The historie of the reformation of the Church of Scotland containing five books : together with some treatises conducing to the history.

To the Reader.

Christian Reader,

HEre I present unto thee a Piece, I dare promise, worthy of thy read∣ing; wherein thou hast a true and plain Relation (without disgui∣sing) of many memorable Passages happened in the Church of God, and likewise some notable ones in the State of the Kingdom of Scot∣land, from the very first setling of State and Church in that Coun∣trey. But namely, and chiefly, thou hast here related what princi∣pally passed in Church and State in this our Countrey, during the great Work of purging the Church from the Superstitions and Idolatry, and freeing both Church and State from the Tyranny and Slavery of Popery, untill the coming of King James, our late Soveraign, to the Crown of Scotland. Further, beside the true and faithfull Relation of many Occurrences that fell out in these dayes in Scot∣land, thou hast unfolded unto thee, and made plain, the strong Reasons, and neces∣sery Causes that moved these men who are here named, although infirm and weake in themselves, to undergo the great Work of Reformation: With the solid Grounds upon which they went on with this weighty Businesse willingly and cheerfully, not∣withstanding the great rubs and difficulties they met withall, through the help and assistance of God, who by them, mean Instruments, brought things to passe, in de∣spight of the malice and stratagems of Sathan, with his agents, for the good of his People, and the setling of his Church in Purity and Liberty.

All these things are set down plainly and simply, in familiar and homely Lan∣guage; Yet so, that they may be with ease apprehended and understood by any one. From what thou hast here, written in this Volume, although there were no other Writings in this kinde extant, thou mayest see easily, by what means the great Mystery of Iniquity, from the very first Rise, hath been set afoot, and constantly, ever since, hath been carried on; to wit, By cunning Devices, impudent Lyes, continued and crafty Plots, under specious Pretexts, and open Oppression, Tyran∣ny, and Cruelties, within Scotland, till the yeer of Christ 1567. After which time, the enemies of God, and of his People, have not been sleeping, till this pre∣sent, more then formerly. Wherefore, for thy good, Christian Reader, I have thought fit in this place to point at some main Occurrences from that time till now.

First then, the adversaries of Truth and Goodnesse, under the specious Pre∣text of restoring Queen Mary to her Liberty, and of re-establishing her in full Authority, and sole Power, did disquiet and trouble both Church and State in Scotland, both with open Force, and subtill Plots, for some yeers, that is, to the 1573 yeer. But finding that all their Undertakings, under this pretext, proved to be in vain, and without successe, and standing to their main Designe of undoing

Religion and Liberty, they bethought themselves of another way, in appearance more plausible, for compassing their wicked Intents; it was, To deal, by way of entreaty and request, with the chief Ministers of State and Church then, To have the Mother set at liberty, and to be joynt in Authority and Power with her Son. And, for the obtaining of this, was employed the credit of the French Court for the time, with all its skill and cunning; but to small purpose: For these rude fellows, who managed the publike Affairs then of State and Church, could not be corrupted with the French Complements. In this way the enemies continued, till the yeer 1577, and did not then give over, notwithstanding their bad successe; but, according to their wonted and resolved custome, they went on with their De∣signe, betaking themselves to a new course; wherein, they had indeed more successe then in either of the former two: It was this; They did set awork certain men, who with fair words, and flattering tales, so craftily dealt with the young King, hardly yet twelve yeers of age, that they made him cast off, as a yoke, the counsell and service of those, who, ever since his Birth-day, had carefully laboured for the good of State and Church, with the pereservation of his Authority, and safety of his Person: And so the inconsiderate young King, although of most nimble wit and knowing, above his yeers, under the shew of freedom, put himself in the power of those who wished no good to his Person and Authority, and as little to the Church and State, making no scruple to trouble both for their own ends, according to the Instructions of the Masters who set them awork. So, in very short time, they gave unto the young King such impressions (which did stick too much to him) that not onely he became averse from those who had been so usefull to the publike, and so serviceable to him, but also he suffered them to be persecuted, yea, some by death, and others by banishment.

