Meanwhile Cecil's sketch of the proper manifesto for the Congregation to make, was embodied in Lethington's instructions (November 24) from the Congregation, as well as adapted in their Latin appeal to Christian princes.
We may suppose that a man of Knox's unbending honesty was glad to have thrown off his functions as secretary to the brethren.

Far from disclaiming their idolatrous King and Queen (the ideal policy), they were issuing proclamations headed "Francis and Mary," and bearing the forged signet.

Examples with the seal were, as late as 1652, in the possession of the Erskine of Dun of that day.

In them Francis and Mary denounce the Pope as Antichrist! Keith, who wrote much later, styles these proclamations "pretty singular," and Knox must have been of the same opinion.
After Lethington took the office of secretary to the Congregation, Knox had for some time no great public part in affairs.

Fife was invaded by "these bloody worms," as he calls the French; and he preached what he tells us was a "comfortable sermon" to the brethren at Cupar.