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Protestantism in Scotland - James Aitken Wylie

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Chapter 6<br />

Establishment of the<br />

Reformation <strong>in</strong> <strong>Scotland</strong><br />

WHEN the queen regent arrived before Perth at<br />

the head of 8,000 men, she found the Reformers so<br />

well prepared to receive her that, <strong>in</strong>stead of<br />

offer<strong>in</strong>g them battle as she had <strong>in</strong>tended, she<br />

agreeably surprised them with overtures of peace.<br />

Although fully resolved to repel by arms an assault<br />

which they deemed none the less illegal and<br />

murderous that it was led by the queen, the lords of<br />

the Congregation joyfully accepted the olivebranch<br />

now held out to them. "Cursed be he," said<br />

they, "that seeks effusion of blood, war, or<br />

dissension. Give us liberty of conscience, and the<br />

free profession of the `Evangel,' [1] and none <strong>in</strong> all<br />

the realm will be more loyal subjects than we."<br />

Negotiations were opened between the regent and<br />

the Reformers, which term<strong>in</strong>ated amicably, and the<br />

strife ceased for the moment. The lords of the<br />

Congregation disbanded their army of about 5,000,<br />

101

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