ITEM It is fundin and declarit be the thre Estatis & haill body of this present Parliament, that the dimissioun and ouer geuing of the Crowne, and Regiment of this Realme maid be the Quenis grace, our Souerane Lordis derrest Mother be vertew of hir letters of commissioun and procuratioun subscriuit with hir hand, and vnder hir preuie Seill, of the dait the .xxiiij. day of Julij last bypast, was, and is, and salbe in all tymes cuming haldin, repute, and estemit lauchfull, and perfyte, according to the samin commissioun producit, auysit, and admittit be the saidis thre Estatis. And als that the Coronatioun, and inauguratioun of our said Soverane Lord, Sone to his said derrest mother, and natiue Prince of this Realme, maid and solemnizat conforme to the said commissioun, At Striviling, the xxix. day of the said Moneth of Julij be the Erlis, Lordis, Prelatis, Commissaris of Burrowis, Barronis, and vtheris faithfull and trew subiectis, assemblit and conuenit for that effect, was dewlie, rychtlie, and ordourlie done, and execute, and als lauchfull and vailzeabill in the self in all respectis, and his Maiestie als rychteouslie inuestit, and possessit in this kingdome as his said mother, his guidschir, grandschir, or ony vther his maist nobill progenitouris natiue Princes of this Realme wer, and hes bene of before, or as gif hir grace (the tyme of the said coronatioun) had bene departit out of this mortall lyfe, or had comperit personallie in presence of the haill thre Estatis of this Realme, assemblit in Parliament and maid the said dimissioú, notwithstanding ony maner of tytill, actioun, or enteres, or ony vther thing that presentlie may or can heirefter be obiectit in the contrare. And als ratifyis, appreuis, and confirmis the said dimissioun, coronatioun, and inauguratioun of our said Souerane Lord, and all thingis done, or that heirefter sall happin to be done in his hienes name and authoritie. Of the quhilkis letters of dimissioun, and constitutioun of procuratioun the tennouris followis.

ITEM It is found and declared by the three Estates & whole body of this present Parliament, that the demission and over-giving of the Crown, and Regiment of this Realm made by the Queen’s grace, our Sovereign Lord’s dearest Mother, by virtue of her letters of commission and procuration subscribed with her hand, and under her privy Seal, of the date the 24th day of July last bypast, was, and is, and shall be in all times coming holden, repute, and esteemed lawful, and perfect, according to the same commission produced, advised, and admitted by the saids three Estates. And also that the Coronation, and inauguration of our said Sovereign Lord, Son to his said dearest mother, and native Prince of this Realm, made and solemnized conform to the said commission, At Stirling, the 29th day of the said Month of July by the Earls, Lords, Prelates, Commissars of Burrows, Barons, and others faithful and true subjects, assembled and convened for that effect, was duly, rightly, and orderly done, and execute, and as lawful and vailzeable [availing, valid] in the self in all respects, and his Majesty as righteously invested, and possessed in this kingdom as his said mother, his gudschir [grandfather], grandschir [great-grandfather], or any other his most noble progenitors native Princes of this Realm were, and has been of before, or as if her grace (the time of the said coronation) had been departed out of this mortal life, or had compeared personally in presence of the whole three Estates of this Realm, assembled in Parliament and made the said demission, notwithstanding any manner of title, action, or interest, or any other thing that presently may or can hereafter be objected in the contrary. And also ratifies, approves, and confirms the said demission, coronation, and inauguration of our said Sovereign Lord, and all things done, or that hereafter shall happen to be done in his highness’ name and authority. Of the which letters of demission, and constitution of procuration the tenours follows.

