ERVENCIE NOW!] For better, we think, to
expone our bodyes to a thowsand deathis, then to hasarde our soules
to perpetuall condemnatioun, by denying Christ Jesus and his
manifest veritie, whiche thing not onlie do thei that committ open
idolatrie, bot also all suche as seing thare brethrene injustlie
persewed for the caus of religioun, and having sufficient meanes to
conforte and assist thame, do nott the less withdraw frome thame
thair detfull supporte. [SN: O WALD GOD THAT THE NOBILITIE SHULD
YITT CONSIDERE.] We wald nott your Grace should be deceaved by the
fals persuasionis of those cruell beastis, the Churche men, who
affirme, That your Grace nedith nott greatlie to regarde the losse
of us that professe Christ Jesus in this realme. Yf (as God forbid)
ye gif care to thare pestilent counsall, and so use against us this
extremitie pretended; it is to be feared, that neyther ye, neyther
yitt your posteritie, shall at any tyme after this fynd that
obedience and faithfull service within this realme, whiche at all
tymes yow have found in us. We declair our judgementis frelie, as
trew and faithfull subjectis. God move your Graces harte favorablie
to interpreite our faythfull meanyng. Further advertissing your
Grace, that the self same thing, together with all thingis that we
have done, or yitt intend to do, we will notifie by our letteris to
the King of France; asking of yow, in the name of the eternall God,
and as your Grace tenderis the peace and qwyetness of this realme,
that ye invaid us nott with violence, till we receave ansur from
our Maistres, hir Husband, and from thare advised counsall thare.
And this we committ your Grace to the protectioun of the
Omnipotent.

"Frome Sanet Johnestoun the 22 of Maij 1559.

(_Sic subscribitur_,) Your Grace's obedient subjectis in all
thingis not repugnant to God,
"THE FAITHFULL CONGREGATIOUN OF CHRIST JESUS
IN SCOTLAND."

In the same tennour we wrate to Monsieur Dosell in Frenche, requiring of
him, that by his wisdome he wold mitigate the Quenis raige, and the
raige of the Preastis; otherwyis that flambe, whiche then begane to
burne, wold so kendle that quhen some men wold, it culd not be
slokenned; adding farder, that he declairit him self[781] no faithfull
servand to his maister the King