The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

From thence he departed the second time to the Laird of Dun, and teaching then in greater liberty, the Gentlemen required, That he should minister likewise unto them the ⟨p. 101⟩Table of the Lord Jesus, where were partakers, the most part of the Gentlemen of the Mernes, who God be praised, to this day do constantly remain in the same doctrine which then they professed. To wit, That they refused all society with Idolatry, and bent themselves to the uttermost of their powers to maintain the true Preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as God should offer unto them Preachers and opportunity. The brute hereof spread (for the Friars from all quarters flocked to the Bishops) the said John Knox was summoned to appear in the Church of the black Friars in Edinburgh, the fifteenth day of May, which day the said John decreed to keep, and for that purpose John Erskine of Dun, with divers other Gentlemen assembled to the Town of Edinburgh. But that Diet held not. For whether the Bishops perceived informality in their own proceedings, or if they feared danger to ensue upon their extremity, it is unknown unto us. But the Saturday before the day appointed, they cast their own summons, and the said John, the same day of the summons taught in Edinburgh, in a greater audience then ever before he had done in that Town. The place was the Bishop of Dunkelles, his great lodging, where he continued in Teaching ten days, before and after noon. The Earle of Glencarne allured the Earle of Masrchell, who with Henry Drummond (his counsellor for that time) heard an exhortation (but it was in the night) who were so well contented with it, that they both willed the said John to write unto the Queen Regent somewhat that might move her to hear the Word of God.¹ He obeyed their desire, and wrote that which after was published▪ which we have caused to be Printed at the end of this Book, and is called, The Letter to the Queen Dowager; Which was delivered unto her own hands by the said Alexander Earle of Glencarne: Which Letter when she had read, within a day or two, she delivered it to the proud Prelate Beaton, Bishop of Glasgow, and said in mockage; Please you my Lord to read a Pasquil: Which words coming to the ears of the said John, was the occasion that to his Letter he made his additions, as yet may be seen.