MARIE Be the grace of God Quene of Scottis, To all and sindrie our Jugeis, and Ministeris of Law, liegis, and subiectis {folio ii. verso} quhome it effeiris, to quhais knawlege thir our letters sall cú greting, Forsamekle as be lang irksum, and tedious travell takin be us in the gouernament of this our Realme, and liegis thairof, we ar sa vexit and weryit that our body, spirite, and sencis ar altogidder becum unhabill langer to trauell in that rowme. And thairfore we haue dimittit, and renuncit the office of gouernement of this our Realme, & liegis thairof in fauouris of our onlie maist deir Sone, natiue Prince of this our Realme. And because of his tender zouth, and inhabilitie to vse the said gouernement in his awin persoun, during his minoritie, we haue constitute our derrest brother James Erle of Murray, Lord Abirnethie. &c. Regent to our said Sone, Realme and liegis foirsaidis. And in respect that our said derrest brother is actuallie furth of our Realme, and can not instantlie be present to accept the said office of Regentrie vpon him, and vse and exerce the samin, during our saidis derrest sonis minoritie: We quhill his returning within our Realme, or in cais of his deceis haue maid, constitute, namit, appointit, and ordanit, and be thir our letteris makis, constitutis, namis, appointis, and ordanis our traist cousingis and counsalouris, James Duke of Chattellerault, Erle of Arrane, Lord Hammiltoun, Matho Erle of Leuinar, Lord Dernley. &c. Archibald Erle of Argyle, Lord Campbell and Lorne. &c. Johne Erle of Athole, James Erle of Mortoun, Alexander Erle of Glencarne, and Johne Erle of Mar, Regentis to our said derrest sone Realme and liegis. And in cais our said brother James, Erle of Murray, cum within our Realme, and refusis to accept the said office of Regentrie vpon his singulare persoú, We mak, constitute, name, appoint, and ordeine our traist counsingis, and counsallouris foirsaidis, and our said brother, Regentis of our said deir Sone, Realme and liegis. Gevand, grantand, and committand to thame or ony fyue of thame, coniunctlie, full powar for our said Sone, and in his name to ressaue resignatiounis of landis, mak dispositiounis of wairdis, nonentressis, releuis, mariageis, benefices, eshetis, officis, and vtheris casualiteis, & priuilegeis quhatsumeuer cócerning the said office, Signatouris thairupon to mak, subscriue, and cause be past throuch the Seillis. And to vse, and exerce the said office of Regentrie in all thingis, priuilegeis, & commoditeis, siclyke as frelie, and with als greit libertie, as ony Regent, or Gouernour to vs, or our predecessouris vsit the samin in ony tymes bygane. Promittand to hald firme, and stabill, in the word and faith of ane Prince, to quhatsumeuer thingis our saidis traist cousingis dois in the premissis. Chargeing heirfore zow all and sindrie our Jugeis, and Ministeris of Law, liegis, & subiectis foirsaidis, to answer, and obey to our saidis traist cousingis, Regentis foirsaidis, in all and sindrie thingis concerning the said office of Regentrie, during our said derrest Sonis minoritie, and ay and quhil he be of the age of seuintene zeiris compleit. As ze and ilk ane of zow will declair zow luifing subiectis {folio iii. recto} to our said maist deir Sone, zour natiue Prince, and under all paine, charge, and offence that ze and ilk ane of zow may commit, and inrin aganis his Maiestie in that pairt. Subscriuit with our hand, & geuin under our preuie Seill, at Lochleuin the .xxiiij. day of Julij, and of our Regne the twenty fyue zeir.

MARY, By the grace of God Queen of Scots, To all and sundry our Judges, and Ministers of Law, lieges, and subjects {folio ii. verso} whom it effeirs [concerns], to whose knowledge these our letters shall come, greeting, Forsomuch as by long irksome, and tedious travail taken by us in the government of this our Realm, and lieges thereof, we are so vexed and wearied that our body, spirit, and senses are altogether become unable longer to travail in that room, And therefore we have demitted, and renounced the office of government of this our Realm, & lieges thereof in favours of our only most dear Son, native Prince of this our Realm. And because of his tender youth, and inability to use the said government in his own person, during his minority, we have constitute our dearest brother James Earl of Murray, Lord Abernethy, &c. Regent to our said Son, Realm, and lieges foresaids. And in respect that our said dearest brother is actually forth of our Realm, and can not instantly be present to accept the said office of Regentry upon him, and use and exercise the same, during our said dearest son’s minority: We, while [until] his returning within our Realm, or in case of his decease, have made, constitute, named, appointed, and ordained, and by these our letters makes, constitutes, names, appoints, and ordains our traist [trustworthy] cousins and counsellours, James Duke of Chattellerault, Earl of Arran, Lord Hamilton, Matho Earl of Levinar, Lord Darnley. &c. Archibald Earl of Argyle, Lord Campbell and Lorne. &c. John Earl of Athole, James Earl of Mortoun, Alexander Earl of Glencairn, and John Earl of Mar, Regents to our said dearest son, Realm, and lieges. And in case our said brother James, Earl of Murray, come within our Realm, and refuses to accept the said office of Regentry upon his singular person, We make, constitute, name, appoint, and ordain our traist [trustworthy] cousins, and counsellours foresaids, and our said brother, Regents of our said dear Son, Realm, and lieges; Giving, granting, and committing to them or any five of them, conjunctly, full power for our said Son, and in his name to receive resignations of lands, make dispositions of wards, non-entries, reliefs, marriages, benefices, escheats, offices, and others casualities [incidental items of revenue], & privileges whatsomever concerning the said office, Signators [signed authorizations] thereupon to make, subscribe, and cause be past through the Seals. And to use, and exercise the said office of Regentry in all things, privileges, & commodities, suchlike as freely, and with as great liberty, as any Regent, or Governour to us, or our predecessours used the same in any times bygone; Promising to hold firm, and stable, in the word and faith of a Prince, to whatsomever things our saids traist [trustworthy] cousins do in the premises. Charging herefore [for this reason] you all and sundry our Judges, and Ministers of Law, lieges, & subjects foresaids, to answer, and obey to our saids traist [trustworthy] cousins, Regents foresaids, in all and sundry things concerning the said office of Regentry, during our said dearest Son’s minority, and aye and while [ever and until] he be of the age of seventeen years complete. As ye and each one of you will declare you loving subjects {folio iii. recto} to our said most dear Son, your native Prince, and under all pain, charge, and offence that ye and each one of you may commit, and inrin [incur] against his Majesty in that part. Subscribed with our hand, & given under our privy Seal, at Lochleven the 24th day of July, and of our Reign the twenty-fifth year.

