Dec. 1602. more, and have the greater weight with them. Soe to be short, if this fort of service may be acceptable to the Prince, I am at command; if otherwife, I will hold me with the benefite that I have gotten, within the compafs of obedience; and be God's grace, fall be unreproveable of any. Having noe farther for the present, I rest, &c.1 Jan. 1603. Apr. 1603. SIR, (14.) LETTER, Mr John Hall to Mr Robert Bruce, JAMES AIKINHEID, bailiffe, gave intelligence to his Ma. that yee were purpofed to preach this next Sabbath, God willing; and I being down in the Abbey, his Ma. gave me this answer, and ordained me to fignifie the fame unto yow: That is, because your advertisement was generall, and thereby he could not understand what yee was to doe in the matter, wherein he has been offended; alfo, he would affure yow, that if yee entered into the pulpit, and did not according to the Act of the Affembly, it would be a matter of great irritation: Therfore, be your tickett, ye would certifie againe that ye are ready to preache, and to satisfie his Ma. according to the Act of the Affembly; or otherwife it will not be heard as a fufficient offer. Sir, if yee write heeranent to mee againe, I fall be ready to deliver it, and fhew yow the event.2 (15.) MR ROBERT Bruce's Last CONFERENCE with THE KING, on Tuesday the fifth day of April, 1603. MEN of all qualities reforted to Edinburgh, to congratulate the King his preferment.3 Motion was made, be fome brethren of the Prefbytery of Edinburgh, that Mr Robert Bruce fould be defyred to come Eaft to congratulat with the reft; for the King took it evill in part, as was reported, that he fould be the laft in giving fignification of his humble affection. Upon Saturday, the 2 of Aprile, Mr Robert returned answer, that in refpect of his Mas laft Conference, holdin with the Commiffioners, he durft not take the boldneffe to draw neer to his Ma.;' alwife, did fignifie the finceritie of his inward affections, to the Lady Marr and fome other noble wemen, who could bear witneffe of his integritie in that point: But, seeing he was informed that his Ma. would accept the offer of his affection, he fould come with diligence, to try what might be done. 4 Soe, upon Mounday, the 4 of Aprile, he come to Edinburgh and founded fome ftable men, his freinds, touching the King's difpofition, whither he was willing to accept of him and his congratulation. Soe farr as he could learne, he was not able to redeem his countenance and favour, but with confeffion of a fault, and that upon his knees; be which meanes he might efchew publication in the pulpit, and recover his Mas favour alfo. Mr Robert findeth himself brought in as great a strait almost ́as ever he was; and answered to the Lords that interceded for him, that feeing he could not pur chafe his Mas prefence but upon thefe hard conditions, his earneft defyre was, that they would make his excuse, in all humility, to his Ma. and to fhew that notwithstanding he came to the town to congratulat, the preaffe and throng of the people was foe great, because his Ma. was upon the point of bis departure, that he could get noe acceffe.' They tuke much in hand; but the King, understanding he was come to town, fent one of his domeftick fervants, James Murray of Powmais, the day following, Tuifday the 5 of Aprile, foon in the morning, before his Mas departure, for him, before he was rifen out of his bed. Mr Robert thought it hard, and that the King catched that peace of difgrace to his Ministry. 1 (1602. Jan. 19.)-Mr Robert Bruce addressed a Letter to the Town-Council of Edinburgh, which is an echo of that to the Laird of Beltries. This was followed by George Heriot and Cornelius Inglis waiting on the King, on Bruce's part; who inhibited any preaching; whereupon he left the town. On 27th January, he intimated his design to preach next Sabbath, to James Aikenhead, one of the Bailies of Edinburgh. 2 Much correspondence, &c. took place, till at last the Commissioners of the General Assembly, Feb. 25, 1603, 'declared that his re-entrie to the Ministrie of Edinburgh came through his own default.' 3 To the English Crown. The King departed for England immediately after this Conference took place. 