After these words, of which the Laird of Lochinvar was witness, they parted. To this day, the 17th of December, 1571, they have not met in such familiarity as they had formerly.
The Lord Advocate gives his Opinion.
The bruit of the accusation of John Knox being divulged, Mr. John Spens of Condie, Lord Advocate, a man of gentle nature, and one that professed the doctrine of the Evangel, came, as it were in secret, to John Knox, to inquire the cause of that great bruit. The said John was plain to him in all things, and showed him the double[218] of the letter. When he had heard and considered this, he said, "I thank my God. I came to you with a fearful and sorrowful heart, fearing that ye had done such a crime as laws might have punished. That would have been no small trouble to the hearts of all who have received the word of life which ye have preached. I depart greatly rejoiced, as well because I perceive your own comfort, even in the midst of your troubles, as that I clearly understand that ye have committed no such crime as ye are burdened with. Ye will be accused, but God will assist you." And so he departed.
The Earl of Moray and Secretary Lethington reason with John Knox.
The Earl of Moray and the Secretary sent for the said John Knox to the Clerk of Register's house, and began to lament that he had so highly offended the Queen's Majesty. That, they feared, would come to a great inconvenience to himself, if he were not wisely foreseen. They showed what pains and travail they had taken to mitigate her anger, but they could find nothing but extremity, unless he himself would confess his offence, and put himself in her Grace's will.
Knox. I praise my God, through Jesus Christ, that I have learned not to cry conjuration and treason at everything that the godless multitude does condemn, or yet to fear the things that they fear. I have the testimony of a good conscience that I have given no occasion to the Queen's Majesty to be offended with me; for I have done nothing but my duty. So, whatsoever shall ensue, my good hope is that my God will give me patience to bear it. But far be it from me to confess an offence where my conscience witnesseth there is none.
Lethington. How can it be defended? Have ye not made convocation of the Queen's lieges?
Knox. If I have not a just defence for my act, let me smart for it.
Moray. Let us hear your defences; we would be glad that ye might be found innocent.