The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Thirdly, To the Realm of Scotland could I have had no free nor sure access, being before compelled to quit the same by their unjust Tyranny.

Thirdly, To the Realme of Scotland could I have had no free nor sure accesse, being before compelled to quit the same by their unjust Tyranny.

And lastly, To me they neither could nor can be competent and indifferent Judges, for that, before any summons were raised against me, I had accused them by Letters published to the Queen Dowager, and had intended against them all crimes, offering my self, with hazard of life, to prove the same, for the which they are not only unworthy of Ecclesiastical Authority, but also of any sufferance within a Common-wealth professing Christ. This my accusation preceding their summons, neither by the Law of God, neither yet by the law of man, can they be to me competent Judges, till place be granted unto me openly to prove my accusation intended against them, and they be compelled to make answer, as criminals: For I will plainly prove, That not only Bishops, but also Popes, have been removed from all Authority, and pronouncing of judgment, till they have purged themselves of accusations laid against them. Yea, further I will prove, That Bishops and Popes have most justly been deprived from all Honours and administration, for smaller crimes then I have to charge the whole rabble of your Bishops.

And lastly, To me they neither could nor can be competent and indifferent Judges, for that, before any summons were raised against me, I had accused them by Letters published to the Queen Dowager, and had intended against them all crimes, offering my self, with hazard of life, to prove the same, for the which they are not onely unworthy of Ecclesiasticall Authority, but also of any sufferance within a Common-wealth professing Christ. This my accusation preceding their summons, neither by the Law of God, neither yet by the law of man, can they be to me competent Judges, till place be granted unto me openly to prove my accusation intended against them, and they be compelled to make answer, as criminalls: For I will plainly prove, That not onely Bishops, but also Popes, have been removed from all Authority, and pronouncing of judgment, till they have purged themselves of accusations laid against them. Yea, further I will prove, That Bishops and Popes have most justly been deprived from all Honours and administration, for smaller crimes then I have to charge the whole rabble of your Bishops.