The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

First then, the adversaries of Truth and Goodness, under the specious Pretext of restoring Queen Mary to her Liberty, and of re-establishing her in full Authority, and sole Power, did disquiet and trouble both Church and State in Scotland, both with open Force, and subtle Plots, for some years, that is, to the 1573 year. But finding that all their Undertakings, under this pretext, proved to be in vain, and without success, and standing to their main Design of undoing ⟨image 4⟩Religion and Liberty, they bethought themselves of another way, in appearance more plausible, for compassing their wicked Intents; it was, To deal, by way of entreaty and request, with the chief Ministers of State and Church then, To have the Mother set at liberty, and to be joint in Authority and Power with her Son. And, for the obtaining of this, was employed the credit of the French Court for the time, with all its skill and cunning; but to small purpose: For these rude fellows, who managed the public Affairs then of State and Church, could not be corrupted with the French Complements. In this way the enemies continued, till the year 1577, and did not then give over, notwithstanding their bad success; but, according to their wonted and resolved custom, they went on with their Design, betaking themselves to a new course; wherein, they had indeed more success then in either of the former two: It was this; They did set awork certain men, who with fair words, and flattering tales, so craftily dealt with the young King, hardly yet twelve years of age, that they made him cast off, as a yoke, the counsel and service of those, who, ever since his Birth-day, had carefully laboured for the good of State and Church, with the preservation of his Authority, and safety of his Person: And so the inconsiderate young King, although of most nimble wit and knowing, above his years, under the show of freedom, put himself in the power of those who wished no good to his Person and Authority, and as little to the Church and State, making no scruple to trouble both for their own ends, according to the Instructions of the Masters who set them awork.

First then, the adversaries of Truth and Goodnesse, under the specious Pretext of restoring Queen Mary to her Liberty, and of re-establishing her in full Authority, and sole Power, did disquiet and trouble both Church and State in Scotland, both with open Force, and subtill Plots, for some yeers, that is, to the 1573 yeer. But finding that all their Undertakings, under this pretext, proved to be in vain, and without successe, and standing to their main Designe of undoing