ender our lives in the cause," and then took up the pen and subscribed.
We do not find that any disagreeable consequences ensued at this time.

But in the beginning of February 1584, he was summoned to appear before
the secret council on the 11th of that month, to answer for some things
said by him in a sermon on a fast day from Dan. iv. At his first
compearance, he made a verbal defence, but being again called, he gave
in a declaration with a declinature, importing that he had said nothing
either in that or any other sermon tending to dishonour the king, but
had regularly prayed for the preservation and prosperity of his majesty;
that, as by acts of parliament and laws of the church, he should be
tried for his doctrine by the church, he therefore protested for, and
craved a trial by them, and particularly in the place (St Andrews) where
the offence was alledged to have been committed; that as there were
special laws in favour of St. Andrews to the above import, he
particularly claimed the privilege of them; he farther protested that
what he had said was warranted by the word of God; that he appealed to
the congregation who heard the sermon; that he craved to know his
accusers; that if the calumny was found to be false, the informers might
be punished; that the rank and character of the informer might be
considered, _&c. &c._: After which he gave an account of the sermon in
question, alledging that his meaning had been misunderstood, and his
words perverted.

When he had closed his defence, the king and the earl of Arran, who was
then chancellor, raged exceedingly against him. Mr. Melvil remained
undisquieted, and replied, that they were too bold in a constitute
Christian kirk to pass by the pastors, &c. and to take upon them to
judge the doctrine, and controul the messengers of a greater than any
present; "that you may see your rashness in taking upon you that which
you neither ought nor can do, (taking out a small Hebrew Bible and
laying it down before them,) there are," said he, "my instructions and
warrant,--see if any of you can controul me, that I have passed my
injunctions." The chancellor, opening the book, put it into the king's
hand, saying, "Sire, he scorneth your majesty and the council." "Nay,"
said Mr. Melvil, "I scorn not, but I am in good earnest." He was, in the
time of this debate, frequently removed and instantly recalled, that he
might not have time to consult with his friends. They proceeded against