The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Well, (said Lethington) I think not the ground so sure, as I durst build my Conscience thereupon.

Well, (said Lethington) I thinke not the ground so sure, as I durst build my Conscience thereupon.

I pray God (said the other) that your Conscience have no worse ground then this is whensoever you shall begin the like work which God in your own eyes hath already blessed. And now, my Lord, (saith he) I have but one example to produce, and then I will put an end to my reasoning, because I am weary longer to stand. Commandment was given that he should sit down; but he refused, and said, Melancholy reasons would have some mirth intermixed: My last example,¹ (said he) my Lord is this, Uzziah the King not content with his Royal Estate, malapertly took upon him to enter within the Temple of the Lord to burn Incense upon the Altar of Incense; and Azariah the Priest, went in after him, and with him fourscore Priests of the Lord, valiant men, and they withstood Uzziah, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, (Uzziah) to burn Incense unto the Lord, but to the Priest• the Sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to offer Incense; Go forth of the Sanctuary, for thou hast transgressed, and thou shalt have none honour of the Lord. Hereof, my Lords, I conclude,² That Subjects not only may, but also ought to withstand and resist their Princes, whensoever they do any thing that expressly repugns to God, his Law, or holy Ordinance.

I pray God (said the other) that your Conscience have no worse ground then this is whensoever you shall begin the like work which God in your owne eyes hath already blessed. And now, my Lord, (saith hee) I have but one example to produce, and then I will put an end to my reasoning, because I am weary longer to stand. Commandment was given that he should sit downe; but he refused, and said, Melancholly reasons would have some mirth intermixed: My last example,