The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Albeit the said John received this Letter at Berwick, yet would he answer nothing till that he had spoken with the Lords whom he found in Stirling, and unto whom he delivered the answer sent from the Council of England (for Alexander Whitlaw took sickness betwixt Berwick and Edinburgh, and was troubled by the Lord Seaton, as in the former Book is declared) the answer sent by Master Cecil was so general, that many amongst us despaired of any comfort to come from that Country. And therefore were determined that they would request no further. John Knox laboured in the contrary, but he could prevail no further, but that he should have licence and liberty to write as he thought best: And so took he upon him to answer for all, in form as followeth. Answer to Master Cecil's writing. Two causes hindered me (Right Worshipful) to visit you in any part in England. Before this no signification of your mind and pleasure was made unto me, for only did Sir Henry Percy will me to come and speak with him, which conveniently at that time I could not do, by reason that the French-men (which was the second cause of my stay) did then most furiously pursue us, while our company was dispersed, and then durst I not be absent for divers inconveniences; neither did I think my presence with you greatly necessary, considering that the matter (which I most desired) was opened and proposed. To the which I would have wished, That a more plain and especial answer should have been made. For albeit Master Whitlaw by his Credit, Master Kirkcaldy by his Letter, and I, both by Letters and by that which I had received from Sir James Crofts, did persuade your good minds; yet could not the council be otherwise persuaded, but that this alteration in France had altered your former purpose. It is not unknown what good will we three do bear to England: And therefore I wish, That rather your Pen, then our Credit, or any thing written to any of us, should assure the Lords and others, of your good minds (who are now in number but five hundred.) Unless that money be furnished without delay to pay the Soldiers for their service past, and to retain another thousand foot-men, with three hundred horse-men; till some stay be had in this danger, these Gentle-men will be compelled to leave the fields.

Albeit the said Iohn received this Letter at Barwick, yet would he answer nothing till that he had spoken with the Lords whom he found in Sterlin, and unto whom he delivered the answer sent from the Councell of England (for Alexander Whitlaw took sicknesse betwixt Barwick and Edinburgh, and was troubled by the Lord Seaton, as in the former Booke is declared) the answer sent by Master Cecill was so generall, that many amongst us despaired of any comfort to come from that Countrey. And therefore were determined that they would request no further. Iohn Knox laboured in the contrary, but he could prevaile no further, but that he should have licence and libertie to write as he thought best: And so took he upon him to answer for all, in forme as followeth. Answer to Master Cecils writing. TWo causes hindred me (Right Worshipfull) to visit you in any part in England. Before this no signification of your minde and pleasure was made unto me, for onely did Sir Henry Percie will me to come and speake with him, which conveniently at that time I could not do, by reason that the French-men (which was the second cause of my stay) did then most furiously pursue us, while our company was dispersed, and then durst I not be absent for divers inconveniences; neither did I thinke my presence with you greatly necessary, considering that the matter (which I most desired) was opened and proposed. To the which I would have wished, That a more plaine and especiall answer should have been made. For albeit Master Whitlaw by his Credit, Master Kirkcaldie by his Letter, and I, both by Letters and by that which I had received from Sir Iames Crofts, did perswade your good mindes; yet could not the councell be otherwise perswaded, but that this alteration in France had altered your former purpose. It is not unknown what good will we three do beare to England: And therefore I wish, That rather your Pen, then our Credit, or any thing written to any of us, should assure the Lords and others, of your good mindes (who are now in number but five hundred.) Unlesse that money be furnished without delay to pay the Souldiers for their service past, and to retaine another thousand foot-men, with three hundred horse-men; till some stay be had in this danger, these Gentle-men will be compelled to leave the fields.