History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

of the Abbey, who came to him with all diligence. And conferred with him a pretty while, at last burst forth in tears, but so soon as he was able to speak, he asked him, If he would receive the Communion; Master Wischarde answered, He would most willingly, if he could have it according to Christ's institution under both kinds. The Sub-prior went to the Cardinal and his Prelates, he told them, That Master Wischarde was an innocent man; which he said, not to intercede for his life; but to make known the innocence of the man unto all men, as it was known to God. At these words the Cardinal was angry, and said to the Sub-Prior, Long ago we knew what you were; Then the Sub-Prior demanded, Whether they would suffer M. Wischarde to receive the Communion or no; They answered, No. A while after M. Wischarde had ended with the Sub-Prior, the Captain of the Castle, with some other friends, came to him, and asked him; If he would break fast with them; He answered, Most willingly, for I know you to be most honest and godly men; So all being ready, he desired them to sit down, and hear him a while with patience; Then he discoursed to them about half an hour concerning the Lord's Supper, his Sufferings and Death for us; He exhorteth them to love one another, laying aside all rancor, envy, and vengeance as perfect members of Christ, who intercedes continually for us to God the Father. After this he gave thanks, and blessing the Bread and Wine, he took the Bread and brake it, and gave to everyone of it, bidding each of them, Remember that Christ had died for them, and feed on it spiritually ▪ So taking the Cup, he bade them, Remember that Christ's blood was shed for them, &c. And after he gave thanks and prayed for them. When he had done, he told them, That he would neither eat nor drink more in this life; and so retired to his Chamber. Immediately after came to him (sent from the Cardinal) two executioners; one brought him a coat of Linnen died black, and put it upon him; The other brought some bags full of Powder, which they tied to several parts of his body: Thus having dressed him, they brought him to an outer Roome, near to the gate of the Castle; Then the fire was made ready, and the Stake at the West port of the Castle, near to the Priory. Over against the place of execution, the Castle Windows were hung with rich hangings and Velvet Cushions, laid for the Cardinal and Prelates, who from thence did feed their eyes with the torments of this innocent man. The Cardinal dreading that Master George should have been taken away by his friends; Before had commanded to bend all the ordnance of the Castle right against the place of execution; and commanded all his Gunners to be ready, and stand beside their Gunnes, unto such time as he was burnt. All this being done, they bound Master George his hands behind his back, and with sound of Trumpet, led him forth with the Soldiers, from the Castle, to the place of their cruel and wicked execution. As he came forth of the Castle gate, there met him certain beggars, asking of him alms for God's sake; To whom he answered, I want my hands, wherewith I was wont to give you alms; But the merciful Lord, of his benignity and abundant grace, that feedeth all men, vouchsafe to give you necessaries both unto your bodies and souls. Then afterward met him two false Fiends, (I should say Friers) saying, M. George, pray to your Lady, that she may be a Mediatrix for you to her Son: To whom he answered meekly; Cease, tempt me not, I entreat you. After this he was led to the fire, with a rope about his neck, and a chain of iron about his middle.

When that he came to the fire he sat down upon his knees, and rose again; And thrice he said these words; O thou Savior of the world, have mercy on me: Father of heaven, I commend my spirit into thy holy hands. When he had made this Prayer, he turned him to the people, and said these words, having obtained leave to speak a little: I beseech you Christian brethren and sisters, that ye be not offended at the Word of God, for the affliction and torments which ye see already prepared for me. But I exhort you that ye love the Word of God for your salvation, and suffer patiently, and with a comfortable heart, for the Words sake, which is your undoubted salvation, and everlasting comfort. Moreover, I pray you, show my brethren and sisters, which have heard me oft before, that they cease not, nor leave off to learn the word of God which I taught them, after the grace given unto me, for no persecutions nor troubles in this world, which last not: And show unto them that my Doctrine was no wives fables, after the constitutions made by men; And if I had taught men's doctrine, I had gotten greater thanks by men. But for the Words sake and true Gospel, which was given to me by the grace of God, I suffer this day by men, not sorrowfully, but with a glad heart and mind. For this cause I was sent, That I should suffer this fire for Christ's sake. Consider and behold my visage, ye shall not see me change my color: This grim fire I fear not, and so I pray you for to do, if that any persecution come unto you for the Words • ache; and not to fear them that slay the body, and have no power afterward to slay the soul. Some have said of me, That I taught that the soul of man should sleep until the last day: But I know surely, and my faith is such, That my soul shall sup with my Savior this night, ere it be six hours, for whom I suffer this. Then he prayed for them which accused him, saying, I beseech the Father of heaven to forgive them that have of any ignorance, or else of any evil mind forged lies upon me; I forgive them with all my heart: I beseech Christ forgive them that have condemned me to death this day ignorantly. And last of all, he said to the people on this manner; I beseech you brethren and sisters to exhort your Prelates to the learning of the Word of God▪ that they may be ashamed to do evil, and learn to do good; And if they will not convert themselves from their wicked error, there shall hastily come upon them the wrath of God, which they shall not eschew. Many faithful words said he in the mean time, taking no heed or care of the cruel torments which were then prepared for him. Then the Executioner that was his tormentor, sat down upon his knees, and said, Sir, I pray you forgive me, for I am not guilty of your death. To whom he answered, Come hither to me: When he was come to him, he kissed his cheek, and said, Lo here is a token that I forgive thee, my heart, do thy Office: And then by and by the Trumpet sounding, he was tied to the stake, and the fire kindled. The Captain of the Castle, for the love he bore to M. Wischarde, drew so near to the fire, that the flame thereof did him harm; he wished M. Wischarde to be of good courage, and to beg from God the forgiveness of his sins; to whom M. Wischarde answered thus; This fire torments my body, but no ways abates my spirit. Then M. Wischarde looking towards the Cardinal, said, He who in such state, from that high place, feedeth his eyes with my torments, within few days shall be hanged out at the same window, to be seen with us much ignominy, as he now leaneth there in pride. Then with this, the Executioner drawing the Cord, stopped his breath; presently after, the fire being great, he was consumed to powder. The Prelates would not suffer any prayers to be made for him, according to their Custom. After the death of Master Wischarde, the Cardinal was cried up by his flatterers, and all the rabble of the corrupt Clergy, as the only Defender of the Catholic Church, and punisher of heretics, neglecting the authority of the sluggish Governor: And it was said by them, That if the great Prelates of latter days, both at home and abroad, had been so stout and zealous of the credit of the Catholic Church, they had not only suppressed all heretics, but also kept under the Lay-men, who were so froward and stubborn. On the other side, when that the people beheld the great tormenting of that innocent, they could not withhold from piteous mourning, and complaining of the innocent lambs slaughter. After the death of this blessed Martyr of God, began the people in plain speaking, to damn and detest the cruelty that was used; yea, men of great birth and estimation and honor at open tables avowed, That the blood of the said Master George should be revenged, or else it should cost life for life: and that in a short time they should be like hogs kept for slaughter, by this vicious Priest, and wicked Monster, which neither minded God, nor cared for man. Amongst those that spake against the Cardinals cruelty, John Lesley, brother to the Earl of Rothes was chief, with his Cozen Norman Lesley, who had been a great follower of the Cardinal, and very active for him but a little before, fell so foul with him, that they came to high reproaches one with another. The occasion of their falling out was a private business, wherein Norman Lesley said he was wronged by the Cardinal: On the other side, the Cardinal said he was not with respect used by Norman Lesley his inferior. The said John Lesley in all companies spared not to say, That that same dagger (showing forth his dagger) and that same hand should be put in the Cardinals breast. These brutes came to the Cardinals ears: but he thought himself stout enough for all Scotland: For in Babylon, that is, in his new Block-House, he was sure, as he thought, and upon the fields he was able to match all his enemies: And to speak the truth, the most part of the Nobility of Scotland had either given unto him their Bands of Manred, or else were in confederacy, and promised amity with him, and so he gave his bastard eldest daughter in Marriage to the Earl of Crawford his eldest son and heir, and caused the Wedding to be celebrate with such State, as if she had been a Princes lawful daughter. He only feared them in whose hands God did deliver him, and for them he laid his nets so secretly (as that he made a full compt) that their feet could not escape, as we shall after hear. And something of his former practices we may recompt. After Easter he came to Edinburgh, to hold the Seingnye (as the Papists termed then their unhappy Assembly of Baals shaven sort) It was bruted that something was purposed against him at that day by the Earl of Angus and his friends, whom he mortally feared, and whose destruction he sought; but it failed, and so returned he to his strength; yea, to his god and only comfort, as well in heaven as in earth; and there he remained without all fear of death, promising to himself no less pleasure then did the rich man of whom mention is made by our Master in the Gospel; for he did not only say, Eat and be glad, my soul, for thou hast great riches laid up in store for many days; but he said, Tush, a fig for the fools, and a button for the bragging of heretics, and their assistance in Scotland: Is not my Lord Governor mine? witness his eldest son in pledge at my table. Have I not the Queen at my own devotion (he meant of the mother Mary that now 1566 reigns) Is not France my friend, and I am friend to France? What danger should I fear? And thus in vanity the carnal Cardinal delighted himself a little before his death. But yet he had devised to have cut off such as he thought might trouble him: For he had appointed the whole Gentlemen of Fife to have met him at Falkland the Monday; but he was slain upon the Saturday before. His treasonable purpose was not understood, and it was this; That Norman Lesley, Sheriff of Fife, and apparent heir to his Father the Earl of Rothes ▪ the foresaid John Lesley, Father brother to Norman ; the Lairds of Grange, elder and younger; Sir James Learmond of Darsie, and Provost of Saint Andrew's ; and the faithful Laird of Raith, should either have been slain, or else taken, and after to have been used at his pleasure. This enterprise was disclosed after his slaughter, partly by Letters and Memorialls found in his chamber, but plainly affirmed by such as were of the counsel. Many purposes were devised, how that wicked man might have been taken away; But all faileth, till Friday the twenty eighth of May, anno 1546. when the aforesaid Norman came at night to Saint Andrew's, William Kirkaldie of Grange younger, was in the Town before, waiting upon the purpose. Last came John Lesley as aforesaid, who was most suspected: What conclusion they took that night, it was not known, but by the issue that followed. But early upon the Saturday in the morning, the 29 of May, were they in sundry Companies in the Abbey Church-yard, not far distant from the Castle: First, the Gates being open, and the draw-Bridge letten down, for receiving of Lime and Stones, and other things necessary for building (for Babylon was almost finished) First, we say, assayed William Kirkcaldie of Grange younger, and with him six persons, and getting entry, held purpose with the Porter, If my Lord was walking; who answered, No: (and so it was indeed, for he had been busy at his compts with Mistress Marion Ogilbie that night, who was espied to depart from him by the privy Posterne that morning; and therefore quietness, after the rules of Physic, and a morning sleep, was requisite (for my Lord.) While the said William and the Porter talketh, and his servants made them to look the work and workmen, approached Norman Lesley with his company; and because they were in great number, they easily gat entry. They address to the midst of the Court: and immediately came John Lesley, somewhat rudely, and four persons with him: The Porter fearing, would have drawn the Bridge; but the said John being entered thereon, stayed it, and leapt in▪ And while the Porter made him for defense, his head wa • broken, the Keys taken from him, and he cast into the ditch, and so the place was seized. The shout ariseth; the work-men, to the number of more then a hundred, ran off the walls, and were without hurt put forth at the Wicket Gate. The first thing that ever was done, William Kirkaldie took the Guard of the privy Posterne, fearing lest the Fox should have escaped. Then go the rest of the Gentlemens Chambers, and without violence done to any man, they put more then fifty persons to the Gate: The number that enterprised and did this, was but sixteen persons. The Cardinal wakened with the shouts, asked from his window, What meant that noise? It was answered, That Norman Lesley had taken his Castle: Which understood, he ran to the Posterne; but perceiving the passage to be kept without, he returned quickly to his Chamber, took his two handed sword, and caused his Chamberlain to cast Chests and other impediments to the door. In this mean time came John Lesley unto it, and bids open. The Cardinal asking, Who calls; he answered, My name is Lesley. He demanded, Is that Norman? The other saith, Nay, my name is John. I will have Norman, saith the Cardinal, for he is my friend. Content yourself with such as are here, for other you shall have none. There were with the said John, James Melvene, a man familiarly acquainted with Master George Wischarde, and Peter Carmichaelle, a stout Gentleman. In this mean time, while they force at the door, the Cardinal hides a box of gold under coals that were laid in a secret corner. At length he asketh, Will ye save my life? The said John answered, It may be that we will. Nay (saith the Cardinal) Swear unto me by God's wounds, and I will open you. Then answered the said John, It that was said, is unsaid ; and so cried; Fire, fire, (for the door was very strong) and so was brought a chimley full of burning coals, which perceived, the Cardinal or his Chamberlain (it is uncertain) opened the door, and the Cardinal sat down in a chair, and cried, I am a Priest, I am a Priest, ye will not slay me. The said John Leslie (according to his former Vows) stroke him first once or twice, and so did the said Peter. But James Melvin (a man of nature most gentle and most modest) perceiving them both in choler, withdrew them, and said, This work and judgment of God (although it be secret) ought to be done with greater gravity. And presenting unto him the point of the sword, said, Repent thee of thy former wicked life, but especially of the shedding of the blood of that notable instrument of God M. George Wischarde, which albeit the flame of fire consumed before men, yet cries it for vengeance upon thee, and we from God are sent to revenge it. For here before my God, I protest, That neither the hatred of thy person, the love of thy riches, nor the fear of any trouble thou couldst have done to me in particular, moved, or moveth me to strike thee; But only because thou hast been, and remainest an obstinate enemy against Christ Jesus and his holy Gospel. And so he stroke him twice or thrice thorough with a stog sword: And so he fell, never word heard out of his mouth, but I am a Priest, fie, fie, all is gone.

