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14 the principal Protestants in the kingdom, requesting their immediate advice on the means to be adopted on the occasion. After referring to this daring measure, he says, “How that any such assignation, or any promise made thereof, can stand in any stable assurance, when that Roman antichrist, by just laws once banished from this realm, shall be intrusted above us, we can no ways understand. Yea, farther, we cannot see what assurance can any within this realm, that hath professed the Lord Jesus, have of life, or inheritance, if the lead of that odious beast be cured among us." Having enforced, his request, he adds: “as from the beginning we have neither spared substance nor life, so mind we not to faint unto the end, to maintain the same, so long as we can find the concurrence of brethren; of whom (as God forbid), if we be destitute, yet are we determined never to be subject to the Roman antichrist, neither yet to his usurped tyranny; but when we can do no farther to suppress that odious beast, we mind to seal it with our blood to our posterity, that the bright knowledge of Jesus Christ hath banished that man of sin, and his venomous doctrine, from our hearts and consciences. Let this our letter and request bear witness before God, before his church, before the world, and before your own conscience."

It was during Knox's residence in England that the tragedy was acted, which led to a revolution in the government of the kingdom, and contrary to the designs of the actors, threw the power into the hands of the Protestants. Mary's affection for Darnley, which cooled soon after their marriage, was converted into hatred after the assassination of Rizzio, and in proportion as her mind was alienated from the king, the Earl of Bothwell grew in favour, and was treated by her Majesty with every mark of regard. The unhappy king was decoyed to Edinburgh, lodged in