The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

At the and at the like sharpness were many offended, the Voting ceased, and every Faction began to speak as affection moved; then John Knox in the end was commanded yet to write to Master Calvin, and to the learned in other Churches, to know their judgement in that Question; which he refused, showing his Reason, I my self am not only full resolved in conscience, but also I have heard their judgements, in this and all other things that I have affirmed within this Realm, of the most godly and most learned that he knew in Europe; I came not to this Realm without their Resolution; and for my assurance I have the hand-writing of many: And therefore if I should now move the said Questions again, what should I do other, but either show mine own ignorance and forgetfulness, or else inconstancy: And therefore it may please you to pardon me, in that I write not. But I will teach you the surer way, which is, That you write and complain upon me, That I teach publicly, and affirm constantly such doctrine which offends you; and so shall you know their plain minds, and whether that they and I agree in judgement, or not.

At the and at the like sharpnesse were many offended, the Voting ceased, and every Faction began to speak as affection moved; then Iohn Knox in the end was commanded yet to write to Master Calvin, and to the learned in other Churches, to know their judgement in that Question; which he refused, shewing his Reason, I my self am not onely full resolved in conscience, but also I have heard their judgements, in this and all other things that I have affirmed within this Realme, of the most godly and most learned that he knew in Europe; I came not to this Realme without their Resolution; and for my assurance I have the hand-writing of many: And therefore if I should now move the said Questions again, what should I do other, but either shew mine own ignorance and forgetfulnesse, or else inconstancy: And therefore it may please you to pardon me, in that I write not. But I will teach you the surer way, which is, That you write and complain upon me, That I teach publikely, and affirme constantly such doctrine which offends you; and so shall you know their plain mindes, and whether that they and I agree in judgement, or not.

Divers said the offer was good, but no man was found that would be the Secretary, and so did that Assembly and long reasoning break up; After the which time the Ministers (that were called precise) were holden as Monsters of all the Courtiers. In all that time the Earle of Murray was so frame and strange to John Knox, that neither by word nor writ was there any Communication betwixt them, &c.