MARIE Be the grace of God Quene of Scottis, To all and sindrie our Jugeis, and Ministeris of Law, liegis, and subiectis quhome it effeiris, to quhais knawlege thir our letteris sall cum, greting, Forsamekle, as sen our arriuall, and returning within our Realme, we willing the commoun commoditie, welth, profeit, and quyetnes thairof, liegis, and subiectis of the samin, haue employit our body, spirite, haill sencis, and forcis to gouerne the same, in sic sort that our royall, and honorabill estate mycht stand, and continew with vs, and our posteritie, and our luifing, and kynde liegis mycht enioy the quietnes of trew subiectis. In trauelling quhairin, not onlie is our body, spirite, and sencis sa vexit, brokin, and vnquyetit that langer we ar not of habilitie be ony meane to indure sa greit and intollerabill panis, and trauellis quhairwith we ar altogidder veryit, bot als greit commotiounis and troublis, be sindrie occasiounis in the meintyme hes ensewit thairin to our greit greif. And seing it hes bene the plesour of the eternall God, of his kyndlie lufe, mercie, and gudnes to grant vnto vs, of our awin persoun, ane Sone, quha in cais be the hand of God we be veseit, will, and of rycht, and of equitie man, and aucht to succeid to vs and to the gouernement of our Realme. And knawing that all creaturis ar subiect to that immutabill decreit of the eternall, anis to rander and gif vp this lyfe temporall, (The hour and tyme quhairof is maist vncertane) and in cais be deceis we be takin fra this lyfe, during the tyme of his minoritie, it may be dowtit greitlie that resistance, and troubill may be maid to our said Sone, now natiue Prince of this our Realme, in his tender zeiris (being swa destitute of vs) to succeid to that rowme and kingdome quhilk maist iustlie of all Lawis appertenis to him. Quhilk inconuenient be Godis help, and gude prouidence, we mene to preuent, in sic maner, that it sall not ly in the power of ony vnnaturall subiectis to resist Godis ordinance in that behalf. And vnderstanding that na thing eirdlie is mair ioyous, and happy to vs, nor to se our said derrest Sone, in our awin lyfetime peciablie placit in that rowme, and honorabill estate quhairto he iustlie aucht & man succeid to. We of the motherlie affectioú we beir toward our said onlie Sone, haue renuncit, & dimittit, and be thir our letteris, frelie, of our awin mo true will renuncis, and dimittis the gouernement, gyding & gouerning of this our Realme of Scotland, liegis, and subiectis thairof, & all intromissioun & dispositioun of ony casualiteis, propertie, benefices, offices, & all thingis apperttening, or heirtofoir is knawin, or heirefter sall happin to appertene thairto, in fauouris of our said derrest Sone. To {folio iii. verso} that effect, that he may be plantit, placit, and possessit thairin, vse and exerce all thingis belangand thairto, as natiue King, and Prince of the samin, and siclyke as we or ony our predecessouris, Kings of Scottis, hes done in ony tymes bypast. Attoure, that this our dimissioun may tak the mair solempne effect, & that nane pretend ignorance thairof, we haue geuin, grantit, and committit, and be thir our letters geuis grantis, and committis our commissioun full, frie, and plane power, generall, and speciall command, to our traist cousingis, Patrik Lord Lindesay of the Byris, and Williame Lord Ruthuen, and to ilk ane of thame coniunctly and seuerally, to compeir before sa mony of the Nobilitie, Clergie, Burgessis, and vther pepill of our Realme, as sall happin to be assemblitt to that effect in our Burgh of Striuiling, or ony vther place, or placis quhair it salbe thocht maist conuenient, at ony day or dayis, and thair publictlie in thair presence, for vs, in our name, and vpon our behalf dimit, and renunce the gouernement, gyding, and reuling of this our Realme, liegis, and subiectis thairof, all intromissioun with the propertie, casualitie, or vtheris thingis appertening to vs thairby, and all rycht, and tytle that we had, hes, or may haue be ony maner of way thairto, in fauouris of our said Sone, to that effect, that he may be inaugurat, placit, and rowmit thairin, and the Crowne royall deliuerit to him, and be obeyit in all thingis concerning the samin, as we, or our predecessouris hes bene in tymes bypast. And in lykewise be thir presentis geuis, grantis, and committis our full frie, and plane power, to our rycht traist cousingis, James Erle of Mortoun, Lord of Dalkeith. Johne Erle of Athole. &c. Johne Erle of Mar. &c. Alexander Erle of Glencarne, Williame Erle of Menteith, Johne Maister of Grahame, Alexander Lord Hume, Adam Bischop of Orknay, and Prouestis of Dundie, Montrois, or ony of thame, to ressaue the said renúciatioun, and dimissioun in fauouris of our said Sone, and thairefter the ressauing thairof, to plant, place, and inaugurat him in the Kingdome, and with all ceremonies requysit to put the Crowne royall vpon his heid, in signe and takin of the establesing of him thairin, and in his name to mak, and gif to the saidis Nobilitie, Clergy, Burgessis, and vtheris our liegis, his Princely & Kingly aith detfully, and lauchfully as effeiris. And to ressaue thair aithis, for dew & lauchfull homage to be maid be thame to him, in all tymes cuming, as becumis subiectis to thair natiue King and Prince. And generally all & sindrie other thingis to do, exerce, and vse that for sure performance & accomplishment heirof may, or can be done, firme and stable haldand, and for to hald all and quhatsumeuer thingis in our name, in the premissis leidis to be done, in the word and faithfull promis of ane Prince. And ordanis thir our letters (gif neid beis) to be publist at all places neidfull. Subscriuit with our hand, & geuin vnder our preuie Seil, At Lochleuin the .xxiiij. day of Julii. And of our Regne the .xxv. zeir. 1567.

