The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Now the Lords desired, next the establishing of Religion, That the Queens Majesty, in all the Affairs of the Realm and Common-wealth, should use the counsel and advice of the Nobility, and ancient blood of the same; whereas in the mean time the Council of David and Francisco the Italians, with Fowler the Englishman, and Master James Balfour Parson of Flisk, was preferred before all others, save only the Earle of Athole, who was thought to be a man of gross judgement, but nevertheless in all things given to please the Queen. It was now finally come to this point, that in stead of Law, Justice and equity, only Will ruled in all things; there was through all the County set out a Proclamation in the King and Queens names, commanding all persons to come and meet them at Stirling the first day of October following, with twenty days provision, under pain of life, lands and goods. It was uncertain whether their Majesties intended to pass from Stirling or not, and I believe the principal men knew not well at that time; for a report was, That by reason the Castles of Hamilton and Draffen were kept Fortified and Victualled at the Dukes command, that they would pass to siege the said houses, & give them some shot of a Canon; others said, They would pass towards my L. of Argile, who had his people always armed, whereof his neighbours were afraid, especially the Inhabitants of Athole and Lenox; but at length it was concluded that they should pass to Dumfries, as shall be declared.

NOw the Lords desired, next the establishing of Religion, That the Queens Majesty, in all the Affairs of the Realme and Common-wealth, should use the counsell and advice of the Nobility, and ancient blood of the same; whereas in the mean time the Councell of David and Francisco the Italians, with Fowler the Englishman, and Master Iames Balfour Parson of Flisk, was preferred before all others, save onely the Earle of Athole, who was thought to be a man of grosse judgement, but neverthelesse in all things given to please the Queen. It was now finally come to this point, that in stead of Law, Justice and equity, onely Will ruled in all things; there was thorow all the Countie set out a Proclamation in the King and Queens names, commanding all persons to come and meet them at Sterlin the first day of October following, with twenty dayes provision, under pain of life, lands and goods. It was uncertain whether their Majesties intended to passe from Sterlin or not, and I beleeve the principall men knew not well at that time; for a report was, That by reason the Castles of Hamilton and Draffen were kept Fortified and Victualled at the Dukes command, that they would passe to siege the said houses, & give them some shot of a Canon; others said, They would passe towards my L. of Argile, who had his people alwayes armed, whereof his neighbours were afraid, especially the Inhabitants of Athole and Lenox; but at length it was concluded that they should passe to Dumfreis, as shall be declared.