Knox to Mrs. Anna Lock
1559.
KNOX TO MRS. ANNA LOCK
shall hurt the common welth of Englande, that soche libertye be graunted unto me.
From Diepe, the 22d of April 1559.
To the Ryglit worshipfull Sir William Cecill knight, Secretary to the Queues Majesties most honorable prevey counsell, be theis delivered at the Court in Englande.
III.
Knox to Mrs. Anna Lock.
The 'pcr'pdiiall comfort of the Holy Ghost for salutation.
These few lines are to signifie unto yow, dear Sister, that it hath pleased the mercifull providence of my Heavenly Father to conduct me to Edinburgh, where I arrived the second of Maii uncertain as yet, what God shall further work in this country, except that I see the battell shall be great, for Sathan rageth even to the uttermost ; and I am come (I praise my God,) even in the brunt of the battell ; for my fellow-preachers have a day appointed to answer before the Queene Eegent, the 10th of this instant, wher I intend (if God impede not) also to be present, be life, be death, or els be both, to glorifie His godlie name, who thus mercifully hath heard my long cryes.
Assist me. Sister, with your prayers, that now I shrink not when the battell approacheth.
Other things I have to communicat with yow, but travel! after travell doth so occupy me, that no time is granted me to write.
Advertise my brother, Mr. Goodman, of my estate, as in my other letter sent unto yow from Diep I willed yow.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ rest with yow.
From Edinburgh, in haist, the thrid of May [1559].
IV.
Knox to Mrs. Anna Lock.
The last cnemic, Death, sail he abolished.
Yee hunger, I doubt not, deir Sister, to know the successe of Christ's Evangell, the things that have come to passe since my
LETTERS, ETC.
l.')59. arrivall, and my expectatioun in this interprise, dangerous in deid, and verie strange to worldlie men, if ye sail understand the proceidings of our Brether, the true professors of Jesus Christ, since the time that they declared themselves enemies to Antichrist.
After diverse requeists made to the Queene Regent by some of the nohilitie, some barouns, and some communaltie
; and after manie faire promises of her part, and yit nothing meaned by her (as the end did declare) but craft and deceate
; the whole Brethrein together did consent, that the ministrie of the Word of God, and administratioun of the Sacraments, sould
/ be erected ; and that idolatrie sould be repressed, where the I most part of the people sould admitt reformatioun. And so was
^ the kirk of Dundie reformed before my arrivall ; publict pray^ers were in other places, which thing did so stirre the adversaries, that the preachers wer^^ summouned by the authoritie to answere, as criminall, before a civill judge.
The day of their appearance was the 10th of May 1559, which was the 8th day after my arrivall.
Being moved in conscience to give confessioune with my brethrein, after the rest of one day in Edinburgh, I prepared my self to repaire toward them
; and so, upoun the third day after, I came to Dundie, where a great assemblie of brethrein was, for consultatioun what was most expedient in that doubtfuU case.
The conclusioun was, that the whole multitude and number of brethrein sould accompanie their preachers, and give confessioun of their ftiitli with them ; and . so from Dundie, they departed to Sanct Johnstoun, whilk late r before had receaved the Order of Commoun Prayers.
But least that such a multitude might have engendered some suspicioun \\^ of resistance and rebellioun against the authoritie, one of the ^"^ most grave and most wise barouns was directed to the Queene
Regent with declaration of our mindes ; which being understand by the Queene and her Counsell, it was required of us that the multitude sould stay, and not come to Stirline, which place was appointed to the preachers to compeir ; and so sould no ex-
15:>9.
KNOX TO MRS. ANNA LOCK.
tremitie be used, but the summounds sould be continued till farther advisement ; which being glaidlie granted of us, some of the brethrein returned to their dwelling-places.
But the f Queene and her Counsell, nothing mindefull of her and their promise, incontinent did call the preachers, and for laike of; comperance, did exile and putt them and their assistants to j the home ; which deceate being spied, the brethrein soght the ' nixt remedie.