MARY, By the grace of God Queen of Scots, To all and sundry our Judges, and Ministers of Law, lieges, and subjects whom it effeiris [concerns], to whose knowledge these our letters shall come, greeting: Forsomuch, as since our arrival, and returning within our Realm, we, willing the common commodity, wealth, profit, and quietness thereof, lieges, and subjects of the same, have employed our body, spirit, whole senses, and forces to govern the same, in such sort that our royal, and honorable estate might stand, and continue with us, and our posterity, and our loving, and kind lieges might enjoy the quietness of true subjects; In travailing wherein, not only is our body, spirit, and senses so vexed, broken, and unquieted that longer we are not of ability by any mean to endure so great and intolerable pains, and travails wherewith we are altogether wearied, but also great commotions and troubles, by sundry occasions in the meantime has ensued therein to our great grief. And seeing it has been the pleasure of the eternal God, of his kindly love, mercy, and goodness, to grant unto us, of our own person, a Son, who in case by the hand of God we be visited, will, and of right, and of equity must, and ought to succeed to us and to the government of our Realm; And knowing that all creatures are subject to that immutable decree of the eternal, once to render and give up this life temporal, (The hour and time whereof is most uncertain) and in case by decease we be taken from this life, during the time of his minority, it may be doubted greatly that resistance, and trouble may be made to our said Son, now native Prince of this our Realm, in his tender years (being so destitute of us) to succeed to that room and kingdom which most justly of all Laws appertains to him. Which inconvenient by God’s help, and good providence, we mean to prevent, in such manner, that it shall not lie in the power of any unnatural subjects to resist God’s ordinance in that behalf. And understanding that nothing earthly is more joyous, and happy to us, nor [than] to see our said dearest Son, in our own lifetime peaceably placed in that room, and honorable estate whereto he justly ought & must succeed to. We of the motherly affection we bear toward our said only Son, have renounced, & demitted, and by these our letters, freely, of our own motive [Ed. 1575.] will renounces, and demits the government, guiding & governing of this our Realm of Scotland, lieges, and subjects thereof, & all intromission & disposition of any casualities, property, benefices, offices, & all things appertaining, or heretofore is known, or hereafter shall happen to appertain thereto, in favours of our said dearest Son. To {folio iii. verso} that effect, that he may be planted, placed, and possessed therein, use and exercise all things belonging thereto, as native King, and Prince of the same, and suchlike as we or any our predecessours, Kings of Scots, has done in any times bypast. Attoure [Moreover], that this our demission may take the more solemn effect, & that none pretend ignorance thereof, we have given, granted, and committed, and by these our letters gives grants, and commits our commission full, free, and plain power, general, and special command, to our traist [trustworthy] cousins, Patrick Lord Lindsey of the Byres, and William Lord Ruthven, and to each one of them conjunctly and severally, to compear before so many of the Nobility, Clergy, Burgesses, and other people of our Realm, as shall happen to be assembled to that effect in our Burgh of Stirling, or any other place, or places where it shall be thought most convenient, at any day or days, and there publicly in their presence, for us, in our name, and upon our behalf demit, and renounce the government, guiding, and ruling of this our Realm, lieges, and subjects thereof, all intromission with the property, casualty, or others things appertaining to us thereby, and all right, and title that we had, has, or may have by any manner of way thereto, in favours of our said Son, to that effect, that he may be inaugurate, placed, and roomed therein, and the Crown royal delivered to him, and be obeyed in all things concerning the same, as we, or our predecessours has been in times bypast. And in likewise by these presents gives, grants, and commits our full free, and plain power, to our right traist [trustworthy] cousins, James Earl of Morton, Lord of Dalkeith. John Earl of Athole. &c. John Earl of Mar. &c. Alexander Earl of Glencairn, William Earl of Menteith, John Master of Graham, Alexander Lord Hume, Adam Bishop of Orkney, and Provosts of Dundie, Montrose, or any of them, to receive the said renunciation, and demission in favours of our said Son, and thereafter the receiving thereof, to plant, place, and inaugurate him in the Kingdom, and with all ceremonies requisite to put the Crown royal upon his head, in sign and token of the establishing of him therein, and in his name to make, and give to the saids Nobility, Clergy, Burgesses, and others our lieges, his Princely & Kingly oath dutifully, and lawfully as effeiris [as is suitable, or fitting]. And to receive their oaths, for due & lawful homage to be made by them to him, in all times coming, as becomes subjects to their native King and Prince. And generally all & sundry other things to do, exercise, and use that for sure performance & accomplishment hereof may, or can be done, firm and stable holding, and for to hold all and whatsomever things in our name, in the premises leidis [conducts] to be done, in the word and faithful promise of a Prince. And ordains these our letters (if need be) to be published at all places needful. Subscribed with our hand, & given under our privy Seal, At Lochleven the 24th day of July. And of our Reign the 25th year. 1567.