While they were thus busied with the Cardinal, the fray rose in the Town, the Provost assembles the Commonalty, and comes to the house side, crying, What have ye done with my Lord Cardinal? Where is my Lord Cardinal? Have ye slain my Lord Cardinal? They that were within answered gentlely; Best it were for you to return to your own houses, for the man ye call the Cardinal hath received his reward, and in his own person will trouble the world no more. But then more inragedly they cry, We shall never depart till that we see him. And so was he brought to the East block-house head, and shown dead over the wall, to the faithless multitude, which would not believe before they saw, and so they departed without Requiem aeternam, & requiescat in pace, sung for his soul. Now because the weather was hot (for it was in May, as ye have heard) and his funerals could not suddenly be prepared, it was thought best to keep him from stinking to give him great salt enough, a cope of lead, and a corner in the bottom of the sea Tower (a place where many of God's children had been imprisoned before) to await what exequies his brethren the Bishops would prepare for him. These things we write merrily, but we would that the Reader should observe God's just judgments, and how that he can deprehend the worldly wise in their own wisdom, make their table to be a snare to trap their own feet, and their own purposed strength to be their own destruction. These are the works of our God, whereby he would admonish the tyrants of this earth, that in the end he will be revenged of their cruelty, what strength soever they make in the contrary. But such is the blindness of man (as David saith) that the posterity doth ever follow the footsteps of their wicked fathers, and principally in their impiety. For how little differs the cruelty of that bastard, that yet is called Bishop of S. Andrew's, from the cruelty of the former we will after hear.

The death of this aforesaid Tyrant, as it was pleasing to some, to wit, to those who had received the Reformation of Religion, for they were mightily afraid of him▪ and also to sundry Romanists whom he kept under as slaves; so on the other side it was dolorous to the Priests, dolorous to the Governor, dolorous to the Queen Dowager: for in him perished faithfulness to France, and the comfort to all Gentle-women, and especially to wanton widows: His death must be revenged. To the Court again repairs the Earl of Angus, and his brother Sir George ; labor is made for the Abbacie of Arbroth, and a grant was once made of the same (in memory whereof George Dowglas, bastard son to the said Earl, is yet called Postulant. ) But it was more proper (think the Hamiltons ) for the Governors itching, then for reward to the Dowglasses ; And yet in hope thereof, the said Earl, and Sir George his brother, were the first that voted, that the Castle of S. Andrew's should be besieged: Divers Gentlemen of Fife went into the Castle, and abode there with the Leslies during the first siege; and John Rough was Preacher to them. The Bishop, to declare the zeal that he had to revenge the death of him that was his predecessor (and for his riches he would not have had him living again) still blew the coles. And first he made summons, then he denounced accursed, at last rebels, not only the first enterprisers, but all such also as after did accompany them. And last of all a siege was concluded, which began in the end of August (for the 23 day thereof departed the Soldiers from Edinburgh ) and continued near to the end of January. At what time, because they had no other hope of winning of it, but by hunger, and thereof also they despaired, for they within had broken through the East wall, and made a plain passage by an iron gate to the sea, which greatly relieved the besieged, and abased the besiegers; for then they saw that they could not stop them of victuals, unless that they should be masters of the sea, and that they clearly understood they could not be; for the English Ships had once been there, and had brought William Kirkcaldie from London, and with much difficulty (because the said gate was not then prepared) and some loss of men, had rendered him to the Castle again; and had taken with them to the Court of England, John Leslie, and Master Henry Balnaves, for perfecting of all Contracts betwixt them and the King Henry, who promised to take them into his protection, upon condition only that they should keep the Governors son, my Lord of Arrane, and stand friends to the Contract of Marriage, whereof before we have made mention. These things clearly understood (we say) by the Governor and his Counsel, the Priests and the shaven sort; they concluded to make an appointment, to the end, that under Truce, they might either get the Castle betrayed, or else some principal men of the company taken at unawares. In which dressing was the Abbot of Dunfermeling principal; and for that purpose had the Laird of Monwhanie (who was most familiar with those of the Castle) labored with foot and hand, and proceeded so in his traffic, that from entering in day light, at his pleasure, he gat license to come in in the night, whensoever it pleased him. But God had not appointed so many to be betrayed, albeit that he would that they should be punished, and that justly, as hereafter we shall hear.

The Heads of the coloured appointment were;
• 1. That they should keep the Castle of S. Andrew's still, while that the Governor and the authority of Scotland should get unto them a sufficient absolution from the Pope Antichrist of Rome, for the slaughter of the Cardinal aforesaid.
• 2. That they should deliver pledges for the delivery of that house, as soon as the aforesaid absolution was delivered unto them.
• 3. That they, their friends, familiars and servants, and others to them pertaining, should never be pursued in Law, by authority, for the slaughter aforesaid. But that they should enjoy commodities, spiritual or temporal, whatsoever they possessed before the said slaughter, even as if it had never been committed. That they of the Castle should keep the Earl of Arran so long as their Pledges were kept.

And such like Articles liberal enough, for they never minded to keep word of them, as the issue did declare. John Rough left the Castle, seeing he could do little good upon those that were within, so addicted were they to their evil ways; he went into England to Preach God's Word there.

The appointment made, all the godly were glad, for some hope they had that thereby God's Word should somewhat bud, as indeed so it did: For John Rough (who soon after the Cardinals slaughter entered within the Castle and had continued in it during the whole siege) having left the Castle, because he could do little good upon those that were with him; so addicted were they to their evil ways, began to Preach in the city of S. Andrew's. And albeit he was not the most learned, yet was his doctrine without corruption, and therefore well liked of the people. At the Easter after Anno 1547. came to the Castle of S. Andrew's, John Knox, who wearied of removing from place to place, by reason of the persecution that came upon him by the Bishop of S. Andrew's, was determined to have left Scotland, and to have visited the Schools of Germany (of England then he had no pleasure, by reason that although the Popes name was suppressed, yet his laws & corruptions remained in full vigor.) But because he had the care of some Gentlemens children, whom certain years he had nourished in godliness. Their fathers solicited him to go to S. Andrew's, that himself might have the benefit of the Castle, and their children the benefit of his Doctrine. And so (we say) came he the time aforesaid to the said place; and having in his company Francis Dowglas of Langnidrie, George his brother, and Alexander Cokburne, eldest son then to the Laird of Ormeston, began to exercise them, after his accustomed manner. Besides the Grammar and other books of human Learning, he read unto them a Catechism, account whereof he caused them give publicly in the Parish Church of S. Andrew's. He read moreover unto them the Gospel of John, proceeding where he left at his departure from Langnidrie, where before his residence was, and that Lecture he read in the Chapel within the Castle at a certain hour. They of the place, but specially M. Hen. Balnaves & John Rough Preacher, perceiving the manner of his Doctrine, began earnestly to travel with him, that he would take the Function of Preacher upon him: but he refused, alleging that he would not run where God had not called him, meaning, that he would do nothing without a lawful vocation. Whereupon they privily amongst themselves advising, having with them in counsel Sir David Lindsay of the Mount , they concluded that they would give a charge to the said John, and that publicly, by the mouth of the Preacher. And so upon a certain day, a Sermon of the Eelection of Ministers, what power the Congregation (how small soever that it was, passing the number of two or three) had above any man, namely, in the time of need, as that was, in whom they supposed, and espied the gifts of God to be; and how dangerous it was to refuse, and not to hear the voice of such as desire to be instructed. These & other heads (we say) declared the said John Rough Preacher, directed by his words to the said John Knox, saying, Brother, ye shall not be offended, albeit that I speak unto you that which I have in charge even from all those that are here present, which is this: In the Name of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ, and in the name of these that presently call you by my mouth, I charge you that ye refuse not this holy Vocation, but as ye tender the glory of God, the increase of Christ's Kingdom, The edification of your Brethren, and the comfort of me, whom ye understand well enough to be oppressed by the multitude of labors, That ye take upon you the public office and Charge of Preaching, even as ye look to avoid God's heavy displeasure, and desire that he shall multiply his Graces upon you. And in the end he said to those that were present, Was not this your Charge to me? And do ye not approve this Vocation? They answered, It is, and we approve it. Whereat the said M. John abashed, burst forth in most abundant tears, and withdrew himself to his Chamber: His countenance and behavior, from that day, till the day that he was compelled to present himself to the public place of Preaching, did sufficiently declare the grief and trouble of his heart; for no man saw any sign of mirth of him, neither yet had he pleasure to accompany any man, for many days together. The necessity that caused him to enter in the public Place, besides the Vocation aforesaid, was Dean John Annan (a rotten Papist) had long troubled John Rough in his Preaching. The said John Knox had fortified the Doctrine of the Preacher by his Pen, and had beaten the said Dean John from all defences, that he was compelled to fly to his last refuge; that is, To the authority of the Church, which Authority, said he, damned all Lutherans and Heretics, and therefore he needed no further disputation. John Knox answered, Before we hold ourselves, or that ye can prove us sufficiently convinced, we must define the Church by the right notes given to us in God's Scripture, of the true Church: we must discern the Immaculate Spouse of Jesus Christ, from the mother of Confusion, Spiritual Babylon; lest that imprudently we embrace a Harlot, instead of the chaste Spouse; yea, to speak it in plain words, Lest that we submit ourselves to Satan, thinking that we submit ourselves to Jesus Christ: For as for your Roman Church, as it is now corrupted, and the Authority thereof, wherein stands the hope of your Victory, I no more doubt but that it is the Synagogue of Satan; and the Head thereof, called the Pope, to be that man of Sin of whom the Apostle speaketh, then that I doubt that JESUS CHRIST suffered by the procurement of the visible Church of Jerusalem. Yea, I offer myself by word or writing, to prove the Roman Church this day farther to degenerate from the purity which was in the days of the Apostles, then was the Church of the Jews from the Ordinance given by Moses, when they consented to the innocent death of JESUS CHRIST. These words were spoken in the open audience of the Parish Church of Saint Andrew's, after the said Dean John had spoken what it pleased him, and had refused to dispute. The people hearing the offer, cried with one consent, We cannot all read your writings, but we can all hear your Preaching: Therefore we require you in the Name of God, That ye let us hear the approbation of that which ye have affirmed: For if it be true, we have been miserably deceived. And so the next Sunday was appointed to the said John, to express his mind in the public Preaching place: Which day approaching, the said John took the Text written in Daniel, the seventh Chapter, beginning thus; And another King shall rise after them, and he shall be unlike unto the first, and he shall subdue three Kings, and shall speak words against the most High, and shall consume the Saints of the most High, and think that he can change Times and Laws: And they shall be given unto his hands until a time, and times, and dividing of times, &c. In the beginning [ 1] of his Sermon, he shown the great love of God towards his Church, whom he pleased to forewarn of dangers to come, so many [ 2] years before they come to pass. He briefly treated of the state of the Israelites, who then were in bondage in Babylon, for the most part, and made a short discourse of the four Empires, The Babylonian, The Persian, That of the Greeks, And the fourth of the Romans ; in the destruction whereof, rose up that last Beast, which he affirmed to be the Roman Church; for to none other power that ever hath yet been, do all the notes that God hath shown to the Prophet appertain, except to it alone; And unto it they do so properly appertain, that such as are not more then blind, may clearly see them. But before he began to open the corruptions of Papistry, he defined the true Church, shown the true notes of it, whereupon it was built, why it was the Pillar of Verity, and why it could not err; to wit, Because it heard the voice of the only Pastor, JESUS CHRIST, would not hear a stranger, neither would be carried with every wind of Doctrine. Everyone of these heads sufficiently declared, he entered to the contrary; and upon the notes given in his Text, he shown that the Spirit of God in the New Testament gave to this King other new names; to wit, The man of sin, The Antichrist, The Whore of Babylon. He shown, That this man of sin, or Antichrist, was not to be restrained to the person of any one man only, no more then by the fourth Beast, was to be understood the person of any one Emperor. But by such names the Spirit of God would forewarn his chosen of a body and a multitude, having a wicked head, which should not only be sinful himself, but also should be occasion of sin, to all that should be subject unto him (as Christ Jesus is the cause of Justice to all the Members of his Body) and is called the Antichrist, that is to say, One contrary to Christ, because that he is contrary to him in Life, Doctrine, Laws, and Subjects. And there began to decipher the lives of divers Popes, and the lives of all the Shavelings for the most part: Their Doctrine and Laws, he plainly proved to repugn directly to the Doctrine and Laws of God the Father, and of Christ Jesus his Son. This he proved by conferring the Doctrine of Justification expressed in the Scriptures, which teach that man is justified by Faith only; That the blood of Jesus Christ purgeth us from all our sins. And the Doctrine of the Papists, which attribute Justification to the works of the Law, yea, to the works of men's inventions, as Pilgrimage▪ Pardons, and other such baggage. That the Papistical laws repugned to the Laws of the Gospel, he proved, by the Laws made of observation of days, abstaining from meats, and from Marriage, which Christ Jesus made free; and the forbidding whereof, Saint Paul calleth the doctrine of devils. In handling the notes of that Beast given in the Text, he willed men to consider if these notes (There shall another rise, unlike to the other, having a mouth speaking great things and blasphemous) could be applied unto any other, but to the Pope, and his kingdom: For if these (said he) be not great words and blasphemous, The Head of the Church, most holy, most blessed, that cannot err; That can make right of wrong, and wrong of right; That of nothing can make somewhat; And that had all verity in the Shrine of his breast; yea, That had power of all, and none power of him. Nay, not to say, That he doth wrong, although he draw ten thousand Millions of souls with himself to hell. If these (said he) and many other, easy to be shown in his own Cannon-Law, be not great and blasphemous words, and such as never mortal men spake before, let the world judge. And yet (said he) is there one most evident of all, to wit, John in his Revelation says, That the Merchandise of that Babylonian Harlot, among other things, shall be the bodies and souls of men. Now let very Papists themselves judge, If any before them, took upon them power to relax the pains of them that were in Purgatory, as they affirm to the people that daily they do, by the merits of their Mass, and of their other trifles. In the end he said, If any here (and there were present Master John Maire, the University, the Sub-Prior, and many Cannons, with some Friers of both the Orders) that will say, That I have alleged Scripture, Doctor, or History, otherwise then it is written, let them come unto me with sufficient witness, and by conference I shall let them see, not only the Original where my Testimonies are written, but I shall prove, That the Writers meant as I have spoken. Of this Sermon, which was the first that ever John Knox made in public, was divers brutes: Some said, He not only hewes the branches of Papistry, but he strikes at the root also, to destroy the whole. Others said, If the Doctors, and Magistri nostri, defend not now the Pope and his Authority, which in their own presence is so manifestly impugned, the devil may have my part of him, and of his Laws both. Others said, Master George Wischarde spake never so plainly, and yet he was burnt, even so will he be. In the end others said, The Tyranny of the Cardinal made not his cause the better, neither yet the suffering of God's servant made his cause the worse. And therefore we would counsel you and them to provide better defences then fire and sword; for it may be that else ye will be disappointed; men now have other eyes then they had then. This answer gave the Laird of Nydrie, a man fervent and upright in Religion. The bastard Bishop, who yet was not execrated (consecrated the Sub-Prior of S. Andrew's, who ( Sede vacante ) was Vicar General, That he wondered that he suffered such Heretical and Schismaticall Doctrine to be taught, and not to oppose himself to the same. Upon this rebuke, was a convention of gray-Friers, and black-Fiends appointed, with the said Sub-Prior Dean John Winrame, in S. Leonards Yard, whereunto was first called John Rough, and certain Articles read to him. And thereafter was John Knox called for. The cause of their convention, and why that they were called, is expounded. And the Articles were read, which were these.