And first, after complaint and appellatioun frome such a deceitfull sentence, they putt to their hands to reformatioun in Sanct Johnstoun, where the places of idolatrie of Gra^' and BlackjaJriera, and of Charter-house monkes, were made equall with the ground ; all monuments of idolatrie, that could be apprehended, consumed with fire ; and preests commanded, under paine of death, to desist frome their blasphemous masse.
Which thing did so inrage the venome of the serpent's seid, that a sentence of death was pronunced against man, woman, and child, indwellers there, or yit that wold assist them ; yea, their citie was threatned to be utterlie destroyed, burnt, and razed ; and for executioun thereof, was a great armie of Frenche and Scots men, with much ordinance, prepared.
The Queene and the preests had manie faA'ourers at the first, for they made us odious in the eares of the people, alledging our assemblies to be a tumult and insurrectioun against the authoritie, unjustlie slaundering us that we pretended not religion, but the subversioun of the authoritie, and that for that purpose we intended to fortifie the town ; which wicked brute procured unto us manie enemies, who, neverthelesse, understanding of our innocence, were more favourable.
We did all diligence to mak our cause to be knowne, als weill to Frenchmen as unto us, as diverse writtings by us sett furth due witnesse.
In end, men of discretioun beganne to weygh our reasouns, offers, and petitiouns, and therupoun perswaded the Queene to assay if we meant truelie and sincerelie in our wryttings.
Our offers were, as yit the}^ are, to serve the Authoritie among uy
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1559.
I established in all things not plainlie repugning to God, to his commandement, and glorie.
Our petitiouns were, that the Evangell might have free j)assage, and that our consciences sould not be thralled to men's traditiouns.
Our reasouns for the premisses I cannot now recite.
Heirupoun were messingers sent unto us, whill the two armies were within three miles.
Our number exceidit not 5000, for our whole Congregation was not assembled : our adversaries were about 8000, And yit God gave unto us the hearts and boldnes, that the contrarie partie soght the appointment, which was thus concluded : that we sould leave the toun of Sanct Johnstoun free, in signe of our obedience to the Queene, and to her lieutenaunt
; that we sould depart to our owne housses ; and that we sould show no signe of rebellioun against the authoritie.
The Queene and her Counsell made promise, that na persoun within Sanct Johnstoun, nather yit of these that assisted them, sould be trubled for anie thing done, ather in religioun, ather yit in douncasting of places, till that the sentence of the Estates in Parliament had decided the controversie
; and that no bands •of Erenche souldiours sould be left behind the Queene and ' counsell in that toun ; and that no idolatrie sould be erected, "' nor alteratioun made within the toun.
But after she had obtained her desire, all godlie promisses were forgotten ; for the Sunday nixt, after her entrie, masses wer said upoun a dyeingtable
(for ye sail understand all the altars were prophaned) the poore professors were oppressed ; when children were slaine she did but smile, excusing the fact by the chance of fortune ; and at her departure, she left 400 souldiours, Scottis men, but payed by France, to dantoun the toun.
She changed the proveist, and exiled all godlie men.
This crueltie and deceate displeased manie who before assisted her with their presence and i' counsell ; and, among others, the Erie of Argile, and the Prior j of Sanct Andrewes left her, and joyned themselves to the Con
- (I gregatioim openlie ; whilk, as it was displeasing to her, and to
1559.
KNOX TO MRS. ANNA LOCK.
tlie shavelings, so was it most comfortable and joyfull to us, for by their presence were the hearts of manie erected frome desperatioun.
At their commandement, I repaired to them to Sanct Andrewes, where consultatioun had, it was concluded, that Christ
Jesus sould there be openlie preached, that the places and monuments of idolatrie sould be removed, and that superstitious habits sould be changed.
This reformatioun there was begun the 1 4th of June.
