The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

At this Proclamation, made with sound of Trumpet, were offended all the Papists: for first they alleged, It was done in contempt of Authority. Secondarily, That we had proclaimed more then was contained in the Appointment. And last, That we in our Proclamation had made no mention of any thing promised unto them.¹ To such murmurs we answered, That no just Authority could think it self contemned, because that the truth was by us made manifest unto all, who otherwise might have pretended ignorance. Secondly, That we had proclaimed nothing which was not finally agreed upon in word and promise betwixt us and those with whom the Appointment was made, whatsoever the Scribes had after written, who in very deed had altered both in words and sentences our Articles, as they were first conceived: And yet if their own writings were diligently examined, the self-same thing shall be found in substance. And last, To proclaim any thing in their favours, we thought it not necessary, knowing that in that behalf they themselves would be diligent enough. And in this we were nothing deceived, for within fifteen days after, there was not a Shaveling in Scotland, to whom Tenths, or any other Rents pertaineth, but he had that Article of the Appointment by heart, That the Church-men should be answered of Tenths, Rents, and all other duties; and that no man should trouble or molest them. We departing from Edinburgh the 26 of July, came first to Linlithgow, and after to Stirling, where after consultation, the Band of defence, and maintenance of Religion, and for mutual defence every one of the other, was subscribed of all that were there present.

At this Proclamation, made with sound of Trumpet, were offended all the Papists: for first they alleadged, It was done in contempt of Authority. Secondarily, That we had proclaimed more then was contained in the Appointment. And last, That we in our Proclamation had made no mention of any thing promised unto them.¹ To such murmures we answered, That no just Anthority could think it self contemned, because that the truth was by us made manifest unto all, who otherwise might have pretended ignorance. Secondly, That we had proclaimed nothing which was not finally agreed upon in word and promise betwixt us and those with whom the Appointment was made, whatsoever the Scribes had after written, who in very deed had altered both in words and sentences our Articles, as they were first conceived: And yet if their owne writings were diligeutly examined, the self-same thing shall be found in substance. And last, To proclaim any thing in their favours, we thought it not necessary, knowing that in that behalf they themselves would be diligent enough. And in this we were nothing deceived, for within fifteen days after, there was not a Shaveling in Scotland, to whom Tenths, or any other Rents pertaineth, but he had that Article of the Appointment by heart, That the Church-men should be answered of Tenths, Rents, and all other duties; and that no man should trouble or molest them. We departing from Edinburgh the 26 of July, came first to Linlithqow, and after to Sterlin, where after consultation, the Band of defence, and maintenance of Religion, and for mutuall defence every one of the other, was subscribed of all that were there present.