The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

After God had given unto that mis-informed Prince sufficient documents, that his warring against his blessed Gospel should not prosperously succeed. He raised up against him Wars as he did of old against divers Princes that would not hear his voice, in the which he lost himself, as we shall hereafter hear.

After God had given unto that mis-informed Prince sufficient documents, that his warring against his blessed Gospel should not prosperously succeed. He raised up against him Warres as he did of old against divers Princes that would not hear his voice, in the which he lost himself, as we shall hereafter heare.

The occasion of the War was this, HENRY the eighth, King of England, had a great desire to have spoken with our King, and in that point travelled so long, till that he gat a full promise made to his Ambassador, Lord William Howard: The place of meeting was appointed York, which the King of England kept with such solemnity and preparations, as never for such a purpose was seen in England before. Great brute of that journey, and some preparation for the same was made in Scotland: But in the end, by persuasion of the Cardinal David Beton, and by others of his faction, that journey was stayed, and the Kings promise falsified. Whereupon were sharp Letters of reproach sent unto the King, and also unto his Council. King Henry frustrate returneth to London, and after his indignation declared, began to fortify with men his frontiers toward Scotland. There was sent to the borders, Sir Robert Bows, the Earle of Angus, and his brother, Sir George Douglas. Upon what other trifling questions (as for the debatable land and such) the War brake up, we omit to write. The principal occasion was the falsifying of the promises before made. Our King perceiving that War would rise, asked the Prelates and Churchmen, what support they would make to the sustaining of the same: for rather would he yet satisfy the desire of his Uncle▪ then he would hazard war where he saw not his force able to resist. They promised mountains of gold (as Satan their father did to Christ Jesus if he would worship him) for rather would they have gone to hell, then he should have met with King Henry, for then thought they, Farewell our Kingdom of Abbots, Monks, &c. And farewell, thought the Cardinal,