord Chancellor and the Archbishops of St Andrews and Glasgow to the Kector of the University, and the Provost and Baillies of St Andrews,
M.DC.XII. 172.JJ J His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
173. His Majesty to the Archbishop of Glasgow, 1734 The Archbishop of Glasgow to John Murray,
174. Sir Robert Melville of Murdocairny to King James,
176. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
177. The Earl of Caithness to King James,
178. The Bishop of Orkney to King James, 178.t His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
180. Sir Alexander Hay of Newton to King James,
181. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
182. The Archbishop of St Andrews and the Bishop of Caith-
ness to John Murray, ....
183. The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James,
184. The. Archbishop of St Andrews to John Murray,
185. Memoirs to be imparted to His Majesty,
186. Mr Peter Bruce, Principal of St Leonard's College, St
Andrews, to Sir James Sempill,
187. Mr William Cowper, Minister of Perth, to King James,
M.DC.XHI.
187.t His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, .
188. Mr Andrew Boyd, Minister of Eaglesham, to the Arch-
bishop of Glasgow, ....
189. The Bishop of Murray to King James,
190. Petitions of the Bishop of Murray to King James
191. His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
192. Mr Samuel Cockburn of Temple to King James,
193. The Bishop of Aberdeen to King James, 193.f The Archbishop of Glasgow to John Murray, 1 93."f"T His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
1 94. The Archbishops of St Andrews and Glasgow to King James,
|
1611. |
Page |
|
12 October, |
279 |
|
15 „ |
436' |
25
25
437*
438*
|
21 November |
,439* |
|
20 January, |
440* |
|
10 April, |
282 |
|
24 „ |
441* |
|
(no date), |
284 |
|
29 May, |
287 |
|
31 „ |
288 |
|
5 June, |
289 |
|
17 „ |
442» |
|
4 July, |
293 |
|
31 August, |
294 |
|
31 „ |
296 |
|
23 September, 297 |
|
|
23 „ |
299 |
|
(no date), |
299 |
|
23 „ |
300 |
|
(no date), |
302 |
|
20 January, |
443* |
|
12 February, |
303 |
|
(no date), |
304 |
|
(no date), |
305 |
|
(no date), |
306 |
|
(no date), |
308 |
|
1 June, |
309 |
|
2 „ |
444* |
|
28 „ |
446* |
|
10 July, |
311 |
CONTENTS.
liii
195. The Bishop of Murray to King James,
196. The Earl of Wigtoun to King James, 196.f His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council,
197. The Archbishop of Glasgow to King James,
1614. Page
24 July, 313
6 October, 314 18 „ 446*
2 November, 315
197-t
198. 199. 199.f
200. 201.
199.t 202.
203.
204.
204.t
204.ft
205.
205.t
205.ft
20r,.ttt
206.
206.ft
207.
208.
209.
210.
211.
212.
213.
214.
M.DC.X1V.
The Archbishop of St Andrews to John Murray, .
The Bishop of Murray to King James,
The Bishop of Orkney to John Murray,
Act of Privy Council for apprehending James Stewart
called of Jerusalem, ....
The Bishop of Orkney to King James, Extracts from Advertisements sent to Court of the Privy
Council Proceedings, in February to July, Act of Privy Council for Celebration of the Communion, The Archbishop of St Andrews to the Magistrates of
Perth, . . .
The Archbishop of St Andrews to King James, The Lords of Privy Council to King James, His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, Sir Gideon Murray to King James, Mr Peter Hewat to John Murray, His Majesty to the Lords of Privy Council, Act of Privy Council respecting the Transporting of Pas- sengers from Canipvere, Information from the Bishop of Orkney to his Majesty of the Yearly Rent of the Lands designed to him and his Successors, ... . '
The Bishop of Orkney to the Treasurer-Depute, Sir Gideon Murray to King James, Rental of the Lands designed to the Bishop of Orkney, The Archbishops and Bishops to King James, The Archbishops and Bishops to John Murray, The Bishop of Galloway to David Hume of Godscroft, Lord Binning to John Murray, The Earl of Dunfermline to John Murray, The Archbishop of St Andrews to John Murray, .
9 January, 447*
(no date), 321
18 „ 322
20 „ 448*
15 February, 323
324
3 March, 448*
26 April, 328
(no date), 329
7 June, 330
7 „ 451*
7 „ 451*
9 „ 332
13 „ 452*
14 „ 453*
21
453*
22 „ 333 (no date), 457*
24 „ 337
(no date), 340
23 „ 341 (no date), 343
24 „ 346 8 July, 348 8 „ 349 8 „ 350
ORIGINAL LETTERS
■RELATING TO -THE
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS OF SCOTLAND.
ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS
O SCOTLAND.
I.— KING JAMES TO THE PRESBYTERY OF EDINBURGH.
[King James the Sixth succeeded to the throne of England, on the death of Queen Elizabeth, 23d of March 1603. He left Edinburgh on the 5th of April, to take possession of the Crown, and was accompanied with a numerous retinue, including Patrick Galloway; tin* Minister of his Household, his colleague Andrew Lamb, and David Lindsay, Minister of Leith, who was also titular Bishop of Ross. In his harangue in the High Church of Edinburgh, on Sunday the 3d of April, the King expressed his desire that " the Brethren should keep unity and peace," and " thanked God, that he had settled both Kirk and Kingdom, and left them in that estate which he intended not to hurt or alter anie wise, his subjects living in peace." — (Calder- wood's History, vol. vi., p. 222.) — The following Extracts are from the Records of the Presbytery of Edinburgh, which unfortunately are not preserved of a date sub- sequent to May 1G03. The King's Letter has been preserved in having been inserted at the end of the volume.
xxx" Marty 1C03. Mr David Lyndsay haifing declarit that he with Mr Andro Lamb wer commandit be his Majestic to repair with his Majestic to England, and thairfore craivit that the Presbytrie wald haif sum care for provisioun of Leytli ; — The Prcsbytric thinkis meit the Congregatioun to be advysit with, and ather to giwe lyt [leit] to the Presbytrie, or to accept a lyt of the Presbytrie.
At Edinburgh, the 13 of Aprill 1603. The quhilk day compeiiit some of the Sessioun of Loyth, schawing that thairTowne was left destitut of Putouris, the one, to wit Mr Andro Lamb, being chosin be the
A
2 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1603.
Generall Assemblie to be the Kingis Minister ; the uther, Mr David Lyndisay, was accompanying the Kingis Majestic tnwardis London : Thairfoir they desirit that thair Towne mieht be providit. The Presbyterie considering tliair suit, thocht it expedient, with thair awin advyse, that ane Visitatioun sould be to that effect, &c.
11 Maij 1603. The Presbyterie of Hadingtoun having directit ane letter to this Presbyterie, re- queisting the samyn, be reasoun of many incidentis, to appoynt a day for the Synodall Assemblie ; — Tlie Presbyterie lies thocht guid, with the Moderator of the foirsaid Assemblie, to appoynt the last Tysday of Maij of this instant 1603 for the Synodal Assemblie to be haklin at Edinburgh, becaus the former Assemblie haldin at Hadingtouu the first Tysday of Aprill 1603 was continewit be reasoun of the Kingis Majesties present bygoing. At quhilk tyme, the Assemblie then mett, thocht it expedient onlie to propone sum Petitiounis to his Majestie, and to continew the Assemblie quhill the Moderator and Presbyterie of Edinburgh advertisit thame.]
Truity and weilbelouittis, we great you hertlie wele. We haue hard be letters from our Counfale, your willing teftificationis of your joy of our Coronatioun, and your glaidnes of the continewanee of Godis mercye towardis ws in difcoverie of fum vnnaturall practizes diuifed againit ws, ffor the quhilk We can not omit to gif you thankis. And that ye may be the bettir encouraged dalie to go fordward in Godis work, quhairof We ar not vnmyndfull, howfoeuir We be abfcnt in perfoun, amang our direction is fend to our Counfale thair We haue fpecialie commandit thame to hald hand to Godis glorie, and the obeydience of your Difcip- line. Thairfoir as ye haue occafionis, ye fall addres your felff and your petitionis to thame, quha we hoip fchall gif you good fatiffactioun. We haue fend hame all our particulair Initructionis, by fum of your awne Brethrene, quhilk we hoip fchalbe fchortlie imparted vnto you : And fo We bid you hertlie fairwele, from our honnour of Hamptoun, this nynt day of Auguft 1603.
To our right truity and welbelouedes the Minif- ters of the Prefbyterie of Edinbrough.
1604.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
II.— MR PATRICK GALLOWAY TO THE PRESBYTERY OF EDINBURGH.
[The following letter relates to the Conference at Hampton Court, in January 1604, of which a separate account, as, " The Summe and Substance of the Conference," was published by Dr William Barlow, London, 1605, 4to. The Puritans, it may be observed, complained of the unfairness of this report.]
Beloved Brethren,
After my very hearty commendations, thefe prefents are to fhow you, that I received two of your letters ; one directed to his Majeftie, another to myfelf, for the ufing thereof. The fame I read, clofed, and three dayes before the Conference delivered it into his Majefties hands, and received it back again, after fome fhort fpeeches had upon a word of your letter, " as the grofs corruptions of this Church ; " which then was exponed, and I affured, that all corruptions diffonant from the Word, or contrare thereto, fhould be amended. The 12 of Januar was the day of meeting ; at what time the Bifhops called upon be his Majeftie, wer gravely defired to advife upon all the corruptions in this Church, in doctrine, ceremonies, difcipline ; and, as they would anfwer to God in confcience, and to his Majeftie upon their obedience, that they fhould return the third day after, which was Saturday. They returned to his Majeftie, and there appofed as of before, it was anfwered, all was well : And when his Majeftie in great fervency brought inftances to the con- trare, they, upon their knees, with great earneftnefs craved that nothing fhould be altered, leaft the Papifts Recufants, punifhed be penal ftatuts for their difobcdience, and the Puritans punifhed by deprivation from calling and living, for nonconformity, fhould fay, they had juft caufe to infult upon them, as men who had travelled to bind them to that which now, by their own mouths, was confeffed to be erroneous. Always, after five hours difput had be his Majeftie againft them, and his Majefties refolution for reformation intimated to them, they were difmiffed that day. Upon the 16 of Januar, being Munday, the Brethren were called to his Majeftie, only five of them being prefent, and with them two Bifhops, and fix or eight Deans. Here his Majeftie craved to know of
t ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1004.
them, what they defired to bo reformed. But it was very loufly anfwer- ed, and coldly. This day ended after four dayes talking, and Wednef- dav the 18 of Januar appointed for the meeting of both parties; where, as of before, the parties called together, the heads were repeated, which his Majeftie would have reformed at this time: and fo the whole action ended. Sundrie as they favoured gave out coppies of things here con- cluded ; where upon myfelf took occafion, as I was an ear and eye witncfs, to fett them doun, and prefented them to his Majeiiie, who, with his own hand mended fome things: and eeked other things which I had omitted ; which corrected coppie with his own hand I have, and off it I have fent you herein the juft tranffumpt, word be word : and this is the whole. At my own returning, which God willing, mail be fhortly, ye fhall know more particularly the reft. So, till then taking my leave, I committ you to the protection of the Moft High, and your lab'ours to the powerfull bleffing of Chrift, the author thereof. From London, this 10th of Februar [1004].
Your Brother in the Lord to his uttermoft,
M. P. Galloway.
The caus of my delay to write, was my awaiting on his Majefties leafure, to obtain that copy fpoken of before, corrected as it is, that fo I might write, as it is allowed to ftand and be performed.
A NOTE OF SUCH THINGS AS SHALL BE REFORMED.
1. Of Doctrine.
1. That an uniform, ftiort, and plain Catechifm be made, to be ufed in all Churches, and Parifhes of this Kingdom, and no other. There is already the Doclrine of the Sacraments added in moft clear and plaine terms.
1604.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 5
2. That a Tranflation be made of the whole Bible, as confonant as can be to the original Hebrew and Greek ; and this to be let. out and printed without any marginal notes, and only to be ufed in all Churches in Eng- land in divine fervice.
3. That no Popifh or traitorous Books be fuffered to be brought in this Kingdom ; and ftrait order to be taken, that if they come over, they be delivered nor fold to none, either in the Country or< Univerfi- ties, but fuch only as may make good ufe thereof, for the confutation of the Adversaries. .,
2. Of the Service Hook.
1. That to the Abfolution, fhall be added the word of pronouncing the Remiffion of fins.
i.'. That to the Confirmation, fhall be added the word of Catechifing, or examination of the Children's faith.
