The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Of which Histories it is evident, That the Reformation of Religion in all points, together with the punishment of false Teachers, doth appertain to the power of the Civill Magistrate: For what God required of them, his justice must require of others having the like charge and Authority; what he did approve in them, he cannot but approve in all others who with like zeal and sincerity do enterprise to purge the Lords Temple and Sanctuary. What God required of them, it is before declared; to wit, That most diligently they should observe his Law, Statutes and Ceremonies. And how acceptable were their facts to God, doth he himself witness;¹ For to some he gave most notable Victories without the hand of man; and in their most desperate dangers, did declare his especial favour towards them by signs supernatural: To other he so established the Kingdom, that their enemies were compelled to stoop under their feet. And the names of all he hath registered not only in the Book of life, but also in the blessed remembrance of all posterities since their days, which also shall continue till the coming of the Lord Jesus, who shall reward with the Crown of Immortality not only them but also such as unfeignedly study to do the will, and to promote the glory of his heavenly father in the midst of this corrupted Generation. In consideration whereof ought you, my Lords, all delay set apart, to provide for the Reformation of Religion in your Dominions and Bounds, which now is so corrupt, that no part of Christs Institution remaineth in the Original purity; and therefore of necessity it is, That speedily ye provide for Reformation, or else ye declare your selves ⟨p. 16⟩not only void of love towards your subjects, but also to live without care of your own salvation, yea, without all fear and true reverence of God. Two things perchance may move you to esteem these histories before briefly touched, to appertain nothing to you:² First, Because you are no Jews, but Gentiles. And secondly, Because you are no Kings, but Nobles in your Realm. But be not deceived;

Of which Histories it is evident, That the Reformation of Religion in all points, together with the punishment of false Teachers, doth appertain to the power of the Civill Magistrate: For what God required of them, his justice must require of others having the like charge and Authority; what he did approve in them, he cannot but approve in all others who with like zeal and sincerity do enterprise to purge the Lords Temple and Sanctuary. What God required of them, it is before declared; to wit, That most diligently they should observe his Law, Statutes and Ceremonies. And how acceptable were their facts to God, doth he himself witnesse;