• 1. No mortal man can be the head of the Church.
• 2. The Pope is an Antichrist, and so is no member of Christ's mystical body.
• 3. Man may neither make nor devise a Religion that is acceptable to God, but man is bound to observe and keep the Religion that from God is received, without chopping or changing thereof.
• 4. The Sacraments of the New Testament, ought to be ministered as they were instituted by Christ Jesus, and practiced by his Apostles, nothing ought to be added unto them, nothing ought to be diminished from them.
• 5. The Mass is abominable Idolatry, blasphemous to the death of Christ, and a profanation of the Lord's Supper.
• 6. There is no Purgatory, in the which the souls of men can either be pined or purged after this life. But heaven resteth to the faithful, and hell to the reprobate and unfaithful.
• 7. Praying for the dead is vain, and to the dead is Idolatry.
• 8. There is no Bishop, except he Preach even by himself, without any Substitute.
• 9. The Tythes by God's Law do not appertain of necessity to the Church-men.

The strangeness (said the Sub-Prior) of these Articles which are gathered forth of your Doctrine have moved us to call for you, to hear your own answers. John Knox said, I for my part praise my God, that I see so honorable, and apparently so modest and quiet an Auditory: But because it is long since that I have heard, that ye are one that is not ignorant of the Truth, I may crave of you in the Name of God, yea, and I appeal your conscience, before that supreme Judge; That if ye think any Article there expressed, contrary unto the Truth of God, That ye oppose yourself plainly unto it, and suffer not the people to be therewith deceived. But on the other side, if in your conscience ye know the Doctrine to be true, then will I crave your Patrocinie thereto; That by your authority the people may be moved the rather to believe the Truth, whereof many doubts, by reason of your thoughts. The Sub-Prior answered, I came not here as a Judge, but only familiarly to talk, and therefore I will neither allow nor condemn. But if ye list, I will reason.

The Frier somewhat abashed what first to answer, while he wanders about in the mist, he falls in a foul mire. For alleging that we may not be so bound to the Word, he affirmed, That the Apostles had not received the Holy Ghost when they did write their Epistles, but after they received him, and then they ordained Ceremonies (few would have thought that so learned a man would have given so foolish an answer, & yet it is even as true as he did bear a gray Coull) John Knox, hearing the answer, start, and said, If that be true, I have long been in an error, and I think I shall die therein. The Sub-Prior said to him, Father, What say ye? God forbid that ye affirm that; for then farewell the ground of our faith. The Frier astonied, made the best shift that he could to correct his fault, but it would not be. John Knox brought him oft again to the ground of the Argument. But he would never answer directly, but ever fled to the authority of the Church: whereto the said John answered ofter then once, That the Spouse of Christ had neither power nor authority against the Word of God. Then said the Frier, If so be, ye will leave us no Church. Indeed, said the other, in David I read that there is a Church of the Malignants; for he saith, Odi Ecclesiam malignantium: That Church ye may have without the Word, and doing many things directly fighting against the Word of God. Of that Church, if ye will be, I cannot hinder you. But as for me, I will be of none other Church, except of that which hath Jesus Christ to be Pastor, which hears his voice, and will not hear a stranger. In this Disputation many other things were merrily skoft over: For the Frier after his fall could speak nothing to any purpose. For Purgatory, he had no better proof but the authority of Virgil, in the sixth of his Aeneiads; and the pains thereof to him was an Evil wife. John Knox answered that, and many other things as he himself witnesseth, in a Treatise that he did write in the Gallies, containing the sum of his Doctrine, and the confession of his Faith, and sent it to his familiars in Scotland, with his exhortation, That they should continue in the Truth, which they had professed, notwithstanding any worldly adversity that might ensue thereof. Thus much of that disputation have we inserted here, to the intent that men may see how Satan ever travelleth to obscure the Light, and how God by his power working in his weak vessels, confounds the craft, and discloseth the darkness of Satan.

After this the Papists and Friers, had no great heart of further disputation or reasoning, but invented another shift, which appeared to proceed from godliness, and it was this: Every learned man in the Abbey, and in the University should Preach in the Parish Church his Sunday about. The Sub-Prior began, followed the Officiall, called Spittall (Sermons was penned) to offend no man, followed all the rest in their ranks. And so John Knox smelled out the craft, and in his Sermons which he made upon the Weeke-days, he prayed to God, that they should be as busy in Preaching, when there should be more want of it, then there was then. Always (said he) I praise God that Christ Jesus is Preached, and nothing is said publicly against the Doctrine that ye have heard. If in my absence they shall speak anything which in my presence they do not; I protest that ye suspend your judgment, till that it please God ye hear me again.

God so assisted his weak Soldier, and so blessed his labors, that not only all these of the Castle, but also a great number of the Town openly professed by participation of the Lord's Table, in the same purity, that now it is ministered in the Churches of Scotland, with that same Doctrine that he had taught unto them. Amongst whom was he that now either rules, or else misrules Scotland, to wit, Sir James Balfour (sometimes called M. James ) the chief and principal Protestant, that then was to be found within this Realm. This we write because that we have heard, that the said Master James allegeth, that he was never of this our Religion, but that he was brought up in Martin Luther's opinion of the Sacrament, and therefore he cannot communicate with us. But his own conscience, and two hundred witnesses besides, know that he lies, and that he was one of the chief (if he had not been after his cups) that would have given his life, if men might credit his words, for defense of the doctrine, that the said John Knox taught. But albeit that those that never were of us (as none of Monwhauneys house have shown themselves to be) depart from us, it is no great wonder. For it is proper and natural, that the children follow the father, and let the godly beware of that race and progeny, by eschewing it. For if in them be either fear of God, or love of virtue, further then the present commodity persuades them, men of judgment are deceived. But to return to our History. The Priests and Bishops enraged at all these proceedings that were in Saint Andrew's, ran now upon the Governor, now upon the Queen, now upon the whole Counsel, and there might have been heard complaints and cries▪ What are we doing? Shall we suffer this whole Realm to be infected with pernicious Doctrine; fie upon you, and fie upon us. The Queen, and Monsieur d'Osell (who then was a secretis mulierum in the Court) comforted them, and willed them to be quiet, for they should see remedy or it were long. And so it proved indeed: For upon the nine and twentieth day of June, appeared in the sight of the Castle of Saint Andrew's, one and twenty French Galleys with a great Army, the like whereof was never seen in that Haven before. This treasonable means had the Governor, the Bishop, the Queen, and Monsieur d'Osell, under their appointment drawn. But to excuse their Treason, eight days before, they had presented an Absolution unto them, as sent from Rome, containing, after the aggravation of the crime, this clause, remittim{us} irremissibile, that is, We remit the crime that cannot be remitted: Which considered by the worst of the company that was in the Castle, answer was given, That the Governor and Council of the Realm had promised unto them a sufficient and assured absolution, which that appeareth not to be, and therefore they could not deliver the House, neither thought they that any reasonable man would require them so to do, considering that promise was not kept unto them. The next day after that the Gallies were arrived, they summoned the House: Which being denied (because they knew then no Magistrates in Scotland ) they prepared for Siege; and first they began to assault by Sea, and shot two days; but thereof they neither got advantage nor honor, for they threw down the Slates of houses; but neither slue man, nor did harm to any wall. But the Castle handled them so, that Sancta Barbara (the Gunners goddess) helped them nothing, for they lost many of their Rowers, men chained in the Gallies, and some Soldiers both by Sea and Land. And farther, a Galley that approached nearer then the rest, was so beaten with the Cannon, and other Ordinance, that she was stricken under water, and almost drowned, and so she had been, had not the rest given her succor in time, and drawn her to the west Sands, without the sho • of the Castle, and afterward to Dundie ; where they remained, till that the Governor, who then was at the Siege of Langhope, came unto them with the rest of the French Faction. The Siege by Sea and Land was laid about the Castle of S. Andrew's the three and twentieth day of July: The Trenches were cast, Ordnance was planted upon the Abbey Church, and upon Saint Salvators College (and yet was the Steeple thereof burnt) and some upon the street that leads to the Castle, which so annoyed the Castle, that neither could they keep their Block-house, the Sea Tower head, nor the west wall; for in all those places men were slain by great Ordnance: yea, they mounted the Ordnance so high upon the Abbey Church, that they might discover the ground of the court of the Castle in divers places. Moreover, within the Castle was the plague (and divers therein died) which more affrayed some that were therein, then did the external force without. But Io. Knox was of another judgment; for he ever said, That their corrupt life, having fallen into all kind of licentiousness, puffed up with pride of their success, and relying upon England for help in case of need, could not escape the punishment of God; and that was his continual advertisement, from the time that he was called to Preach. When they triumphed of their Victory (the first twenty days they had many prosperous chances) he lamented, and ever said, They saw not what he saw: when they bragged of the force and thickness of their walls, he said they should be but egg-shells. When they vaunted, England will rescue us, he said, Ye shall not see them; but ye shall be delivered into your enemies hands, and shall be carried into a strange Country.

Upon the nine and twentieth of July at night, was the Ordnance planted for the Battery thirteen Cannons, whereof four were Cannons Royal, called double Cannons, besides other Pieces. The Battery began at four of the clock in the morning; and before ten hours of the day, the whole South quarter, betwixt the fore Tower, and the East Blockhouse, was made faltable. The lower Gallery was stopped, divers slain in it; and the East Block-house was shot off from the place. Betwixt ten of the clock and eleven, there fell a shower of rain, that continued near an hour, the like whereof had seldom been seen; it was so vehement, that no man might abide without a house. The Cannons were left alone. Some within the Castle were of judgment, that men should have issued, and put all in the hands of God. But because that William Kirkcaldie was coming with the Prior of Cappua, who had the Commission of that Journey from the King of France, nothing was enterprised. And so appointment made, and the Castle rendered, upon Saturday the last of July. The Heads of the Appointment were; That the lives of all within the Castle should be saved, as well English as Scots, that they should be safely transported to France. And in case that upon conditions which by the King of France should offered unto them, they could not be content to remain in service and freedom there, they should upon the King of France his expenses be safely conveyed to what Country they would, other then Scotland. With the Governor they would have nothing ado, neither with any Scottish-man, for they had all traitorously betrayed them (which, said the Laird of Grange elder, a man simple, and of most stout courage, I am assured God shall revenge it or it be long.) The Galleys well furnished with the spoil of the Castle aforesaid, after certain days returned to France, and escaped a great danger (for upon the back of the Sands they all chocked) they arrived at Felcam in November, and thereafter passed up the water of Sequane, and lay before Roan, where the principal Gentlemen who looked for freedom, were dispersed, and put in sundry prisons; the rest were left in the Galleyes, and there miserably use. Amongst whom, the foresaid Master James Balfour was, with his two brethren, David and Gilbert ; which we write, because that we hear that the said Master James, principal misguider now of Scotland, denies that he had anything to do with the Castle of Saint Andrew's, or yet that ever he was in the Galleys: among others, John Knox was in the Galleys all the Winter. Then was the joy of the Papists, both of Scotland and of France, even in full perfection; for this was their song of triumph:

The Pope wrote Letters to the King of France, and so did he to the Governor of Scotland, thanking him heartily for taking pains to revenge the death of his kind creature the Cardinal of Scotland, desiring them to continue in their begun severity, that such things thereafter should not be attempted. So were all those that were deprehended in the Castle, condemned to perpetual prison: And the ungodly judged, That after this, Christ Jesus should never triumph in Scotland. On thing we cannot pass by: From Scotland was sent a famous Clerke (laugh not Reader) M. John Hammilton of Milburne, with credit to the King of France, and unto the Cardinal of Loraine (and yet he had neither French nor Latin, and some say his Scottish tongue was not very good.) The sum of his Negotiation was, That those of the Castle should be sharply handled: In the which Suit he was heard with favor, and was dispatched from the Court of France with Letters, and great credit, which that famous Clerke forgot by the way. For passing up to the Mountain of Dumbartane, before his letters were delivered, he brake his neck, and so God took away a proud ignorant enemy. But now to our History. These things against promise (for Princes have no Fidelity further then for their own advantage) done at Roan, the Galleys departed to Nantes in Britanie. Where, upon the water of Lore, they lay the whole Winter. In Scotland that Summer was nothing but mirth, for all went with the Priests even at their own pleasure. The Castle of S. Andrew's was razed to the ground; the Block-house thereof cast down, and the walls round about demolished. Whether this was to fulfill their law, which commands that places where Cardinals are slain, so to be used; or else for fear that England should have taken it, as after they did Brouchtie Rock, we remit to the judgment of such as were of counsel.