While the enemies were thus working businesse with us in Scotland, they were not idle with our neighbours in England; for they were contriving and plotting, under colour of setting the imprisoned Queen at liberty: And were gone so far on in this way in both Kingdoms, that to stop the course and progresse of the enemies, both Countries thought it necessary to enter into a mutuall League and Covenant one with another, for the defence of the Reformed Religion, and Liberties of both Kingdoms, with the preservation of the Persons and Authorities of both Princes, King James and Queen Elizabeth, against the common enemy. This was done by the consent of both Princes, in the yeer 1686.

After this, the enemy seeing the warinesse of both Kingdoms to be such, that in a short time he was not likely to advance the main Designe according to his minde, by craft and cunning leaveth off for a time to act the part of the Fox, and openly de∣clares himself to be a ravishing Wolf: So the yeer 1588 the Armado cometh a∣gainst both Kingdoms, which God, in his mercy unto our fathers and us, brought to nought. About this time, and some yeers before, the agents of the enemy were very busie with King James to break with England, and to revenge the hard usage, and ill treatment of his Mother: But God did direct him so, for his own good, that he did give no consent to their evil counsell. Upon this refusall of the Kings, the agents of the common enemy do bestir themselves to trouble both King and Kingdom; which they did in a high measure, in the yeer 1595. This gave occasion then both to Prince and people to enter into Covenant for the defence of the Truth, and pure Doctrine of the Church, with the Reformed Discipline, and of the safety of the King and King∣dom; by which means, the proceedings of the enemies was stopped for a while.

Now the time drawing neer of the Kings coming to the Crown of England, the watching enemy returns to work again, in another manner then he had done hi∣therto; which was this: By the mouths of some timerous and worldly men, he causeth to present unto the King the consideration of great difficulties that he was likely to finde, in his succeeding to the Crown of England, by two parties there, who were given out to be the Strength of the Kingdom; to wit, the profest Papists, and the Prelaticall men; therefore, to facilitate the businesse, they must be in some sort contented. For the satisfaction of the Prelates, the King, by degrees, must endeavour to bring again into Scotland Prelacy, with all its dependences; for no neglecter or contemner of the holy Order could be kindely received to reigne in England: and so this part of the advice was followed with all possible care and diligence. To content the Papists, they not onely must have given unto them un∣der-hand hopes of connivence, and over seeing their practice; but also there must be a Letter written to the Pope, to assure his Holinesse of the Kings affection to the Catholike Cause. Thus both these parties were calmed so far, that the King came to the Crown of England, Anno 1602, without manifest opposition, albeit not without the grumbling and grudging of some. As for the stricter sort of Profes∣sors of the Reformed Religion, going under the nick-name of Puritans, no oppositi∣on or trouble to the Succession was feared from them, because the Principles upon which they go on, rising from the Word of God, are far other then those of world∣lings, which flow from interest, and consequently, they needed not Atonement, or Propitiatory Sacrifice, to befriend the King. But the holy Father not finding reall performance by the King of what he looked for, remembers the King in good earn∣est of his promise not kept, by the Gun-powder Plot, Anno 1605. After which (by Gods mercy failing) men would have thought, that the Popish party should leave off all undertakings hereafter. But they follow their businesse more constantly then so; for no sooner one Plot fails, but incontinent they put another afoot; yea, they have severall Plots at one and the same time in hand, whereof it is likely that either one or other will take. Now this great Plot of the Gun-powder being come to nothing, they, as it were, go back for a time, to come forward in due season with another; and leaving for a while the open and devouring ravishing of the Wolf, they have recourse again to the cunning of the Fox.

The next care then, after the calming in some measure the spirits of men, after so horrid a Treason, is to look about, and to studie by whom: he affairs of these Dominions were managed: And finding, by serious inspection, That all affairs received great influence from the Court, after mature deliberation, they resolved to make friends there; which they did, by subtill insinuations, fair words, high promises, and some reall performances of good Offices; yea, when money was abso∣lutely necessary, it was not spared. Thus, by degrees, having gotten friends at Court, in it they make a party next, for whose subsistence and increase, they em∣ploy all that they can. Now having power and credit at Court, more and clearly perceiving it to be the fountain from whence all preferment to Honour and benefit in Church and State did flow, they judged it fit for their purpose to make sure of some prime men both in Church and State, according to their minde▪ which was done as they desired. Thus having gained men chief in State and Church for their use, then they went to the corrupting of the Universities, being the Seminaries of all Liberall Education. This likewise they did effectuate; first, by the Over-seers con∣nivence to loosenesse of life in young people; next, by the bad example of the Seniors