3. That the privat Baptifm be called the Baptifm of the Minifters and Curats only ; and all the queftions that infinuat women or privat per- fons, to be altered accordingly-
4. That fuch Apocrypha as have any repugnance to Canonical Scrip- ture fhall be removed, and not read ; and other places chofen for them, which may ferve better either for explanation of Scripture, or inftruclion in good life and manners, and fpeciallv, the greater! part of fuch places as wot given in writ.
5. That words of Marriage be made more clear.
The Crofs in Baptifm was never counted anv part in Baptifm, nor fign effective, but only fignificative.
3. Of Discipline.
1. That Bifhops are admonifhed to judge no Minifters, without the advice of fome of the graveft Deans, and Chaplanes.
2. That none fhall have power to Excoinmunicat but only the Bifhops in their Diocies, in the prefence of thefe forefaid, and only upon fuch weighty and grave caufes to which they fhall fnbfcribe.
6 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1604.
3. That Chill Excommunication now ufed is declared to be a mere civill ccnfure ; and therefore, the name of it is altered, and a writ out of the Chancerie to punifh the contumacy fhall be framed.
4. That all Bifhops nominat to that effect, fhall fct doun the matters and manner of proceeding to be followed hereafter in Ecclefiafticall Courts, and modifie their fees.
5. That the oath ex officio be rightly ufed, id est, only for great, and publick flanders.
6. That the Bifhops be carefull to caufe the Minifters note in every Parifh of their Diocefe, the names of all Recufants ; alfo, the Karnes of fuch as come to Church, and hear preaching, but refufe to communicat every year once ; and to prefent the fame to the Bifhop, the Bifhop to the Archbilhop, the Archbifhop to the King.
7. That the Sabbath be looked to, and keeped better, through all Diocies.
8. That the High Commiffion be rightly ufed ; the caufes to be handled, and the manner of proceeding therein to be declared ; and that no perfon be nominated thereto, but fuch as are men of honour and good quality.
4. Of the Ministrie.
1. That the Reading Minifters that are of age, and not fcandalous, be provided for, and maintained, be the perfon preferred to preach in his room, according to the valour of the living ; and that the unlearned, and fcandalous be tryed, and removed from thefe places, and learned and qualified be placed for them.
2. That as many learned Minifters as may be had, with convenient maintenance for them, may be placed in fuch places where there is a want of preaching, with all hafte.
3. That learned and grave Minifters be tranfported where the Gofpel is planted, and fettled to fuch parts of the Kingdom, where the greateft ignorance is, and greateft number of Recufants are.
4. That Minifters, beneficed men, make refidence upon their bene- fices, and feed their flock with preaching every Sabbath day.
5. That Pluralifts, and fuch as prefently have double benefices, make
1604.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 7
refidence upon one of them ; and that thefe their benefices be als near each other, as he may preach to the people of both their week about ; and where they are farther diftant, that he maintain therein a qualified Preacher.
5. Of Schools.
1. That Schools in Cities, Touns, and Families, throughout all the Kingdom, be taught be none but fuch as mail be tryed and proved to be found and upright in Eeligion. And for that effect, that the Bifhops in every one of their Diocies take order with them, difplacing the cor- rupted, and placing the honefl and fufficient in their places.
2. That order be taken with Univerfities, for trying of Mailers and Fellows of Colledges ; and that none be fuffered to have Cure in inftructiug of youth, but fuch as are approved for their foundnefs in Religion ; and fuch as are fufpe&ed, or known otherwife to be affe&ed, to be removed.
3. That the Kingdom of Ireland, the Borders of England and Scot- land, and all "Wales, be planted with Schools and Preachers, as foon as may be.
The Minifters have this long tyme paft, and fhall be in all tyme coming, urged to fubfcribe nothing but the three Articles, which are both clear and reafonable.
Articles whereunto all such as are admitted to preach, read, catechize, minister the sacraments, or to execute any other ecclesiasticall function, doe agree and consent, and testify
THE SAME BE SUBSCRIPTION OF THEIR NAMES, AnNO 1583.
" 1. That his Majeftie under God hath, and ought to have, the Sove- ranitie over all manner of perfons born within his Realmes, dominions, and countries, of what eftaite either Ecclefiafticall or Temporall foever they be ; and that none other Power, Prelat, State, or Potentat, bath, or ought to have any jurifdi6tion, power, fuperiority, preeminence, or
8 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1604.
authority Ecelciialtieall or Spirituall within his Majefties faid Realmes, Dominions, or Countries.
" 2. That the Booke of Common Prayer, and of ordaining of Bifhops, Priefts, and Deacons, containes in it nothing contrair to the Word of God ; and that the fame may be lawfully ufed ; and that I my felf who doe fubferibe, will ufe the Forme of the faid Booke prefcribed in publick prayer, and administration of the Sacraments, and none other.
" 3. That I allow the Booke of Articles of Religion agreed upon be the Archbifhops and Bifhops of both the Provinces, and the whole Clergie, in the Convocation holdcn at London, in the year of our Lord 1562, and fet forth be authority ; and doe believe all the Articles therein con- tained to be agreeable to the Word of God. In witnefs whereof I have fubferibed my name." '
III.— MR JAMES DUNCANSON TO KING JAMES.
Please your Majeftie, gratiouflie to heare the complaint of the Children of your Hienes old and faithfull fcrvant John Duncanfono, who having ferved your Hienes from your Majefties infancie threttie and fex
1 Calderwood, who inserts the preceding Letter ami Articles, says, " This copie corrected by the King is slender enough, yett diflerent from the Narrative extant in print. Mr James Mi'lvill was at the Presbyterie of Edinburgh the last of Februar, when this Letter with these Articles were presented and read. All others keeping silence, he craved two things : First, that they would, as Christian and brotherlie compassion craved, be grieved and tuiched with sorrow, with many godlie and learned Brethrein in our neigh- bour countrie, who, having expected a Rcformatioun, are disappointed and heavilie greeved ; and if no other way could be found for helpe, that they would at the least helpe by their prayers to God, for their comfort and reliefe. Nixt, that seeing the Presbyterie of Edinburgh had ever bene as the Sion and watche-towre of our Kirk, and the .Ministers thereof the cheefe watchemen, that they would watche and take heed that no perrell or contagioun come for our neighbour Kirk ; and give warning, in oaice there be occasioun, to the Presbytereis throughout the countrie; and namelie, that they take heed at this Parliament, which is indicted by proclamations and intended for Unioun of the two Realmes." — (History of the Kirk, vol. vi., p. 246.)
1604.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 9
yeares,1 and died in your Majefties favour, hes notwithstanding left us his children in great penurie, partlie be reafon that his {Upend wes not payed to him many yeares before his death ; which as yet, for want of moyan and favour in Seffion, we his Children can not obteyne ; as alio that the precepts which your Majeftie, of your Hienes princelie liberalise, directed in his favour hes not bene anfwered, as in fpeciall your Majeftie gave him not long before his death a precept of two thoufand fyve hun- dreth lib: Scottes, which here we have to fhew, bot our Father not having reffaved it in his tyme, wes forced to leave it in legacie to his children, neither have we as yet obteyned it, whereby we are left in greater pouertie then the children of ony that ferued your Hienes, from your Majefties craddle, as our Father did. And therefore moft humblie prayes your Majeftie to give commandement that the laft precept gevin by your Majeftie to our Father may be maid good to the vse of his children, without any long protract of tyme, together with ony further companion it may pleafe your Princelie liberalise to beftow upon vs.
Your Hienes claylie Orator,
MB James Duncanson.
1 John Duxcaxsox was admitted Principal of St Leonard's College, St Andrews, in 1553. He resigned this office in 15GG, after the birth of King James, having then been chosen Minister of Stirling and of the King's Household. John Duncanson continued to the close of his life to be styled Minister of the Chapell Royall, or the King's House. En May 1601, the King declared to the General Assembly " his intention and desyre to have a Minister for his Hienes' house, in respect of the deeeue of Mr John Craig, and John Duncansone's old age." The latter, according to his Confirmed Testament, died on the 4th of October 1601.
Margaret Kenyow, his relict spouse, and the above Mr James Duncanson his son, were nominated conjunct executors. It appears, from the same authority, that hi> other " bairnes, unprovidet for," were William, Walter, and Marioun. The chief portion of "his geir" consisted of arrears of stipend. To this daughter Marioun he bequeathed " his liaill buikis." " Mr Alexander Home, Minister at Logic, and Marioun Duncansone, dochter of John Duncansone Minister to the Kingis Majestie, his spous," are named in a deed 30th May 1605 (M'Crie's Life of Melville, vol. ii., p. 504.) The above Supplica- tion, which has no date, may be referred to the year 1604.
6
10 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
IV SIR ALEXANDER STRATOUN OF LAURESTOUN, HIS MAJESTEIS
COMMISSIONER, TO KING JAMES.
Sib,
May it pleis your moll excellent Sacred Maieftie : I hawe bene larncft fince my hamecuming to obtemper your Maiefties directions con- credit vnto me. And tbe Commiffionaris of the Kirk being convenit be ine, for the maift part hes gewin thair concurrance in all thingis maift willinglie. The particulars I hawe writtin to my Lord Balmerinoch. And the berar, Mr James Law, can at large inform your Maieftie, a man quha wereis not with any trawell that may tend to your Maiefteis fervice, as your Maieftie hes had a princelie confideratioun of him. Witting to your Maieftie a long, happie, and a profperoufs regnne, humble takis my lewe. Edinburgh, the 19 of January, 1605.
Your Maiefteis maift humble obedient fubjecl; and feruitour,
A. Stbaton1 of Laurenltowne.
To the Kingis moft excellent Sacred Maieftie.
V THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE KIRK TO KING JAMES.
Sib,
Pleis your Majeftie, we hawe thocht it our dewtie in all humble fort to rander thankis to your Hienes alsweill for that gcnerall care your Majeftie hes had of your awin Kirk in thir North partis, as for that honorable remembrance it has plefit your Hienes to hawe particularly of ws, And feing we hawe na uther meanis, we promeis on our partis all
1 In the original the name appears as if written " J. Strato."
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 11
diligens and thankfull fervice to your Majeftie in every thing that belangis our charge ; for we will prefer your Majefteis pleafour and com- raandenient to all earthlie thingis. We ar farther to entreat your Majeftie in a particular tuitching the preferment of our brother Mr James Nicolfone, quhome your Majeftie underftandis to be a man fuffi- cientlie qualefeit for ony publict place in the Kirk, That feing the Bifhoprik of Dunkell is poffeft be ane ' that hes na public!; function in our Kirk, and that the rentes thairof will nocht presentlie excede the foum of four hundreth merkis Scottis, be reafone of difpofitions made be the prefent Titular that can nocht be remedeit in his tyme, your Ma- jeftie will be pleafit out of that good affeclione quhilk your Hienes beiris to the reftoring of the Eftate of our Kirk, to caus fum wyfe and difcreit man deall with the poffeffour of the faid benefice for his dimiffioun thairof in favouris of the faid Mr James, and that he may hawe fum confideration thairfore of your Majeftie, quhilk we ar affured fall advance the wark that is prefentlie in hand, and give your Majeftie greit content- ment in the courfe of your publict efiairis. This far we ar bald with your Majeftie : And for the prefent we humblie tak our lewe, praying God for your Majefteis long lyf and profperous regnne.
Edinburgh, the 19 of Januarij 1605.
Your Majefteis humble obedient fubjectis and fervitouris,
Glasgow. Pateik Sharpe. Andro Knox. Andro Boyd.
Mr Kichard Thomsone, in name of the reft of the Commifiloneris. To his Majeftie.
1 Mr Peter Eollok, titular Bishop of Dunkeld, and one of the Extraordinary Lords of Session. See a subsequent letter on this subject addressed by him to King James.
12 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
VI.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW1 TO KING JAMES.
