The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

To Saint Johnston, with the Gentlemen before expressed, did Convene the Earle of Monteith, the Laird of Glaneurquhair, and divers others, who before had not presented themselves for defence of their brethren. When the whole multitude was Convened, a Trumpet was sent by the Lords, commanding the Captains and their Bands, To avoid the Town, and to leave it to the ancient Liberty and just Inhabitants of the same; Also commanding the Laird of Kilfawnes, put in Provest by the Queen,¹ with the Captains aforesaid, To open the gates of the Town, and make the same patent to all our Sovereigns lieges, to the effect, That as well true Religion now once begun therein, may be maintained, ⟨p. 154⟩and Idolatry utterly suppressed, as also the said Town might enjoy and brook their ancient Laws and Liberties, unoppressed by men of War, according to their old Privileges granted to them by the ancient Princes of this Realm, and conform to the provision contained in the Contract of Marriage, made by the Nobility and Parliament of this Realm with the King of France, bearing namely, That our old Laws or Liberties should not be altered: Adding thereto, If they foolishly resisted, and therein happened to commit murder, That they should be treated as murderers. To the which they answered proudly, That they would keep and defend that Town, according to their promise made to the Queen Regent. This answer received, preparation was made for the Siege and assault. For amongst all, it was concluded that the Town should be set at liberty, to what danger soever their bodies should be exposed. While preparation was in making, came the Earle of Huntly, the Lord Erskine, Master John Ballenden, Justice Clerk, requiring that the pursuit of the Town should be delayed.² To speak to them were appointed, the Earle of Argyle, Lord James, and Lord Ruthven, who perceiving in them nothing but a drift of time, without any assurance that the former wrongs should be redressed, gave unto them a short and plain answer, That they would not delay their purpose an hour: and therefore willed them to certify the Captains in the Town, That if by pride and foolishness they would keep the Town, and in so doing slay any of their brethren, that they should every one die as murderers.

To Saint Iohnston, with the Gentlemen before expressed, did Convene the Earle of Monteith, the Laird of Glaneurquhair, and divers others, who before had not presented themselves for defence of their brethren. When the whole multitude was Convened, a Trumpet was sent by the Lords, commanding the Captains and their Bands, To avoid the Towne, and to leave it to the ancient Libertie and just Inhabitants of the same; Also commanding the Laird of Kilfawnes, put in Provest by the Queen,