the Iuniors were invited to do mischief. Then the Teachers, by their bad instru∣ction, did corrupt, namely, in Theologie, all sound Doctrine. And for this purpose, the earnest studie of the Old Testrment in the Originall Hebrew was cryed downe, as beseeming rather men of the Synagogue, then those of the Christian Schools. Likewise the Greek of the New Testament must not be read with diligence, for fear of spoyling the elegancy of the Greek Language, which is to be found in profane Authors. So they withdrew the Students from the studie of Scriptures in the Originall, and recommended to them the reading of humane Writings, particularly in Theologie, the Books of the Ancients, which are commonly called Fathers. Like∣wise was recommended unto young men the studie of the Sophistry of the Monks, as of Thomas and Scotus namely, with their Expositors. True it is, That if young men were well instructed in Theologie from the Scriptures, and taught the true Principles of Philosophie, in a setled course, by some judicious and diligent Professor, they might reade all these Books, and others in their kinde, with plea∣sure and benefit. But alas, young men not knowing the rudiments of Theologie, nor the first Elements of Philosophie, are let loose unto themselves, and so by read∣ing these Books, having no sure ground to stick to, learn onely to doubt, and put Queries, yea, of the very Principles of all sound knowledge, both Divine and Hu∣mane. Thus being brought to waver and doubt, they are easily led, what by inte∣rest, what by weaknesse, to embrace a bad Opinion; or at least, to hold all uncertain, as the ancient Scepticks, not being able to resolve: Yea, doubting is come to that height, that, in the opinion of many, he is the bravest fellow, and wittiest, that can raise most Queries, answer them who will or can: And so Wit is hugely cryed up, which is but meer froth; and poor solid Wisedom is not so much as named, or thought on.

Then those of the richer sort, having spent some time idly and loosely at the Uni∣versities, go beyond Sea, particularly to Italy, forsooth, either upon their own trust, or, which is little better, if not worse, many of those who go along with young men, to advise and direct them, have as much need of one for their guide, as the young men themselves; having neither staidnesse, discretion, nor probity. So that if there were a just account cast up of all those who either have been bred in the Universities, or gone beyond Sea these many yeers, I will speak within compasse, That of twenty you shall hardly finde one who is improved in vertue by this Breeding, for the good of the Church and State, whereof they are members, and perhaps considerable too, if they were wise and good. At this present both Church and State findes this to be true, by wofull experience, namely, in the Clergie, Gentry, and Nobility.

Now these evils have not been in England alone, for Scotland, according to its proportion, in compasse of Bounds, numbers of people, provision of means, and in its distance from Court, hath its full share of all the evil: For first, the Schools of breeding young people at home were become very corrupt; and many in their travelling abroad, have either miscarried, or little benefited themselves: The fruit we have found, namely, in our corrupt Clergie, yea, and in some of our infatuated Gentry and Nobility: but blessed be God, things are now in a better posture and con∣stitution there, then they have been formerly; God grant we may have occasion to say the like of England. For Religion, sound knowledge, and true wisedome, with probity have been so neglected and contemned there, to the ignominy and reproach of Christianity, that in these times, there we have seen the dolefull effects of want of Religion, and of these other vertues. But to return to the Court.

The Popish party, although they had both power and credit at Court, yet they were not assured to go on so smoothly and speedily with the great Designe, so long as there were any of eminency there, of whom they could not be certain: So Prince Henry was first wished to be out of the way, next, by untimely death was taken away, to the grief of many honest men. This conceived Remora being laid aside, they resolve to go on more freely in their Designe. But although they had gained much upon the affection of the King, yet they can suffer him to expresse the No∣tions of Religion and wisedom, both by word and writing: Yea, they will yeeld him to follow so far his former Principles, as to match his daughter to one of his Profession: so he marries the Lady Elizabeth to the Prince Elector Palatine, although it was not altogether so pleasing to some chief ones at Court then. These things passed, in the yeer 1613. who, although they would not stop the Marriage to go on, yet they managed the businesse so, that they hindered the Prince Elector Palatine to receive the advantages which in reason he should have had by vertue of it, as help and ayd at his need, &c.

