The Records of the Parliaments of Scotland to 1707, K.M. Brown et al eds (St Andrews, 2007-2024), date accessed: 29 March 2024
[1584/5/22]1
An act approving the constitution of certain the king's majesty's officers of the estate
Our sovereign lord, with advice of his three estates convened in this present parliament, ratifies, approves and, for his highness and his successors, confirms his highness's nomination and constitution of his right trusty cousin and councillor James [Stewart], earl of Arran, lord Aven and Hamilton, to use and exercise the office of chancellor of this realm, as well in parliaments, privy council as session, during the absence and non-residence of Colin [Campbell], earl of Argyll, lord Campbell and Lorne, his highness's chancellor, and likewise ratifies, approves and confirms the gift and commission given and granted by his majesty to his right trusty cousin and councillor John [Graham], earl of Montrose, lord Graham, of the office of treasurer of this realm, and to Sir Robert Melville of Murdocairnie, knight, of the office of depute and clerkship in the said office of treasurer, and of the gift and commission of the office of secretary made by his majesty to his trusty and well beloved councillor Sir John Maitland of Thirlestane, knight, and wills and ordains them to use and exercise the said offices, every one in his own place, faithfully and diligently, enduring their lifetimes, according to the gifts made to them, as they will answer to God and his majesty thereupon; and decrees and declares that they shall not be removable from their said offices in time coming, except for just and worthy causes tried by his highness and his estates in parliament.
- NAS, PA2/12, ff.120v-121r.