The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

MADAME, I Received your Highness Writ, and have heard the credit of the Bearer, and finding the business of such importance, that dangerous it were to give hasty answer. And also your Demands are such, That with my honour I cannot answer them privately by my self, I have thought good to delay the same till that I may have the judgement of the whole Council. For this point I will not conceal from your Majesty, That amongst us there is a solemn Oath, that none of us shall traffic with your Majesty secretly, neither yet that any of us shall treat or deal for himself particularly: Which Oath, for my part, I purpose to keep unviolated to the end. But when the rest of the Noble-men shall convene, I shall leave nothing that lieth in my power undone, that may make for the quietness of this poor Realm: Provided, That the glory of Christ Jesus be not hindered by our concord. And if your Majesty shall be found so tractable, as now ye offer, I doubt not to obtain of the rest of my brethren such favour towards your service, as your Majesty shall have just occasion to stand content: For I take God to record, That in this action I have neither sought, neither yet seek any other thing then to increase Gods glory, and the Liberty of this poor Realm to be maintained. Further, I have showed unto your Messenger what things have misliked me in your proceedings, even from such a heart as I wish to God you knew fully, and all men else. And this, with hearty commendation of service to your Majesty, I heartily commit your Highness to the eternal protection of the omnipotent. At Saint Andrews, the first of October. Sic subscribitur. Your Majesties humble and obedient Servitor. I. St.

MADAME, I Received your Highnesse Writ, and have heard the credit of the Bearer, and finding the businesse of such importance, that dangerous it were to give hastie answer. And also your Demands are such, That with my honour I cannot answer them privately by my selfe, I have thought good to delay the same till that I may have the judgement of the whole Councell. For this point I will not conceale from your Majestie, That amongst us there is a solemned Oath, that none of us shall traffique with your Majestie secretly, neither yet that any of us shall treat or deale for himselfe particularly: Which Oath, for my part, I purpose to keep unviolated to the end. But when the rest of the Noble-men shall conveene, I shall leave nothing that lyeth in my power undone, that may make for the quietnesse of this poore Realme: Provided, That the glory of Christ Iesus be not hindered by our concord. And if your Majestie shall be found so tractable, as now ye offer, I doubt not to obtaine of the rest of my brethren such favour towards your service, as your Majestie shall have just occasion to stand content: For I take God to record, That in this action I have neither sought, neither yet seek any other thing then to increase Gods glory, and the Libertie of this poore Realme to be maintained. Further, I have shewed unto your Messenger what things have misliked me in your proceedings, even from such a heart as I wish to God you knew fully, and all men else. And this, with hearty commendation of service to your Majestie, I heartily commit your Highnesse to the eternall protection of the omnipotent. At Saint Andrews, the first of October. Sic subscribitur. Your Majesties humble and obedient Servitour. I. St.