Here we must make a little step beyond Sea, and presently return back. Now then, we must know, That as the Popish party have been very busie in these our Do∣minions, in carrying on the Work of the great Designe of subjecting all to the Pope, directly, or indirectly; so in other places, where Idolatry and Tyranny had been cast off, they have not been sleeping nor idle, namely, in our neighbour Coun∣treys; where, when they had made things up for a combustion of War, by their crafty forecasting divisions and corruptions in life and Doctrine of men of place, they kindled the fire; witnesse the businesse of Barnevel in the Low Countreys, in the yeer 1619. And not long thereafter, the troubles raised in France against the Professors of the Truth; then in Germany likewise, having all things ready for a War, as they were thinking that the two Houses of Saxe, to wit, the Weymerian, and the now Electorall, was most fit and easie to be embroyled, by rea∣son of the emulation of the Weymerian against the other, for the Electorall Dig∣nity; taken from it, and given to the other: But conveniently for their purpose, the Elector Palatine being made King of Bohemia, the great agent of the Pope, the House of Austria, takes occasion to make War against him, leaving the House of Saxe, &c. Now to come home again.

King James by this time is turned about, and his affection so much cooled and turned from the Protestant party distressed, that for all help or supply to the Pro∣testants of France, he sends complements by Embassadours, with fair promises. And for his son-in-Law, with other Protestants his adherents in Germany, he did little more; so senselesse is he of the sufferings of Jacob, and unmindefull of his own interest, by suffering those in France and Germany to perish, who not onely did so much honour him, but they being preserved, made him the most redoubt∣ed and considerable Prince in Christendom. To speak nothing of his tye by nature unto his own children. Then, contradicting his own published Dictates, he must seek after a Popish wife for his son; and, to hasten the businesse, the young Prince must be sent into Spain, where he had two men by whom he was then advised; who, although they did not love one another, yet they did agree among them∣selves, To betray their old Master, with their Countrey, and their young Master in their company; whom they theu counselled to embrace Popery, and by writing engage himself unto the Pope. This is upon Record. At last, the Prince cometh home without the wife, which was never really intended for him, howsoever

things were given out, notwithstanding all the pains of the young Prince, and the earnest sollicitude of the Father, with the compliance of both. If it had not been for the hatred to the Palatine House, and fear of its advancement to the succession of those Dominions, the Prince never had seen this Island again, but in a Map. Howsoever, King James is glad to have his son safe returned: And at length, seeing clearly how he had been misled and gulled, bethinks himself how to amend his former mistakes and errours; but alas, it was too late: for as he was thus con∣sulting with himself, death takes him away, An. 1625. not without suspition of wrong done unto him. The new King must have a Popish wife (according to the former intention) she cometh from France, and bringeth along with her, her strange gods. The Prelats had a main hand in this Popish Match, by actuall fur∣therance thereof, and by opening the way how the free exercise of Popery might be had, in favour of the Queen and her adherents, without breach of the Law of the Land.

The same yeer of the death of the late King, and of the Marriage of our now Sovereign, there was an Expedition made against the Spaniard, without any reall intention to do harm, as appears by the slack performance of the War, and by the shamefull Peace made thereafter. The main drift of this undertaking was, first, To try how ready the people would be to endure Souldiers in the Countrey, which they had not seen for a long time, and how willing they would be to undergo a War, at the command of the corrupt Court, and uphold it with Supplies of men and moneys. Next, There must be an Expedition against France, under pretext to help the then distressed Protestants there; which really was intended for the ha∣stening of their ruine, and encrease of their desolation: and so it proved indeed, although the main and chief undertaker was prevented, by death, to see the effect of his intents. The other end of this undertaking was, To have Forces at com∣mand, both Horse and Foot, by Land, and a well-provided Navie at Sea, for the enslaving of the people to spirituall and temporall Bondage; which in all humane probability had not been difficile to effectuate then, such was the sheeppish sillinesse, and knavish basenesse of many men in these Dominions, of all ranks, conditions, and professions; as also the unpreparednesse of the wiser and better Patriots and Members of the Church, to withstand this mischief, if God in his mercy, by the unexpected death of the Court-ruler, and chief agent in the businesse, had not put in a Remora and lett: At which time, if men had returned unto God, amending their lives in private, and had expressed their true zeal then to the good of the Church and Countrey whereof they are members, according to their severall ranks and conditions, the designe of the common enemy had been fully dasht. But God in his wisedom hath been pleased to keep us yet a while longer under the rod of tryall, to see if we will return unto him at last. The Romish party, although asto∣nished and surprised at the death of their Engine and main Instrument here among us, gives not over, but continues the great Designe, without intermission, albeit not with such speed as formerly; for those to whose care principally the businesse was committed, and in whose hands the managing of matters had fallen, by the death of the late Fac totum, were not so powerfull to obtain, without refusall, what they pleased, at the Kings hands; neither were they in such opinion and reputation with inferiours, to make them go on in the work so earnestly; wherefore the Queen must be brought now of necessity, to take upon her the main care, and to obtain from the King whatsoever may conduce and further the businesse, and take away

