It is quite certain that the Regent issued her proclamations without any
commands from France; and her health was inconsistent with an intention
to put Protestants to fire and sword.

In the records of the Provincial Council of March 1559, the foremost
place is given to "Articles" presented to the Regent by "some temporal
Lords and Barons," and by her handed to the clergy. They are the
proposals of conservative reformers. They ask for moral reformation of
the lives of the clergy: for sermons on Sundays and holy days: for due
examination of the doctrine, life, and learning of all who are permitted
to preach. They demand that no vicar or curate shall be appointed unless
he can read the catechism (of 1552) plainly and distinctly: that
expositions of the sacraments should be clearly pronounced in the
vernacular: that common prayer should be read in the vernacular: that
certain exactions of gifts and dues should be abolished. Again, no one
should be allowed to dishonour the sacraments, or the service of the
Mass: no unqualified person should administer the sacraments: Kirk
rapine, destruction of religious buildings and works of art, should not
be permitted.

The Council passed thirty-four statutes on these points. The clergy were
to live cleanly, and not to keep their bastards at home. They were
implored, "in the bowels of Christ" to do their duty in the services of
the Church. No one in future was to be admitted to a living without
examination by the Ordinary. Ruined churches were to be rebuilt or
repaired. Breakers of ornaments and violators or burners of churches
were to be pursued. There was to be preaching as often as the Ordinary
thought fit: if the Rector could not preach he must find a substitute who
could. Plain expositions of the sacraments were made out, were to be
read aloud to the congregations, and were published at twopence ("The