The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

She had persuaded the Earle of Argyle and all others, That we meant nothing but Rebellion; and therefore had he promised unto her, That in case we would not stand content with a reasonable appointment, he would declare himself open enemy unto us, notwithstanding that he professed the same Religion with us. From us were sent the Laird of Dun, the Laird of Inuerquhartye, and Thomas Scot of Abbotshall, to hear what appointment the Queen would offer. The Duke and Monsieur Dosell required, That the Town should be made patent, and that all things should be referred to the Queens pleasure. To the which they answered, That neither they had commission so to promise, neither durst they in conscience so persuade their brethren: But if the Queen would promise,¹ That no inhabitant of the Town should be troubled for any such crimes as might be alleged against them, for the late mutation of Religion and abolishment of Idolatry, and for down-casting the places of the same; If she would suffer the Religion begun to go forward, and leave the Town at her departing free from the Garrisons of French Soldiers; That they would labour at the hands of their brethren, that the Queen should be obeyed in all things. Monsieur Dosell perceiving the danger to be great, if that a sudden appointment should be made, and that they were not able to execute their tyranny against us, after that the Congregation of Kyle (of whose coming we had no advertisement) should be joined with us, with good words dismissed the said Lairds to persuade the brethren to quiet concord. To the which we were all so well minded, that with one voice they cried; Cursed be they that seek effusion of blood; Let us possess Christ Jesus, and the benefit of his Gospel, and none within Scotland shall be more obedient Subjects then we shall be. With all expedition were sent from Stirling again (after that the coming of the Earle of Glencarne was known, for the enemy for fear quaked) the Earle of Argyle and Lord James aforesaid. And in their company a crafty man Master Gavin Hamilton, Abbot of Kilwinning, who were sent by the Queen to finish the appointment aforesaid. But before that they came, was the Earle of Glencarne and his honourable company arrived in the Town:

She had perswaded the Earle of Argyle and all others, That we meant nothing but Rebellion; and therefore had he promised unto her, That in case we would not stand content with a reasonable appointment, he would declare himselfe open enemy unto us, notwithstanding that he professed the same Religion with us. From us were sent the Laird of Dun, the Laird of Inuerquhartye, and Thomas Scot of Abbotshall, to hear what appointment the Queene would offer. The Duke and Monsieur Dosell required, That the Towne should be made patent, and that all things should be referred to the Queenes pleasure. To the which they answered, That neither they had commission so to promise, neither durst they in conscience so perswade their brethren: But if the Queene would promise,