In the meane time, came the Bishop of Sanct Andrewes to the towne, accompanied with a great band of warriours, and gave a strait commandement, that no preaching sould be made by me, who was both brunt in figure and horned,^ assuring the Lords, that if they suffered me to preache,
/ that twelve hacquebutts sould light upoun my nose at once.
, (0 burning charitie of a bloodie bishop !) But as that boast did little affray me, so did it more incense and inflamme with curage the hearts of the godlie, who with one voyce proclaimed, that Christ Jesus sould be preached in despite of Sathan.
And so, that Sabboth, and three dayes after, I did occupie the pubUct place in the middest of the Doctors, who to this day are dumbe
; even als dumbe as their idols who were brunt in their presence.
The Bishop departed to the Queene frustrate of his intent, for he had promised to bring me to her either living or deid.
And incontinent was a new armie assembled, and fordward they marche against Sanct Andrewes.
It was not thoght expedient that we sould abide them lurking in a toun, and so we past to the feilds, and mett them at Cowper^ where loodging was appointed for their campe
; bot we prevented them, where we remained upoun their comming till the nixt day.
When both the armies were in sight of other, within shott of cannon, and we looked for nothing but for the extremitie of battell (not that we intended to pursew, bot onlie to stand in campe, where our feild was pitched, for defense of ^ Burned in effigy, and put to the horn.
See vol. iv. p. 464.
•JG
LETTERS, ETO.
ir.-.y. our selves), tliei'e came frome oiir adversaries an ainbassader desiring speeclie and commouning of the Lords
; which glaidlie of ns being granted, after long reasoning, the Queene offered a free remissionn for all crimes bypast, so that they wold na farther proceid against friers and abbeyes, and that no more preaching sonld Ije used publictlie.
But the Lords and the whole brethrein refused suche appointment, declaring that the feare of no mortall creature sould cause them betray the Veritie knowne and professed, nather yit to suffer idolatrie to be maintained in the bounds committed to their charge.
The adversaries perceaving that nather threatning, flatterie, nor deceate, ! could breake the bold constancie and godlie purpose of the lords, barouns, gentlemen, and commouns, Mdio were there j assembled to the number of 3000 in one daye's warning, they were content to take assurance for eight dayes, permitting unto us freedome of religioun in the meane time.
In the whilk, the Abbay of Lundores, a place of blacke nionkes, distant frome Sanct Andrewes twelve miles, was reformed, their altars overthrowne, their idols, vestments of idolatrie, and masse bookes, were burnt in their owne presence, and they commaunded to cast away their monkish [habits].
Diverse channons of Sanct Andrewes have given notable confessiouns, and have declared themselves manifest enemies to the Pope, to the masse, and to all superstitiouii.
Thus farre liath God advaunced the glorie of his deare Sonne amongst us. that my heart could be thankfull for the superexcellent l)enelite of my God
I The long thrist of my wretched heart is satisfied in abundance, that is above my expectatioun
; for now, fortie dayes and moe, hath my (iod used my tongue in my native countrie, to the manifestatioun of liis glorie.
Whatsoever now sail follow, as tuiching my owne carcase, his Holie name be praised.
The thrist of the poore people, als weill as of the nobilitie heir, is wonderous great, which putteth me in comfort, that Christ Jesus sail trinmphe for a space heir, in the
1559.
KNOX TO MRS. ANNA LOCK.
North and extreme parts of the earth.
We t'eare, that the tyrannie of France sail, under the cloke of religioun, seeke a plaine conqueist of us ; but potent is God to confound theneounsells, and to breake their force.
God move the hearts of such as professe Christ Jesus with us, to have respect to our infancie, and open their eyes that they may see, that onr ruine sail be their destructioun.
Communicate the contents heirof (which I write to you, least that by diverse rumors yee sould be trubled, and we slaundered), with all faithful!, but especiallie, with the afflicted of that little fiocke now dispersed, and destitute of these pleasauut pastures in which they sometime fed abundantlie.
If anie remaine at Geneva, left athcr this same, or the double of it be sent unto them, and likewise unto my deir brother, Mr. Gudman, whose presence I more thrist, than she that is my owne fleshe.
