"I say that by you, that is, by the charge of the General Assembly, I have as just power to advertise the Brethren from time to time of dangers appearing, as I have authority to preach the Word of God in the pulpit of Edinburgh; for by you I was appointed to the one and to the other; and, therefore, in the name of God, I crave your judgments. The danger that appeared to me in my accusation was not so fearful as were the words that came to my ears dolorous to my heart; for these words were plainly spoken, and that by some Protestants, 'What can the Pope do more than send forth his letters, and require them to be obeyed.' Let me have your judgments whether I have usurped any power to myself, or if I have but obeyed your commandment."
The flatterers of the Court, amongst whom Sir John Bellenden, Justice Clerk, was then not the least, began to storm, and said, "Shall we be compelled to justify the rash doings of men?" "My Lord," said John Knox, "ye shall speak your pleasure for the present: of you I crave nothing; but if the Kirk that is here present do not either absolve me, or else condemn me, never shall I in public or in private, as a public minister, open my mouth in doctrine or in reasoning."
Acquittal of John Knox by the General Assembly.
The said John being removed, the whole Kirk found, after long contention, that a charge was given to him to warn the brethren in all quarters as oft as ever danger appeared; and therefore avowed that act not to be his only, but to be the act of all. Thereat were the Queen's clawbacks[227] more enraged than ever they were before; for some of them had promised to the Queen to get the said John convicted, both by the Council and by the Kirk; and, being frustrated of both, she and they thought themselves not a little disappointed....
Signs of God's Displeasure.
God from heaven, and upon the face of the earth, gave declaration that He was offended at the iniquity that was committed even within this realm; for upon the 20th day of January there fell wet in great abundance, which in falling froze so vehemently, that the earth was but one sheet of ice. The fowls,[228] both great and small, froze, and might not fly: many died, and some were taken and laid beside the fire, that their feathers might resolve. In that same month the sea stood still, as was clearly observed, and neither ebbed nor flowed for the space of twenty-four hours. In the month of February, the 15th and 18th days thereof, there were seen in the firmament battles arrayed, spears and other weapons, and as it had been the joining of two armies. These things were not only observed, but also spoken of and constantly affirmed by men of judgment and credit.
Lavish Entertainments at Court.
But the Queen and our Court made merry. There was banqueting upon banqueting. The Queen banqueted all the Lords; and that was done upon policy, to remove the suspicion of her displeasure against them, because they would not, at her devotion, condemn John Knox. To remove, we say, that jealousy, she made the banquet to the whole Lords, and thereat she would have the Duke of Chatelherault amongst the rest. It behoved them to banquet her again; and so did banqueting continue till Fastern's-e'en[229] and after. But the poor ministers were mocked, and reputed as monsters; the guard, and the affairs of the kitchen were so griping,[230] that the ministers' stipends could not be paid.
The Queen's broken Promises.
And yet at the Assembly preceding, solemn promise of redress had been made in the Queen's name, by the mouth of Secretary Lethington, in audience of many of the nobility and of the whole Assembly. He had affirmed that he had commandment of her Highness to promise them full contentation[231] of things bygone to all the ministers within the realm; and that, such order would be kept in all times to come, the whole body of the Protestants would have occasion to stand content. The Earl of Moray affirmed the same, and many other fair promises had been given in writing by Lethington himself, as may be seen from the register of the Acts done in the General Assembly. But the world can witness how far that, or any other promise by her, or in her name, to the Kirk of God, was observed.