The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

I will first then desire (said he) of your Majesty,¹ Madame, and of this Honourable audience, Whether if your Majesty knows not that the obstinate Papists are deadly enemies to all that profess the Evangel of Jesus Christ; And that they most earnestly desire the extirpation of all them, and of the true Doctrine that is taught within this Realm?² The Queen held her peace; but all the Lords with common consent and voice, said, God forbid that either the life of the faithful, or yet the staying of the Doctrine, stood in the power of the Papists; for just experience hath taught us what cruelty is in their hearts. I must proceed then (said John Knox) seeing that I perceive that all will grant, That it were a barbarous cruelty to destroy such a multitude as professed the Evangel of Jesus Christ within this Realm, which oftener then once or twice they attempted to do by force, as things done of late days do testify: Whereof they being (by Gods providence) disappointed, have invented more crafty and dangerous practices, to wit, To make the Prince party,³ under colour of Law; and so, what they could not do by open force, they shall perform by crafty deceit: For who thinks (my Lords) That the insatiable cruelty of the Papists (within this Realm, I mean) shall end in the murdering of those two, now unjustly summoned, and more unjustly to be accused? I think no man of judgement can so esteem, but rather the direct contrary; that is, By this few number, they intend to prepare a way to their bloody enterprise against the whole. And therefore (Madame) cast up when you list, the Acts of your Parliaments, I have offended nothing against them; For I accuse not in my Letter your Majesty, nor yet your nature, of cruelty: But I affirm yet again, That the pestilent Papists, who have inflamed your Majesty without cause against these poor men at this present, are the sons of the devil, and therefore must obey the desires of their father, who hath been a Murderer from the beginning. You forget your self (said one) you are not in the Pulpit. I am in the place (said the other) where I am commanded in my conscience to speak the truth; and therefore the truth I speak, impugn it who so lists: And hereunto I add (Madame) that honest, meek and gentle natures (in appearance) by wicked and corrupt Councillors, may be changed and altered to the direct contrary.