Bibb,
The laying prufis trew in me : he qho once paflis the boundis of modeftie is ever afterwardis impudent. Your Maiefties gratioufe acceptance of my fonner indevors hes maid me fo confident as I fpair not to fay and wryt any thing that I judge for your Hienes fervice. Qhat courfe I haif kepte and qhat fucceffe I haif fund in my entrie wilbe declarit be the berar vnto your Maieftie, for he wes ane eye wit- neffe to all that wes done. Sir, I wil reioyce in no Earthlie thing, faif your favour, and yit I truft your Maieftie wil beare with me to fay that quhich wes : My cumming brocht fuche contentment to al fortis of peple, that in the partis qhair my fervice lyis, nothing wes heard but prayers for your Maieftie and gratulationis of the worke intendit. The Miniftrie, althocht earneftlie folliftit to mak oppofitioun, profeffit thay wald gif obedience to your Maieftie, and conform tham felfis to the ordinancis of the Kirk ; qhairin every one of that number hes merit his own commendatioun ; but the Principal of the Colledge 2 by al the reft, qho is the man that in effedi hes kepit al others faft and conftant to your Maiefties purpofe. And yit, Sir, left I fuld want matter of exer- cife, thai begin in this Citie, by privat counfels and publick fpechis in pulpit, to do qhat thai can for my difgrace, and wil nedis, becaufe I haif toppit this matter (for fo thai fpeik), bend al thair forcis againft me. Sire, I fear not that enemy in fo gud a caufe, fpeciallie qhair your Maiefties authoritie and Royall power is affifting ; 3 but I wryt this to
1 Mr John Spottiswood. 2 Mr Patrick Sharpe.
3 " 1G05, August 21 Mr Johnne Spottiswood, Bischop of Glasgow. — The Moderator
and bretlierene of the Presbiteric of Glasgw, heirand the propositioun maid to thame be thair brother Mr Johne Spottiswood Bischop of Glasgow, quhairin he schawis that he is sone heirefter, God willing, to pas to his Majestic towardis the Southe partis of Greit Brittanc, and that he cravis thair licence, seing for a tyme he will be absent fra his flok : The said Moderator and Bretlierene grants to the said Mr Johnne licence to pas to his Maiestie sone heirefter, anent the effaires of the Kirk.
" A. id quhair also the said Mr Johnne cravis a testimoniall fra the said Presbiterie, to be subscryvit be thame, that he hes not as yit subscryvit the Admissioun past in his
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 13
bald your Hienes. in mynd of the general bufines, quhilk being perfe&it, fal gif a conclufioun to thir and fuchlyk broyles. I haif prefumit to gif the berar fum inftructiouns to be communicat to your Maieftie tuiching our materis, quhilk I truft your Hienes fal favorablie interpret ; and if in your wifdome thai falbe fund meit, your Maieftie will haif care to fe tham profecute. Mean qhyll, Sir, gif me leave to remember Mr Jhon Hall his fervice and faythfulnes to your Maieftie, qho fichtis heir with many difcontentments, offerit cheiflie to him be his collegis. I haif affurit him many tymis, of your Maiefties favore : in his particular, quhilk the berar is to- fute, your Hienes wilbe plefit to gif him ane teftimonie of your gudwill. As to the berar him felfe,1 I can adde nothing to the commendatioun your Maieftie hes fo often gifin him, but this onlie, that the other fyd ar lamenting his defe6tioun ; and this I mentioun to gif your Maieftie fum fporte. Now, Sir, crating humble pardon of your Maieftie for this my prefuming, I tak my leave.
Your Maiefties humble and vowit fervant to his deathe,
Glasgow. Edinburgb, the 23 of Januar, 1005.
To his moft facred Maieftie.
[28 Jan. 1005.— Sp[ottifwood] B. of Glafcow ftiawes that he was received B. at Glafcow with great applaufs, albeit fum contradic- tione, and Mr Johne Hall's faithfull fervyce to the King.]
favouris to the Bishoprik of Glasgw, The said Moderator and Bretherene grantis that a testiuioniall be writtin aud subscryvit be thame, to be delyverit to the said Mr Jolinne, quharin thai may testifie that the said Mr Johnne hes not as yit subscryvit the said ad- missioun, past be the last Synodall Assemblie in his favouris to the said Bishoprik of Glasgw," &c. — (Extracts from the Registers of the Presbytery of Glasgow, in the Mait- land Miscellany, vol. i., p. 405.)
1 Apparently Mr James Law (see supra, page 10). He was promoted at this time to the See of Orkney.
14 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
VII.— THE MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY AT ABERDEEN
TO KING JAMES.
It may pleas your sacred Majestie,
The gryt neceffitio off our effairis in generall, and off the parti- cular dealing wee haue this lang tyme haid with the Marques off Huntlie,1 does enforce ws, in all reuerence and humbill fubnriflioun, to acquaint your Majeftie with all our proceidingis and prefent difficulties, quhairwith wee ar ftraitit ; and that be ane off our awin number, our loving brother, Mr Jlione Forbes, off quhome, baith for his fidelitie and vprichtnes, and for his fmcere affedtioun borne to the advancement off the kingdomc of God, your Majefteis feruice, and peace off the land, wee haue maid fpcciall choife ; and haue authorifit him with owr com- miffioun toward your Hienes, befeiking your Majeftie in all humbill and hartlie affeclioun to grant him your Majefteis gratefull acceptance and favorabill countenance, with ane indifferent eare, in his delyverie off fuche thingis to your Majeftie as we haue committed to his credit ; trufting fo far to the conftant affurance quhilk our hartis does ftill brook off your Majefteis vnchangeabill ftedfaftnes and continuance in yowr Hienes godlie zeall and fordwart affeclioun, ever hitherto borne, and at all tymes clearlie manifeftit, to the maintenance and promoving off the licht and libertie off the gofpell of Jefus Chrift, not onlie in the mater off doctrine, hot alfo in the ordour off gouernement and difcipline theirin manifeftit ; that gif your Majeftie graunt him audience but prejudice, hee fall giwe your Majeftie ane full contentment of all proceidingis, and fall obtein at your Majefteis handis ane gratiows anfwer to all owr hum- bill and lawfull defyres ; all tending to the glorie off God, advancement of yowr Hienes honor, and forder quyeting of yowr Majefteis fubjeftis ; the report quhairof, committing to the fufficiencie of owr Commiffionar
1 George sixth Earl, and first Marquess of Huntly. A letter addressed by him to the King, on the 20th November 1604, relating to the proceedings of the Aberdeen Pres- bytery against him, is printed in the volume of " Letters and State Papers of the Reign of King James the Sixth," Edinb. 1838, 4to.
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 15
forfaid, in Hi reuerence, fubmiffioun and humilitie off owr hartis, wee tack our leaue, befeeking God to graunt vnto yowr Majeftie long and profperous reigne. From our Affemblie at Aberdein the tuentie ane day of Februar ane tbowfand fex hundreth and fyve zeiris.
Your Majefties humbill fubje&is,
A. Blakburn. P. Blakburne.
Chatrlis Ferm. M. David Rait,
Ad. Burnet. Moderator.
MB. Robert Reid, G. Hay.
Scryb to the Provinciall MR. James Ross.
Affemblie of Aberdein. M. James Guthre, Moderatour of the Provinciall Affemblie of Murray. George Dovglas, ane of the Commiffioneris of Murray. J. Dundass, Commiffionar for Murray.
To the King his moft excellent Majeftie.
VIII.— SIR ALEXANDER STRATOUN OF LAURESTOUN TO KING JAMES.
Sik,
May it pleis your moft excellent Maieftie : According to your Maiefties command, I affemblit the Commiffioneris, with quhome I haue brocht all your Maiefties dire&iounes to ane gud end. Speciallie the aclioun intendit aganis Mr Robert Bruce is ordourlie deducet, and efter great paines and meakill heiring, reffauit fentence conforme to the fummondis raifit aganis him, he decernit diffobedient, difchargit frome the Miniftrie of Edinburgh, and his place declarit wacant. In this caus I behovit nocht onlie to be ane yden folicitar of the Judges : but alfua comperit as ane accufar to mak the judgment formall ; and thairfoir haue incurrit of the Puritanes infupportabill malice. For informeing of your Maieftie in the particularis of this dyet, and for obtening health at
16 ORIGINAL LETTEES RELATING [1605.
the baignes, I am to repair, God willing, fchortlie to your Maiefties raoft gratious prefence : At quliilk tyme I fall geve account of my feruice, hoiping (for ocht I knaw) of guid acceptance, baith in refpect of affec- tionat panes, and guid fucces. Sua wifcbeing your Maieftie ane lang, happie, and profperous Eegnne, humblie takis my leve. Edinburgh, the fourt of Marche 1605.
Your Maiefties maift humble obedient fobjecl; and feruitour,
Laukenstowne. To the Kingis moft excellent facred Maieftie.
IX.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO KING JAMES.
Sire,
Pleis your Maieftie, I am forcit to tak the opportunitie of this berar, and complein of the miforder that is in thir pulpites of Edin- burgh. Qhairas your Maieftie gaif command, that til the vacant rowmis wer plantit, fupplie fold be maid be fuche as the Commiffionaris wald name, this hes ben caft of vnadvyfitlie vpon the Minifters tham felfis, and thai inioynit to fuffer none enter thair rowmis but fuche as thai wald anfwer for. Yit, Sir, it is fallen out fo, that be the Prefbiteries appointing of thair number one after another to thofe placis, we haif heir daylie invediivis maid againfl Sifchopis, that Jiate, and ws direStlie qho haif inter pryjit that Jervice ; and nothing is left vndone that can work a difgrace or contempte to this worke ivithe the peple. Nether laws of Affemblies nor intimatioun of your Maiefties difplefure, nor our innocent and vpricht procedingis, can worke ws peace at thair handis. Your Ma- ieftie heirfore wilbe plefit to wryt to the Commiffionaris and command tham to tak prefent order heirwith, and, failzeing thai do thair dewties, to the Counfel to fie to it ; for the example will do muche hurte, if in
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 17
the beginning thir thingis be not repreffit. I haif writtin to the Lard of Lowriftoun to conven the Commiflionaris for this purpofe vpon the tent of Apryl nexte. It fal do muche gud to haif your Maiefties letteris againft that dyet, and to caufe my Lord Prefident prefent the fam, with ane declaratioun of your Maiefties wil in thofe thingis. Thus far I am bold with your Maieftie, out of that care that I haif to advance your Highnes fervice : And now killing your Maiefties handis, with al reverence, I tak my leave.
Your Maiefties humble and obedient fervant,
Glasgow. Edinburgh, the 22 of Marche, 1605.
To his moft excellent Maieftie.
X.— SIR ALEXANDER STRATOUN OF LAITRESTOUN TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
Pleis your moft excellent facrat Maieftie : Of lait I acquentit your Maieftie anent the proceding of the Sinod of Fyff, fpecialie thair purpofs of keping ane General Affemblie at Aberdein the fyft of Julij nixt ; for preventing of quhilk attemp, the Commiflioneris and I haif declarit your Maiefties plefour heirin, and haif requyrit, yea commandit tham and al other Sinodis in North Britane, to forbeir ony fik meting. Yet informit they meane nocht to ceafs, hes takin refolutioune to avait on that day and place, to refift thair meting with authoritie if they mint thairto. The Towne of Edinburght (vith quhom I haif bitterlie conteftit) of new hes gevin in leitis, the moft pairt inclynis to haif Mr Patrik Galloway to fupplie that vacant place in thair Kirk (ilk yeir producis new effectis) ; but fence that matter is yet in deliberatione, the Bifchop of Galloway, quha with diligence is to repair to your Maieftie, in that and al other particularis concerning the Kirk, vil gif your Maieftie cleir relatione.
c
18 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
Wifling your Maieftie long, hapie, and profperous rainge, I humlie kifs your Hlenes handis.
Your Maiefties moil humble obedient fubject and fervitour,
Lauren stoitne. Edinburght, ij of Maij 1605.
To the Kingis moft excellent Sacred Maieftie.
XI.— THE BISHOP OF MUERAY TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
It may pleafe your maift facred Maieftie : I haiff delyvered your Hienes letters to my Lordis Chancelar and Prefident, anent thair dealing with my Lord Spynie tuiching his fatiffadlioun for his infeftment of the few mailes and cuftomes off the Bifchoprik of Murraye. Thair wes na occafioun of meiting betuix thame and him till now. I am attendand upoun a conference betuix thame within thir tua dayes, efter the quhilk your Maieftie falbe advertent with convenient diligence. And quhat is neidfull to be done in the meane tyme for furthering of that mater, I hawe referred to be declared to your Maieftye be the Bifchopp of Gallo- waye. To his fufficiencie tharefor remitting, I humillye tak my leiff, continuing my earnift prayaris for the daylie increfce and continu- ance of your Maiefteis maift happie and bleffed eftate in faull and bodye.
Your Majefteis maift humill fervitour and daylie Oratour,
Alexander Dowglass. Edinburgh, the nynteint daye off Junij 1605.
To his moift facred Maieftie.
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 19
XII.— ME ROBEKT BRUCE, MINISTER OF EDINBURGH, TO KING JAMES.
