The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

True it is, God hath commanded Kings to be obeyed; but like true it is, That in things which they commit against his glory, or when cruelly without cause they rage against their brethren the members of Christs body, he hath commanded no obedience, but rather he hath approved, yea and greatly rewarded such as have opposed themselves to their ungodly commandments and blind rage; as in the examples of the three Children, of Daniel and Abdemelech it is evident. The three Children would neither bow nor stoop before the golden Image at the commandment of the great King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel did openly pray, his windows being open, against the established Law of Darius and of his Council. And Abdemelech feared not to enter in before the presence of Zedechias, and boldly to defend the cause and innocency of Jeremiah the Prophet,¹ whom the King and his Council had condemned to death. Every one of these facts should this day be judged foolish, by such as will not understand what God doth require of his children, when his Verity is oppugned, or his glory called in doubt: such men, I say, as prefer man to God, and things present, to the heavenly inheritance, should have judged every one of these stubborn inobedience, foolish presumption and singularity, or else bold controlling of the King and his wise Council. But how acceptable in Gods presence was this resistance to the ungodly commandments and determinations of their King, the end did witness; for the three children were delivered from the Furnace of fire, and Daniel from the Den of Lions, To the confusion of their enemies, To the better instruction of the ignorant Kings, and To the perpetual comfort of Gods afflicted children. And Abdemelech, in the day of the Lords Visitation,² when the King and his Council did drink the bitter cup of Gods Vengeance, did find his life for a prey, and did not fall by the edge of the sword, when many thousands did perish: And this was signified unto them by the Prophet himself, at the commandment of God, before that Jerusalem was destroyed. This promise and cause were recited unto him in these words, I will bring my words upon this City unto evil, and not unto good; but most assuredly I shall deliver thee, because thou hast trusted in me, saith the Lord.

True it is, God hath commanded Kings to be obeyed; but like true it is, That in things which they commit against his glory, or when cruelly without cause they rage against their brethren the members of Christs body, he hath commanded no obedience, but rather he hath approved, yea and greatly rewarded such as have opposed themselves to their ungodly commandments and blinde rage; as in the examples of the three Children, of Daniel and Abdemelech it is evident. The three Children would neither bow nor stoup before the golden Image at the commandment of the great King Nebuchadnezar. Daniel did openly pray, his windows being open, against the established Law of Darius and of his Councell. And Abdemelech feared not to enter in before the presence of Zedechias, and boldly to defend the cause and innocency of Ieremy the Prophet,