ITEM, It is foundin declared, and decerned be our Soveraine Lord, with advise of the three Estaitis, and haill bodie of this present Parliament, that the nominatioun, constitutioun, and ordination of our said Soveraine Lords dearest Cousing, JAMES Erle of Murray, Lord Abernethie, in Regent to his Hienes, his Realme and Liegis thereof, during the time of his Majesties minoritie, and lesse age, specified and expressed in the Queenes Majesties Letters, under her subscriptioun and privie seale, of the date the 24. day of Julij last by-past, togidder alswa with the consent and approbation of the Erles, Lordes, Prelates, Commissioners of Burrowes, Barronnes, and utheris faithful subjects, convened and assembled to that effect. And the acceptation of the said office of Regentrie, be the saide JAMES Erle of Murray, upon the 22. day of August last by-past, was, is, and in all times cumming sall be halden, repute, and esteemed lawful, sufficient, and perfite. And all and whatsumever things, quhilks he hes done be vertew of his said office of Regentrie, sen his acceptation thereof, or quhilks he sall do hereafter, in our said Soveraine Lords name and authoritie, during the time of his hienesse Minoritie, specified in the said commissioun and procuratioun {334} produced, advised and considered, be the said three Estaites, to be as dewlie lawfullie, sufficiently, & righteously done, and to have als great avail, strength force & effect, in all respects and conditions, as ony things done be quhat-sumever Regents, Governours or Protectours of this Realme, in the minorities & lesse aiges of ony uthers native Princes of the same. And ratifies apprevis and confirmis, the same nominatioun and acceptatioun, for now & in time cumming.

ITEM, It is found, declared, and decerned by our Sovereign Lord, with advice of the three Estates, and whole body of this present Parliament, that the nomination, constitution, and ordination of our said Sovereign Lord’s dearest Cousin, JAMES Earl of Murray, Lord Abernethy, in Regent to his Highness, his Realm and Lieges thereof, during the time of his Majesty’s minority, and less-age, specified and expressed in the Queen’s Majesty’s Letters, under her subscription and privy seal, of the date the 24th day of July last by-past, together also with the consent and approbation of the Earls, Lords, Prelates, Commissioners of Burrows, Barons, and others faithful subjects, convened and assembled to that effect. And the acceptation of the said office of Regentry, by the said JAMES Earl of Murray, upon the 22nd day of August last by-past, was, is, and in all times coming shall be held, reputed, and esteemed lawful, sufficient, and perfect. And all and whatsomever things, which he has done be virtue of his said office of Regentry, since his acceptation thereof, or which he shall do hereafter, in our said Sovereign Lord’s name and authority, during the time of his highness’ Minority, specified in the said commission and procuration {334} produced, advised and considered, by the said three Estates, to be as duly, lawfully, sufficiently, & righteously done, and to have as great avail, strength, force, & effect, in all respects and conditions, as any things done be whatsomever Regents, Governours or Protectours of this Realm, in the minorities & less-ages of any other native Princes of the same. And ratifies, approves, and confirms, the same nomination and acceptation, for now & in time coming.

MARIE Be the Grace of God Queene of Scots, to all and sindrie our Judges, & ministers of our Lawes, lieges & subjects, quhom it effeiris, to quhais knawledge thir our letters sall cum, greeting: Forsameikle, as after lang greate and intollerable paines, and labours taken bee us, sen our arrival within our Realme, for Government thereof, and keeping of the Liegis of the samin in quietnes, we have not onely beene vexed in our spirite, body, and senses thereby, bot als at length are altogidder sa wearyed thereof, that our habilitie, and strength of body, is not abil langer to indure the samin.