[The two following letters from Mr Robert Bruce have no date, and may belong to a later period. They are here introduced in connection with the Charge of the Privy Council in Scotland, in August 1605, copied from some fragments of a miss- ing volume of the Records lately discovered. The long-continued persecution of Bruce, on account of the sentiments he expressed in regard to the Gowrye Con- spiracy, will elsewhere be alluded to.
Instructiounes for his Majesties Commissioners direct to Mr Robert Bruce.
[January 1602.]
" Quhidder he be throuchlie resolvit now, of the forme and maner of the tresonabill attempt commitit aganes his Majesty at Perth ; and speciallie of his Majesties honest mynd, intentioune, and mervelus delyverie ; and off Gowrie and his Brother's wyld and bludie Conspiracie, intendit to the taking away of his Majesties lyff ; as it is sett downe in the Prince's book thairanent, or nocht 1
" As his doubting of that turne hes bene the principall cause of thedoubt of mony and of his Hienes sklandir in that point, gif he be willing to uttir in pulpit, in sic placis as salbe appoyntit, his Resolutioune thairin, according to the forme of the saidis Articles, as cleirlie, as ony of his Majesties guid subjectis hes done ; craving pardone, and excussing his lang incredulitie, and the sklandir arysing thairupone ; and abusing the pepill that ony way doubtit thairof, as they were ever reddie to conceive doubtis vpoune onjust groundis, onlie movit be his exempell, sa now to be content be his meanes, rychttlie to be resolvit theirof.
(Sic svhscribitur) " James Rex."
Charge aganis Mr Robert Bruce.
Aptul Edinburgh, Octavo die mensis Augusti 1605. " Forsameklo as albeit the moist detestable and horrible treasoun conspyrit be the traytour Gowry and his Brother aganis the sacred persone of oure moist gratious Souerayne, be ouident and manifest to the conscienceis of all his Maiesteis guid sub- iectis, and that his Maiestie hes gevin moist cleir testimoneis for removeing of dis- trust of all these quha by curiositie, privat affectioun, or prepoisterous opinionis, wer caryed and led in that mater, neuirtheles Maister Robert Bruce, minister, appre- hending a maist sinister distrust and opinioun of his Maiestics sinceritie in that mater, notwithstanding of all the euidenceis quhilkis in reasoun mycht haue gevin vnto him contentment thairin, he hes continewalie sensyne not onlie remanit constant and resolute in his distrust, bot be his behaviour and conferrenceis in privat and publict meitingis and assembleis, he vtteris and publictlie avowis his said distrust,
20 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
drawing thairby raony simple and ignorant personis to harkin vnto him, and in some measour to fauoure his opinioun : ffor the quhilk he being moist iustlie and wor- thelie banischit this Realme, and found vnworthic of the ayre of his native countrey ; yit oure moist gratious Souerayne, quha in his actionis, especialie with these of the Ministerie, hes euir kythit himselff a moist clement and mercifull Prince, seiking rathir by fair and gentill meanis to move thame to be conformable, then be exeeu- tioim of the law to pvnische thair offences, Recallit him [hame] that at lenth he sould haue acknawlegit his errour, [and] gevin vnto his Maicstie satisfactioun : And now his Majestie [persa]ving cleirlie that nathir proces of tyme nor na vther [thing] can move the said Mr Robert to frame his opinionis [to the] treuth, and to procure his Maiesteis obedience, Bot that he intertenyis a maist frequent resorte alswele of nomberis of the Ministerie as of vther people towardis him, and in all thair meit- tingis mellis in the effairis of his Maiestie and his Estate, sometyme discourseing vpoun the proceidingis of his Maiesteis Counsale, and sometymes censuring the doingis of the Ministerie, foistering thairby factionis and divisioun in the Kirk, and privat grudgeis and miscontentment aganis the present Gouernament, His Maiestie thairfore hes moist iust caus to tak ordoure with him, and to exyle him the haill boundis of his Maiesteis dominionis. And yit his Sacred Maiestie following his accustumat dispositioun and inclinatioun, quhilk hes euir tendit to pitye and not to punische : And abstening fra that rigour and extremitie quhilk the said Mr Robert maist worthelie merites, and nevirtheles willing to remoue the occasioun quhairby he may pervert sic of his Maiesteis subiectis as repairis to him, his Maiestie hes commandit that he be wairdit within the burgh of Innernes, quhill it sail pleis his Maiestie to gif forder directioun towardis him, according as he sail find his behauiour : Thairfore the Lordis of Secrite Counsale, Ordainis letters to be direct, chairgeing the said Mr Robert Bruce to pas and entir his persone in waird within the said burgh of Innernes, thair to remaine vpoun his awne expensses, ay and quhill he be fred and relevit be his Majestie and his Counsale, within Ten dayis next eftir the Chairge, vndir the pain of rebellioun, &e. : And gif he failzie, to denunce."]
Pleas your Maiestie,
Wpon the dire&ione fend to me by your Hienes Confell, I thoucht it meitt, be my awin letter, to teftifie my refolutione to your Maieftie in that mater of Gowrie. Your Maieftie cannot be ignorant in quhatt tennes I paffit my Refolutioun att SancT; Jonftoun. That refolu- tioun is as yitt extant,1 fubferywitt be monie honeft vitneffes. To that
1 The following is a copy of the Resolution op Mr Robekt Bruce, dated at St Johnston or Perth, in June 1602 : —
" At Perth, 20th June 1602. Further, concerning the heads within contained, I am resolved of his Majesty's innocency, and of the guiltiness of the Earl of Gowrie and his
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIES. 21
refolutioun, both in inater and maner, I adhear, and fra it I am nott myndit to pafs, be God his grace. This refolutioun gaue your Maieftie perfytt contentment than, and I doubt nott bott it vill do the lyk yitt. So luiking that your Maiefteis fcruiple falbe fullie fatiffied in that mater, I reft,
Your Maieftie his moft humble and obedient fubject,
M. Robert Bruce. To his Maieftie.
XHL— ME ROBERT BRUCE TO THE LORDS OF PRIVY COUNCIL.
Pleas your Honoris,
I receawed your letteris on Setterday the 13th of this inftant, and for fatiffacUoune thairoff I hawe directed my letter conteining my avin Refolutioun in that mater vnto his Majeftie. My refolutioun nov is relatiwe to my refolutioun att Sancl; Jonftoun, quhilk vas dyttit by his Maiefties felff, and fubfcrywet by monie honeft vitneffes befyd me, quha ar yitt liwing. This Refolutioun gawe his Maieftie perfyt content- ment then, and I doubt nott bot it will do the lyk yitt : for unto thatt Refolutioun I adheir, both in matter and maner. And I am readdie to teftifie the fame, fo oft as his Maieftie pleafes, by my awin hand vreitt. Sa luiking that your Honoris fall not be forder trublit in that mater, I reft,
Your Honouris to be commandit to his povar in God,
MB. Robert Bruce.
To his Maiefties moft honorable Priuie Cornell.
Brother, according as it is declared by the Act of Parliament [15 November 1600] : And therefore acknowledge the great mercy of God towards his Majesty, whole Kirk, and Country, in his Majesties deliverance ; for the quhilk, I thank God from my heart.
(Sic tvbscribitur) " Mr Robert Bruce."
22 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
XIV MR JOHN HALL, MINISTER OF EDINBURGH, TO KING JAMES.
SlB,
Pleis your Majeftie, the rare and ftrange accidents of this late tyme hes muche affected the hartis of your people heir, for weying your Hienes danger, and therwith depelie confidering quhat could be the cafe of the haill countrey, lyfis of all, and religioun, if God did permit your Royall State to the pleafure of your enemies, hes confavit fuch folicitud for your Majeftie, that the prayers of the people, priuat and publict, never ceaflis for your Majeftie to God, and the glaidnes of your Hienes preferuatioun hes fet your Majeftie verie depe in the hartis of all, quha now loueis your Majeftie not onlie as their naturall and gracious King, bot alfo as the onlie Prince in this adge, in whofc hart is featted wifdome and religioun, whofe lyfe is dear to God, preferred to the gude of his Kirk bayth at hame and far of. One point of honour your Majeftie lies acquired, that the Antichryft, the enemie of God, hes oppinlie fet his ey on yow, as his greiteft adverfarie in the earth ; bot this is ane uther point of greiter worth, that God in his wonderfull delyuerance ' hath made a fchaw of your Majeftie as his Angular freind, and a Prince thocht worthie be whofe hand the Antichryft fuld be brocht doun, and his crownes caft underfoot ; for this muft be done, and Who is to do it ? God fent Mofes againft Egypt, Jofua againft Canaan, and Conftantine of Britane blood againft Gentill Idolatrie. The fame God hes King James to fet againft the Popedome. God giwe your Majeftie comfort and ftrenth in thir affaultis, for we truft to God that all thir cruell plottis fall prefent vnto your Royall thochtis no thing elfe bot a refolu- tioun to manteyne God his treuth, and to ouerthrow that tyrannie wherby foullis ar fpoilled, and the lyfis of gude princis alwayis in- perelled.
Amidft thir wechtie effairis I muft craue leaue of your Majeftie to fpeik fumthing of our effairis at home. The Kirk of Edinburgh wald be fuppleit with fum men of note and approved feruice. We haue
1 From " the Gunpowder Plot," on the 5th of November IGOo.
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 23
thocht vpon Mr Patrik Galloway, your Majefties Minifter, now vacand fra the employment of your feruice. The Confall and Kirk of Edinburgh hes bene earneft with him to fupport them for a feafon, meaning alfo to draw on his plantatioun for ane ordinarie pallor heirefter : he hes referrit his anfuer therein to your Majefteis direction. His being heir will put the people to fum quyetnes, the pulpet to better edificatioun, and the haill Kirk of this country micht the better be kepit fra idle confaittis, and unneceflarie work. I truft your Majeftie will confider of it. It wer great pleafour to ws, if a letter [should be sent] bering your Hienes dire&ioun and charge to Mr Patrik theranent; alfo a letter wold be directed to my Lord Chancellour Proveft of Edinburgh,1 that he micht deall with all handis, boith the Town and Mr Patrik, for inbringing of him hither, and for his plantatioun when occafion feruis ; a thrid let- ter of your Majefteis wald be diredtit ordaning the Commiffionaris of the Generall Affemblie to meit and interpone the credit of ther office in this mater, and vtheris your Maieftie hes ado. Your Hienes charge wold be to them to appoint Mr Patrik for a feafoun to Edinburgh, with your Maiefteis good will and defyre that they fuld plant him Minifter ther,3 fo fone as the Town craues it of them. Wifching with my hart and daylie prayer your Maiefteis long lyfe, happie regnne, and God his perpetuall favour and his defence, humblie takis my leave. 2 De- cember 1605.
Your moil excellent Majefteis rycht humble fubject,
Johne Hall, Minifter at Edinburgh. To the Kingis moft excellent Majeftie.
1 Alexander Earl of Dunfermline, Lord Chancellor, when Lord Fyvie, and President of the Court of Session, was elected Provost of Edinburgh, in 1598, and he continued to hold that office for ten years successively.
s This accordingly took place, in June 1607. (Calderwood's Hist., vol. vi. p. 667.) See his own letter to the King, dated 7th April 1607.
24 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
XV.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW TO KING JAMES.
Pleas your most sacred Maxestie,
I wes in the way towardis your Hienes,1 qhen it wes my gud happe to meit my Lord the Erie of Dumbar, qho requyrit me to flay a qhyl, vpoun ane opinioun his Lordfhip lies, that my fervice heir at this tym may be ftedable. I yeldit willinglie, as hating no other defyr but to do your Maieftie fervice, qhairevir, at home or abroad. Amongeft vther thingis, I wes to haif menit to your Hienes the grit preiudice that is done to our Kirk effairis be this detening of the Minifteris in ward, the burthen thairof being caft vpon ws, of purpofe to mak your Maief- ties defigne in the erecting of Bifchops the more hatit, and other difcon- tentit fpritis ferving tham with this as a ground to worke fum vnquyetnes in the State. This, Sir, I impute only to the negle6te of your Maiefties directiouns gifin in that mater, qhiles we wer togither at Courte, the fufpicioun of qhilk neglect I perfaifit your Maieftie had even at that tym. But qhat lies ben your Hienes gud plefure fince the vfing of thair Declinatour, I never vnderftud til my Lord his cumming hither, faif that a brute went of the calling tham before the Juftice ; and none wil deny that is found myndit, but thai haif merit a more hard dealing, yit as matteris are now handlit, and the peple difpofit, any man feis it fal not go for your Maiefties honour and contentment. Thairfore, Sir, out of a Jincere affe&ion to your Hienes, am I bold, in maifl humble wyfe, to entreat your Maiejlie, that it may be your gracioufe plefure to fuperfed that bujines, and renew onlie your Maiefties firjl commandementis, that Jo many as Jland objlinatlie at the defence of thair procedingis, may, by Jentenee of Counfel, be exylit your Maieflies countrey, and otheris that wil acknowledge thair erroris, may be confynit within thair parochis during your Hienes gud plefure? Quhilk opinioun, if it fal pleife your moft excellent Maieftie in your wifdome to approve, than, Sir, let me defyre this farder, that the fam
: See note supra, page 12. 2 This sentence interlined in the original.
