The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Letter to the Lord Erskine. MY Lord and Cousin, after our hearty commendations, this present is to advertise you, That we are credibly informed that the Army of French-men now in this Realm, without any advice of the Council or Nobility, are fortifying, or else shortly intendeth to fortify the Town of Leith, and expel the ancient inhabitants thereof, whereby they proclaim to all that will open their ears to hear, or eyes to see, what is their pretence. And seeing the faithfulness of your antecessors, and especially of your Father of honourable memory, who was so recommended and dear to the Estates and Councillors of this Realm, through affection they perceived in him towards the Common-wealth thereof, that they doubted not to give in his keeping the key, as it were, of the Council, of the Justice and Policy of this Realm, the Castles of Edinburgh and Stirling, we cannot but believe ye will rather augment the honourable favour of your House by steadfast favour and loyalty to our Common wealth, then through the subtle persuasions of some (which care not what after shall come to you and your House, at the present would abuse you to the performance of their wicked enterprises and pretences against our Common-wealth) ⟨p. 182⟩utterly destroy the same. And herefore seeing we have written to the Queen to desist from the enterprise, otherwise that we will complain to the Nobility and Commonalty of the Realm, and seek redress thereof; We likewise beseech you as our tender friend, brother and member of the same Common-wealth with us▪ that in no wise you meddle with, or assent to that ungodly enterprise against the Common-wealth: And likewise that ye would save your body, and the jewels of this Country, committed to yours and your predecessors loyalty and fidelity towards your native Country and Common-wealth, if ye thinki to be reputed, hereafter one of the same: And that ye would rather be brother to us then to strangers; for we do gather by the effects, the secrets of mens hearts, otherwise unsearchable unto us. Thus we write, not that we are in doubt of you, but rather to warn you of the danger, in case ye suffer your self to be enchanted with fair promises, and crafty Councillors: For let no man flatter himself; we desire all men to know;

Letter to the Lord Erskin. MY Lord and Cousin, after our hearty commendations, this present is to advertise you, That we are credibly informed that the Army of French-men now in this Realme, without any advice of the Councell or Nobility, are fortifying, or else shortly intendeth to fortifie the Towne of Leith, and expell the ancient inhabitants thereof, whereby they proclaim to all that will open their ears to hear, or eyes to see, what is their pretence. And seeing the faithfulnesse of your antecessors, and especially of your Father of honourable memory, who was so recommended and dear to the Estates and Councellors of this Realme, through affection they perceived in him towards the Common-wealth thereof, that they doubted not to give in his keeping the key, as it were, of the Councell, of the Iustice and Policy of this Realme, the Castles of Edinburgh and Sterlin, we cannot but believe ye will rather augment the honourable favour of your House by stedfast favour and loyalty to our Common wealth, then through the subtill perswasions of some (which care not what after shall come to you and your House, at the present would abuse you to the performance of their wicked enterprises and pretences against our Common-wealth)