MARY, By the Grace of God Queen of Scots, to all and sundry our Judges, & ministers of our Laws, lieges & subjects, whom it concerns, to whose knowledge these our letters shall come, greeting: Forsomuch, as after long, great, and intolerable pains, and labours taken by us, since our arrival within our Realm, for Government thereof, and keeping of the Lieges of the same in quietness, we have not only been vexed in our spirit, body, and senses thereby, but also at length are altogether so wearied thereof, that our ability, and strength of body, is not able longer to endure the same,

THEREFOIR, and because na thing earthlie can be mair comfortabill and happy to us in this Earth, nor in our life time to see our deare Sonne, the native Prince of this our Realme, placed in the Kingdome thereof, and the Crowne Royal set on his head, we of our awin free-will, and special motive, have dimitted and renounced the Government, guyding and governing of this our Realme of SCOTLAND, lieges and subjects thereof, in favours of our said Sonne, to that effect that in all times hereafter, he may peaceablie and quietlie enjoy the samin, without trouble, and bee obeyed as native King and Prince of the samin, be the Lieges thereof. And understanding, that be reason of his tender zouth, he is not of habilitie in his awin persoun, to administrate in his Kingly roome and governement, as equitie requyres, quhill that hereafter he come to the zeires of discretioun. And als knawing the proximitie of blude standand betwixt us, our saide Sonne, and our dearest brother JAMES Erle of Murray, Lord Abernethie, &c. And havand experience of the natural affectioun and tenderlie love, he hes in all tymes borne, and presentlie beares towardes us, honour and estaite of our saide Sonne. Of quhais love and favoure towardes him, wee can not bot assure our selfe. To quhome na greater honour, joye, nor felicitie in earth can come, nor to see our saide Sonne inaugurate in his Kingdome, feared, reverenced and obeyed be his lieges thereof. In respect quhairof, and of the certaintie, and notorietie of the honestie, habilitie, qualificatioun and sufficiencie {335} of our saide dearest Brother, to have the cure and regiment of our said Sonne, Realme and lieges foresaids, during our saide Sonnes Minoritie: Wee have made, named, appointed, constitute, and ordained, and be thir our Letters, names, appointes, makes, constitutes and ordainis our said dearest brother JAMES Earle of Murray, Regent to our saide dearest Sonne, Realme, and lieges foresaids, during his Minoritie and les age, and ay and quhill he be of the age of seventene zeirs compleit. And that our said brother be called during the said space, Regent to our said Sonne, his Realme and Liegis. Swa that our said Sonne, after the compleeting of the zeiris foresaidis, in his awin persoun, may tak upon him the said government, and use and exerce all & sindrie priviledges, honouris and utheris immunities, that appertainis to the office of a King, alsweil in governing his Realme and people, according to the Lawis, as in repressing the violence of sik as wald invaid, or injustlie resist him or them, or his Authoritie royal. With power to our said dearest brother JAMES Erle of Murray, in Name, Authoritie and behalfe, of our said maist deare Sonne, to receive resignatiounis of quhat-sumever Lands halden of him, or zit of Offices, Castellis, Towres, Fortalices, Mylnes, Fischings, Woods, Benefices, or pertinentis quhat-sumever: the samin againe in our said Sonnes Name, to gif and deliver signatouris thereupon, and upon the gifts of Wairdes, non-entressis, and relevis of Landis, and Marriages of Airis falland, or that sall happen to fall in our said Sonnes hands as superiour thereof. And als upon presentatioun of Lands, Benefices, Escheitis of guddis movabil and unmovabil, debtis and takkis, respittis, remissiounis, supersedereis, and upon the dispositioun of Offices vacand, or quhen they sall happen to vaik, to subscrive, and cause be past the seillis. The said office of Regentrie, to use and exerce in all thingis, priviledges, and commodities, sik-like als freely, and with als great libertie, as ony Regent or Governour to us, or our Predecessouris used in ony times by-gane, and sik-like as gif every head, priviledge and Artickle, concerning the said Office, were at length expressed and amplified in thir our Letteris. PROMISAND to hald firme and stabil, in the word and faith of ane Prince, quhat-sumever things our said dearest brother in the premissis happinnis to doe. Chargeing heirfore zou all and sindrie, our Judges and Ministers of Law, Liegis and subjectis foirsaidis, to answer and obey to our said dearest brother, in all and sindrie things, concerning the said office of Regentrie, as ze and ilk ane of zou, will declair zou loving subjectis, to our said maist deare Sonne, and under all paine, charge and offence, {336} that ze and ilk ane of zou may commit and inrinne, against his Majestie in that part. Subscrived with our hand, and given under our privie seill, at Lochlevin the 24. day of Julij, And of our Reigne, the twentie five zeir.