1605.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 25
may be done during the Erie of Dumbar his rending heir, or els, I am of opinioun, your Maieftie fal never fee it concludit. This, and many other thingis, Sir, ar done of mere policie, to difapoint your Maiefties effairis in the Parliament, fpeciallie that concerne our Eftait. But if it pleife God, your Maieftie fal haif, or it be long, a more particular narratioun of thingis, and affurance fufficient, as I hope, for ane happie fucceffe of that fervice that is fo gritlie oppofit vnto. Mean qhyl, Sir, I muft alfo fignifie to your Maieftie the invaliditie of the renunciatioun maid be the Duke of Lennox of the Bifhoprick of Glafgo, that the famin may be renewit, and to that effect, your Hienes wilbe plefit to continew that particular defignatioun of landis, qhilk his Lordfhip is futing prefentlie to my cuming vp, that your Maieftie may haif the fecuritie that is requyrit, feing his fatiffa&ioun is fo great.
As for fum particular iniuries offerit me, quhilk it hes plefit my Lord of Dumbar to mentioun in his letter to your Maieftie, I wil not repeat tham, and I truft be his Lordfhips meanis to be reparit. For this tym I ceafe, crafing your Maiefties humble pardon for this my importunitie, and praying God Almychtie to bleffe your Hienes with a longe and happie regne.
Your Maiefties molt humble and obedient fervitor,
Glasgow.1 Edinburgh the 26 of December 1605.
To his moft facred Maieftie.
XVI.— KING JAMES TO MR JOHN CAULDCLEUCH.
[There are two previous missives, addressed by the King to Cauldeleuch, in Balfour's MSS. (A. 2, .52, Nos. 4 and 5). The one dated the 14th August 1600, commands
1 Indorsed, — " 26 December 1605 Sp. B. of Glascow shawes how he wold have the
ininisteris that keeped the Assembly of Abirdeen 160.5 crossed ; and of the Duke of Lenox dimissione of the Bishoprik of Glaseow."
I)
26 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1605.
him to be present at the meeting at Falkland, on the 20th of that month, " for your best advise and opinioun to be had, anent the planting of the Kirkis of Edin- burgh ; the forme and manner of the universall thankis and prayse that salbc gevin to God in every congregatioun and kirk within this Realme, for Our miraculous delyuerie of that treasonabill Conspiracy intendit laitlie aganis ws at Saint Johnstone be umquhile Johnne Erll of Gowrie, the Master his broder, and thair associattis ; and for your advisse to be gevin in sic uther our great and wechtie effairis, as salbe parti- cularlie impartit to you at your cuming."
Tlie second letter addressed to Cauldcleuch is dnted the 16th January 1601, and desires him to be present at a meeting of the Commissioners of the Kirk, on the 10th February, at Holyroodhouse, " to gif your best advyise anent the withstanding and dissapoynting of the practizes of the ennymeis of the trew religioun ; and for ordour taking anent settling of the Ministerie of Edinburgh, as sail be thocht expedient." In 1599, Cauldcleuch, who had been third Master or Professor of Ecclesiastical History in the New College, St Andrews, was translated to Abdie, in Fife. Not- withstanding the prospect of preferment held out to him in this letter, and his constant support of the King's designs in Ecclesiastical affairs, he appears to have remained as Minister of that parish till his death, in 1622.]
James R.
Trufty and welbeloued, Wee greete yow hartely well. Wee are certified by the Laird of Lawrefton, our Commiffioner, of your greate paynes and care in our feruice for advancement of all thinges that may produce the quyet eftate of the Church in that our Countrey, and therein haue receaued greate contentment ; wherefor Wee haue thought good hereby to affure yow that Wee will not be vnmyndfull thereof, but as occafion fhall offer Wee meane to take order for your benefite and preferment, according as by the faid Laird of Lawrefton yee fhalbe more particularly enformed. Thus, willing yow to contynew in your former good cariage and dewtyfull endeuouris for furthering of our feruice, as Wee fhall euer cary our efpeciall mynd both to remember and reward yow, Wee bid yow hartely farewell, from our Courte at Quhytehall, the xxvij of December 1605.
To our truftye and weilbelouit
Mr Johne Cawldcleuch, minifter.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 27
XVII.— MR PATRICK GALLOWAY TO KING JAMES.
Please your gratious Maiestie,
I receauit this penult of December your Maiefties letter, deated the 24. of December, directing me to conveane the Commiffionars of the Generall Affemblie for your Maiefties feruice, as alfo that I fuld, by my letters to euery province where the vfuall Synodes ar keeped, acquaynt thame with your Maiefties fpeciall pleafure and will, To haue there Synodes to be keeped in the moneth of Februar nixt, without longer delay.
According to the whiche letter I haue this 1.. of Januar wrettin 25. letters for the Commiffionars to meete at Edinburgh the 28. of this inftant, and lykwyfe 15. letters to the feuerall provinces, for fullfilling your Maiefties pleafure heirin, and haue delyuered them to Sir Jhone Arnott, your Maiefties treafurer-depute, in heaft to be fend away.
Now, Sir, it reftis that your Maieftie aduyfe upon fuch heades and articles as falbe proponed at the meeting of the Commiffionars, and vpon thofe rules, and dire6tiones your Maieftie wald wiftie performed in the Synodes, and with all convenient fpeed direct thame hither, that your Maiefties knowin freyndis and feruandis being rypelie advyfed therewith befor the tyme, may kyth in tyme, as becometh thame, and that it be not iuftlie obiected be onfreyndis that fuch meetingis ar needles, quhere no mater of importance is to be handlet : I wifhe from my hart lowing obedience to be geuin to your Maiefties dire&iones be all fortes of men, as I falbe an paterne, and, to my pouer, a procurer thereof myfelff : And I befeiche your Maieftie fo wyfelie to direct, as he may be compted worthelye, in the eftimatione off honeft men, ane wndutifull man that will not follow your Maiefties direction.
My Lord of Dumbar, your Maiefties faythfull and lowing feruand, dois good offices, and prooues ane profitable meffenger from your Ma- ieftie in all fortes off your Maiefties adois heer, for he deales wery foundlie and feuerelye aneughe with fome of our humorifts, as occafion offerres, and with authoritie lattes thame wnderftand your Maiefties
28 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
meaning, that they may conforme thamefelues thereto. So moft harte- lye commending your Maieflies perfone, and affaires, with your Maieflies Queene, Children, Counfell, Eftates, and familye to the all fufRcient prote&ioun, and bliffing of Almighttie God (as my daylie and due.tifull prayer is), And wifhing wnto your Maieftie and honorable Counfell, ane high ineres of wifdome to try, and curage to punifhe that mon- flrouous and wnnaturall Confpiracie, So that it may be laid of England, for punifhing of this treafone aganift King James the firft in it, that was faid of Scotland for punifhing of the treafone aganift King James the firft in it, be iEneas Syluius in his tyme : " As the treafone, for wylenes, ftained the Nation, fo the accurat tryall and exa6l punifhment of it, for juftice, aduanced and honored the Nation." I moft humblie take my leeffe, from Edinburgh, this 1. of Januar 1606.
Your Maieflies moft humble and hartye Seruitour,
M. P. Galloway. To his moft excellent Maieftye, the Monarche of Great Brittane.
XVIII.— MR JOHN SCHARP, MINISTER OF KILMANY, TO KING
JAMES.
[This letter has no date, and was subsequent to the trial at Linlithgow in January 1606. but it may be given in this place in connection with the following extracts from the fragments of the Privy Council Records, already mentioned. The letter of the King's Advocate (No. XIX.), communicates to the King the result of the proceedings against the Six Ministers, imprisoned at Blackness, when they were brought to trial at Linlithgow. After some months delay, they were sentenced to banishment by the King.
" Apud Edinburgh, Secundo die mensis Augusii 1605. " Anent the chairge gevin be vertew of oure Soueraine Lordis letters to Mr Robert Durie, minister at Anstruthir, Mr Alexr. Strauchane, minister at Creich, Mr
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 29
Andro Duncane, minister at Caraell, and Mr Johnne Sch<airp, minister at Kilmany, To haue compeirit personalie before the Lordis of Secrite Counsale at ane certaine day bigane, to haue anssverit to sic thingis as sould haue bene demandit of thame and layd to thair chairge, tuiching the vnlauchfull Assemblie haldin at Abirdene in the moneth of July last, and quhat wes thair behauiour in that Assemblie, [and] quhat lies bene directit, proceidit, or followit thervpoun sensyne, and to haue vnderlyne sic ordoure as sould haue bene tane thairanent, vndir the pane of rebel- lioun and puting of tham to the home, with certificatioun to tham and they failzet, letters sould be direct simpliciter to put thame thereto, lyke as at mair lenth is cbn- teinit in the saidis letters, executionis, and indorsationis thairof. Quhilkis being callit, and all the saidis personis compeirand personalie, and being particularlie examinat vpoun the forme and maner of thair convening and halding of the said Assemblie, and gif they think the same to be a lauchfull Generall Assemblie, they all confessit, and declairit that they wer present at the said Assemblie, and that they think the same to be a lauchfull Generall Assemblie. In respect quhairof, Ordains thame to be committit to waird within the Castell of Blacknes, thairin to remain, vpoun thair awne expensses, ay and quhill they be fred and relevit be the Kingis Maiestie and his Counsale, and that they entir thair personis in the said waird within xxiiij hours next efter the dait heirof, vndir the pane of horning."
Mr John Forbes, minister of Alford, and Mr John Welsch, minister of Ayr, had previously been imprisoned, on the 27th of July. On the 8th of August, the Privy Council issued a Proclamation concerning the unlawfulness of the Assembly at Aber- deen, which is printed in Calderwood, vol. vi. p. 289 ; and in the Booke of the Universall Kirk, vol. iii. p. 1018. On the 3d of October, the subject is thus re- sumed in the Minutes of Privy Council : —
" Apud Perth, Tertio die mensis Octobris, Anno 1G05.
Sederunt.
Commissionaih. Xewiiotle. Cranstoun Riddell.
Chaxcellair. Amrcorxe. Pbiuey Seall.
Angus*. B. of Ross. Sr Robert Melvill eklair.
Argyle. B. of Dunkeld. Sr Robert Melvill younger.
Lixlithgw. Halyrudhouse. Sr James Skrymgeour.
Marshall. Blaxtyre. Sr George Dovglas.
Glammis. Collectour.
Hereis. Aduocat.
The first entry, at this meeting, is " Anent the Ministeris that held the Assem- blie at Abirdene/' of whom seventeen (including John Ross, whose name is omitted in the first part of the minute) appeared ; and ten of them, being dealt with, " con- fessit that the said Assemblie was nocht ane lauchfull Generall Assemblie," and
30 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
they were appointed to return home to their flocks ; the other seven, namely, Mr Charles Pharum, Mr Johne Monro, Mr James Irwing, Mr William Forbes, Johne Ross, Mr Nathane Inglis, and Mr James Greg, having declared " that the said pre- U'lulit Assemblie wes a verie lauchfull Generall Assemblie," they were committed to ward, in the Castles of Doun, Striviling, and Dumbartane.
" Anent the Ministers in the Blacknes.
" The quhilk day, the Lordis of Secrite Counsale, according to his Maiesteis direc- tioun, hes ordanit, .and ordanis, that the sex ministeris presentlie in waird within the Castell of Blacknes, for halding of ane Assemblie at Abirdene vponn the secund day of Julij last, sal be put in seuerall chalmeris, at the leist twa and twa of thame togidder, and that nane be sufferit to haue access vnto theme, nor they thame selffis to meit togidder, without a warrand of the Counsale ; and that a directioun be gevin to the Captane and Constable of the Blacknes for that effect."
The following submissive letter had no effect in inducing the King to remit the sentence of banishment.]