4 Nevertheless. 5 Undertook; promised largely. Alwife he went down to the Abbey. The King was at his breakfaft. Mr Robert fought occafion Apr. 1603. of speech with him, at that tyme; thinking, that in the prefence of many ftrangers and noble men, the King would not urge him, as he did before. The noble men courteously gave him place. But when he was upon the point of bowing and entering in conference, Sir Patrick Murray, who stood upon his Mas left hand, and rounded fomewhat in his ear, prevented him. He was referred to the King's bedchamber, to be heard after the preaching; which was very cold. It was made be Mr Andrew Lamb. Mr Robert, all the tyme, prayed to God to direct him be his Spirit, in the end; as he had done in the reft of that action before. He refolved noe wayes to goe to the knees, against his conscience; but rather now, in the entry to this great Monarche, to urge his Ma. with a thankfull heart to God for his wonderfull and unlooked-fore bleffing. He had all the words and mater conceived, which he communicated to Mr James Melvill, Minister at Anftruther, who was weill pleased both with the mater and the maner; wherby Mr Robert was greatly encouraged to perfift in his refolution. In the meantyme, the Lord Fleming cometh for Mr Robert, and taketh him to the King's bed-chamber; where he found my Lord of Marr, my Lord of Blantyre, the Laird of Dunipaice, Mr Peter Hewat, Mr Thomas Abernethie. The Lord Fleming went to the Chamber of Prefence, told the King Mr Robert was in the place appointed. The King ncontinent withdraweth himself, goeth in to his bed-chamber, his boots on, ready to ryde. Soe foon as he drew neer, he walked in circle about the house, as his custom was, Mr Robert cafteth himself to meet him, with all reverence and humble inclination of his body that he could, without goeing to knee. The King heard him graciously, in outward appearance. The fumme and effect of Mr Robert's words were this. Sir, I have marked four things in this great work, touching your Mas high advancement: ffirst, that the God of heaven and earth has placed yow in all these earthly thrones, without the loffe of the credite of your holy Religion and hurt of the inward peace of your own confcience: Next, that he hes placed without fhedding a drop of your Mas blood, which is leffe nor confcience: Thirdly, without the hazard of your Mas fubjects purfes, which is leffe nor blood: And laft of all, that he hes foe wounderfullie directed the tongue of that worthy Lady and noble Queen, together with the affections of the whole Counfell, foe that if furth of your Mas own bowells, they could not have confpyred more effaldly to your Mas promotion. These things crave a twofold duety of your Ma.: Firft, that yee take heed to your own heart, that the glory and glance of these earthly things deceive you not; that ye make them not your reward, nor place the confort and confolation of your heart in them; but rather, as they are given, use them as steppes and degrees to stepp up to the Crown that cannot fade nor faille: Next, feeing the God of heaven hes manifefted his unfpeakable care, in preferving foe many Crowns and Kingdoms to yow, sir, your Ma. cannot eschew the note of ingratitude, if yee extend not your Ma3 credit, and imploy your whole care, for prefervation of his own kingdome.' THE KING anfwered, Mr Robert, be God's grace I fall not place my confort or confolation in them, or in any earthly thing: As for the prefervation of the kingdome, if I would preferve my own life, I must study to preferve it; for we have common freinds and commone enemies: The Papifts that shutt at that kingdom, fhutt at my life alfo, as I know certainly. As touching this wounderfull mercy of God, Mr Robert, if yee be remembered I oft tymes foretold you, that God would bring this work about, after this fort;' and named some places to him. But Mr Robert could not remember. 