all letts and stops which may hinder the proceedings: Then, to employ all her credit abroad, for countenancing and advancing affairs: And next, by her authority to draw on inferiours to act their part with affection and ardour. Now all things being thus cunningly and carefully, by degrees, in few yeers, prepared and dispo∣sed, for enslaving Church and State, Prince and People, to Rome again, it was thought fit, by the hottest of the party, to wit, the Iesuites, to hasten the work openly, and delay no more time (the compassing of the Designe being conceived to be infallible) By this means they thought to shorten the businesse, and to make themselves so considerable, as to share deeply in the Booty; of which they looked for but little, if things were still lingred, and carryed on slowly. But how, and where to begin this new undertaking, was consulted upon; and, after deliberation, the Scots must be begun at, the way is resolved on, there must be a new Prayer-Book put upon these rude fellows, that they may say their Prayers in modo & figura a la Romaine, and not so rudely and irregularly as they were wont to do, in the Nor∣thern way. Then they must have high-Commission Courts, Canons, and Etcetera's: Which things, if the Scots be so wise to accept, as doubtlesse they will (reasoned these men: but he that reckons without this host, reckons twice) for their chief men of State are either actually at Court, or provided to places in the Countrey from Court, at least, they can do no businesse of moment, without the favour of the Court. At this time the devout and religious Prelats, with the rest of their good Clergie, are not onely in all earnestnesse bent for the work, according to their severall places in the Church, but also they over-sway all busines in State, Wherefore, without difficulty, we will compasse our main Designe thorow all these Dominions (said they.) And truely so they had, in all likelihood, as we may see by the wofull carriage of businesse, and so ill managing so good a Cause in England since; But God had, in his mercy towards us all, ordained otherwise. And if the Scots (say they) should be so mad as to refuse the commands from the Court, and think upon resistance, they shall be made obey the holy Mandate with a Vengeance and say their prayers with a rod; for we shall over-run their Countrey speedily, and subdue them, as poor, silly, ignorant fools, destitute of all means for War, to wit, wisedom, with resolution, not having breeding, and pressed down with poverty, to undertake and undergo such a businesse as War; and money and Arms to go on in it; for the S••yl being barren, and the Havens bad, they cannot have the advantages of a fertile Countrey, furnished with good Harbours, and Com∣manders or Leaders, to manage a War, their Military men being abroad, who will not easily quit the honorable and beneficiall Employments they have in forreigne Countreys, and come home to suffer want, with losse of credit. But God, who laughs from above at the foolish Counsells of vain men, in this particular hath made us see, That he hath an ••ver-ruling power over the affairs of men, making little and contemptible ones do great things, and bring to nothing the undertakings of the mighty and wise of this world.

By this time the new Prayer-Book, designed at Rome, and perfected at London, is sent down into Scotland. After some little reluctancy, it is received by the Councell there, the major part whereof then were either Church-men, or their addi∣cted friends. Then it is sent to the Churches, to be put in use and practice: But unex∣pected and unlooked for, it is opposed by inferiour people; from whence the oppositi∣on riseth to those of higher ranks: whereupon Petitions are drawn up, and sent to the King, to supplicate His Majesty, in all due respect, to free the Church of Scotland from this new Prayer-Book, with the High-Commission Courts, Canons, Etcetera's.