THEREFORE, and because no thing earthly can be more comfortable and happy to us in this Earth, than in our lifetime to see our dear Son, the native Prince of this our Realm, placed in the Kingdom thereof, and the Crown Royal set on his head, we of our own free-will, and special motive, have demitted and renounced the Government, guiding and governing of this our Realm of SCOTLAND, lieges and subjects thereof, in favours of our said Son, to that effect that in all times hereafter, he may peaceably and quietly enjoy the same, without trouble, and be obeyed as native King and Prince of the same, by the Lieges thereof. And understanding, that by reason of his tender youth, he is not of ability in his own person, to administrate in his Kingly room and government, as equity requires, until that hereafter he come to the years of discretion. And also knowing the proximity of blood standing betwixt us, our said Son, and our dearest brother JAMES Earl of Murray, Lord Abernethy, &c. And having experience of the natural affection and tender love, he has in all times borne, and presently bears towards us, honour and estate of our said Son. Of whose love and favour towards him, we cannot but assure ourself. To whom no greater honour, joy, nor felicity in earth can come, than to see our said Son inaugurate in his Kingdom, feared, reverenced and obeyed by his lieges thereof. In respect whereof, and of the certainty, and notoriety of the honesty, ability, qualification and sufficiency {335} of our said dearest Brother, to have the care and regiment of our said Son, Realm and lieges foresaids, during our said Son’s Minority: We have made, named, appointed, constitute, and ordained, and by these our Letters, names, appoints, makes, constitutes, and ordains our said dearest brother JAMES Earle of Murray, Regent to our said dearest Son, Realm, and lieges foresaids, during his Minority and less-age, and aye and until he be of the age of seventeen years complete. And that our said brother be called during the said space, Regent to our said Son, his Realm and Lieges. So that our said Son, after the completing of the years foresaids, in his own person, may take upon him the said government, and use and exercise all & sundry privileges, honours and other immunities, that appertain to the office of a King, aswell in governing his Realm and people, according to the Laws, as in repressing the violence of such as would invade, or unjustly resist him or them, or his Authority royal. With power to our said dearest brother JAMES Earl of Murray, in Name, Authority and behalf, of our said most dear Son, to receive resignations of whatsomever Lands held of him, or yet of Offices, Castles, Towers, Fortalices, Mills, Fisheries, Woods, Benefices, or appurtenances whatsomever: the same again in our said Son’s Name, to give and deliver signatures thereupon, and upon the gifts of Wards, nonentrances, and reliefs of Landis, and Marriages of heirs falling, or that shall happen to fall in our said Son’s hands as superiour thereof. And also upon presentation of Lands, Benefices, Escheats of goods moveable and un-moveable, debts and tacks, respites, remissions, supersedeas, and upon the disposition of Offices vaiking [vacant], or when they shall happen to vaik, to subscribe, and cause be past the seals. The said office of Regentry, to use and exerce [exercise] in all things, privileges, and commodities, suchlike as freely, and with as great liberty, as any Regent or Governour to us, or our Predecessours used in any times bygone, and suchlike as if every head, privilege and Article, concerning the said Office, were at length expressed and amplified in these our Letters. PROMISING to hold firm and stable, in the word and faith of a Prince, whatsomever things our said dearest brother in the premises happens to do. Charging herefore you all and sundry, our Judges and Ministers of Law, Lieges and subjects foresaids, to answer and obey to our said dearest brother, in all and sundry things, concerning the said office of Regentry, as ye and each one of you, will declare you loving subjects, to our said most dear Son, and under all pain, charge and offence, {336} that ye and each one of you may commit and inrin [incur], against his Majesty in that part. Subscribed with our hand, and given under our privy seal, at Lochlevin the 24th day of July, And of our Reign, the twenty-fifth year.