4 3 Mr Robert took his leave; and had as good a countenance of the King, as ever he had in his life, in his own judgement. The King did not urge him with any fuch thing as the Lords gave out; nor made mention of any thing, tending to that purpose. Ather the mediators were unfaithful, or God putt it clean out of his heart. When the King mounted on horfback, Mr Robert went to him againe, 3 Truly, sincerely; from afauld,' literally one-fold. Dazzle, splendour, glitter; literally the reflection thrown from a mirror by the sun. 6 In allusion to the numerous Conspiracies which had been devised by the Papists against his person. A mode of expression for chamber. 4 2 Than. 5 Shoot, aim at. Apr. 1603. to take his leave; and was as weill received as any subject, of his calling, in Scotland. Those that ftood by heard the King fay, Now all particulars1 are paft betwixt yow and me, Mr Robert.' But Mr Robert himself could not remember that he heard these words. Feb. 1605. Jul. 1605. Aug. 1607. Feb 1603. (16.) NOTES from Calderwood's Church History, MS. (1.) MR ROBERT BRUCE, the year of the King's departure out of the country, gott peace and rest ; but the year following he was threatned of new, for the mater of GOWRY, to be deprived of life, living and ftipend. He was very farr caft down. Whill he was ryding to Stirline to fetch the Erle of Caffillis to his houfe, it pleafed the Lord that night to give him a confortable vifion in his fleep. He recommended his cafe to God, and foe fell asleep. He faw great difficulties prefented to him, and it behoved him ather to paffe through them, or to die be the way. At the laft, he refolved, in God's obedience, to hazard; and whill he was paffing through, he feilleth a motion in his heart, moveing him to fay, in and through Michaell, the Captaine of the Lord of hofts, I fall prevaill, O Michaell! Michaell! Who is like the ftrong God!' Mr Robert was greatly conforted with this; and putt it in write when he awaked. This year the Commiffioners of the Generall Affembly directed Summonds, warning him to compear at Edinburgh, the 27 of Februar, to hear and fee himself removed from his function, in Edinburgh. He compeared before them, and took Mr Thomas Gray with him. But none gott acceffe but himself. After long reafoning, they removed him. He appealed from their fentence. They inhibited him to preach therafter. He obeyed not. The Laird of Lowreftoun, Commiffioner, had Commiffion to fee the fentence of Removall pronounced against him. (2.) CHANCELLOR SETON fent for Mr Robert Bruce, advertised him that he had gotten command from the King to difcharge him from teaching, &c. (3.) THE fifth of Auguft was folemnlie keeped in Edinburgh. The Kings fkoll was drunken be the Duke, his Commiffioner, and fome other noblemen at the croffe of Edinburgh, which was covered, for the greater folemnitie. Bacchus was fett up, and much wine drunkin and fweete meats caft abroad. Much vanitie and pastime, befide ringing of bells, and getting on of bale-fires. The peft brake up foon after. (17.) LETTER, Mr Robert Bruce to the Laird of Beltrife (Sir James Sempill.) RIGHT HONOURABLE COUSINE, YE most give me leave to utter my friendly counfell against you. To what purpose fhould ye and Mr Ewart put me in esperance of my liberty, be your Letters? Of yours I faw only one; and I have four of Mr Peter's, affuring me of ane confortable ifhue; and, in truth, I gave such credit, and was fo certainly perfwadit be him, that I sent home my wife and children, and spoiled my self of all my out. ward conforts, and exponed my self to the extremitie of the feaffone, in a cold lodging, in thir miferable and barbarious parts, that I have almost extinguished both my vitall and sensitive spirits. Why would ye not fignifie his Mas will plainly unto me, or to Mr Peter either? His Ma. pleasure should have been a law to me. Yea, if his hienes would command me to the scaffold, I have a good confcience to obey him; and it would be more welcome to me nor this lingering death that I am in. The time has been I have done his Ma. acceptable fervice, as his own hand writts befides me will beare record; whilk I fall leave to my pofterity as their rairest jewells. I thank God, I was never within the compaffe of law; and yett am war used nor either Papift or Atheist. Alwayes I crave noe more of you, but a Chriftian duty. As I prayed you in my last Letter, foe will I now; feed me not with comply. ments: