The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

But lest that some doubt remain,¹ That I require more of you, then you of conscience are bound to grant; in few words▪ I hope my Petition to be such, as without Gods heavy displeasure ye cannot deny. My Petition is, That ye, whom God hath appointed Heads in your Commonwealth, with single eye do study to promote the glory of God, To provide that your subjects be rightly instructed in his true Religion, That they be defended from all oppression and tyranny, That true Preachers may be maintained, and such as blind and deceive the people, together also with all idle bellies, which do rob and oppress the Flock, may be removed and punished, as Gods Law prescribeth. And to the performance of every one of these, do your Offices and Names, the Honours and ⟨p. 10⟩Benefits which ye receive, the Law of God universally given to all men and the examples of most godly Princes, bind and oblige you.

But lest that some doubt remain,¹ That I require more of you, then you of conscience are bound to grant; in few words▪ I hope my Petition to be such, as without Gods heavy displeasure ye cannot deny. My Petition is, That ye, whom God hath appointed Heads in your Commonwealth, with single eye do study to promote the glory of God, To provide that your subjects be rightly instructed in his true Religion, That they be defended from all oppression and tyranny, That true Preachers may be maintained, and such as blinde and deceive the people, together also with all idle bellies, which do rob and oppresse the Flock, may be removed and punished, as Gods Law prescribeth. And to the performance of every one of these, do your Offices and Names, the Honours and ⟨p. 10⟩Benefits which ye receive, the Law of God universally given to all men and the examples of most godly Princes, binde and oblige you.

1. 1Answer to an objection or doubt. The Petition of John Knox.