Most graciouse Sovirangne,
The clemencie quhilk hes appeirit att all tymes in your Hienes towardis all your Maiefties fubjectis, giffis me fum hope thatt my humblle fuitt and fupplicatioun for your Hienes favour and pardoun fall not be mifrcgairditt : and thairfoir vfing no argument to procuir the fam, faiff your Maiefties foinner kyndnes to men off my calling and profeflioun, quhairas I have offendit your Hienes, firft, in meeting att Aberdein with thefe few off the Miniftrie thatt convenitt thair aganft your Maiefties command : Then, in declyning your Hienes Privie Councell, being brocht to tryall with vthers, my breethrein, twiching thatt mater : And laft, quhilk grivis me moft, in the willfull and obftinatt defending off the faid aciiounes, notwithstanding off your Maiefties difpleafour intimatt to me and the reft off us quha wer joynitt in thofe buffinefsis, off all quhilk I now repentt my felff, and am wnfeinzedly forie ; craiffing maift humblie your Maiefties pardoun and favour theranent, I will promife, and be thir prefents folemnly fweare, to all amendiment and reparatioun thatt pof- fible lyis in me off thes faultis, and fall indevoir my felff, by my contin- wall prayers to God Almichtie for your Hienes guid and profperous Eftait, and all humblle and ferviceablle obedience thatt can be givine be ony fik wnwoorthie fubject as I am, to mak itt appeir thatt this your
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 31
Majefties favour beftowitt vpon me fall nott be fcbewitt to ane ungrate or wnmyndfull perfoun. And fo, witboutt farder importuning your Hienes, I craive maift humblie on my kneyis your Maiefties pardoun, and gra- cious anfwer to this my fuitt.
Your Maiefties moft humblle and puir fubject,
Mb Jhone Scharpe,
Minifter at Kilmanie,
with my band.
XIX.— SIR THOMAS HAMILTON, KING'S ADVOCATE, TO KING JAMES.1
Most Sacred Souerane,
My confaued feir, tbat my filence could not find owt any lawfull excufe, if I fould not aduerteis your Maieftie, of the progres and euent of the criminall perfute of Maifters Johne Forbes, Welfche, and vtheris, thair complices, before your Maiefties Justice, for thair treafonable declyning your Maieftie and your Secret Counfallis jugement, makis my [me] bauld to wryte in that mater ; which, als weill in refpecl; of ane moft heich poynt, and lairge pairt, of your Maiefties authoritie royall, brocht in queftion, be the ignorant and inflexible obftinacie of these defendares, as in regaird of the moft cairefull expe6tatioun of ane great pairt of your hienes subie<Sis in this your kingdome, ouerdoutfumlie
' Lord Hailes, in printing this letter, has added the following note : — " This letter gives a more lively idea of those times, than an hundred Chronicles can do. We see here the Prime Minister, in order to obtain a sentence agreeable to the King, address the Judges with promises and threats, pack the jury, and then deal with them without scruple or ceremony. It is also evident that the King's Advocate disliked the proceedings as impolitic and odious, but that he had not resolution to oppose them. The detail of this trial, and its consequences, may be found in Spotiswood and Calder- wood." — (Memorials and Letters in the Reign of James the First.)
32 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1600.
diftra&ed, during the incertan euent thairof, pairtlie be fuperftitious, and pairtlie by fayned zeale to thair profeffioun, and affecTioun to thair perfones for thair profeflions faik, being of fo heich and dangerous con- (eqaence, as the mifcaireing thairof micht haue exemed ane great pairt of your Maiefties fubie6tis, from your Maiefties jurifdidtioun and obedi- ence in maters of doctrine and difcipline, and all vther thingis which they fould haue pleafed to affirme to be of that nature ; and thairwith haue giuen them occafion, and, as it wer, lawfull libertie, or libertie be your Maiefties awin lawis and fentencis, to haue menteaned that libertie anis purchaffed and daylie to haue increafed the fame, to the manifeft perrell not onlie of farder impairing, bot, with tyme, of vtter fubuerfioun of your royall power within this kingdome. God having now brocht it to that gude end, that, efter langfum, difficill, and moft contentious trauellis, thay ar conuicl; be affyfe of that treafonabill declinatour. I fould omit als neceffar ane poynt of my dewtie, as if I had not replyed to their most probable alledgences, if I fould conceale from your Maieftie, that the firft and greateft prayfe of this gude fucces fould be giuen to your Maiefties felf, for forefeing this mater to be of fik difficultie and danger, as it requyred the particular dire&ioun of your Maiefties awin moft excellent wifdome, be the report and profecution of my Lord of Dumbar, who I am affurit, in all this lyfe wes neuer fo folift for the euent of the tryall of vther mens lyues ; for at his heir cumming, finding that mater full, not onlie of forefene, bot also of vnex- pecled difficulties, his caire and diligence thairin lies bene fo affiduall, wyfe and prouident, that having maid fecret choife of this tyme and place, which be effect lies proued moft proper, and fo viuelie exprefled to your Maiefties Juftice, Justice Clerk, and vtheris, members of that court, your Maiefties caire of the menteanance of your royall power, brocht in queftioun be that proces, with the vndoubted favour which they micht expecl be doing thair dewtie, and moft certane difgrace and puneifment gif in thair default ony thing fould mifcairie ; he proceided thairafter to the preparatioun of fufficient forces, habill to execute all the lawfull commandementis of your Maiefties counfall, in your feruice, and for that purpofe hauing brocht with him to this towne, ane very great number of honorabill baronis, and gentilmen of gude rank and wourth,
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL APFAIES. 33
of his kinred and freindfckip, finding, befyde vther great impediments, the cheif perrell to confift in the want of ane honeft Aflyfe, who, without refpect of popular fauour, report, threatningis or imprecationis, wald ferue God and your Maieftie in ane glide confcience ; for knawin default of conftancie and gude affeclion in vthers, he wes compelled to caufe his awin particular and privat kinfmen and freindis, to mak the maift pairt of the Aflyfe, who being admittit vpone the fame, gif he had not dealt in that poynt, but fcrupulofitie or ceremonies, to refolue thame of the wounderfull dowt, whairin, by many meanes, and cheiflie be the thoun- dering imprecationis of the pannell, and contentious refiftance of thair awin aflbciat aflyfouris, thay wer caffin, that haill pourpofe had failled, to oure infinite greif and your Maiefties oner great preiudice. For the gude fucces whairof, I fall ever thank God, and euer pray him and your Maieftie, to put ws to als few effayes in the lyke caifles, as may poffiblie ftand with the weill of your Maiefties feruice, in refpecl; of the fcaircetie of fkilled and weill affected aflyfoures in thir cailfes ; for gif my Lord of Dumbar had wanted your Maiefties moft prouident dire6tioun, or if we had bene deftitute of his wyfe and infinitlie folift diligence and adtioun in this purpofe, in all mens jugementis it had lofled ; whairin our mifluke could neuer haue fund any excufe, which micht aither haue geuin fatif- factioun to your Maieftie, or contentment to oure awin myndis ; albeit, oure conferences and actions did bearc ws recorde, that we ferued with moft faithfull affe&ioun and cairefull diligence. Bot now we haue to thank God that it is weill endit, and I moft humblie to craue your Maiefties pardoun for my bauldness and ouer long letter, whilk falbe alwayes fchort in comparifoun of my long and endless prayers to God, for your Maiefties honour, health, contentment, and long happie lyfe. At Lith- gow, the xj January, 1606.
Your facred Maiefties moft humbill and faithfull Seruitour,
S". Th. Hamilton. To the Kingis moft excellent Maieftie.
34 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
XX— LOED FLEMYNG TO THE KING.
Most gratious Souekain,
- I receauitt your Maiefties letter direct to me be the Bifchop of the Illis, bearing that fum reportis haue been maid of my fcroupulous judgment in this intenditt ereclion of Bifchopis, and villing me to con- cur vith all my pouer in the furtherance of thatt feruiee, as being maift neceffar for your Hienes obedience in this Kingdom, and the preferua- tion of the puritie of Religion in the fam : Vhairanent, pleafs your Sacred Maieflie, I am fo far from conceauing any fcrouple in that or ony vther vork your Hienes is pleafit to intend, that once knawing the iam to be your Maiefties pleafour, I acquiefce, perfuading my felf it man be agriable boithe to godlines and equitie, for of your Hienes zeall to the aduancement of boith ve haue all fufficient experience ; and gif any mak fcrouple of your Maiefties proceidingis, thair fault, in my opinion, is nott to be excufit. I humblie thairfoir intreatt your Maieftie to conceatt of me as ane fubje6te refoluitt to feme, and fallowe your Hienes in vhat- fumeuer I fall be commanditt, and vill than efteim my felf happie, vhan your Maieftie fall find me in ony fort vorthie of fauore or imploy- ment, vhairin vtheris may go beyond me in fkill and habilitie, bott in affection I can nott cede to ony. Fearing to offend your Maieftie be longer letter, I remitt all vhilk elfe I vald fay to the bearar his fuffi- ciencie, vhom I knau your Hienes vill creditt ; and nou killing your Maiefties handis, in humble forte, I tak my leaue.
Your Maiefties moift humble and obedient Subiect and Seruitor,
Flemyng.' To his moft excellent Majeftie.
1 Indorsed. — " Lord Flemyng, xiij Januarye 1606." He was treated Earl of Wigtoun on the 19th March following.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 35
XXI.— SIR ALEXANDER STRATOUN OF LAURESTOUN TO KING JAMES.
Syb,
May it plaeis your moft excellent Sacreid Maieftie : Immediatelie efter my heircuming, I fignified to fuche of the Bufchopis and veill affe&it Commiffiioneris as war heir prefent, your Maiefteis guid, con- ftant, vyfe, lovyng Eelblutione for the polityk fetling of thair Eftait in generall, withe the remembrans your Maieftie haid of ilk one in parti- cular. How joyfull this was to thame, confideringe your Maiefteis greit vexationis, your Maieftie, at mair lenthe, will knaw at thair nixt publick meiting, quhilk beis the tuentie aucht of this monethe. Speciallie your Maiefteis defigne for Mr James Nicolfonis preferment, quhois princelie cair to that effect they and he befeichis your Maieftie to accept thair villing indevoiris, (fince all vnabill), they in leift miffour anfuerabill to your Maiefteis mony faworis, humblie redubling thair greit applowis, your Maieftie hes takin for thair availl, for the fattling of Durim, in the Erchebufhoprik of York, (quhilk now is waikand),1 and Brifto in Durum, be quhois nychtbourheid, as thair opinionis ar one, the moir eiffie heir your Maiefteis ferveice fall be effe<5tuat. Speciallie Brifto,2 quha hes ewer kythe[d] ane extinguifher of Papiftis and Puritanis. As alfo ane greit lower of ws all dwelland in this pairt of your Maiefteis dominione. I reft attending your Maiefteis ferveice, hoipand to difchairge my felff heirin as fall refaiff gratius acceptans be your Maieftie, wyffinge to your Maieftie ane long, happy, and profperus reigne, humbly takis my lieve, Edinburgh, the xviij [Januar 1606.s]
Your Maiefteis moft humbill obedient fubiect and faithefull ferwitor,
To the Kingis moft excellent Laurenstoune.
Sacred Majeftie.
1 See foot note on the next page. * Thornborough, Bishop of Bristol.
' ■ This date, left blank in the letter, is supplied from the indorsation.
36 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
XXII.— THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE KIRK TO KING JAMES.
Syr,
May it pleis your moft excellent facreid Maieftie : We can noclit aneuche acknawledge our awin weaknefs in lowe and thankfulnes (all that feis cleirlie feiand ilk moment of our lyff confecrated to your Maiefteis ferweice may noclit anfueir the leift of your Maiefteis faworis). Thocht, off graice, our wnprofitabill ferweice is gratiuflie accepted, your Hynes cair, noclit only for ws all in generall, hot alfo for ilk ane in particular, affectionatlie fygnefeit to ws be your Maiefteis Com- miffioner, makis ws erneftlie to defyre that our abiliteis war ftrenth- ened to fecund our guid myndis, quhilkis we find fall nocht be a lytill be this your Hynes defigne (quhilkis now occafioune hes olferit to be accomplefid) in the preferment off Mr James Nicolfone to the Bifchop- rik off Dunkell, quhilk we doutt nocht bot your Maieftie will fie tymuflie perfytit. Be the quhilk, and the choife off theis tuo wther Bifchoppis, we heir your Maieftie hes thocht meit to poffes York and Duram,1 in refpect of the conformetie of difpofitionis, to rander in fum meffour (nochtwithftanding of greit difficulteis) contentit ferweice to your Maieftie. All the particularis to this ferweice, fince forder we now pre- foime nocht to fafche vour Maieftie, we remit to my Lord of Glafco and Orknayis declaratioune ; bott fpeciallie to your Hynes Commifiioner, the Laird off Lowreftoune, quhois fidelitie, diligence, conftancie, in refifting thois wald witheftand your Maiefteis defigne, quhilkis number thocht they be mony, and that of the beft fort, quhilkis now at his haime- cuming hes greitlie increft, fince they can nocht terrifie him, fcikis be all meinis to difgraice him. Bot the abfoluite confidence he hes ewer fund be your Maiefteis gratius allowance of his lytill indevoiris
1 Upon the vacancy in the primacy of York, in 1606, Dr Tobias Matthew was trans- lated from Durham, and Dr William James was appointed his successor. John Thorn- borough, Bishop of Bristol, so highly commended in the previous letter for his zeal " against Papists and Puritans," was the author of two tracts on the Union of the Two Kingdoms, in 1604. He was preferred from Bristol to the See of Worcester, in 1618.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 37
fuallowis wp all difficult eis, thocht muche he hes to do to wndergo thaime. Wiffing to your Maieftie ane long, happie, and profperous reigne, we humblie takis our leiff. At Edinburgh, the tuantie nynte day of Januar 1606.
