The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Albeit after that the Bishop was highly offended, as well at the scoff and bitter mock, as at the bold liberty of that learned man, yet durst he not hazard for that present, to execute his malice conceived. For nought only feareth he the learning, and bold spirit of the man, but also the favour that he had, as well of the people, as of the Prince, King James the fifth,¹ with whom he had good credit, for he was at that time his Confessor, and had exhorted him to the fear of God, to the meditation of Gods Law, and unto purity of life.² But the said Bishop, with his complices, foreseeing what danger might come to their estate, if such familiarity should continue betwixt the Prince and a man so learned, and so repugning to their affections, laboureth by all means to make the said Friar Alexander odious unto the King, and easily found the means by the grey Friars (who by their hypocrisy deceived many) to traduce the innocent as an Heretic. This accusation was easily believed of the young Prince; who being much given to the lusts of the flesh, abhorred all counsel that repugned thereto. And because he did remember what a terror the admonitions of the said Alexander was unto his blinded conscience, without resistance he subscribed to their accusation, affirming that he knew more then they did in that matter. For he understood well enough that he smelled of the new Doctrine, by such things as he had showed to him under Confession. And therefore he promised that he should follow the counsel of the Bishops in punishing of him, and of all others of that Sect. These things understood by the said Alexander, as well by the information of his friends and familiars, as by the strange countenance of the King unto him; provideth the next way to avoid the fury of a misled Prince, and so in his habit he departeth the Realm; and coming to Berwick, wrote back again to the King his Complaint and Admonition; ⟨p. 19⟩The very Tenor and Copy whereof followeth, and is this.

Albeit after that the Bishop was highly offended, as well at the scoffe and bitter mock, as at the bold liberty of that learned man, yet durst he not hazard for that present, to execute his malice conceived. For nought only feareth he the learning, and bold spirit of the man, but also the favour that he had, as well of the people, as of the Prince, King Iames the fifth,