The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

For what other thing is this, but to dissolve the whole policy, and (in a manner) to invert the very order of nature, to make the Prince obey, and Subjects command. The like was never demanded by any of our most Noble Progenitors heretofore, yea, not of Governors and Regents; but the Prince and such as have filled their place chose their Council of such as they thought most fit for the purpose. When we our selves were of less age, and at our first returning into this our Realm, we had free choice of our Council at our pleasure, and now when we are at our full maturity, shall we be brought back to the state of Pupils, and be put under Tutorage? So long as some of them bore the whole sway with us, this matter was never called in question; but now when they cannot be longer permitted to do and undo all at their pleasure, they will put a Bridle into our mouths, and give us a Council chosen after their fantasy. This is the quarrel of Religion they made you believe they had in hand, This is the quarrel for which they would have you hazard your Lands,¹ Lives and goods, in the company of a certain number of Rebels against your natural Prince. To speak in good language, they would be Kings themselves, or at the least leaving to us the bare Name and Title, and take to themselves the credit and whole administration of the Kingdom. We have thought good to make publication hereof, to show, that you suffer not your selves to be deceived under pretence of Religion, to follow them, who preferring their particular advancement to the public tranquility; and having no care of you, in respect of themselves, would (if you would hearken to their voice) draw you after them, to your utter destruction. Assuring you that you have heretofore good experience of our clemency, and under our Wings enjoyed in peace the possession of your Goods, and lived at liberty of your Conscience, so may you be in full assurance of the like hereafter, and have us always your good and loving Princes to so many as shall continue your selves in due obedience, and do the office of faithful and natural Subjects. Given under our Signet at Saint Andrews the tenth of December, and of our Reigns the first and twenty three years. 1565.

For what other thing is this, but to dissolve the whole policie, and (in a manner) to invert the very order of nature, to make the Prince obey, and Subjects command. The like was never demanded by any of our most Noble Progenitors heretofore, yea, not of Governours and Regents; but the Prince and such as have filled their place chose their Councell of such as they thought most fit for the purpose. When we our selves were of lesse age, and at our first returning into this our Realme, we had free choice of our Councell at our pleasure, and now when we are at our full maturity, shall we be brought back to the state of Pupills, and be put under Tutory? So long as some of them bore the whole sway with us, this matter was never called in question; but now when they cannot be longer permitted to do and undoe all at their pleasure, they will put a Bridle into our mouthes, and give us a Councell chosen after their fantasie. This is the quarrell of Religion they made you beleeve they had in hand, This is the quarrell for which they would have you hazzard your Lands,