To these Demands of the Scots no answer is given, but hot threatnings; after which, preparatives of War were made against the Scots: and because the King did not shew himself propense enough to the undertaking of War, nor the Queen forward enough to engage the King in this holy War, the Queen-Mother, who, for her known faithfulnesse to her husband, and for her care of her son, both late Kings of France, must come to her Son-in-law (against his will) to help him with her best advice and counsell, and to better instruct her daughter how to carry her self with earnestnesse and addresse in the businesse.

Things being thus disposed, there is an Expedition undertaken against the Scots, and followed to the Borders by the King present in person; but to small purpose; for the Scots came to the Borders duly prepared, notwithstanding their pre-concei∣ved wants and indisposition, to sell their Religion and Liberty at a dear rate: which being perceived by the Court, the Scots Demands, formerly rejected, are granted, and a Peace concluded. Then some of the chief men of the Scots were invited to go to Court, for the time at Barwick; who, upon certain advice of a Plot a∣gainst them, were stopped by their friends, to trust themselves to the faith of the Court.

After things in a kinde calmed there, the King, not suffered by his Counsell to go into Edinburgh to settle things fully, he sends Deputies thither, and returns to London. At his return, the Scots Commissioners are imprisoned at London, against their Safe-Conduct; and the Agreement with the Scots is burnt publikely, by the hand of the Hang-man, and a new Expedition, with more cunning and strength then the former, is undertaken against the Scots: Whereof the Scots duely advertised, judging it not to be safe to play alwayes after-games, settle their Countrey, make sure the strong Holds, which they had delivered, in simplici∣ty of heart, unto the King, at the late Agreement, and come into England with such an Army, that they made their enemies retire. Upon this point of necessity, the King assembled divers of the Nobles, by whom he is advised to call a Parlia∣ment; which is granted, although with difficulty. At the overture of the Parliament, having gained all the party possible, the King is made to demand assistance to repell the Scots from England, and chastise them; but to no purpose, wherefore the Par∣liament must pay for it; and to this purpose, the English Army afoot must be brought to London, under some pretext. This Plot failing, and discovered, the Scots must be tempted, under great offers, no lesse then the plunder of London, and the propriety of the adjacent Counties to their Countrey. The Scots not onely refused these great offers, but also give advice of them to the Parliament. Then the Scots must be hastened home, and the King must go into Scotland, under pre∣text to settle things there, but really, to make a party, viewing by the way the Scots Army; and to make sure of some men dis-affected to the Designe of the Court. These things not succeeding, to smooth a little the shamefull businesse, Titles of Ho∣nour, and Pensions are given to many.

While the King is in Scotland, the Rebellion riseth in Ireland, having its influence from the Court, whether by sealed Patents, or otherwise, I will not enquire now (more then of the Spanish Navie) but certain it is, it had its rise from Court. Some dayes after the Rebellion begun in Ireland, the King must return in all speed to London, under pretext to consult with the Parliament how to represse this odi∣ous Rebellion; but really, to be revenged of the Parliament, for not assisting against the Scots, and for punishing the main agents of the Scotish party, witnesse the faction

the Queen had made in the City, during the Kings abode in Scotland, to divide the City and Parliament, and the demanding of the Members of the Houses, against all Law, upon accusation of Treason; whereof the chief and main point was, To have favourized the Scots Affairs in England, against expresse Acts of Oblivion of both Parliaments of Scotland and England. As for the repres∣sing of the Rebellion in Ireland, it is so little taken to heart, that the King seldom goes to the House; and being there, speaks but little of the businesse. After a while, with much ado, the Popish Irish in Arms are declared Rebells, when they had ruined many families, and killed many of the innocent Protestants: But of the Kings Declaration there were but few Copies Printed, and of the few hardly any dispersed; when the Scots, before they had gathered any Head, were Prelatically excommunicated, and cursed thorow all the Parishes of England, and declared Re∣bells every where by printed Papers: Who, as they intended no ill, so, blessed be God, never men of War in a Countrey did lesse harm then the Scots did. Yea, which is more, all the good intentions of both Parliament and City, with the ready offers of the Scots for the speedy help of the poor Protestants against the bloody Butchers in Ire∣land, was delayed, deluded, yea, almost put off, by the Court, and the corrupt Mem∣bers of both Houses, who since have shewed themselves openly what they are, in pub∣like Affairs. But these Designes failing of apprehending the Members, and of divi∣ding the City and Parliament, as was seen by the accompanying the Members to the Houses again, the King must leave London.