The worst shall ay be welcome to me, be his grace who sustaines me wounderfully. I am a 1 Quarrels, causes of offence. man that hes tafted of many afflictiones, and I wote not who croffes me! But be it Papist or Atheist, Feb. 1613. Bishop or Minifter, I will lay over all my vengeance where it belongs. As to my prayer, in the end of my laft Letter to his Ma., I heare, be Mr Peter Ewart, that I was quarrellit, as if I had prayed for reconciliatione in that particular. Indeed, if it had been foe conceaved, I might have been justly quarrelled. But the Lord knowes the contrary is moft true. I had no more mind of that Treasone, at that time, nor the bairne that is yett unborne. As to the reft of my faults yee make in my other Letters, they are but bairnly: For fuppofe I wrotte unto yow with my own fubfcribing hand, yet it is not worthie to present his Ma. I waill1 the best band that I can gett, and for the omiffione of my fubfcriptione, what marvell? Seeing I wrott not the body. And yet the writter therof conftantly affirmes that I fubfcrivit, whilkes makes me to think that ye have not receaved my closed Letter to his Ma., but the copie therof, which I directed to your felfe to be perused, and not to be presented, except ye knew it would not offend. I pray you, coufine, if ye delight in my converfatione, lett the effect declare it. Lett me find the fruit therof; and if yee be not able, lett me be in no war cafe nor I am in, be your deid; for that were needleffe. Suppofe ye have gotten new friends, men I grant that are more able to perfit you in your outward estate, yett I will looke that ye will observe a Chriftian duty towards So wishing yow well in the Lord, I take my leave, and refts me. Your moft loving coufine to his power, in God, INUERNESS, the 10 of February 1613. No. XIX. ROBERT BRuce. COLLECTION OF ADDITIONAL ORIGINAL LETTERS AND MISCELLANEOUS (1.) LETTER, George Nicolfon, Queen Elizabeth's Ambaffador in Scotland, Ir may please your honor, THIS daye morninge, at 9 howers at that tyde, the K.[ing] wrote to the Chancellor, Secretary, Aug. 1600. and others, and to fome of the Kirk; and word came hither in this maner, and the L. [ord] Secretary told me, That yesterday th' Erle of Gowry fent the Mr his brother, Mr Alex' Riven, to the K.[ing] hunting in Fawkland Parke; fhewing the K.[ing] that where, for his adoies, he had muche troubles to git treafor, &c. his brother th' Erle had founde in an old towre, in his house at St Johnfton's [Perth] a great treafor, to helpe the K.[ing's] turne; wth wch, he faide, his brother wolde faine have the K.[ing] to go to fee quietly, that day. Whereon, after the K.[ing] had hunted a while, and taken a drink, he tooke freshe horse and discharged his company (to wit), the D.[uke] and Erle of Marr then in company wth him, taking onely a few wth him; yet the D.[uke] rode, and the Erle of Marr followed, and the K.[ing] met by the way the L.[ord] of Inchchaffray, who alfo rode wth him to St Johnfton's; where the K.[ing] cominge, th' Erle meting him, caryed him into his houfe, and gave him a good dynner; and after went to dynner wth the D.[uke] and his company. The Mr, in the meane tyme of their dining, perfwaded the K.[ing] to go wth him quietly to fee it; as the K.[ing,] difcharginge his company to follow, went with the Mr from staithe to ftaithe, and chamber to chamber, locking still the doors behinde him, untill he came to a chamber where a man was, wch the K.[ing] thought had ben the man had kept the treafor. There the M2 cleked hold on the K.[ing] and drew his dagger, fayeing he had killed his father, and he wolde kill him! The K.[ing,] wth good wordes 1 Select, choose. * The Original is in the State Paper-Office, London.-See Chalmers' Life of Ruddiman, p. 443. Aug. 1600. and meanes, fought to diswaid him; sayeing, he was younge when his father was executed, and dyvers others honeft men; that he was innocent thereof; had restored his brother, and for amends, made him greater then he was; that if he killed him, he could not eschape, nor be his heir: That he prefumed Mr Alexander had learned more divinity than to kill his Prince; affuringe him, and faithfully promifing him, that if he wold leave of his enterprice, he wold forgive him, and kepe it fecrett, as a matter attempted upon heate and rashenefs onely. That to these the Mr replied, what was he preachinge? that should not helpe him; he should dye: And that therewith, he ftroke at the K.