This same year, in the beginning of September, entereth Scotland an Army of ten thousand men from England by Land, and some Ships with Ordnance come by Sea. The Governor and the Bishop hereof advertised, gathered together the Forces of Scotland, and assembled at Edinburgh. The Protector of England, with the Earl of Warwick and their Army, remained at Praeston, and about Praeston Panes ; for they had certain Offers to propose unto the Nobility of Scotland, concerning the promise before made by them, unto the which King Henry before his death gently required them to stand fast: And if they would so do, of him nor of his Realm they should have no trouble, but the help and the comfort that he could make them in all things lawful. And hereupon there was a Letter directed to the Governor and Council; which coming to the hands of the Bishop of Saint Andrew's, he thought it could not be for his advantage that it should be divulgate; and therefore by his craft it was suppressed. Upon the Friday the seventh of September, the English Army marched towards Leith, and the Scottish Army marched from Edinburgh to Ennernes. The whole Scottish Army was not assembled, and yet the skirmishing began; for nothing was concluded but Victory, without stroke. The Protector, the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Gray, and all the English Captains were playing at the Dice. No men were stouter then the Priests and Channons with their shaven crowns, and black Jacks. The Earl of Warwick, and the Lord Gray, who had the chief charge of Horse-men, perceiving the Host to be molested with the Scottish Preachers, and knowing that the multitude were neither under order nor obedience (for they were divided from the great Army) sent forth certain Troops of Horse-men, and some of their Borderers, either to fetch them, or else to put them out of their sight, so that they might not annoy the Host. The Skirmish grew hot, and at length the Scottish-men gave back, and fled without gain turn: The chase continued far, both towards the East, and towards the West; in the which many were slain, and he that now is Lord Home, was taken, which was the occasion that the Castle of Home was after surrendered to the English men. The loss of these men neither moved the Governor, nor yet the Bishop his bastard brother, bragging, That they would revenge the matter well enough upon the morrow; for they had hands enow (no word of God) the English heretics had no faces, they would not abide. Upon the Saturday the Armies of both sides past to Array. The English Army takes the middle part of Fawside hill, having their Ordnance planted before them, and having their Ships and two Galleys brought as near the Land, as water would serve. The Scottish Army stood first in a reasonable strength, and good order, having betwixt them and the English Army the water of Esk (otherwise called Mussylburgh water) But at length a charge was given, in the Governors behalf, with sound of Trumpet, That all men should march forward, and go over the water. Some say that this was procured by the Abbot of Dunfermeling, and Master Hew Rig, for preservation of Carbarrie. Men of judgment liked not the journey; for they thought it no wisdom to leave their strength. But commandment upon commandment, and charge upon charge was given, which urged them so, that unwillingly they obeyed. The Earl of Angus being in the Vant-guard, had in his company the Gentlemen of Fife, of Angus, Mearnes, and the Westland, with many others, that of love resorted unto him; and especially those that were professors of the Gospel, for they supposed that England would not have made great pursuit of him. He passed first thorough the water, and arrayed his Host, direct before the enemies: Followed the Earl of Huntley, with his Northland men: Last come the Governor, having in his company the Earl of Argyle, with his own friends; and the Body of the Realm. The English-men perceiving the danger; and how that the Scottish-men intended to have taken the top of the hill, made to prevent the peril. The Lord Gray was commanded to give the charge with his men at Arms, which he did, albeit the hazard was very unlikely. For the Earl of Angus Host stood even as a wall, and received the first assaulters, upon the points of their Spears (which were longer then those of the English-men) so rudely, that fifty Horse and men of the first rank lay dead at once, without any hurt done to the Scottish Army, except that the Spears of the former two Ranks were broken. Which Discomfiture received, the rest of the Horse-men fled, yea, some passed beyond Fawside Hill ; the Lord Gray himself was hurt in the mouth, and plainly denied to chage again; for he said, It was alike to run against a Wall. The Galleyes and the ships, and so did the ordnance, planted upon Myde-hill shoot terribly. But the ordnance of the Gallies shooting amongst the Scottish Army affraied them wonderously. And while that every man labored to draw from the North, from whence the danger appeared, they begin to fail, and with that were the English foot-men marching forward: Albeit that some of their horse-men were upon the flight. The Earl of Angus army stood still, looking that either Huntly or the Governor should have recountred the next battle. But they had decreed that the favorers of England, and the Heretics (as the priests called them) and the Englishmen should part it betwixt them for that day. The fear riseth, and at an instant, they which before were victors, and were not yet assaulted with any force (except with ordnance, as is said) cast from them their spears and fled: So that God's power was so evidently seen, that in one moment, yea at one instant time, both the armies were fleeing. The shout came from the hill, from those that hoped no victory upon the English part. The shout rises (we say) They flee, they flee, but at the first it could not be believed, till at the last, it was clearly seen, that all had given back, and still began the cruel slaughter (which was the greater, by reason of the late displeasure of the men of arms) the chase and slaughter lasted till near Edinburgh upon the one part, and toward Dalketh upon the other. The number of the slain upon the Scottish side, were judged nigh ten thousand men. The Earl of Huntly was taken and carried to London : But he relieved himself, being surety for many reasons, Honesty or unhonesty, we know not, but as the brute was, he used policy with England. In that same time was slain the Master of Erskin, dearly beloved of the Queen: for whom she made great lamentation, and bare his death many days in mind. When the certainty of the discomfiture came, she was in Edinburgh, abiding upon tidings. But with expedition she posted that same night to Sterlin with Monsieur Dosell, who was as fearful as a Fox when his hole is smoaked. And thus did God take the second revenge upon the perjured Governor, with such as assisted him to defend an unjust quarrel. Albeit that many innocents fell amongst the midst of the wicked. The English army came to Leyth, and their taking order with their prisoners and spoil, they returned with this victory (which they looked not for) to England. That Winter following was great hearships made upon all the borders of Scotland, Broughtie mountain was taken by the Englishmen, and besieged by the Governor, but still kept: And at it was slain Gawine, the best of the Hamiltons, and the ordnance left. Whereupon the Englishmen encouraged, began to fortify upon the hill above Broughty house, which was called, The fort of Broughty, and was very noisome to Dundie, which it burnt and laid waste, and so did it the most part of Angus, which was not assured, and under friendship with them.

The Lent following was Hadington fortified by the English men: The most part of Lothian, from Edinburgh East, was either assured or laid waste. This did God plague in every quarter. But men were blind, and would not, nor could not consider the cause. The Lairdes Ormeston and Brunstone, were banished, and after sore assaulted, and so were all those of the Castle of S. Andrew's. The sure knowledge of the troubles of Scotland coming to France, there was prepared a Navy and Army. The Navy was such as never was seen to come from France for the support of Scotland, for besides the Gallies, being twenty two in number, they had threescore great Ships, besides Victuallers. How soon so ever they took the plain seas, the red Lion of Scotland was displayed, and they holden as rebels unto France (such policy is no falsehood in Princes) for good peace stood betwixt France and England. And the King of France approved nothing that they did. The chief men to whom the conducting of the Army was appointed, were Monsieur Dandelott, Monsieur de Termes, and Peter Strozi. In their journey they made some harship upon the coast of England, but it was not great. They arrived in Scotland in May, in the year of our Lord 1549. The Gallies did visit the Fort of Broughtie, but did no more at that time. Preparations were made for the siege of Hadington, but it was another thing, that they meant, as the issue declared. The whole body of the Realm assembled, the form of a Parliament was set to be holden there, to wit, in the Abbey of Hadington. The principal head was, the Marriage of the Princesse (by the State before contracted to King Edward ) to the King of France, and of her present delivery, by reason of the danger she stood in, by the invasion of the old enemies of England. Some were corrupted with buds, some deceived by flattering promise, and some for fear were compelled to consent; for the French Soldiers were the officers of Arms in that Parliament. The Laird of Balcleuch, a bloody man, with many God's-wounds, swore, They that would not consent, should do worse. The Governor got the Title of Duke of Chattelherauld, with the order of the Cockle, and a Pension of 12000. lib. turn. with a full discharge of all intermissions, with King James the fifth his treasure and substance whatsoever, with possession of the Castle of Dumbartane, till that issue should be seen of the Queens body. With these and other conditions stood he content to sell his Sovereign out of his own hands, which in the end will be his destruction. God thereby punishing his former wickedness (if speedy repentance prevent not God's judgments, which we heartily wish) Huntly, Argyle, and Angus, were likewise made Knights of the Cockle; and for that and other good deeds received, they sold also their part. Shortly none was found to resist that unjust demand. And so was she sold to go to France ; To the end, that in her youth, she should drink of that liquor that should remain with her all her life time for a plague to this Realm, and for her own ruin. And therefore albeit that now a fire cometh out of her, that consumes many, let no man wonder she is God's hand, in his displeasure punishing our former ingratitude. Let men patiently abide God's appointed time, and turn unto him with hearty repentance, then God will surely stop the fire that now comes from her, by sudden changing her heart to deal favourably with his people; or else by taking her away, or by stopping her to go on in her cou • se by such means as he shall think meet in his wisdom, for he having all in his hand disposeth of all, and doth with all according to his own will, unto which we must not only yield, but also be heartily pleased with it, since it is absolutely good, and both by Sacred and Profane History we are taught to do so; for in them we find, That Princes have been raised up by his hands to punish his people; But when they turned unto him with hearty repentance, he either turned the heart of the Prince to deal kindly with his people, or else did take him away, or at least did stop his violent course against his people. Of this, the examples are so frequent, that we spare to name them here. But to return to our History.

This conclusion, That our Queen (without further delay) should be delivered to France. The siege continued, great shooting, but no assaulting, and yet they had fair occasion offered unto them. For the English-men approaching to the Town, for the comforting of the besieged, with powder, victuals, and men, lost an Army of six thousand men. Sir Robert Bows was taken, and the most part of the borderers were taken or slain. And so might the Town justly have despaired of any further succor to have been looked for. But yet it held good for the stout courage and prudent government of Sir James Wolford General, who did so encourage the whole Captains and Soldiers, that they determined to die upon their walls. But from the time that the French-men had gotten the Bone, for the which the Dog barked, the pursuit of the Town was slow. The siege was raised, and the Queen she was conveyed by the west seas to France, with 4 Gallies & some Ships. And so the Cardinal of Loraine got her in his keeping, a morsel I assure you, meet for his own mouth. We omit many things that occurred in this time, as the sitting down of the Ship, called, The Cardinal (the fairest Ship in France ) betwixt S. Colmes Inch and Cramond, without any occasion except negligence, for the day was fair and weather calm. But God would show, that the Country of Scotland can bear no Cardinals. In this time also was there a Combat betwixt the Gallies and the English Ships. They shot frankly a while. An English Ship took fire, or else the Gallies had come short home, and as it was, they fled without mercy, till that they were above S. Colmes Inch. The Captains left the Gallies, and took a Fort, made in the Inch, for their defense. But the English Ships made no pursuit (except that they burnt the Cardinal, where she lay) and so the Gallies and the Galley-men did both escape.

Order was taken that the next September some Gallies should remain in Scotland, and that the rest should return to France, as they did all, except one that was taken by an English Ship, (by an English Ship, only we say) as they were passing betwixt Dover and Calais.

That winter remained Monsieur de Arfe in Scotland, with the bands of French-men. They fortified Enneresk, to stay the English that they should not invade Edinburgh and Leyth. Some skirmishes there were betwixt the one and the other, but no notable thing done, except that the French had almost taken Hadington ; The occasion whereof was this:

The French-men thinking themselves more then masters in all parts of Scotland, and in Edinburgh principally, thought they could do no wrong to no Scottish-man. For a certain French-man delivered a Colvering to George Tod, Scottish-man, to be stocked, who bringing it thorough the street, another French-man claimed it, and would have taken it from the said George, but he resisted, alleging that the French-man did wrong: Thus began parties to assemble, as well to the Scottish-man as to the French, so that two of the French-men were stricken down, and the rest chased from the Cross to Nudris-wind-head. The Provost being in the street, apprehended two of the French, and was carrying them to the Tolbuith, but from Monsieur de Essies lodging, or close, issued forth French-men, to the number of threescore persons, with drawn swords, and resisted the said Provost. Then the Town assembling, repulsed them, till that they came to the nether Bow. And there Monsieur de la Chapelle, with the whole bands of French-men armed recountred the said Provost, and violently repulsed him (for the Town was without weapons, for the most part) and so made invasion upon all that they met. And first in the entry of the Bow were slain David Kyrk, and David Barber (being at the Provosts back) and afterward was slain the said Provost himself, being Laird of Stanehouse, and Captain of the Castle, James Hamilton his son, William Chapman, M. William Stuart, William Purvesse, and a woman named Elizabeth Stuart. And thereafter tarried within the Town by force, from five of the clock till after seven at night, and then retired to the Cannon gate, as to their receptacle and refuge.

