The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

We deny not the taking of the houses of Brochtie; and the causes being considered, we think that no natural Scottish man will be offended at our fact. When the assured knowledge came to us that the Fortification of Leith was begun, every man began to inquire,¹ What danger might ensue to the rest of the Realm, if the French should plant in divers places, and what were the places that might annoy us. In conclusion it was found, That the taking of the said house by French men, should be destruction to Dundee, and hurtful to S. Johnston, and to the whole Country; and therefore it was thought expedient to prevent the danger, as that we did, for preservation of our brethren and common Country. It is not unknown what enemies those two Towns have, and how gladly would some have all good order and policy overthrown in them. The conjectures that the French-men were of mind shortly to have taken the same place, were not obscure: but whatsoever they pretended, we cannot repent that we (as said is) have prevented the danger; and would God that power had been in the same manner to have foreclosed their enterprise at Leith: ²For what trouble this poor Realm shall endure before that those murderers and unjust possessors be removed from the same, the issue will declare. If her accusations against the Duke, and that we refused conference, be truly and simply spoken,³ we will not refuse the judgement of those very men, whom she allegeth to be of such reputation. They know that the Duke did answer, That if the Realm should be set at liberty from the bondage of those men of War, which presently did oppress it, and was so fearful to him, and to his brethren, that they were compelled to absent ⟨p. 189⟩themselves from the places where she and they made residence: That he and the whole Congregation should come and give all dutiful obedience to our Sovereign her daughter, and unto her, as Regent for the time: But to enter into conference so long as she kept above him and his brethren that fearful scourge of cruel strangers, he thought no wise man would counsel him. And this his answer we approve, adding further, That she can make us no promise which she can keep, ⁴