Your Maiefteis moft humbill obedient luiffing Subjects and Serwitoris
An. Iylis. Murraye. Galloway.
J. Caldcleuchte. A. Forbes Catnes. M. A. Lamb.
To the Kingis moft excellent Sacreid Maieftie.
XXIII.— MR JAMES NICOLSON, MINISTER OF MEIGLE, TO KING JAMES.
Please youre maist excellent and gracious Majestie.
Albeit the reverence of youre Majefteis facred perfon hes at all tyraes ftayed me from prefuming to importune your Majeftie by any meanes, and now prineipallie quhen in all places your Majefties name is fo highlie advanced as ane of maift rare exemples of God's bountiful- nes : Yit the manifolde teftimonies of your Majefties undeferved favour baith bindis and geves me bauldnes to prefent my humble and hartye thankis for all your Majefties benefites and guidnes fa gratiouflie witch- aifing, to remember and efteme worthie of reward the unprofitable labouris of ane unworthie fervand, quho in na wayis can ever merite at your Maiefties hand, and yit is mair nor fuperflouuflie rewardit ; for gif in me there be any thing quhairby I micht be thought hable to do youre Majeftie feruice agreable, quhat is it bot the leatt and meaneft crummes of fome of youre Majefties awin learned and wyfe difcourfes, and the credite I have to ferve thairby, bot the favour of your Majefties countenance ; and heirunto it hes pleifit your Majeftie to joyne ane honeft moyen, quhairby I live throuch your Majefties liberalitie with- out the burdening of any, fa that my fervice can by na refon have this
38 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
ufe to procure a farther obligation of your Majefties guidwil, but onlie to tcftifie the thankfulnes of my affeclion for all youre Majefties gracious favouris, quhairof gif it pleafe the Lord to affift me, I never mynd to be oblivious, nor to omit any point of fervice that may be acceptable to your Majeftie, fa lang as God fal geve habilitie and lyfe, being acquentit with youre Majefties godly intentiones, as I have bene at all occafiones thir tvmes bygane, be youre Majefties wyfe and trufty counfallour, my Lord of Bahnerinoch, quhofe guid advyfes, I man profes, lies fervcd alwayes to direct me in quhatfoever I have done richtlie in your Majefties fervice. Sa, with all humble affe&ion, taking my leave of youre gracious Majeftie, I pray God to bleffe your Majeftie with the continuall incres of all hea- vinlie graces and profperitie.
Youre Majefties affectionate and continual Orator,
Ja. Nicolson. [6 February 1606.']
To the Kingis Maieftie.
XXIV.— THE EARL OF DUNFERMLINE TO KING JAMES.
Maist Sacred Soueraine,
It lies pleafed your maift gracious Hienes, be your feverall letters, geiue me thankes for the performing of your Sacred Majefteis ferwice at Lynlythquhow, and alfo for my goodwill to fett fordward your Hienes maift worthie, wyfe, and royall deffenge in reftitutioun of the Eftaitt of Bifchioppis.
What ewer I hawe done or may doe, I can nocht think my felfe bot
1 Indorsed, — " Mr James Nicolson, 6 February, geues thankes to his Majestie for his Bishoprik." The year in which this letter was written is not marked ; but the two preced- ing letters allude distinctly to Nicolson's proposed advancement to the See of Dunkeld, although his actual admission to the office may not have taken place till the beginning of IG07 ; the King having " tymouslie perfytit" the arrangement with the titular Bishop.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 39
ane onproffitable ferwant, onhable to attayne in onye meafure, to that dewtie your maift Gracious Hienes worthie, raire, excellent, and infinit vertues, or innumerable benefittes bellowed on me1 bindis me to. Now that your Sacred Majefties favorable and gracious judgement fould accept that for effecl; of good ferwice, that I attayne, in all humilitie and reuer- ence, to the acknaulegement of my dewtie, and that my goodwill and dew intentioun to doe what I maye or can in your Hienes fervice is interprett and accepted be the benignitie of your Hienes gracious minde, for accomplifchement and good payment, is mair favour and greatar benefit, nor my lyff, nor onye thinge that I am ewer hable to doe, can acquyte, I may weell in my thoghtis (and that fame fcantlie aneuche) rekkin or imagin, quhow far I am bund to goe in your Sacred Majefties ferwice, and quhow to reverence and obey all your Hienes worthie and gracious commandementis. Bot to doe anye thing worthie off thankes, I acknavledge abowe my reatche, abowe my habilitie, and abowe my capacitie : That may proceid onlye from the fontaine off all my good fortunes, your maift gracious Majefties clemencye, whilk onlye is hable to mak me baithe to interpryfe, and to doe in your Sacred Majefties fer- wice, mair nor my awin ftrenthe or habilitie, may extend to, and to doe be your Gracious Majefties ordonance, that whilk off my felff I nather may nor can doe. Your maift gracious Hienes directiounes will mak all impoffibilities poffible, and all difficulteis eafie and plaine. Thus pray- ing the Eternall, lang to preferve your Sacred Majeftie, and all your Royall progenie, in all felicitie, maift humblie kneeling to your Sacred handes, I refte,
Your Sacred Maiefties maift humbill and obedient SubjecT; and Seruitour,
Edinburght, 7° Februarij 1606. Dunfermeling.
To the King his excellent Maieftie.
1 Alexander Setoun, Lord Fyvie, President of the Court of Session, had recently been appointed Lord Chancellor of Scotland ; and at this time had been raised to the higher dignity in the Peerage as Earl of Dunfermline.
40 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1600.
XXV.— THE ARCHBISHOP OF ST ANDREWS TO HIS MAJESTY
KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Soverane,
It may pleafe your moft excellent Maieftie : I haive feene your Maiefteis dire&ioun fent to the Earle of Dunbar anent Mr David Lynd- faye his intemperance in preachinge. I haive tane baldnes to give anfuer and avyfe in maift humble and fubmiffe maner. The man vas input be your Maieftie vpon my rafche and oft repented fute.1 He hes oft done veill aganes the feditious, albeit inconftantlie. The vordes that he fpak, to my gryt greiff, war to reprehend your Maieftie for tolera- tioun and advancinge off Papiftes, quha euer foght your Maieftois wrak ; and this was efter that I had congratulat to the peipill your Maiefteis laitt wonderfull delyverie. Efter fermon I couveined the Baillies and Counfell, and fent thame to him, to querrell him for his vnreverent ufage ; quhilk wrocht this effect, that the daye followinge he preached ane Palinod, fa impudenthe flatteringe to your Maiefteis praife, and vilipend- inge all the Princes of Europe be name, in your Maiefteis refpe6t, that all men efteimed he was makand penance for the former dayes infolence with fupererogatioun. Thus this foole is nocht worthie of your Maiefteis wrathe ; and as for me, I will nocht give advyfe to honour fick ane with public!; cenfure at fie ane tyme. I hawe advyfed with your Maiefteis moft truftie fervantis of our focietie, quha thinkes meit to tranfport him, but noyce, to a Landwart kirk, and to affume to me ane mor vyfe and faft, quhilk your Maieftie fall fee accompliffed, but your Maiefteis em- pefchement.
1 After Mr Robert Wallace, the Second Minister of St Andrews, had been deposed by the King's order, Lindesay, as here stated, was admitted to that charge, 17th August 1597. But in consequence of the above remonstrance, he was translated to the land- wart kirk, or adjoining parish of Forgan, or St Fillans. From thence he was brought to Leith, in 1609, as colleague to his aged namesake, David Lindesay, Bishop of Ross who died in 1613). He was die author of " The Godly Man's Journey," printed at London, 1625 ; and continued as Minister of Leith, till his death in January 1627.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIKS. 41
My Lord of Dunbar hes employed him felff fa faythfullie, eafaldlie, and fortunatlie in this lait fervice, that I prefume to advyfe your Ma- ieftie to give him credit in your Maiefteis fervice, in our gryteft turne in this Parliament : ' for quhatfumeuer is glanfed to your Maieftie in the contraire, is aither panici terrores or prevaricatioun. Sir, I lacke moyen to do quhat I wald in your Maiefteis fervice. I heir daylie foule vani- ties, quhilkis I think I am called to repreffe. I want formall rycht and rent. Supplie this, Sir, in this your approchinge Court, and than ye fall nocht neid to wreit hither, but the punifched fall feik thither, toward your Maieftie, for obteininge pardone. Finallie, your Maiefteis erandis, in the credit off the Earle of Dunbar, or of ane off lyk difpofitioun, is heir poffibill and eafie. Non debet fub tali tantoque Principe precarium e/Je Imperium. Thus I humblie recommend your Maiefteis perfoun and eftait to God his mercifull providence. I remaine,
Your Maiefties maift humble Oratour and obedient Servant,
Sanctandkois. Edinburghe, nynt of Februar 1606.
To the Kings moft excellent Maiefty.
XXVI.— THE SYNOD OF ABEKDEEN TO KING JAMES.
Sir,
It may pleas yowr moft Excellent Majeftie : Wee your Majefties maift humbill fubjeclis of the Synode of the Province of Abirdein, lamen- tabillie offeris to your Majeftie the greiffis of the Kirk and all good men in owr boundis : quhilkis, except yowr Majeftie provyde fpeedie remeid,
1 That is, in the the prospect of carrying through the proposed Act " Anent the res- titution of the Estate of Bischoppis," in the approaching Parliament, which was held at Perth on the 9th of July. The Earl of Montrose, however, was still continued as his Ma- jesty's Commissioner.
F
42 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
baith Kirk and Commoneweill ar licklie to fall in ane miferabill confu- fione in thir North pairtis of yowr Majefties realme.
Firft, That Mr Jlione Hammiltoun, Mr James Setone, Luis Gordone, and vtheris vncowth Preiftis and Jefuitis vnder them, ar receat, and is hard faying Mane in Cathnes, Sudderland, and this Province, be great men, and vtheris vnder them ; abufing the Sacrament off Baptifme to their infantis, fparfling Hammiltonis blafphemous new book amangft them, and feducing them everie way, that ar fimpill.
Secondlie, That the Lairdis of Gicht and Newtone, excommunicat Papiilis, cheiff manteinaris off thefe thingis, ar fufferit, and no ordour tain with them.
Thirdlie, That quhen the Miniftrie of the Synodis of Abirdein and Murray laboris, be the cenfuris of the Kirk, to reduce my Lord Marques off Huntlie and Earll of Erroll to the acknawleging off the trewth, and leaving off Papiftrie, they ar continualhe difchargit be yowr Majefties letteris of horning.
Fowrtlie, That ane great number of Kirkis planted in this countrey ar leaft altogidder defolat, be the lang continewing in ward of their Paftoris, feing the maift pairt of vther Kirkis ar vnplantit.
Fyfthe, Be this occafione the maift pairt of the reft of the Miniftrie ar contemnit and raylit vpon, and their doctrine not hard, and difcip- line mocked, and Jefuitis enteris in the Kirkis and parochinis wanting Paftoris.
In Commoneweill.
Firft, Monie deadlie feadis aryfin, amangft Forbeffis and Irwingis, Lefiyes and Leythis, quhilk ar licklie, be thair pairties, to draw on the baill countrey to bloodie fa6tionis.
Secondlie, That everie man that pleafis, wearis gunis, piftolis, rydis with jackis, fpearis, and knopflaiais, without controlment.