The whole Town, yea the Governor and Nobility commoved at the unworthiness of this bold attempt, craved justice upon the malefactors, or else they would take justice of the whole. The Queen craftily enough, Monsieur de Essie, and Monsieur Doseil, labored for pacification, and promised, That unless the French-men by themselves alone, should do such an act as might recompense the wrong that they had done, that then they should not refuse, but that Justice should be executed to the rigor. These fair words pleased our fools, and so were the French bands the next night directed to Hadington, to the which they approached a little after midnight so secretly, that they were never espied till that the foremost were within the outer Court, and the whole Company in the Church-yard, not two pair of Buts length distant from the Town. The Soldiers English-men were all asleep except the watch, the which was slender; and yet the shout arises, Bows and Bills, Bows and Bills ; which is signification of extreme defense, to avoid the present danger in all Towns of war. They affrighted arise, weapons that first came to hand serve for the need. One amongst many came to the East-gate, where lay two great pieces of Ordnance, and where the enemies were known to be, and cried to his fellows, that were at the gate making defense. Beware before, and so fires a great piece, and thereafter another, which God so conducted, that after them was no further pursuit made: for the Bullets redounded from the wall of the Frier-Church, to the wall of S. Katherines Chapel, which stood directly over it, and from the wall of the said Chapel to the said Church wall again, so oft, that there fell more then an hundred of the French at those two shots only. They shot oft; but the French retired with diligence, and returned to Edinburgh without harm done, except the destruction of some drinking Beer, which lay in the Sands, Chapel, and Church. And this was satisfaction more then enough, for the slaughter of the foresaid captain, and Provost, and for the slaughter of such as were slain with them. This was the beginning of the French fruits.

This winter, in the time of Christmas, was the Castle of Hume recovered from the English, by the negligence of the Captain, named Dudley. This winter also did the Laird of Raith most innocently suffer, and after was forsalted, because that he wrote a Letter to his son John Melvin, who then was in England, which was alleged to have been found in the house of Ormeston ; but many suspected the pranks and craft of Ninian Cokburne, now called Captain Ninian, to whom the said Letter was delivered. But howsoever it was, the cruel beast the Bishop of S. Andrew's, and the Abbot of Dunfermeling, ceased not, till that the head of that noble man was stricken from him; especially, because that he was known to be one that unfeignedly favored the Truth of God's Word, and was a great friend to those that were in the Castle of S. Andrew's, of whose deliverance, and of God's wonderful working with them during the time of their bondage, we will now speak, lest that in suppressing of so notable a work of God, we should justly be accused of ingratitude. First then, the principals being put in several houses, as before we have said, great labors were made to make them have a good opinion of the Mass: But chiefly, travel was taken upon Norman Leslie, the Laird of Grange, the Laird of Pitmillie, who were in the Castle of Scherisburgh, that they would come to Mass with the Captain: Who answered, That the Captain had commandment to keep their bodies, but he had no power to command their consciences. The Captain replied, That he had power to command, and to compel them to go where he went. They answered, That to go to any lawful place with him, they would not refuse: But to do anything that was against their conscience, they would not, neither for him, nor yet for the King. The Captain said, Will ye not go to the Mass? They answered, No; and if ye compel us, yet we will displease you farther; for we will use ourselves there, that all those that are present shall know we despise it. These same answers (and somewhat sharper) William Kirkcaldie, Peter Carmichell, and such as were with them in Mount S. Michell, gave to their Captain; for they said, They would not only hear Mass every day, but that they would help to say it, providing that they might stick the Priests, or else they would not. M. Henry Balnaves, who was in the Castle of Roan, was most sharply assaulted of all; for because he was judged learned (as he was and is indeed) therefore learned men were appointed to travel with him; with whom he had many conflicts, but God so ever assisted him, that they departed confounded, and he by the power of God's Spirit remained constant in the Truth, and professing of the same, without any wavering, or declining to Idolatry. In the prison he wrote a comfortable Treatise of Justification, and of the works and conversation of a man justified; which is extant to this day. Those that were in the Gallies, were threatened with torments, if they would not give reverence to the Mass (for at certain times the Mass was said in the Gallies, or else hard by upon the shore, in presence of the Forsaris) but they could never make the poorest of that company to give reverence to that Idol: yea, when upon the Saturday at night they sung their Salve Regina, all the Scottish men put on their caps, their hoods, or such things as they had to cover their heads; & when that others were compelled to kiss a painted board (which they called nostre Dame ) they were not pressed after once; for this was the chance. Soon after their arrival at Nantes, their great salve was song, and a glorious painted Lady was brought in to be kissed, and amongst others was presented to one of the Scottish men then chained. He gently said, Trouble me not; such a jewel is accursed, and therefore I will not touch it. The Patron and the Arguiser, with two Officers, having the chief charge of all such matters, said, Thou shalt handle it: and so they violently thrust to his face, and put it betwixt his hands. Who seeing the extremity, took the Idol, and advisedly looking about him, he cast it into the River, and said, Let our Lady now save her self; she is light enough, let her learn to swim. After that was no Scottish man urged with that Idolatry. These are things that appear to be of no great importance; and yet if we do rightly consider, they express the same obedience that God requireth of his people Israel, when they should be carried to Babylon : for he gave charge unto them, When they should see the Babylonians worship their gods of gold, silver, metal, and wood, they should say, The gods that have not made heaven and earth, shall perish from the heaven, and out of the earth. That confession gave that whole number, during the time of their bondage, in the which would God they had continued in their freedom; for then had not M. James Balfour been Official, neither yet born a Cope for the pleasure of the Bishop. But to proceed: The said M. James Balfour being in the Galley with John Knox ; and being wondrous familiar with him, would oftentimes ask his judgment, If he thought that ever they should be delivered? Whose answer was ever, from the day that they entered into the Gallies, That God would deliver them from that bondage, to his glory, even in this life. And lying betwixt Dundie and S. Andrew's, the second time that the Gallies returned to Scotland, the said John Knox being so extremely sick, that few hoped his life, the said Master James willed him to look to the Land, and asked if he knew it? who answered, Yes, I know it well, for I see the Steeple of that place, where God in public opened my mouth to his glory: And I am fully persuaded, how weak soever that I now appear, that I shall not depart this life, till that my tongue shall glorify his holy Name in the same place. This reported the said M. James, in the presence of many famous witnesses, many years before that ever the foresaid John set his feet in Scotland this last time to Preach.

William Kirkcaldie, then of Grange younger, Peter Carmichell, Robert and William Leslies, who were altogether in Mount S. Michell, wrote to John Knox, asking counsel if they might with safe conscience break their prison? Whose answer was, That if without the blood of any shed or spilled by them for their deliverance, they might set themselves at freedom, that they might safely do it: But to shed any man's blood for their freedom, thereto would he never consent. Adding further, That he was assured that God would deliver them, and the rest of that company, even in the eyes of the world, but not by such means as they looked for. That was by the force of friends, or by their other labors. By such means he affirmed, they should not be delivered, but that God would so work in in the deliverance of them, that the praise thereof should redound to his glory only. He willeth therefore everyone to take the occasion that God offered unto them. Providing that they did nothing against God's express Commandment for deliverance of themselves. He was the more earnest in giving his counsel, because the old Laird of Grange and others repugned to their purpose; fearing lest that the escaping of the others, should be an occasion of their worse entreatment. Whereunto the said John answered, That such fear proceeded not from God's Spirit, but only from a blind love of thyself, and therefore that no good purpose was to be stayed, for things that were in the hands and power of God. And added, That in one instant, God delivered the whole company into the hands of unfaithful men, but so would he not relieve them: But some would he deliver by one means, and at one time, and others must abide for a season upon his good pleasure. This counsel in the end was embraced, upon the Kings even, when French men commonly use to drink liberally. The aforesaid four persons having the help and conducting of a boy of the house, bound all that were in the Castle, put them in sundry houses, locked the doors upon them, took the Keys from the Captain, and departed without harm done to the person of any, or without touching of anything that appertained to the King, Captain, or the house.

Great search was made thorough the whole Country for them. But it was God's good pleasure so to conduct them, that they escaped the hands of the faithless, albeit it was with long travel, and great pain and poverty sustained; for the French boy left them, and took with him the small money that they had: And so neither having money, nor knowledge of the Country. And farther, fearing that the boy should discover them (as that in very deed he did) they purposed to divide themselves, to change their garments, and to go in sundry parts. The two brethren, Will. and Rob. Leslie (who now are become, the said Robert especially, enemies to Christ Jesus, and unto all virtue) came to Roan; Will. Kirkcaldie, and Peter Carmichell, in beggars garment came to Conquet ; and by the space of 12 or 13 weeks they travelled as poor Mariners, from Port to Port, till at length they gat a French Ship, landed in the West of Scotland, and from thence came to England, where they met before them the said Io. Knox, who that same Winter was delivered, and Alexander Clerk in his company. The said John was first appointed Preacher to Barwick, then to Newcastle, last he was called to London, and to the South part of England, where he remained till the death of King Edward the sixth. When he left England, he then passed to Geneva, and there remained at his privy study, till that he was called by the Congregation that then was assembled at Franckford, to be Preacher to them: which Vocation he obeyed (albeit unwillingly) at the commandment of that notable servant of God, John Calvin: At Franckford he remained, till that some of the learned (whose names we suppress) more given to unprofitable Ceremonies, then to sincerity of Religion began to quarrel with the said John ; and because they despaired to prevail before the Magistrate there, for the establishing of their corruptions, they accused him of treason committed against the Emperor, and against their Sovereign Queen Mary ; That in his Admonition to England he called the one little inferior to Nero, and the other more cruel then Jezebel ; The Magistrate perceiving their malice, and fearing that the said John should fall in the hands of his accusators, by one mean or by other gave advertisement secretly to him to depart their City, for they could not save him, if he were required by the Emperor, or by the Queen of England in the Emperors name. And so the said John returned to Geneva, from thence to Diep, and thereafter to Scotland, as we shall after hear.

The time and that Winter that the Gallies remained in Scotland, were delivered M. James Balfour his two brethren, David and Gilbert, John Anchinlek, John Sibald, John Gray, William Gutrie, and Stevin Bell. The Gentlemen that remained in prisons, were by the procurement of the Queen Dowager to the Cardinal of Loraine, and to the King of France, set at liberty in the month of July, anno 1550. who shortly thereafter were called to Scotland, their peace proclaimed, and they themselves restored to their lands, in despite of their enemies. And that was done in hatred of Duke Hamilton, because that then France began to have the Regiment of Scotland in their own hands. Howsoever it was, God made the hearts of their enemies to set them at liberty and freedom. There rested a number of common servants yet in the Gallies, who were all delivered upon the Contract of peace that was made betwixt France and England, after the taking of Boleyn ; and so was the whole company set at liberty, none perishing (no not before the world) except James Melvin, who departed from the misery of this life in the Castle of Brest in Britaigne. This we write, to let the posterity to come to understand how potently God wrought in preserving and delivering of those that had but a small knowledge of his truth, and for the love of the same hazarded all. That if either we now in our days having greater light, or our posterity that shall follow us, shall see a fearful dispersion of such as oppose themselves to impiety, or take upon them to punish the same otherwise then laws of men will permit: If we, say we, or they, shall see such left of men, yea, as it were despised and punished of God, yet let us not damn the persons, that punish vice (and that for just cause) nor yet despair but that the same God that dejects (for causes unknown to us) will raise up again the persons dejected to his glory & their comfort. And to let the world understand in plain terms what we mean, that great abuser of this Common-wealth, that pultron, and vile knave Davie, was justly punished the ninth of March, in the year of our Lord 1565. for abusing of the Common-wealth, and for his other villainies, which we lift not to express, by the counsel and hands of James Dowglas Earl of Mortoun, Patrick Lord Lindsay, and the Lord Ruthwen, with other assisters in the company, who all for their just act, and most worthy of all praise, are now unworthily left of all their brethren, and suffer the bitterness of banishment & exile But this is our hope in the mercies of our God, That this same blind Generation whether it will or not, shall be compelled to see, That he will have respect to them that are injustly pursued, That he will pardon their former offenses, That he will restore them to the liberty of their Country and Common-wealth again; And that he will punish (in despite of man) the head and the tail, that now troubles the just, and maintaineth impiety. The head is known, the tail hath two branches. The temporal Lord's that maintain such abominations as we see, & flattering counsellors of State, blasphemous Balfour, now called clerk of Register, Sinclare Dean of Lestarrig, and B ^p . of Brechen, blind of one eye in the body, but of both of his soul, upon whom God shortly after took vengeance. Leslie Preistesgate, Abbot of Londrosse, and Bishop of Ross. Simon Preston, of Cragmillar, a right Epicurian: Whose end will be ere it be long according to their works. But now to return to our History.

