The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

But if by Preaching of the Verity their fury should be provoked more to rage, and by that means yet some were delivered, and made strong, yet should fear hinder many weaklings to follow the Verity, if their rage be not stayed. In these first words Augustine showeth three reasons why the afflicted Church in those days called for the help of the Emperor, and of godly Magistrates, against the fury of the persecutors. The first, The Verity must be spoken, or else mankind shall perish in error. ¹The second, The Verity being plainly spoken, provoketh the adversaries to rage. And because that some did allege, That rather we ought to suffer all injury, then to seek support by man, he ⟨p. 17⟩addeth the third reason; to wit, That many weak ones be not able to suffer persecution and death for the Truths sake, to whom not the less respect ought to be had, that they may be won from their error, and so be brought to greater strength.

But if by Preaching of the Verity their fury should be provoked more to rage, and by that means yet some were delivered, and made strong, yet should fear hinder many weaklings to follow the Verity, if their rage be not stayed. In these first words Augustine sheweth three reasons why the afflicted Church in those dayes called for the help of the Emperour, and of godly Magistrates, against the fury of the persecuters. The first, The Verity must be spoken, or else mankinde shall perish in errour. ¹The second, The Verity being plainly spoken, provoketh the adversaries to rage. And because that some did alleadge, That rather we ought to suffer all injury, then to seek support by man, he ⟨p. 17⟩addeth the third reason; to wit, That many weak ones be not able to suffer persecution and death for the Truths sake, to whom not the lesse respect ought to be had, that they may be won from their errour, and so be brought to greater strength.

1. 1Note well.