Will him, therefore, in the name of the Lord Jesus (all delay and excuse sett apart), to visite me, for the necessitie is great heir.
If he come by sea, left him be addressed unto Dundie, and lett him aske for George Lovell, for George Eolloke, or for William
Carmichaell.
If he come to Leith, lett him repaire to Edinburgh, and enquire foiJames Baron, Edward Hope, Adame FuUertoun, or for Johne Johnstoun, writter, by whome he will
. gett knowledge of me.
If my Mother and my AVife come hy you, will them to make the expeditioun that goodlie they can n ¥ to visite me, or at least to come to the north parts, w^here they sail know my minde, which now I can not write, being oppressed with hourlie cares.
This bearer is a poore man unknowen in the countrie, to whome, I beseeche you, shew reasonable favour and kindnes tuiching his merchandise, and the just selling therof.
Thus with heartlie commendatiouns to all faithfull, I heartlie committ you to the protectioun of the Omnipotent.
Frome Sanct Andrewes, the 23d of June 1559.
LETTERS, ETC.
1559.
Extracts from Letters of Sir James Croft.
That may please your hoiioral;)le Lordshipes to be advertised, that I had intelligence yesterday out of Scotland of a grete discension within that realme growing of two causes
: One is, that syns the arryvall of Knox a grete nomber of the Nobillite, mth a multitude of others, repayred to the said Knoxe to Dundee, where he and others dothe continewally preche.
Whereupon the Eegent commaunded those preachers to apere afore her at Starlynge.
At Barwick, the xixth of Maye 1559.
Your most honorable Lordshipes at commaundment, James Croft.
To the right honorable the Lordes and others of the Queues Majestie's mooste honorable Prevy Councell at the Court.
Syns my late advertisement to your honorable Lordshipes of the dissention in Scotland But the discensions in religion contyneweth, and Knox with other prechers remayne at St. John's towne, accompanied with sundry gentlemen, by the supportance and assistance of a grete parte of the Nobillite and the Eegent meaning to suppres them by force, hath apointed a grete nomber to assemble at Starlinge this nyght, and from thence to marche towarde St. John's towne.
At Barwicke, the xxiith of Maye 1559.
—In hast, hast, post- {Signed and indorsed %oith this addition hast, with dilligence.) I DID of late advertis the Lordes and others of the Councell soche vareiance as was like to growe in Scotland ; and accordinglie the Eegent sent forthe the Duke towardes Saint John's towne, where Knox and others did preache; and the same
1559.
LETTERS OF SIR JAMES CROFT.
2ff towne was also manned for defence, having there of chardge the Erie of Glincarne, accompanied with other gentelmen, and of that faction also many of the nobillite, redy to gyve assistance if neade shold require ; hut when the Duke with his company was come near to the towne, affreid for that many of his company were of that opinion that the others in Saint John's towne were, etc. etc.
At Barwicke, the vth of June 1559.
Yours to comaundment, James Croft.
To Sir William Cycill knight, Secretary to the Queenes Majestic, and one of her highnes most honorable Prevy Councell, at the Courte.—Hast, hast, hast, hast, with dilligence.
Writ the vth of June, at \d of the clocke in the morninge.
You shall understande that the j£ohiUifce_dothe wholly joyne together in matters of religion (fewe or none excepted), and novve a grete nomber of them at Saint Andrews, holding a Councill by common consent, have to proceade in theis matter, being fully bent to sett for God's worde, wherein yf they be lettyd they meane to make resistance, as well assured I am, that in this godly proceading they loke for the Queene's Majesties assistance.
At Barwicke, the xiiii of June 1559.
{Signed as above.) To Sir Thomas Parry knight. Treasurer of the Queues Majesties howsholde, etc. etc.—Hast, hast, hast, hast, for the life.
Delivered at Barwicke, the xiiii of June, at thre of the clocke in the afternoon.