Here before we proceed any further, we shall go a little back.

When the first undertaking was against the Scots, all things within these Do∣minions being disposed for the best furthering of the work, the holy Conclave of Rome forecasting all chances: and fearing that England would not altogether be so forward to contribute much unto the destruction of Scotland, wherefore the King must be assured of some good friend abroad, and not far off, who may help in case of need: None is thought so fit as the Prince of Orange, being able to help with Moneys, Arms and Men for command: He must be gained, by offering him for his Son one of the Kings Daughters; who, notwithstanding his high minde, would have been glad of a lower Match. Now at the first, the Prince of Orange did onely look to have the second Daughter in due time: But, to engage him fur∣ther, he shall have the elder (not staying for her till she be nubile) and that pre∣sently, although she did little more then, then well discerne her right hand from her left. But this is not all; for the Mother must carry the Daughter to the Prince of Orange, to gain him more speedily, and make him more affectionate and sure to the Designes of our corrupted Court: So the Kings Daughter is sold, and made a Sacrifice for furtherance of the Catholike Cause, as his Grand-mother was sold to France to the same Designe, by the corrupt Court of Scotland for the time. What mischief this Marriage, and the Queens Voyage into Holland hath brought into this Countrey, and what stain she hath brought upon her self by it, we see all. And so many evils fell upon Scotland, after the sending the then young Queen into France.

Here you shall observe the jugling knavery of our corrupt Court, who cry out against the Scots for taking Arms for the just defence of their Liberty and Religi∣on, without any by-respect, as their whole proceedings to this instant do testifie, as guilty of the most horrid crime of Rebellion against Higher Powers, as they call it; yet the same corrupt Court makes the King give his Daughter unto him, who is

not onely a chief man, but a main Instrument to make War for the Liberty and Religion of the Countrey where he liveth, against the unjust oppression of their Sovereign; as his renowned Brother, and most vertuous Father did before him; and as he intends to make his Son after him, witnesse the reversion of his Place he hath obtained, unto him, from the States. If the King of Spain by necessity hath been constrained to acknowledge the United Provinces free, it is nothing for the justice of their taking Arms to defend their Religion and Liberty: And if he had power, they would not be long free, witnesse the secret Plots to divide them, and over-reach them. Farther, he is very shie in his Writs, to call them Free, as every man knows.

The Queen of Bohemia must not onely be neglected, and seen lose all that she and hers can claim for their own, but she and hers must be serviceable to those who have undone them: To this end she must have People about her, namely, Court-Chap∣lains, to disguise businesse unto her, and so make her have a bad conception of those who are her best friends, to wit, the true Professors of the Truth, and good Patri∣ots in these Dominions. Next, her eldest son, after a long and great neglect of yeelding him any help for the recovery of his own, is betrayed at our corrupt Court, when he is put in away to do somewhat for his own restoring, &c. And af∣ter this, by the same Court, he is sollicited to take Arms here against the onely men, who really and constantly have expressed unto him and his, true affection; but they being stopped by the Court, could not effectuate much by their good will. He in wis∣dome refuseth to fight against his friends. Since he will not, his two next Bro∣thers must be employed; the eldest whereof is released from prison to that effect: And so they hazard their lives, and spend their blood, to serve the party who hath undone their Fortunes, and now strives to undo their persons.

The King having left London, after he had been in severall places, retires to Yorke, where he begins to raise men against the Parliament. The Scots seeing this, send to him thither, to intreat him to lay aside all such intentions, and offer their service by way of Mediation betwixt him and the Parliament, to take away all known mistakes. The Scots Commissioners were not suffered to proceed any fur∣ther then, in the businesse, and were sent back, beyond the expectation of men. Af∣ter a long Pen-skirmishing on both sides, Armies are leavied, many men killed and taken at divers times on each side; yea, a set Battell fought, where numbers of men are slain.

