The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Moreover, if we should lack any thing in Temporal commodity, yet should we never have occasion to return to them: for we now perceive and feel the weight of their yoke, and intend (by Gods grace) to cut away such instruments as by whom this Realm was before abused. True it is, That as yet we have made no mention of any change in Authority, neither yet were we minded to do any such thing, till extreme necessity compelleth us thereto. But seeing it is now more then evident, That France, and the Queen Regent here, with her Priests, pretendeth nothing but the suppressing of Christs Gospel, the ruin of us, and the subversion of this poor Realm, committing our innocency to God, and unto the judgement of all godly and wise men, we are determined to seek the next remedy; in which we heartily require your counsel and assistance. And thus far we have enterprised to make you participant of our purpose, because in the said Letters ye required the said Master Kirkcaldy some farther assurance then his own word or writing, which we doubt not but ye shall shortly receive, from more then from us. We dare not hastily make the Assembly, neither of Nobles,¹ neither of Barons, privy in this Cause, for dangers that may ensue by policy and craft of the adversaries; your wisdom, we doubt not, will communicate these only with such as ye know favourers of such a godly Conjunction. It should much help, in our opinion, if the Preachers, both in persuasion, and in public Prayers (as ours do here) would commend the same unto the people. And thus, after our most humble commendations to the Queens Majesty (whose Reign we wish may be prosperous and long, to the glory of God, and comfort of his Church) we heartily commit you to the protection of the Omnipotent. From Edinburgh the 17 of July, 1559.

Moreover, if we should lack any thing in Temporall commodity, yet should we never have occasion to returne to them: for we now perceive and feel the weight of their yoke, and intend (by Gods grace) to cut away such instruments as by whom this Realme was before abused. True it is, That as yet we have made no mention of any change in Authority, neither yet were we minded to do any such thing, till extreme necessity compelleth us thereto. But seeing it is now more then evident, That France, and the Queen Regent here, with her Priests, pretendeth nothing but the suppressing of Christs Gospel, the ruine of us, and the subversion of this poor Realme, committing our innocency to God, and unto the judgement of all godly and wise men, we are determined to seek the next remedy; in which we heartily require your counsell and assistance. And thus farre we have enterprised to make you participant of our purpose, because in the said Letters ye required the said Master Kirkcaldie some farther assurance then his owne word or writing, which we doubt not but ye shall shortly receive, from more then from us. We dare not hastily make the Assembly, neither of Nobles,