The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

And for further purgation hereof, it was thought necessary that we should simply expose as well to her Majesty, as to the whole people what were our requests and just petitions: And for that purpose after that safe-Conduct was purchased and granted, we directed unto her two grave men of counsel, to wit, the Lairds of Pittarrow and Cuninghamehead, to whom we gave commission and power, first to expose our whole purpose and intent, which was no other then before, at all times we had required; to wit, First, That we might enjoy the liberty of conscience. Secondly, That Christ Jesus might be truly preached, and his holy Sacraments rightly ministered unto us. Thirdly, That unable Ministers might be removed from Ecclesiastical Administration: And that our Preachers might be relaxed from the Horne, and permitted to execute their charges, without molestation unto such as either by a general Council lawfully convened, or by a Parliament within the Realm the controversies in Religion were decided. And for declaration that her Majesty was hereto willing that the Bands of French-men, who then were a burden intolerable to the Country, and to us so fearful, that we durst not in peaceable and quiet manner haunt the places where they did lie, should be sent to France their native Country: Which things granted, Her Majesty should have experience of our accustomed obedience. To these Heads she did answer at the first so pleasantly, that she put both our Commissioners in full esperance that all should be granted, and for that purpose she desired to speak with some of greater Authority; promising, That if they would assure her of their dutiful obedience, that she would deny nothing of that which was required. For satisfaction of her mind, we sent again the Earle of Glencarne, ¹the Lord Ruthven, the Lord Uchiltrie, and the said Laird of Pittarrow, with the same Commission as before. But then she began to handle the matter more craftily, complaining that she ⟨p. 159⟩was not sought in a gentle manner. And that they in whom she had put most singular confidence, had left her in her greatest need. And such other things pertaining nothing to the Commission, she proposed to spend and drive the time.

And for further purgation hereof, it was thought necessary that we should simply expose as well to her Majesty, as to the whole people what were our requests and just petitions: And for that purpose after that safe-Conduct was purchased and granted, we directed unto her two grave men of counsell, to wit, the Lairds of Pittarrow and Cuninghamehead, to whom we gave commission and power, first to expose our whole purpose and intent, which was no other then before, at all times we had required; to wit, First, That we might enjoy the liberty of conscience. Secondly, That Christ Jesus might be truely preached, and his holy Sacraments rightly ministred unto us. Thirdly, That unable Ministers might be removed from Ecclesiasticall Administration: And that our Preachers might be relaxed from the Horne, and permitted to execute their charges, without molestation unto such as either by a generall Councell lawfully convened, or by a Parliament within the Realme the controversies in Religion were decided. And for declaration that her Majestie was hereto willing that the Bands of French-men, who then were a burden intolerable to the Countrey, and to us so fearfull, that we durst not in peaceable and quiet manner haunt the places where they did lie, should be sent to France their native Countrey: Which things granted, Her Majestie should have experience of our accustomed obedience. To these Heads she did answer at the first so pleasantly, that she put both our Commissioners in full esperance that all should be granted, and for that purpose she desired to speak with some of greater Authority; promising, That if they would assure her of their dutifull obedience, that she would deny nothing of that which was required. For satisfaction of her minde, we sent again the Earle of Glencarne,