History of the life and death of John, Earl of Gowrie

270 THE LIFE AND DEATH OF
well the innocency of Gowrie and his brother, 1
cannot easily conceive, by what arguments of poli-
tical casuistry he could possess any inward quiet, or
self approbation, when the prayers and praises he
had enjoined were offered in the churches. If the
truth of the supposition be admitted, it must then
be seriously remarked, that it was impious to seek
to impose upon the God of heaven, who knoweth
all things, and hateth lying, and the height of folly
to trifle with his displeasure.
Perhaps the following was the method which the
King might employ to satisfy his conscience i
Gowrie, and some of his friends and servants, had
at last had their recourse to arms, to defend them-
selves from those who were evidently a hostile
party. They had attempted, with drawn swords
in their hands, to enter into the gallery chamber,
where the nobles attached to the King, and under
his direction were, his Majesty being concealed in
the adjoining closet. The courts of justice, and
the Parliament of the kingdom, had judged that
Gowrie and his associates, by their having done
so, as the King was in the party they opposed, had
committed treason. Three of his servants had
been executed for having been thus guilty. Four