Hadington being kept, and much hearship done about in the Country (for what the English-men destroyed not, that was consumed by the French ) God begins to fight for Scotland: For in the Town he sent a Plague so contagious, that with great difficulty could they have their dead buried. They were oft refreshed with new men, but all was in vain. Hunger and plague within, and the pursuit of the enemy with a campe volant lay about them, and intercepted all victuals (except when they were brought by a Convoy from Barwick ) so constrained them that the Council of England was conpelled in the spring time, to call their Forces from that place. And so spoiling and burning some part of the Town, they left it to be occupied to such as first should take possession, and those were the French-men, with a mean number of the ancient inhabitants, and so did God perform the words and threatenings of M. George Wischard, who said, That for that contempt of God's Messenger, they should be visited with sword and fire, with pestilence, strangers and famine ; All which they found in such perfection, that to this day yet, that Town hath neither recovered the former beauty, nor yet men of such wisdom and ability, as then did inhabit it. Hereafter was Peace contracted betwixt France, England, and Scotland ; yea, a several Peace was contracted betwixt Scotland and Flanders together with all the Easterlings. So that Scotland had peace with the world. But yet would their Bishops make War against God: For as soon as ever they got any quietness, they apprehended Adam Wallace, alias, Fian, a simple man without great learning, but one that was zealous in godliness, and of an upright life: He, with his wife Beatrice Levingstonne, frequented the company of the Lady Ormeston, for instruction of her children, during the trouble of her husband, who then was banished. This Bastard, called Bishop of S. Andrew's, took the said Adam forth of the place of Wynton (men supposed that they thought to have apprehended the Lairde) and carried him to Edinburgh, where after certain days he was presented to judgment in the Church of the Black Thieves, alias, Friers, before Duke Hamilton, the Earl of Huntly, and divers others besides. The Bishops and their rabble, they began to accuse him (Master John Lawder was his accusator) That he took upon him to Preach. He answered, That he never judged himself worthy of so excellent a vocation, and therefore he never took upon him to Preach; but he would not deny, that sometimes at Table, and sometimes in some other privy places he would read and had read the Scriptures, and had given such exhortation as God pleased to give to him, to such as pleased to hear him. Knave, quoth one, What have you to do to meddle with the Scripture? I think, (said he) it is the duty of every Christian, to seek the will of his God, and the assurance of his salvation where it is to be found, and that is within the Old and New Testament. What then (said another) shall we leave to the Bishops and Church-men for to do? if every man shall be a babbler upon the Bible. It becometh you (said he) to speak more reverently of God; and of his blessed Word: if the Judge were uncorrupted he would punish you, for your blasphemy. But to your Question, I answer; That albeit ye and I, and other five thousand within this Realm should read the Bible, and speak of it, what God should give us to speak, yet left we more to the Bishops to do, then either they will do, or can do. For we leave to them public • y to Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to feed the flock, which he hath redeemed by his own blood, and hath commanded the same to all true Pastors. And when we leave this unto them, me thinks, we leave to them a heavy burden; And that we do unto them no wrong, although we search our own salvation where it is to be found, considering that they are but dumb Dogs, and unsavory Salt, that hath altogether lost the season. The Bishops hereat offended, said, What prating is this? Let his accusation be read. And then was begun, False Traitour, Heretic; Thou Baptizedst thine own Child. Thou saidst, There is no Purgatory; Thou saidst, That to pray to Saints, and for the dead, is Idolatry, and a vain Superstition, &c. What sayest thou to these things. He answered, If I should be bound to answer, I would require an upright and an indifferent Judge. The Earl of Huntly disdainefully said; Foolish man, Wilt thou desire any other Judge then my Lord Dukes Grace, great Governor of Scotland ; and my Lord's the Bishops, and the Clergy here present? Whereto he answered; The Bishops can be no Judges to me, for they are open enemies to the Doctrine that I profess. And as for my Lord Duke, I cannot tell whether he hath the knowledge that should be in him that should judge and discern betwixt Lies and the Truth, the Inventions of men, and the true worshipping of God. I desire God's Word (and with that he produced the Bible) to be judge betwixt the Bishops and me, and I am content that ye all hear; and if by this Book I shall be convinced, to have taught, spoken, or done, in matters of Religion, anything that repugneth to God's will, I refuse not to die. But if I cannot be convinced (as I am assured by God's Word I shall not) then I in God's name desire your assistance, That malicious men execute not upon me unjust Tyrannie. The Earl of Huntley said, What a babbling fool is this? Thou shalt get none other Judges then these that sit here. Whereunto the said Adam answered; The good will of God be done: But be ye assured, my Lord, with such measure as ye mete to others, with the same measure it shall be met to you again. I know that I shall die, but be ye assured, that my blood shall be required at your hands. Alexander, Earl of Glencarne, yet alive, said to the Bishop of Orknay, and others that sat nigh him, Take heed all you my Lord's of the Clergy, for here I protest, for my part, that I consent not to his death: And so without fear prepared the said Adam to answer. And first to the Baptizing of his own Child, he said, It was and is as lawful to me, for lack of a true Minister, to Baptize my own Child, as that it was to Abraham to Circumcise his son Ishmael, and his family. And as for Purgatory, Praying to Saints, and for the dead, I have oft read (said he) both the New and Old Testaments, but I neither could find mention, nor assurance of them; And therefore I believe that they are but mere inventions of men, devised for covetousness sake. Well, quoth the Bishop, ye hear this, my Lord's. What sayest thou of the Mass, speires the Earl of Huntly? He answered, I say, my Lord, as my Lord Jesus Christ saith, That which is in greatest estimation before men, is abomination before God. Then all cried out, Heresy, Heresy. And so was the simple servant of God adjudged to the fire, which he patiently sustained that same day at after-noon upon the Castle-hill.

And so began they again to pollute the land which God had lately plagued, for yet their iniquity was not come to full ripeness, as that God would that they should be manifested to this whole Realm (as this day they are) to be Fagots prepared for everlasting fire; and to be men whom neither Plagues may correct, nor the light of God's Word convert from their darkness and impiety.

The Peace as is said, is contracted. The Queen Dowager past by sea to France, with Gallies that for that purpose were prepared, and took with her divers of the Nobility of Scotland. The Earls Huntley, Glencarne, Mershell, Cassiles : The Lord's Maxwell, Fleiming, Sir George Dowglas, together with all the late Kings natural sons, and divers Barons, and Gentlemen of Ecclesiastical estate; the Bishop of Galloway, and many others, with promise that they should be richly rewarded for their good service. What they received we cannot tell, but few were made rich at their returning. The Dowager had to practice somewhat with her brethren, the Duke of Gwise, and the Cardinal of Loraine. The weight whereof the Governor after felt; for shortly after her return, was the Governor deposed of the government (justly by God, but most unjustly by man) and she made Regent, in the year of our Lord 1554. and a Crown put upon her head, as seemly a sight (if men had eyes) as to put a Saddle upon the back of an unruly Cow. And so began she to practice, practice upon practice, How France might be advanced, her friends made rich, and she brought to immortal glory: For that was her common talk, So that I may procure the wealth and honor of my Friends, and a good fame unto myself, I regard not what God do after with me. And in very deed, in deep dissimulation to bring her own purpose to effect, she passed the common sort of women, as we will after hear. But yet God, to whose Gospel she declared her self enemy, in the end frustrated her of all her devices. Thus did light and darkness strive within the Realm of Scotland: The darkness ever before the World suppressing the light, from the death of that notable servant of God, Master Patrick Hamilton, until the death of Edward the sixth, the most godly and most virtuous King that had been known to have reigned in England, or elsewhere, these many years by past, who departed the miseries of this life the sixth of July, Anno 1553. The death of this Prince was lamented of all the godly within Europe, for the graces given unto him of God, as well of nature, as of erudition and godliness, passed the measure that accustomably is used to be given to other princes in their greatest perfection, and yet exceeded he not 16 years of age. What Gravity, above age? What Wisdom, wherein he passed all understanding or expectation of man? And what Dexterity in answering in all things proposed, were in that excellent Prince. The Ambassadors of all Countries (yea, some that were mortal enemies to him, and to his Realm, amongst whom the Queen Dowager of Scotland was not the least) could and did testify: For the said Queen Dowager returning from France through England, communed with him at length, and gave record when she came to this Realm, That she found more wisdom and solid judgment in young King Edward, then she would have looked for in any three Princes that were then in Europe. His liberality towards the godly and learned that were in other Realms persecuted was such, as Germans, French-men, Italians, Scots, Spaniards, Polonians, Grecians, and Hebrews born, can yet give sufficient document. For how honourably was Martin Bucer, Peter Martyr, John Alasco, Immanuel Gualterus, and many others upon his public stipends entertained, their parents can witness, and they themselves during their lives would never have denied. After the death of this most virtuous Prince; of whom the godless people of England (for the most part) were not worthy, Satan intended nothing less then the light of Jesus Christ utterly to have been extinguished within the whole Isle of Britain. For after him was raised up in God's hot displeasure, that Idolatresse and mischievous Mary of the Spaniards blood, a cruel persecutrix of God's people, as the acts of her unhappy reign can sufficiently witness. And in Scotland that same time (as we have heard) reigned that crafty practiser, Mary of Loraine, then named Regent of Scotland, who bound to the devotion of her two brethren, the Duke of Guise, and Cardinal of Loraine, did only abide the opportunity to cut the throat of all those, in whom she suspected any knowledge of God to be within the Realm of Scotland. And so thought Satan that his kingdom of darkness was in quietness and rest, as well in the one Realm as in the other. But that provident eye of our eternal God, who continually watches for preservation of his Church, did so order all things, that Satan shortly after found himself far disappointed of his conclusion taken. For in that cruel persecution used by Queen Mary of England, were godly men dispersed into divers nations; of whom it pleased the goodness of God to send some unto us for our comfort and instruction. And first came a simple man, William Harlaw, whose erudition, although it excel not, yet for his whole and diligent plainness in Doctrine, is he to this day worthy of praise, and remains a fruitful member within the Church of Scotland. After him came that notable man John Willocke, as one that had some Commission to the Queen Regent, from the Duchess of Emden. But his principal purpose was to essay what God would work by him in his native country. These two did sometimes in several companies assemble the brethren, who by their exhortations began greatly to be encouraged, and did show that they had an earnest thirst of godliness. And last came John Knox in the end of the harvest, Anno 1555. who first being lodged in the house of that notable man of God James Sime, began to exhort secretly in that same house, whereunto repaired the Laird of Dun, David Forresse, and some certain personages of the Town, amongst whom was Elizabeth Adamson, then spouse to James Barrone Burgess of Edinburgh, who by reason that she had a troubled conscience delighted much in the company of the said John, because that he, according to the grace given unto him, opened more fully the Fountain of God's Mercies, then did the common sort of Teachers, that she had heard before (for she had heard none except Friers) and did with such greediness drink thereof, that at her death she did express the fruit of her hearing, to the great comfort it of all those that repaired unto her. For albeit she suffered most grievous torment in her body, yet out of her mouth was heard nothing, but praising of God, except that sometimes she lamented the troubles of those that were troubled by her. Being sometimes demanded by her sisters; What she thought of that pain which she then suffered in body, in respect of that wherewith sometimes she was troubled in spirit. She answered, A thousand year of this torment, and ten times more joined unto it, is not to be compared in the quarter of an hour that I suffered in my spirit. I thank my God, through Jesus Christ, that hath delivered me from that fearful pain, and welcome be this, even so long as it pleaseth his godly Majesty to exercise me therewith. A little before her departure, she desired her sisters and some others that were beside her, to sing a Psalm, and amongst others she appointed the 103. Psalm, beginning, My soul praise thou the Lord always, which ended, she said, At the Teaching of this Psalm, began my troubled soul, first effectually to taste of the mercy of my God, which now to me is more sweet and precious, then if all the kingdoms of the earth were given to me to possess them a thousand years. The Priests urged her with their Ceremonies and Superstitions. To whom she answered, Depart from me ye Sergeants of Satan: for I have refused, and in your own presence do refuse all your abominations. That which you call your Sacrament, and Christ's body (as ye have deceived us to believe in times past) is nothing but an Idol, and hath nothing to do with the right Institution of Jesus Christ, and therefore in God's Name I command you not to trouble me. They departed, alleging, That she raved, and wist not what she said. And she shortly after slept in the Lord Jesus, to no small comfort of those that saw her blessed departing. This we could not omit of this worthy woman, who gave so notable a Confession, before that the great light of God's Word did universally shine throughout this Realm.