The Scots not being able any longer to see their Brethren in England destroyed, and the Executioners of Ireland butchering man, woman and childe (the help that the innocents should have had from England being almost altogether diverted, by the Intestine War) and neither say nor do in the businesse, under safe-Conduct send to the King and Parliament Commissioners, to intercede for an Agreement: But they being arrived at Court, were neglected with their Commission, and not suffer∣ed to repair unto the Parliament: At last, they are dismissed, not without dif∣ficulty, and, having done nothing, return. Upon this, the Scots convene the States, to consult concerning their own safety, and the help of their friends: At this nick of time, when they received many fair promises from the Court, with a request to be quiet, a Plot of the Papists, set afoot by the Court, for embroyl∣ing the Countrey, is discovered; by the means whereof, they were incited to look more narrowly to themselves and their friends. Then the Parliament of Eng∣land sends to the Scots for help. Upon this, a Covenant is made betwixt the two

Nations, for the defence of the true Religion, and Liberty of the Countreys, with the Kings just Rights: and, after due preparation, the Scots having setled their own Countrey, enter into England with a strong Army, to fight the Battells of the Lord; having for scope of their Expedition, The glory of God, and the good of his People, with the Honour of the King.

Here we shall observe, in these our Countreys, in these last yeers, such Riddles of State and Church, as have hardly been heard of: A Protestant Prince makes one Pro∣testant Nation fight against another, for the Protestant Religion, which have been thought to be of one and the same Doctrine, for the main: One Church thunders Curses against another: Then, a Prince misled, with the ayd of Papists and A∣theists, spoyling and destroying the professors of the Truth, because they professe it, for the good and advancement of the Protestant Religion: Next, in a very short time, a Prince to have all his subjects declared Rebells: First, he is made declare the Scots; Then, he is constrained to declare the Irish: An Army gotten together in the Kings name, declares all those that did oppose them, Rebells: The Parliament declares all those who in the Kings name oppose them, Rebells and Traytors: Farther, under the Kings Authority, the named Rebells in England by the King, maintain a War against the declared Rebells in Ireland. But the late carriage of things at Court, and by the Court-Instruments at home and abroad, hath solved the Riddle, namely, The Patent for the Rebellion in Ireland, The detaining of help ordained for the repressing of it, The Kings offer to go into Ireland, The Cessation, and bringing over of the Irish, and, The last-discovered Plot in Scotland, all other things laid aside, tell us cleerly, howsoever the Proclamations and Protesta∣tions going in the Kings name be soft and smooth as the voyce of Jacob, yet the hands are rough as of Esau, destroying, and seeking to destroy the true Religion, grounded in Gods Word, with the professors thereof, as also the lawfull Liberty of the Countrey, and bring all unto slavery. Let Ireland and England say, if this be not true; and Scotland likewise, according to its genius, speak truth.

I shall close up all with two or three Instances of eminent men amongst the Papists Clergie, to shew clearly how they stand affected to the Protestants.

Cardinall Pool, in an Oration to Charles the fifth, Emperour, saith, You must leave off the War against the Turks, and hereafter make War against the Heretikes; so names he the professors of the Truth: He adds the reason, Because the Turks are lesse to be feared then the Heretikes. Paul Rodmek in a Book expresse, tells us, That the Heretikes must be put to death, slain, cut off, burnt, quartered, &c. Stapleton the Iesuite tells us, That the Heretikes are worse then the Turks, in an Oration he made at Doway. Campian the Iesuite, in a Book of his, Printed in the yeer 1583, in Trevers, declares thus, in the name of his holy Order, Our will is, That it come to the knowledge of every one, so far as it concerns our Society, That we all, dispersed in great numbers thorow the world, have made a League, and holy solemn Oath, That as long as there are any of us alive, that all our care and industry, all our deliberations and counsells, shall never cease to trouble your calm and safety. That is to say, We shall procure and pursue for ever your ruine, the whole destruction of your Religion, and of your Kingdom. He speaks to the English. Now it is

long since we have taken this resolution, with the hazard of our lives: so that the businesse being already well begun and advanced, it is im∣possible that the English can do any thing to stop our Designe, or sur∣mount it.

Let these few Passages satisfie for this time. I wish that thou maist reap some benefit of what is written here for thy good.

So, praying for your happinesse, I rest,

Yours, in the Lord, D. B.