The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

O that we had hearts deeply to consider what are thy wondrous works (O Lord) that we might praise thee in the midst of this most obstinate and wicked generation, and leave the memorial of the same to our posterities, which alas, we fear shall forget these thy inestimable benefits.

O that we had hearts deepely to consider what are thy wondrous works (O Lord) that we might praise thee in the midst of this most obstinate and wicked generation, and leave the memoriall of the same to our posterities, which alas, we feare shall forget these thy inestimable benefits.

Some in France, after the sudden death of Francis the 2. and calling to mind the death of Charles the 9 in blood; and the slaughter of Henry the 2. did remark the Tragical ends of these three Princes, who had persecuted Gods servants so cruelly by their instruments the Guisians, and by their Pens both in Prose and Verse, did advise all other Princes not to authorize any Persecution or wrong done unto Gods servants, left they should have the like end. And indeed the following Kings of France unto this day, hath found this true by their infortunate and unexpected ends.

Some in France, after the sudden death of Francis the 2. and calling to minde the death of Charles the 9 in blood; and the slaughter of Henry the 2. did remark the Tragicall ends of these three Princes, who had persecuted Gods servants so cruelly by their instruments the Guisians, and by their Pens both in Prose and Verse, did advise all other Princes not to authorize any Persecution or wrong done unto Gods servants, left they should have the like end. And indeed the following Kings of France unto this day, hath found this true by their infortunate and unexpected ends.

The death of this King made great alteration in France, England and Scotland; France was erected in some esperance that the tyranny of the Guisians should no longer reign above them, because God at unawares had broken the staff whereupon they leaned; but alas, they were deceived: For the simplicity of some was so abused, that against the Laws of the Realm, to the Queen mother was committed the Regiment, which lifted up as well the Duke of Guise, as the cruel Cardinal, for a season. The Queen of England, and the Council, remitted our Ambassadors. The pride of the Papists of Scotland began to be abated, and some that ever had shown themselves enemies unto us, began to think, and plainly to speak (amongst whom the old Sheriff of Air was one) That they perceived God to fight for us. The Earle of Arran having suffered repulse in his design to marry the Queen of England, he began to fancy unto himself that the Queen of Scotland bare unto him some favour: And so he wrote unto her, and sent for credit a Ring, which the said Queen our Sovereign knew well enough. The Letter and Ring were both presented to the Queen, and by her received: Such answer was returned to the said Earle, after the which he made no further pursuit in that matter: And yet nevertheless he did bear it heavily in heart, and more heavily then his friends would have wished; for grief he was troubled in his understanding.