The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

¹If you do think that the Reformation of Religion, and defence of the afflicted doth not appertain to you, because you are no Kings, but Nobles and States of a Realm, in two things you are deceived: First, In that you do not advert, That David requireth as well that the Princes and Judges of the earth to be learned, and that they serve and fear God, as that he requireth that Kings repent. If you therefore be Judges and Princes (as no man can deny you to be) then by the plain words of David you are charged to be learned, to serve and fear God; which ye cannot do, if ye despise the Reformation of his Religion. And this is your first error.

¹If you do think that the Reformation of Religion, and defence of the afflicted doth not appertain to you, because you are no Kings, but Nobles and States of a Realme, in two things you are deceived: First, In that you do not advert, That David requireth as well that the Princes and Judges of the earth to be learned, and that they serve and fear God, as that he requireth that Kings repent. If you therefore be Judges and Princes (as no man can deny you to be) then by the plain words of David you are charged to be learned, to serve and fear God; which ye cannot do, if ye despise the Reformation of his Religion. And this is your first errour.

1. 1An answer to the second Objection.

The second is, That ye neither know your duty which ye owe to God, neither yet your Authority which of him ye have received, if ye for pleasure or fear of any earthly man despise Gods true Religion, and contemn your brethren that in his Name call for your support. Your duty is to hear the voice of the Eternal your God, and unfeignedly to study to follow his Precepts; who, as is before said, of special mercy hath promoted you to Honours and Dignity.¹ His chief and principal Precept is, That with reverence ye receive and embrace his only beloved Son Jesus; That ye promote to the uttermost of your powers his true Religion; and That ye defend your brethren and subjects, whom he hath put under your charge and care. Now if your King be a man ignorant of God, enemy to his true Religion, blinded by Superstition, and a persecutor of Christs members, Shall ye be excused, if with silence ye pass over his iniquity? Be not deceived, my Lords, ye are placed in Authority for another purpose then to flatter your King in his folly and blind rage; to wit, That as with your bodies, strength, riches and wisdom ye are bound to assist and defend him in all things which by your advice he shall take in hand for Gods glory,