The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

and then began all men to praise God, for that he had so mercifully heard them in their most extreme necessity, and had sent unto them such relief as was able without effusion of blood to stay the rage of the enemy. The Earle of Argyle and Lord James did earnestly persuade the agreement, to the which all men were willing: but some did smell the craft of the adversary, to wit, That they were minded to keep no point of the promise longer then they had obtained their intent. With the Earle of Glencarne came our loving brother John Willock, John Knox was in the Town before. These two went to the Earle of Argyle and Lord James, ¹accusing them of infidelity, in so far as they had defrauded their brethren of their dutiful support, and comfort in their greatest necessity. They answered both, That their heart was constant with their brethren, and that they would defend that Cause to the ⟨p. 150⟩uttermost of their power. But because they had promised to labour concord, and to assist the Queen in case we refused reasonable offers, in conscience and honour they could do no less then be faithful in their promise made: And therefore they required that the brethren might be persuaded to consent to that reasonable appointment;² promising in Gods presence, That if the Queen did break in any jot thereof, that they with their whole powers would assist and concur with the brethren in all times to come. This promise made, the Preachers appeased the multitude, and obtained in the end that all men did consent to the appointment foresaid; which they obtained not without great labours; and no wonder, for many foresaw the danger to follow: yea the Preachers themselves in open Sermon did affirm plainly, That they were assuredly persuaded that the Queen meant no truth. But to stop the mouth of the adversary,³ who unjustly did burden us with Rebellion, they most earnestly required all men to approve the appointment, and so to suffer hypocrisy to disclose it self. This appointment was concluded the 28 of May, and the day following, at two in the after noon, departed the Congregation from Saint Johnston, after that John Knox had in his Sermon exhorted all men to constancy, and unfeignedly to thank God, for that it had pleased his mercy to stay the rage of the enemy without effusion of blood;