At the first coming of the said John Knox, he perceiving divers who had a zeal to godliness, make small scruple to go to the Mass, or to communicate with the abused Sacraments in the Papistical manner, began as well in privy Conference as in Preaching, to show the impiety of the Mass, and how dangerous a thing it was, to communicate in any sort with Idolatry: wherewith the conscience of some being affrighted, the matter began to be agitate from man to man. And so was the said John called to Supper, by the Laird of Dun, for that same purpose, where were assembled David Forresse, Master Robert Lockart, John Willocke, and William Maitland of Lethington younger, a man of good Learning, and of sharp wit and reasoning. The Question was Proposed, and it was answered by the said John; That in no wise it was lawful to a Christian to present himself to that Idol. Nothing was omitted that might serve for the purpose, and yet was every head so fully answered, and especially one, whereunto they thought their great defense stood: To wit, That Paul at the commandment of James, and of the Elders of Jerusalem, passed to the Temple, and feigned himself to pay his vow with others. This, we say, and other things, were so fully answered, that William Maitland concluded, saying, I see very perfectly that our shifts will serve nothing before God, seeing that they stand us in so small stead before men. The answer of John Knox to the fact of Paul, and to the commandment of James was; That Paul's fact had nothing to do with their going to Mass. For to pay Vowes was sometimes God's Commandment, as was never Idolatry: But their Mass from the original, was, and remained odious Idolatry; Therefore the fact was most unlike. Secondarily, said he, I greatly doubt whether either James his commandment or Paul's obedience, proceeded of the holy Ghost: We know their counsel tendeth to this, That Paul would show himself one that observed diligently the very small points of the Law, to the end he might purchase to himself the favors of the Jews, who were offended at him, by reason of the brutes that were spread, That he taught defection from Moses. Now while he obeyed their counsel, he fell into the most desperate danger that ever he sustained before; whereby it was evident, That God approved not that mean of reconciliation; but rather, that he plainly declareth, That evil should not be done, that good might come of it. Evil it was for Paul to confirm those obstinate Jews in their Superstition by his example; worse it was to him to expose himself and the Doctrine which before he had taught to slander and mockage. And therefore concluded the said John, That the fact of Paul, and the sequel that thereof followed, appeared rather to fight against them that would go to the Mass, then to give unto them any assurance to follow his example; unless that they would that the like trouble should instantly apprehend them, that apprehended him for obeying worldly-wise council. After these, and like reasonings, the Mass began to be abhorred of such as before used it for the fashion and avoiding of slander (as then they termed it) John Knox, at request of the Laird of Dun, followed him to his place of Dun, where he remained a month, daily exercised in Preaching, whereunto resorted the principal men of that country. After this returning, his residence was most in Calder, whither repaired unto him, the Lord Erskin, the Earl of Argyle, then Lord of Lorne, and Lord James, then Prior of S. Andrew's, and after Earl of Murrey, where they heard, and so approved his Doctrine, that they wished it to have been public. That same Winter he taught commonly in Edinburgh, and after Christmas, by the conduct of the Laird of Bar, and Robert Campbell of Kingieancleuch, he came to Kyle, and taught in the Bar, in the house of the Ca • nell, in the Kingieancleuch, in the Town of Air, and in the houses of Uchiltrie and Gathgirth, and in some of them he ministered the Lord's Table. Before Easter the Earl of Glencarne sent for him to his place of Fynlaston, where after Sermon, he also ministered the Lord's Table. Whereof besides himself, were partakers, his Lady, two of his sons, and certain of his friends. And so returned he to Calder, where divers from Edinburgh, and from the Country about, assembled, as well for the Doctrine, as for the right use of the Lord's Table, which before they had never practiced. From thence he departed the second time to the Laird of Dun, and teaching then in greater liberty, the Gentlemen required, That he should minister likewise unto them the Table of the Lord Jesus, where were partakers, the most part of the Gentlemen of the Mernes, who God be praised, to this day do constantly remain in the same doctrine which then they professed. To wit, That they refused all society with Idolatry, and bent themselves to the uttermost of their powers to maintain the true Preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as God should offer unto them Preachers and opportunity. The brute hereof spread (for the Friers from all quarters flocked to the Bishops) the said John Knox was summoned to appear in the Church of the black Friers in Edinburgh, the fifteenth day of May, which day the said John decreed to keep, and for that purpose John Erskin of Dun, with divers other Gentlemen assembled to the Town of Edinburgh. But that Diet held not. For whether the Bishops perceived informalitie in their own proceedings, or if they feared danger to ensue upon their extremity, it is unknown unto us. But the Saturday before the day appointed, they cust their own summons, and the said John, the same day of the summons taught in Edinburgh, in a greater audience then ever before he had done in that Town. The place was the Bishop of Dunkelles, his great lodging, where he continued in Teaching ten days, before and after noon. The Earl of Glencarne allured the Earl of Masrchell, who with Henry Drummond (his counselor for that time) heard an exhortation (but it was in the night) who were so well contented with it, that they both willed the said John to write unto the Queen Regent somewhat that might move her to hear the Word of God. He obeyed their desire, and wrote that which after was published▪ which we have caused to be Printed at the end of this Book, and is called, The Letter to the Queen Dowager ; Which was delivered unto her own hands by the said Alexander Earl of Glencarne: Which Letter when she had read, within a day or two, she delivered it to the proud Prelate Betone, Bishop of Glasgow, and said in mockage; Please you my Lord to read a Pasquill: Which words coming to the ears of the said John, was the occasion that to his Letter he made his additions, as yet may be seen. As concerning the threatenings pronounced against her own person, and the most principal of her friends; let these very flatterers see what had failed of all that he had written.

While John Knox was thus occupied in Scotland, Letters came to him from the English Church that was assembled at Geneva (which was separated from that superstitious and contentious company that was at Franckford ) commanding him in God's Name, as he that was their chosen Pastor, to repair unto them for their comfort. Upon the which the said John took his leave from us, almost in every congregation where before he had Preached, and exhorted us to Prayers, to Reading of the Scriptures, and mutual conference, until such time as God should give unto us greater liberty. And hereupon he sent before him to Deep, his mother in Law Elizabeth Bows, and his wife Marjory, with no small dolour of their hearts, and of many of us. He himself by procurement and labors of Robert Campell of Kingi • ancleuch, remained behind in Scotland, and passed to the Earl of Argile, who then was in the castle Campbell, where he taught certain days. The Laird of Glenurqahay (which yet liveth) being one of his auditors, willed the said Earl of Argile to retain him still, but he resolved on his journey, would not at that time stay for no request, adding, That if God blessed those small beginnings, and if that they continued in godliness, whensoever they pleased to command him, they should find him obedient. He said, That once he must needs visit that little flock which the wickedness of men had compelled him to leave. And so in the month of July he left this Realm, and past to France, and so to Geneva. Immediately after, the Bishops summoned him, and for non -appearance burnt him in effigie, at the Cross of Edinburgh, in the year of our Lord 1555. from the which unjust Sentence the said John made his appellation, and caused to Print the same, and direct it to the Nobility and Commons of Scotland, as yet may be read. In the Winter that the said John abode in Scotland, appeared a Comet, the course whereof was from the South and South-West, to the North and North-east. It was seen the months of November, December, and January; It was called, The fiery bosom. Soon after died Christierne King of Denmark ; and War arose between Scotland and England, the Commissioners of both Realms were disappointed, who almost the space of six months had been upon the conditions of Peace, and were upon a near point of conclusion. The Queen Regent with her Council of the French faction decreed, War at New Battle, without giving any advertisement to the Commissioners for the part of Scotland.

Such is the fidelity of Princes, guided by Priests, whensoever they seek their own affections to be served. In the end of that next harvest was seen upon the borders of England and Scotland a strange fire, which descended from the heaven, and burnt divers corns in both the Realms, but most in England. There was presented to the Queen Regent, by Robert Ormestone, a Calf, having two heads, whereat she skipped, and said, It was but a common thing. The War began in the end of the harvest, as is said, and conclusion was taken that Warke should be assieged. The Army and Ordnance past forward to Maxwell Hewcht. The Queen Regent remained in the Castle of Hume, and thinking that all things were in assurance, Monsieur Dosell, then Lieutenant for France, gave charge that the Canons should be transported over the water of Tweid, which was done with expedition (for the French in such facts are expert) but the Nobility of Scotland nothing content of such proceedings, after consultation amongst themselves, past to the Pavilion of Monsieur Dosell, and in his own face declared, That in no ways would they invade England. And therefore commanded the Ordnance to be retired: And so it was without further delay. This put an affray in Monsieur Dosells breeches, and kindled such a fire in the Queen Regents stomach, as was not well slacked till her breath failed. And thus was that enterprise frustrate. But yet War continued, during the which, the Gospel of Jesus Christ began wonderously to flourish. For in Edinburgh began publicly to exhort William Harlow, John Dowglas who had (being with the Earl of Argyle ) Preached in Leyth, and sometimes exhorted in Edinburgh. Paul Meaffen began publicly to Preach in Dundie, and so did divers others in Angus and the Mernes. And last, at God's good pleasure arrived John Willocke, the second time from Emden, whose return was so joyful to the brethren, that their zeal and godly courage daily increased. And albeit he contracted a dangerous sickness, yet he ceased not from labors, but taught and exhorted from his bed some of the Nobility (of whom some are fallen back, amongst them the Lord Seaton is chief) with many Barons and Gentlemen his auditors, and by him were godly instructed, and wonderously comforted. They kept their conventions, and held counsels with such gravity and closenesse, that the enemies trembled. The Images were stolen away in all parts of the Country. And in Edinburgh was that great Idol called Saint Gyle, first drowned in the North Loch, after burnt, which raised no small trouble in the Town; for the Friers rooping like Ravens upon the Bishops, the Bishops ran upon the Queen, who to them was favorable enough, but that she thought it could not stand with her advantage to offend such a multitude as then took upon them the defense of the Gospel, and the name of Protestants. And yet consented she to summon the Preachers: whereat the Ptotestants neither offended, neither yet thereof afraid, determined to keep the day of Summons, as that they did. Which perceived by the Prelates and Priests, they procured a Proclamation to be publicly made, That all men that were come to the Town without commandment of the Authority, should with all diligence repair to the Borders, and there remain fifteen days: For the Bishop of Galloway in this manner of rime said to the Queen; Madame, because they are come without order; I read ye send them to the Border. Now so had God provided, That the quarter of the Westland (in the which was many faithful men) was that same day returned from the Border; who understanding the matter to proceed from the malice of the Priests, assembled themselves together, and made passage to themselves, till that they came to the very privy chamber, where the Queen Regent and the Bishops were. The Gentlemen began to complain upon their strange entertainment, considering that her Majesty had found in them so faithful obedience in all things lawful. While the Queen began to craft, a zealous and a bold man, James Chalmers of Gaithgyrth, said, Madame, we know that this is the malice and device of the Jewels, and of that bastard (meaning the Bishop of S. Andrew's ) that standeth by you; we avow to God we shall make a day of it. They oppress us and our Tenants, for feeding of their idle bellies: They trouble our Preachers, and would murder them and us: Shall we suffer this any longer? No, Madame, it shall not be. And therewith every man put on his steel Bonnets. There was heard nothing of the Queens part, but, My joys, my hearts, What ayles you? Me means no evil to you nor to your Preachers: The Bishops shall do you no wrong, ye are all my loving Subjects; I know nothing of this Proclamation; the day of your Preachers shall be discharged, and me will hear the controversy that is betwixt the Bishops and you; they shall do you no wrong. My Lord's (said she to the Bishops) I forbid you either to trouble them or their Preachers. And unto the Gentlemen, who were wonderously commoved, she turned again and said, O my hearts, should ye not love the Lord your God with all-your heart, with all your mind? And should ye not love your neighbors as yourself? With these and the like words she kept the Bishops from buffets at that time. And so the day of Summons being discharged, began the brethren universally farther to be encouraged. But yet could the Bishops in no sort be quiet; for Saint Giles day approaching, they gave charge to the Provost-Ballies, and counsel of Edinburgh, either to get again the old Saint Gyle, or else upon their expenses to make a new Image. The Counsel answered, That to them the charge appeareth very unjust; for they understood that God in some places had commanded Idols and Images to be destroyed: But where he had commanded Images to be set up, they had not read; and desired the Bishop to find a warrant for his commandment. Whereat the Bishop offended, admonished, under pain of cursing, which they prevented by a former appellation, appealing from him, as a partial and corrupt Judge, unto the Popes Holiness; and so great things shortly following that, passed in oblivion. Yet would not the Priests and Friers cease to have that great solemnity, and manifest abomination, which they accustomedly had upon Saint Giles day; to wit, They would have that Idol borne, and therefore was all preparations duly made. A Marmouset Idol was borrowed from the gray Friers (a silver piece of James Carmichell was laid in pledge) it was fast fixed with Iron nails, upon a barrow called there Fertor. Their Asses, bloody Priests, Friers, Channons, and rotten Papists, with Tabors and Trumpeters, Banners and Bag-pipes: And who was there to lead the reign, but the Queen Regent her self, with all her shavelings, for honor of that Feast. Well, about goeth it, and cometh down the high street, and down to the common Cross. The Queen Regent dined that day in Alexander Carpentar his house, betwixt the Bows: And so when the Idol returned back again, she left it, and past in to her dinner. The hearts of the brethren were wonderously enflamed; and seeing such abomination so manifestly maintained, were decreed to be revenged. They were divided in several companies, whereof not one knew of another. There were some temporizers that day (amongst whom David Forresse, called the General, was one) who fearing the chance to be done, as it fell, labored to stay the brethren; but that could not be: For immediately after that the Queen was entered in the lodging, some of those that were of the enterprise drew nigh to the Idol, as willing to help to bear him; and getting the Fertor upon their shoulders, began to shoulder, thinking that thereby the Idol would have fallen, but that was provided and prevented by the Iron nails, as we have said. And so began one to cry, Down with the Idol, down with it: And then without delay it was pulled down. Some brag made the Priests Patrones at the first; but when they saw the feebleness of their god (for one took him by the heels, and dading his head to the street, left Dagon without a head or hands, and said, Fie upon thee, thou young Saint Gyle, thy father would have tarried for such. ) This considered (we say) the Priests and Friers fled faster then they did at Pinckey Clewch. There might have been so sudden a fray as seldom hath been amongst that sort of men within this Realm; for down goeth the Crosses, off goeth the Surplices, round Caps, Cornets with the Crowns. The gray Friers gaped, the black Friers blew, the Priests panted and fled, and happy was he that first gat the house; for such a sudden fray came never amongst the generation of Antichrist within this Realm before. By chance there lay upon a stair a merry English-man; and seeing the discomfiture to be without blood, thought he would add some merrinesse to the matter: and so cried he over the stair, and said, Fie upon you whorsons, why have you broken order, down the street they passed in array, and with great mirth: why flee the villains now without order? turn and strike every man a stroke for the honor of his God; fie cowards fie, ye shall never be judged worthy of your wages again. But exhortations were then unprofitable: For after that Bell had broken his neck, there was no comfort to his confused Army. The Queen Regent laid up this amongst her other inventions, till that she might have seen the time proper to have revenged it. Search was made for the doers, but none could be deprehended: For the brethren assembled themselves in such sort, in companies, singing Psalms, and praising God, that the proudest of the enemies were astonished. This Tragedie of Saint Giles was so terrible to some Papists, that Durie, sometimes called for his filthiness Abbot Stottikin, and then entitled, Bishop of Galloway, left his Riming, wherewith he was accustomed, and departed this life even as he had lived. For the Articles of his belief were. I refer. Decarte you. Ha, ha, the four Kings and all made. The devil go with it; It is but a varlet. From France we thought to have gotten a Rubie; And yet is he nothing but a Cahoobie. With such Faith and such Prayers departed out of this life that enemy of God, who had vowed and plainly said, That in despite of God, so long as they that then were Prelates lived, should that Word (called the Gospel) never be Preached within this Realm. After him followed that belly-God Master David Panter, called, Bishop of Ross, even with the like documents, except that he departed eating and drinking, which, together with the rest that thereupon depended, was the pastime of his life. The most part of the Lord's that were in France at the Queens Marriage▪ although that they got their leave from the Court, yet they forgot to return to Scotland. For whether it was by an Italian Posset, or French Feggs, or by the Pottage of their Apothecary (he was a French -man) there departed from this life, the Earl of Cassiles, the Earl of Rothesse, Lord Fleming, and the Bishop of Orknay, whose end was even according to his life: For after that he was driven back by a contratious wind, and forced to land again at Deep, perceiving his sickness to increase, he caused to make his bed betwixt his two coffers (some said upon them) such was his God, the gold that therein was enclosed, that he could not depart therefrom, so long as memory would serve him. The Lord James, then Prior of S. Andrew's, had (by all appearance) licked of the same broath that dispatched the rest, for thereof to his death, his stomach doth testify. But God preserved for a better purpose. This same Lord James, after Earl of Murray, and the said Bishop were commonly at debate in matters of Religion; and therefore the said Lord, hearing of the Bishops disease, came to visit him: and finding him not so well at a point, as he thought he should have been, and as the honor of the country required, said unto him; Fie, my Lord, how lie you so? will you not go to your Chamber, and not lie here in this utter Roome. His answer was; I am well where I am, my Lord, so long as I can tarry, for I am near unto my friends (meaning his coffers, and the gold therein.) But my Lord (said he) how long have you and I been in plea for Purgatory, I think that I shall know ere it be long whether there be such a place or not. While the other did exhort him to call to mind the promises of God, and the virtue of Christ's death: He answered, Nay my Lord, let me alone, for you and I never agreed in our life, and I think we shall not agree now at my death, I pray you therefore let me alone. The said Lord James departed to his Lodging, and the other shortly after departed this life; whither, the great day of the Lord will declare.

