The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

The Memorial of Master John Spens of Condie, the thirtieth of September. 1. YE shall say, That the Queens great favour towards you moveth her to this. 2. That she now knoweth that the occasion of your departing from her, was the favour of the Word, and of the Religion, with the which, albeit she was offended, yet knowing your heart▪ and the hearts of the other Lords firmly fixed thereupon, she will bear with you in that behalf, and at your own sights she will set forward that Cause at her power, as may stand with Gods Word,¹ the common policy of this Realm, and the Princes honour (note good Reader what venom lurked here, for plain it is that the policy which she pretended, and the Princes honour will never suffer Christ Jesus to reign in this Realm.) 3. To speak of the occasion of assembling of these men of War, and fortifying of Leith, you must know, That it was given to the Queen to understand by some about her, that it is not the advancement of the Word and Religion which is sought at this time, but rather a pretence to overthrow or alter the authority of your Sister, of the which she believeth still that ye are not participant: and considering the tenderness betwixt you and your Sister, she trusted more in you,² in that behalf, then in any living. But before the Earle of Arran arrived, and that the Duke departed from her faction, she ceased not continually to cry, That the Prior sought to make himself King; and so not only to deprive his Sister, to make himself King, but also to defraud the Duke and his house of their pretension. But foreseeing a storm, she began to seek a new wind. She further willeth him, to offer the sending away of the men of War, if the former suspicion could be removed, she lamented the trouble that appeared to follow, if the matter should long stand in debate, she promised her faithful labours for reconciliation, and required the same of him. Requiring further, Faith, Honour, and kindness towards his Sister, and to advertise for his part, what he desired; with promise, That he might obtain what he pleased to desire.

The Memoriall of Master Iohn Spens of Condie, the thirtieth of September. 1. YE shall say, That the Queens great favour towards you moveth her to this. 2. That she now knoweth that the occasion of your departing from her, was the favour of the Word, and of the Religion, with the which, albeit she was offended, yet knowing your heart and the hearts of the other Lords firmely fixed thereupon, she will beare with you in that behalfe, and at your owne sights she will set forward that Cause at her power, as may stand with Gods Word,