ITEM, Our Soveraine Lord, with advise of his dearest Regent, and three Estaitis of this present Parliament, ratifyis and apprevis the Act under written, maid in the Parliament haldin at Edinburgh the 24. day of August, the zeir of God 1560. zeiris. And of new in this present Parliament, statutis and ordainis the said Act to be as ane perpetual Law, to all our Soveraine Lordis Lieges, in all times cumming. Of the quhilk the tenour followis. ITEM the three Estaitis understanding that the jurisdictioun and authoritie of the Bischop of Rome, called the Pape, used within this Realme in times bypast, hes not onely bene contumelious to the eternal God, but also very hurtful and prejudicial to our Soveraines authoritie, and common weill of this Realme. THEIRFOIR it is statute and ordained, that the Bischop of Rome, called the Pape, have na jurisdictioun nor authoritie within this Realme, in ony time cumming. And that nane of our said Soveraines subjects, in ony times heirafter, sute or desire title or richt of the said Bischop of Rome, or his sect, to ony thing within this Realme, under the paines of Barratrie, that is to say, proscription, banishment, and never to bruke honour, office, nor dignitie within this Realme. And the contraveners heirof to be called before the justice or his deputes, or before the Lords of the Session, and punisched therefoir, conforme to the Lawes of this Realme. And the furnischers of them, with finance of money, and purchassers of their title of right, or maintainers, or defenders of them, sall incurre the samin paines. And that na Bischop nor uther Prelat of this Realme, use ony jurisdiction in time cumming, be the said Bischop of Romes authoritie, under the paine foirsaid. And therefoir of newe decernis and ordainis, the contraveners of the samin, in ony time hereafter, to be punished according to the paines in the foresaid Act above rehearsed.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his dearest Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, ratifies and approves the Act underwritten, made in the Parliament held at Edinburgh the 24th day of August, the year of God 1560 years. And of new in this present Parliament, statutes and ordains the said Act to be as a perpetual Law, to all our Sovereign Lord’s Lieges, in all times coming. Of the which the tenour follows: ITEM the three Estates understanding that the jurisdiction and authority of the Bishop of Rome, called the Pope, used within this Realm in times bypast, has not only been contumelious to the eternal God, but also very hurtful and prejudicial to our Sovereign’s authority, and common weal of this Realm. THEREFORE it is statute and ordained, that the Bishop of Rome, called the Pope, have no jurisdiction nor authority within this Realm, in any time coming. And that none of our said Sovereign’s subjects, in any times hereafter, sue or desire title or right of the said Bishop of Rome, or his sect, to anything within this Realm, under the pains of Barratry, that is to say, proscription, banishment, and never to bruke [hold] honour, office, nor dignity within this Realm. And the contraveners hereof to be called before the justice or his deputies, or before the Lords of the Session, and punished therefore, conform to the Laws of this Realm. And the furnishers of them, with finance of money, and purchasers of their title of right, or maintainers, or defenders of them, shall incur the same pains. And that no Bishop nor other Prelate of this Realm, use any jurisdiction in time coming, by the said Bishop of Rome’s authority, under the pain foresaid. And therefore of new decerns and ordains, the contraveners of the same, in any time hereafter, to be punished according to the pains in the foresaid Act above rehearsed.

ITEM, Our Soveraine Lord, with advise of his dearest Regent, and three Estaitis of this present Parliament, ratifyis & apprevis the Acte underwritten, made in the Parliament {337} haldin at Edinburgh the 24. day of August, the zeir of God, ane thousand five hundredth threescore zeiris, And of new in this present Parliament statutis and ordainis the said Act, to be as a perpetual Law to all our Soveraine Lordis liegis in all times cumming. Of the quhilk the tenour followis. THE quhilk day, For-sameikle as there hes beene divers and sindrie Acts of Parliament, made in King JAMES the First, Secund, Thrid, Fourt and Fift times, Kinges of SCOTLAND for the time, and als in our Soveraine Ladies tyme, not aggreing with Gods haly word, and be them divers persones tuke occasion to maintaine Idolatrie and superstition within the Kirk of GOD, and repressing of sik persones, as were professours of the said word, quhairthrow divers innocents did suffer. And for eschewing of sik inconvenientes in time cumming, the three Estaites of Parliament, hes annulled, and declared all sik Acts made in times bypast, not agreing with God his word, and now contrary to the Confessioun of Faith, according to the said word, published in this Parliament, to be of nane availe, force nor effect. And decernis the said Acts, and every ane of them, to have na effect nor strength in time to cum, bot the samin to be abolished and extinguished for ever, in sa far as any of the foirsaidis Acts are repugnant, and contrarie to the Confessioun of Faith, and word of GOD foirsaid, ratyfied and approved be the Estaites in this present Parliament. And therefore decernis and ordainis, the contraveners of the samin Act, in ony time hereafter, to be punisched, according to the Lawes. Of the quhilk Confession of the Faith, the tenour followes.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his dearest Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, ratifies & approves the Act underwritten, made in the Parliament {337} holden at Edinburgh the 24th day of August, the year of God, one thousand five hundred and sixty years, And of new in this present Parliament statutes and ordains the said Act, to be as a perpetual Law to all our Sovereign Lord’s lieges in all times coming. Of the which the tenour follows: THE which day, Forsomuch as there has been divers and sundry Acts of Parliament, made in King JAMES the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth times, Kings of SCOTLAND for the time, and as in our Sovereign Lady’s time, not agreeing with God’s holy word, and by them divers persons took occasion to maintain Idolatry and superstition within the Kirk of GOD, and repressing of such persons, as were professors of the said word, where-through divers innocents did suffer. And for eschewing of such inconveniences in time coming, the three Estates of Parliament, has annulled, and declared all such Acts made in times bypast, not agreeing with God’s word, and now contrary to the Confession of Faith, according to the said word, published in this Parliament, to be of none avail, force, nor effect. And decerns the said Acts, and every one of them, to have no effect nor strength in time to come, but the same to be abolished and extinguished for ever, insofar as any of the foresaids Acts are repugnant, and contrary to the Confession of Faith, and word of GOD foresaid, ratified and approved by the Estates in this present Parliament. And therefore decerns and ordains, the contraveners of the same Act, in any time hereafter, to be punished, according to the Laws. Of the which Confession of the Faith, the tenour follows.