When the word of the departing of so many Patrons of Papistry, and of the manner of their departing, came unto the Queen Regent, after astonishment and musing, she said; What shall I say of such men? They left me as beasts, and as beasts they die: God is not with them, neither with that which they enterprise. While these things were in doing in Scotland and France, that perfect hypocrite, Master John Synclare, then Dean of Lestarrige, and now Lord President, and Bishop of Brechin, began to Preach in his Church of Lestarrige, and at the beginning held himself so indifferent, that many had opinion of him, That he was not far from the Kingdom of God. But his hypocrisy could not long be cloaked: for when he understood that such as feared God began to have a good opinion of him, and that the Friers and others of that sect began to whisper, That if he took not heed in time to himself and unto his Doctrine, he would be the destruction of the whole state of the Church. This by him understood, he appointed a Sermon, in the which he promised to give his judgment upon all such heads, as then were in controversy in the matters of Religion. The brute hereof made his audience great at the first: But that day he so handled himself, that after that no godly man did credit him: for he not only gainsaid the Doctrine of Justification and of Prayer, which before he had taught, but also he set up and maintained Papistry to the uttermost prick, yea, Holy-water, Pilgrimage, Purgatory, and Pardons were of such virtue in his conceit, That without them he looked not to be saved. In this mean time the Clergy made a brag, That they would dispute. But M. David Panter, which then lived and lay at Lestarrige, dissuaded them therefrom, affirming, That if ever they disputed, but where themselves were both Judge and party, and where that fire and sword should obey their decree, that then their cause was marred forever: For their victory stood neither in God nor in his Word; but in their own wills, and in the things concluded by their own counsels (together with sword and fire) whereto (said he) these new up-start fellows will give no place, but they will call you to your Count-book, and that is, to the Bible; and by it ye will no more be found the men that ye are called, then the Devil will be approved to be God. And therefore if ye love yourselves enter never into disputation, neither yet call ye the matter into question, but defend your possession, or else all is lost. Caiaphas could not give any better counsel to his companions, but yet God disappointed both them and him, as after we shall hear. At this same time some of the Nobility directed their Letters to call John Knox from Geneva, for their comfort, and for the comfort of their brethren the Preachers, and others that then courageously fought against the enemies of God's Truth. The Tenour of their Letter is this.

The Letters were delivered to the foresaid John in Geneva, by the hands of James Sym, who now resteth with Christ, and of James Barrone, who yet liveth. In the Moneth of May, immediately after these Letters were received and advised upon, he took consultation, as well with his own Church, as with that notable servant of God John Calvin, and with other godly Ministers; who all with one consent said, That he could not refuse that Vocation, unless he would declare himself rebellious unto his God, and unmerciful to his Country: And so he returned answer, with promise to visit them with reasonable expedition, and so soon as he might put order to that dear Flock that was committed to his Charge. And so in the end of the next September after, he departed from Geneva, and came to Deape, where there met him contrary Letters, as by his answer thereto we may understand.

These Letters received and read, together with others directed to the whole Nobility, and some to particular Gentlemen, as to the Lairds of Dun and Petarrow, new consultation was had what was best to be done; and in the end it was concluded, That they would follow forward their purpose once intended, and would commit themselves, and whatsoever God had given them, into his hands, rather then they would suffer Idolatry so manifestly to reign, and the Subjects of that Realm so to be defrauded, as long as they had been of the only food of their souls, the true Preaching of Christ's Gospel. And that everyone should be the more assured of other, a common Bond was made, and by some subscribed: The tenor thereof followeth.

A little before that this Bond was subscribed by the fore-written, and many other Letters were directed again to Io. Knox from the said Lord's, together with their Letters to M. Calvin, craving of him, That by his authority he would command the said John once again to visit them. These Letters were delivered by the hands of M. John Gray, in the Moneth of November, anno 1558. who at that same time past to Rome, for expedition of the Bows of the B ^p . of Ross, to M. Henry Sinclar. Immediately after the subscription of this foresaid Bond, the Lord's and Barons professing Christ Jesus, convened frequently in counsel: in the which these Heads were concluded: First, It is thought expedient, advised, and ordained, That in all Parishes of this Realm the Common-Prayer be read weekly on Sunday, and other Festival days publicly in the Parish Churches, with the Lessons of the Old and New Testament, conformed to the order of the Book of Common Prayers. And if the Curates of the Parishes be qualified, to cause them to read the same. And if they be not, or if they refuse, that the most qualified in the Parish use and read the same. Secondly, It is thought necessary, that Doctrine, Preaching, and Interpretation of Scriptures be had and used privately in quiet houses, without great conventions of the people thereto, while afterward that God move the Prince to grant public Preaching by faithful and true Ministers.

These two heads concerning the Religion, and some others concerning the policy being concluded, the old Earl of Argyle took the maintenance of John Dowglas, caused him to Preach publicly in his house, and reformed many things according to his counsel. The same boldness took divers others, as well within Towns, as in the country, which did not a little trouble the Bishops and Queen Regent: As by this Letter and Credit committed to Sir David Hamilton, from the Bishop of S. Andrew's to the said Earl of Argyle may be clearly understood.

By these former Instructions thou mayest perceive (Gentle Reader) what was the care that this Pastor, or rather Impostor, with his Complices took to feed the flock committed to their charge (as they allege) and to gain-stand false Teachers: Here is oft mention of conscience, of Heresy, & such other terms that might fray the ignorant, and deceive the simple. But we hear no crime in particular laid to the charge of the accused, and yet is he condemned as a forsworn Apostate. This was my Lord's conscience, which he learned of his fathers the Pharisees, old enemies to Christ Jesus, who condemned him before they heard him. But who ruled my Lord's conscience, when he took his cousins wife, the Lady Gilton. Consider thou the rest of his persuasions, & thou shalt clearly see, That honor, estimation, love to house and friends, is the best ground that my Lord Bishop hath, why he should persecute Jesus Christ in his members. We thought good to insert the answers of the said Earl, which follow.

This answer received, the Bishop and his complices found themselves somewhat disappointed; for the Bishops looked for nothing less, then for such Answers from the Earl of Argyle ; and therefore they made them for their extreme defense, that is, To corrupt, and by buds to stir up the Queen Regent against us; as in the second Book we shall more plainly hear. Shortly after that, God called to his mercy the said Earl of Argyle from the miseries of this life; whereof the Bishops were glad; for they thought that their great enemy was taken out of the way, but God disappointed them: For as the said Earl departed most constant in the true Faith of Jesus Christ, with a plain renounciation of all Impiety, Superstition, and Idolatry; so he left it to his Son in his Testament, That he should study to set forward the public and true preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to suppress all Superstition and Idolatry to the uttermost of his power. In which point small fault can be found with him unto this day. 10 Maii, Anno 1568. God be merciful unto other offenses. Amen.

The Bishops continued in their Provincial Council even unto that day that John Knox arrived in Scotland, and that they might give some show to the people that they minded Reformation; they dispersed abroad a rumour thereof, and set forth somewhat in Print, which of the people was called, The two-penny Faith. Amongst their acts there was much a do, for Caps, Shaven crowns, Typpets, Long Gowns, and such other trifles.

Item, That none should enjoy Office, or Benefice Ecclesiastical, except a Priest.

Item, That no Church-man should nourish his own children, in his own company but that everyone should hold the children of others.

That none should put his own son in his own benefice.

That if any were found in open Adultery, for the first fault he should lose the third of his Benefice, for the second time the half, and for the third the whole Benefice.

But here from appealed the Bishop of Murray, and other Prelates, saying, That they would abide at the Canon-Law. And so they might well enough do, so long as they remained Interpreters, Dispensators, Makers, and Disanullars of the Law. But let the same Law have the true interpretation, and just execution, and the Devil shall as soon be proved a true and obedient servant unto God, as any of that sort shall be proved a Bishop, or yet to have any just authority within the Church of Christ Jesus. But we will return to our History.

The persecution was decreed as well by the Queen Regent as by the Prelates. But there rested a point which the Queen Regent and France had not at that time obtained; to wit, That the Crown matrimonial should be granted to Francis, husband to our Sovereign, and so should France and Scotland be but one kingdom. The Subjects of both the Realms to have equal liberty, Scottishmen in France, and Frenchmen in Scotland. The glister of the profit that was judged hereof to have ensued to Scottishmen, at the first sight blinded many men's eyes. But a small wind caused that mist suddenly to vanish away: For the greatest Offices and Benefices within the Realm were appointed for the Frenchmen: Monsieur Ruby kept the great Seal; Vielmort was Controller; Melrosse and Kelso should have been a commends to the poor Cardinal of Loraine. The freedoms of Scottish Merchants were restrained in Roane, and they compelled to pay Tole and Taxations others then their ancient Liberties did bear. To bring this head to pass; to wit, to the Matrimoniall Crown, the Queen Regent left no point of the Compass unsailed with the Bishops and Priests. She practiced on this manner; Ye may clearly see that I cannot do what I would within this Realm: for these Heretics and Confederates of England are so banded together, that they stop all good order. But will ye be favorable unto me in this suit of the Matrimoniall Crown, to be granted to my daughters husband, Then shall we see how I shall handle these Heretics and Traitours ere it be long. And in very deed in these her promises she meant no deceit in that behalf. Unto the Protestants she said; I am not unmindful how oft ye have solicited me for Reformation in Religion, and gladly would I consent thereunto, but ye see the power and craft of the Bishop of S. Andrew's, together with the power of Duke Hamilton, and of Church-men ever to be bent against me in all my proceedings: so that I may do nothing, unless the full authority of this Realm be delivered to the King of France, which cannot be, but by donation of the Crown Matrimoniall, which thing, if ye will bring to pass, then devise ye what ye please in matters of Religion, and they shall be granted. With this Commission and Credit, was Lord James, then Prior of S. Andrew's, directed to the Earl of Argyle, with moe other promises then we list to rehearse. By such dissimulation to those that were simple and true of heart, inflamed she them to be more fervent in her Petition, then her self appeared to be. And so at the Parliament holden at Edinburgh, in the month of October, in the year of God 1558. it was clearly voed, no man reclaiming (except the Duke for his interest) and yet for it there was no better Law produced, except that there was a solemn Mass appointed for that purpose in the Pontifical. This head obtained, whereat France and she principally shot, what faith she kept to the Protestants, in this our second Book shall be declared. In the beginning whereof we may more amply rehearse some things, that in this our first are summarily touched.

The Second Book OF THE HISTORY OF Things done in SCOTLAND, in the Reformation of Religion: Beginning in the year of our Lord God 1558.