[ing,] the K.[ing] and he bothe going to the ground, that the Mr called to the man there present to kill the K.[ing.] That the man answered, he had nether harte nor hand; and yet is a very curragioufe man. That the K.[ing] having no dagger, but in his hunting cloths wth his horne, yet defended himself from the Mr; and in ftrugling, got to the windowe, where he cryed Treafon! wch Sr Thos Erfkin, John Ramfay, and Doctor Harris, hearing, ran up after the K.[ing], but found the doors fhut, as they could not paffe; yet John Ramfay, knowing another way, got up and in to the K.[ing,] who cryed to John he was flaine; whereon John out wth his rapier and killed the Mr. In this tyme, that th' Erle fhould tell the Duke, Marr, and the reft, that the K.[ing] was gone away, out at a back gate; that they ran out and Gowry wth him, and miffing him, that th' Erle faide, he wold go back and fee where the K.[ing] was. That he, wth 8 wth him, wth a steele bonnett and two rapiers, ran up the staires; that John Ramfay, meting them wth drawn fwordes, Sr Thos Erfkin and Doctor Harris being then comed to John, after fondry ftrokes, in the end killed the Erle alfo; Sr Thomas being hurt, and Doctor Harris inutulate and wanting 2 fingers. That this ftir being, the townes men and Gowrie's frends, in evil appearance, faid, they wold have accompt where th' Erle was, or they wold pay the grene cotes! To pacifie wch the D.[uke] and Mar were fent to the Magiftrates; and fo quieted the matter, as the K.[ing] and his company gott away; the K.[ing] thanking God for his deliverance. And yesternight, knighted, as I heare, John Ramfay and Doctor Harris; but the Secretary told it not me.1 1 Upon thefe, Lettres comed from the Courte, The whole Council here convened; and in end, at one of the clock rose, and came all to the market croffe, and there by found of trumpett intimated, but in bref, the happie eschape of the K.[ing] and their Act, that they made in Council, for the people to thank God for it; and in joy thereof, to ring bells and build bone fires. Mr David Lindsay, standing with the Council on the Croffe, made a pithy and fhort Exhortation to the people, to prayfe God for it; and therewth praied and praised God for the fame; the whole Council on their knees on the Croffe, and whole people in the ftretes, in like forte. The peces of the Castle alfo fhotte in joy; the few bells yet ringing; the youthes of the towne gone out to skirmish for joye, and bone fires to be bilded at night: And the Council to go, this tyde, over to the K.[ing,] for further deliberation in this matter. The K.[ing] at his retorne to Fawkland, prefentlie cause thrust out of the house, from the Q.[ueen,] Gowrie's two fifters in cheif credyt wth the Quene; and fwears to roote out that whole houfe and name. Upon the conveninge of the Council, the portes of the towne were shutt, for appre hendinge Gowrie's other brethren; and the lands are to be given to these new knights and others. This is the information and reporte comed yet hither, by the K.[ing's] command; wch some yet doubted to be fully fo. What will follow, I remit to the fequell; being glad the K.[ing] is fafe, without hurte. Gowrie's Secretary is taken, and matters hope to be difcovered by him. Some falfe lyenge villains gave it out, I should have ben this day morne at Leith, by 3 of the clock, and should fay, being asked by one, that I was there attending ftrange newes from beyond the water. I tolde. the Secretarie of it, that it was false, as God be thanked it is; and that if I were charged by any fuch devilish devices, I wold refufe no debofhed fwinger or bloody villaine that should be fo fuborned to put doubt towards me; praying the Secretarie to remember it, and say it for me, if he hard it. That your honor fees how the malicious here spite me; in what danger I live, and how subject I am to all 1 Mr James Hamilton is this day gone to England.' |