Befeiking heirfoir yowr Majeftie, in all humihtie and reuerence, to caus and command the faidis enormities to be ftayit, that yowr Majefties
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 43
good fubje&is off thir partis may live in the fear and fervice of their God, and yowr Majefties obedience ; and fo the glorie of God and his trewth being reuerencit, yowr Majeftie may procure the contynuance of His bleffing, and profperows reigne, to your felff, and peace to your Majefties good fubje&is ; and fo praying moft earneftfullie for the famen, wee tak owr leaue : from our Synod at Abirdein, the twentie day off Februar 1606 yeirs.
Your Majefties humbill fervitoris and dayhe Oratoris,
Mr Jon. Strathauchan,
Moderator to the Synode.
P. Blackburne.
Mr E. Reid,
Scrybe to the Affemblie.
To the Kingis moft excellent Maiettie.
XXYII.— THE BISHOP OF ROSS TO KING JAMES.
Pleise your Maiestie,
Being informit of fume reports writtin to your Maieftie off me, and heiring the treuth of the fame be my Lord of Dumbar, I thoucht my dewtie was, albeit I haue writtin to dyverfe vthers, to informe your Maieftie be my awin letter. I truft I am the Minifter lewing in Scot- land that firft your Maieftie was acquentit with,1 and fence that tyme how cairfull I haue bene to ferwe your Maieftie, and to do all dewties that lay in my power, I refer to your Maiefties confideratioun. I wald
1 At the first nomination of Presbyterian Ministers to particular charges, by the Committee of Parliament, in July 1560, Mr David Lyndesay was appointed to Leith. Forty years later, in November 1600, he was one of three Presbyterian ministers on whom King James conferred the title of Bishop, with the privilege to sit and vote in Parliament.
44 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
haue bene werie laith now, in my auld days, to hawe brokin, and fpecialie being provockit be your Maiefties gryt fawour, to haue be- eumit wnthankfull. I refer to the haill Counfall convenit in San6t Jhonftoune, quhat trawell I tuik with the Minifters that was fumound to that dyet to gang fra thair Declynatur ; as alfo that meiting of Aber- deiner and how, of the fewinteine that war fumound, I perfwaidit ten to fubfcrywe obidience ;' as alfo how eirnift I was at Edinbrugh, quhair Maifter Johne Forbus compeirit and his brethren, to haue had tham fatiffiing your Maieftie, fchawing the gryt offence your Heines had con- fawit of thair doingis, and fpecialie the wilfull menteining of the fame ; as alfo quhat hurte it broucht on the Kirk and on thair flocks, quha war deftitut of preiching ; by thair awin perticular hurts. Surlie it never come in my mynd outher to menteine the meiting of Aberdeine or yit thair Declynator. I truft my Lord of Dumbar can declair quhat he lies hard of this mater, and giwe ony of the Counfall wes abill to burthing me with it. I houp, be the grace of God, to end ane honeft and fayth- full fubject with your Maieftie, or else I wald my days war cutit af. It fall not be the fecreit furmeiffes that fall alter my hairt fra your Heines gud obidience ; alwayfe I refer to your Maiefties awin difcretioun to pounder the intentiouns of fie deilers, quha, quhen they can not get juft accufatiouns, invents fie purpoiffes, not fimplie aganis me, but rather aganis that Eftait.2 Lewing to trubill your Maieftie with any farder difcours, and crawing ane long and profperous reigne to your Heines and pofteritie, commits your Maieftie to the prote&ioun of God, with my daylie prayer for your Heines preferwatioun from the handis of all your enimies. Frome Leith this fewint of Marche [1606].
Tour Maiefties maift humble SubiecT;,
Ross. To the Kings moft excelent Maieftie.
1 See supra, p. 29. s The Estate of Bishops.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 45
XXVHL— MR JOHN JOHNSTON, PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS, TO KING JAMES.
It is not unknawen to your Maift Excellent Majeftie what haue bene my endewouris and trauaills in adwancing the College leving, wherevpon my Collegues hafe adwancit them felfs with latle or no regard to me ; In refpecT; wheireof, with confideration of my gude affec- tione and trauells, approued be your Majeftie, in fetting furth the memories of your Majefties maift noble progenitoris,1 it may pleafe your Highnes to putt your Royall hand to this my prefent fute, to encourage me in my calling, and for releif of my houfhald and famehe, and heirby to remember your maift excellent Majeftie in my humble prayers for your Hienes long and profperous Regne. Dinninow, the xiiij of March 1606.
Your maift excellent Majesties moft humble Orator,
Mr Jhone Jonston. To his maift excellent Majeftie.
XXIX.— THE BISHOPS OF ST ANDREWS, GALLOWAY, AND CAITHNESS,
TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Souerane,
May it pleis your Majeftie : hauing felt be experience that thir jaloufies betuyx us and the Confallours haue bein uerie prejudiciall to
1 One of the works published by Johnston, and evidently that to which he alludes, was his volume of Latin verses, commemorating the Kings of Scotland in succession, from Fergus the First to James the Sixth, entitled " Inscriptiones Historicae Regum Seot- orum." It was printed at Amsterdam, 1602, 4to, and contains a series of ten engraved portraits of the Royal family of the Stewarts.
46 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
your Hienes feruice, and furnifheid mater to the feditius bothe in the Kirk and Police, to hald forduard thair myfcheuous attemptatis for dif- quyiting bothe the parteis, quhois fead, as thay foftered, fo thay fought the wrak of bothe, we thought fitteft to redintegrat olde freindfcheip, and to remove all occafiouns of fufpicioune : amid noui nonfunt weteribus ante ponendi. And it is found, that as in a naturall bodie, fo in a poli- tick, confueta infuetis meliora licet deteriora ; wpon which ground, confer- ence is drauen on betuyx us and my Lord Prefident, this Freday, the fourtein of this inftant, quhairin we haue mad[e] difcouerie eache to others of the finifter fuggeftiouns, calumnies, and caufes of mifconftruc- tioune, quharby, with too great creduhtie on bothe fydes, we haue beine diftra&ed : that mater is fullie quyeted uithe great contentment and mutuall fatiffa&ioune, quhill we efpy quhat hinderance to your Hienes feruiceis this breache hes wrocht, and how effe&uall a meane our reioyn- ing fhall be for the unrefiftable profequtioune of all your Majefties princelie defignes. The troublers wold neuer haue prefumed to fuche licentioufnes, ather aganft the State or our perfones, if thai had not fancied, that in anoying us thai pleafed the Statefmen ; bot, be God his grace, thai falbe catched in thair auine fnares. Your Majefties Con- fallours, Civill and Ecclefiaftick, fall fing, JEcce quam bonum, et quam jucundum, &c. We defyre to furwive thois broils, that, be our loyall feruice, we may, according to our places, exoner your Majeftie of theis wnfeiming fafcheries, and in fume meafure acquyt your Majefties conftant and undiferued affe&ioune to our Eftat and perfones. Refering forder to the truft off your Majefties faithfull feruand Laurenftoune, we humblie befeik God [for] your Majefties grace and hapines.
Your Majefteis moft humble fervitores and daylie Oratours
Sanctandrois. Galloway. Edinburghe, 15 Marche 1606. A. Forbes, Catnes.
To the Kinge his moft excellent Majeftie.
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 47
XXX.— THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS TO KING JAMES.
Most Sacred Soverane,
It may pleas your mofte Excellent Maieftie : We hawe taken baldnes to be humble fulteris to your Hienes for the Widow and Sonne of vmquhile John Durie, minifter at Montrofs,1 quha in his lyiftyme was a mofte devoted fervant and oratour to your Maieftie : his Sonne is a guid minifter and ane honeft fubiecl;, and frack in thais your Maiefteis fer- viceis. The fuite is a confirmatioun in this Parliament of ane fmall penfioun granted be your Maieftie, and ratified of befoir in Parliament, quherof thay hawe bene continewallie and ar in poffefiioun. Your Maiefteis princelie inclinatioun to religious pitie, and to rememberance of your fmalleft weill-harted fervantis, geweis ws efperance of pardoun for this our hardiment, and of fpeid in this our maift humble media- tioun. Thus the Eternall preferve your Maiefteis royall perfone and eftate in all grace and happienes, we abyde,
Tour Maiefteis mofte humble fubie&is and affe&ionat Oratouris,
An. Itles. Sanctandrois.
Ja. Orknay. Glasgo.
Alexb. Catnes. Galloway.
Edinburgh, 17 Maij 1606.
To the King his moift excellent Maieftie.
1 John Durie was appointed one of the ministers of Edinburgh by the General Assem- bly, in August 1573. In 1584, he was deprived of his charge by the King, and confined to Montrose, where he afterwards became minister. The grant of an annual pension of seven score pounds Scots to him, his wife, and Mr Josua Durie their son, or to the longest liver, out of the feumails of the Lordship of Altrie (in Aberdeenshire), on the 7th August 1590, was confirmed by Parliament, 5th June 1592, and shows that he had
48 ORIGINAL LETTERS RELATING [1606.
XXXI.— KING JAMES TO MR WILLIAM SCOTT, MINISTER OF CUPAR.
James E.
Trufty and welbeloued, Wee greete yow well. Our earneft de- fire to enterteyne that happie peace in the Church of our Kingdome of Scotland, which, with great care and trauell, wee left vniuerfallie efta- blifhed therein at our remouing hether, hauing fince bene manifefted by our letters to the mofte parte of the Synodes of that realme, and to diuers our Commiflioners, by mifliues and inftruclions, afwell verball as in writing, and more perfectlie ratified by letters written to our Counfell with our owne hande, proporting moft cleare teftimonyes of the con- stancy of our loue to all well affected members of that body ; which, by Proclamations and imprinted Declarations, was likewyfe fo folemnly pub- lifhed, as the notoriety thereof could be vnknowne to none but fuch as, through wilfull fenceleffnefs, wolde neyther heare nor fee. Hauing, neuertheles, fo litle prseualed with fome incredulous, wilfull, ingrate, and malicioufly difpofed perfons, as fome of them haue not forborne rafhly to contemne and difobey our auctority, charges, and commandements, and fo ftubburnly to perfifte in their contumacy, as their malicious obftinacy hath forced vs to intende greater rigor againft them then our inclination allowes, yet far les then their offences did deferue : And others
succeeded in regaining the King's favour. The Act professes that it was conferred by the King in reward for " the greit, lang, and ernest travellis and labouris sustenit be his lovit oratour Joiixne Dury, minister of Goddis word at Montrois, in the trew preach- ing of Goddis word, besydes the greit chargis and expenssis made be him thir mony yeiris bygane in avanceing the publict effayris of the Kirk ; and thairwith all remem- bering the greit houshald and famelie of barnis quhairwith he is burdynnit," &c. — (Acta Pari. Scot., vol. iii. p. 551.)
John Durie died at Montrose, 25th February 1600. It was in reference to the continu- ance of his pension that the above petition of the Bishops was made, and which seems to have had the effect of securing its renewal, by a new Act, on the 9th July 1606. — (lb. vol. iv. p. 311.) Apparently after the death of Durio's widow, this grant was again rati- fied in favour of Sir Josua Durie, then minister of St Andrews, Eupheme M'Kane his spouse, and John Durie their son, 23d October 1612. — (lb. p. 501.)
1606.] TO ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS. 49
haue praefumed, in pulpitt, fooliihlie to iuilifie the obftinate and malicious proceedinges of their brethrene, and therewith to flaunder our iufte comma ndements and lawfull proceedinges of our Counfell : As alfo, the Synodes being required, by our letters and Commiflioners directed to them, to prouide for their owne partes, fo far as in them lay, to giue vs aflurance that certeyne Actes eftablyfhed in former Affemblyes, necef- fary for the peace and well of the Church, particularly expreffed in our Inftrudtions fent to them, might be ordeyned by them not to be pro- pounded, treated, or altered at the next Generall Aflembly, which wee know to be more fitte to be vntouched and ouer-paft at the fame, than that any mentioun fhoulde ther be made of them, leaft thereby occafioun fhould arif e of diftra&ion in the Church, and offence to ourfelues : Yet they fo litle regarded the earneftnes of our requeft, as their anfwers vniuerfally tended to a prefent delay, without any affurance to vs of their performing at the Aflembly of that which, for their owne well, Wee fo earneftlie vrged ; wherein finding a more generall oppofition to our iuft petition then Wee could euer haue exfpe&ed in any fuch cafe, thefe thinges, and other weighty reafons, haue moued vs hereby to wille and commaunde yow, all excufes fette afide, not to faille with diligence to repaire towardes vs before the fyftenth day of September nexte, to the intent Wee may that day begin with your felfe, and fuch