The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

The King remained in Stirling all that time (never being present) kept his Chamber: his father hearing how he was used, writ to him to repair unto him; who soon after went (without good-night) toward Glasgow to his Father; he was hardly a Mile out of Stirling when the poison (which had been given him) wrought so upon him, that he had very great pain and dolour in every part of his body. At length, being arrived at Glasgow, the Blisters brake out, of a bluish colour, so the Physicians presently knew the Disease to come by poison; he was brought so low that nothing but death was expected; yet the strength of his youth at last did surmount the poison.

The King remained in Sterlin all that time (never being present) kept his Chamber: his father hearing how he was used, writ to him to repaire unto him; who soon after went (without good-night) toward Glasgow to his Father; he was hardly a Mile out of Sterlin when the poyson (which had been given him) wroght so upon him, that he had very great pain and dolour in every part of his body. At length, being arrived at Glasgow, the Blisters brake out, of a blewish colour, so the Physitians presently knew the Disease to come by poyson; he was brought so low that nothing but death was expected; yet the strength of his youth at last did surmount the poison.

During the time of this Triumph the Queen was most liberal in all things that were demanded of her; amongst other things, she subscribed a writing for the maintenance of the Ministers in a reasonable proportion, which was to be taken up of the Thirds of Benefices: which writing being purchased by the Bishop of Galloway, was presented at the general Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh, the five and twentieth day of December, 1566. where were convened the Superintendents and other Ministers▪ in reasonable number, but very few Commissioners. The first matter that was there proposed, was concerning the said Writing lately obtained; and the most part of the Ministers being demanded their opinions in the matter, after advice, and passing a little aside, they answered very gravely, That it was their duty to preach to the people the Word of God truly and and sincerely, and to crave of the Auditors the things that were necessary for their sustentation, as of duty the Pastor might justly crave of their Flock; and further it became them not to have any care. Nevertheless the Assembly taking in consideration, that the said Gifts granted by the Queens Majesty, was not to be refused; they ordained, That certain faithful men of every Shire should meet, and do their utmost diligence for gathering and receiving the said Corn and money, and likewise appointed the Superintendent of Lowthian, and Master John Row to wait upon the Bishop of Galloway, and concur and assist him for further expedition