The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

That same time was the Castle of Semple hard besieged and taken. Because the Lord thereof disobeyed the Laws and Ordinances of the Council in many things, and especially in that, that he would maintain the Idolatry of the Mass, and also, that he beset the way to the Earle of Arran, with a great gathering, as he was riding with his accustomed company. The Papists were proud, for they looked for a new Army from France at the next Spring, and thereof was no small appearance, if God had not otherwise provided. For France utterly refused the confirmation of the Peace contracted at Leith, would ratify no part of our Parliament, dismissed the Lord of Saint John, without a resolute answer, began to gather new Bands of throat-cutters, and to make great preparation for Ships. They further sent before them certain practisers, (amongst whom the Lord Seaton who had departed with the French out of Leith was one) to raise up new troubles within this Realm.¹ And all this came partly of the malice of the house of Guise, who had avowed to revenge the displeasure of their sister both upon England and Scotland, and partly by instigation of proud Beton, falsely called Bishop of Glasgow, of Dury Abbot of Dunfermline, and Sauls Seaton, and Master John Sinclair Dean of Restalrige, with such others of the French faction, who had openly spoken, That they had refused all portion of Scotland, unless that it were under the government of a French-man. Recompense them (O Lord) as thou knowest most expedient for thine own glory, and for the perpetual shame of all Traitors to their Common-wealth. The certain knowledge of all these things came to our ears, whereat many were afraid, and divers suspected that England would not be so forward in times to come, considering that their former expenses were so great. The principal comfort remained with the Preachers,² for they assured us in Gods Name that God would perform in all perfection that work in our hands. The beginning whereof he had so mightily maintained, because it was not ours, but his own. And therefore exhorted us, That we should constantly proceed to reform all abuses, and to plant the Ministry of the Church, as by Gods word we might justify it; and then commit the success of all to our God,³ in whose power the disposition of Kingdoms standeth.