The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

for those to whose care principally the business was committed, and in whose hands the managing of matters had fallen, by the death of the late Factotum, were not so powerful to obtain, without refusal, what they pleased, at the Kings hands; neither were they in such opinion and reputation with inferiors, to make them go on in the work so earnestly; wherefore the Queen must be brought now of necessity, to take upon her the main care, and to obtain from the King whatsoever may conduce and further the business, and take away ⟨image 6⟩all lets and stops which may hinder the proceedings: Then, to employ all her credit abroad, for countenancing and advancing affairs: And next, by her authority to draw on inferiors to act their part with affection and ardour. Now all things being thus cunningly and carefully, by degrees, in few years, prepared and disposed, for enslaving Church and State, Prince and People, to Rome again, it was thought fit, by the hottest of the party, to wit, the Jesuits, to hasten the work openly, and delay no more time (the compassing of the Design being conceived to be infallible) By this means they thought to shorten the business, and to make themselves so considerable, as to share deeply in the Booty; of which they looked for but little, if things were still lingered, and carried on slowly. But how, and where to begin this new undertaking, was consulted upon; and, after deliberation, the Scots must be begun at, the way is resolved on, there must be a new Prayer-Book put upon these rude fellows, that they may say their Prayers in modo & figura a la Romaine, and not so rudely and irregularly as they were wont to do, in the Northern way. Then they must have high-Commission Courts, Canons, and Etcetera's: Which things, if the Scots be so wise to accept, as doubtless they will (reasoned these men: but he that reckons without this host, reckons twice) for their chief men of State are either actually at Court, or provided to places in the Country from Court, at least, they can do no business of moment, without the favour of the Court.

for those to whose care principally the businesse was committed, and in whose hands the managing of matters had fallen, by the death of the late Fac totum, were not so powerfull to obtain, without refusall, what they pleased, at the Kings hands; neither were they in such opinion and reputation with inferiours, to make them go on in the work so earnestly; wherefore the Queen must be brought now of necessity, to take upon her the main care, and to obtain from the King whatsoever may conduce and further the businesse, and take away