The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

In the end of January the Queen past to Fife, and visiting the Gentlemen's houses, was magnificently banqueted every where, so that such superfluity was never seen before within this Realm; which caused the wild Fowl to be so dear, that Partridges were sold for a crown a piece. At this time was granted by an Act of Parliament, the confirmation of the Few of Church Lands, at the desire of divers Lords, whereof the Earle of Murray was chief. During the Queens absence, the Papists of Edinburgh went down to the Chapel to hear Mass; and seeing there was no punishment, they waxed more bold: some of them thinking thereby to please the Queen, upon a certain Sunday in February they made an Evensong of their own, setting two Priests on the one side of the Quire, and one or two on the other side, with Sandy Stevin, Minstrel (Baptizing their children, and making Marriages) who within eight days after convinced of Blasphemy, alleging, That he would give no more credit to the New Testament, then to a Tale of Robin-Hood, except it were confirmed by the Doctors of the Church. The said superstitious Evensong was the occasion of a great slander, for many were offended with it; which being by the Brethren declared to the Lords of the Privy Council, especially to the Earle of Murray, who lamented the cause to the Queens Majesty, showing her what inconveniency should come, if such things were suffered unpunished: And after sharp reasoning it was promised, That the like should not be done hereafter: The Queen also alleged, That they were a great number; and that she could not trouble their conscience.

In the end of Ianuary the Queen past to Fyfe, and visiting the Gentlemens houses, was magnificently banquetted every where, so that such superfluity was never seen before within this Realme; which caused the wilde Fowl to be so dear, that Partridges were sold for a crown a piece. At this time was granted by an Act of Parliament, the confirmation of the Fewes of Church Lands, at the desire of divers Lords, whereof the Earle of Murray was chief. During the Queens absence, the Papists of Edinburgh went down to the Chappell to hear Masse; and seeing there was no punishment, they waxed more bold: some of them thinking thereby to please the Queen, upon a certain Sunday in February they made an Evensong of their own, setting two Priests on the one side of the Quire, and one or two on the other side, with Sandy Stevin, Menstrall (Baptizing their children, and making Marriages) who within eight dayes after convinced of Blasphemy, alleadging, That he would give no more credit to the New Testament, then to a Tale of Robin-Hood, except it were confirmed by the Doctors of the Church. The said superstitious Evensong was the occasion of a great slander, for many were offended with it; which being by the Brethren declared to the Lords of the Privy Councell, especially to the Earle of Murray, who lamented the cause to the Queens Majestie, shewing her what inconveniency should come, if such things were suffered unpunished: And after sharp reasoning it was promised, That the like should not be done hereafter: The Queen also alleadged, That they were a great number; and that she could not trouble their conscience.