The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

And moreover, I say, If any go about to erect and set up Idolatry, or to teach defection from God, after that the verity hath been received and approved, that then not only the Magistrates, to whom the sword is committed; but also the people are bound by that Oath, which they have made to God, to revenge to the utmost of their power, the injury done against his Majesty.

And moreover, I say, If any go about to erect and set up Idolatry, or to teach defection from God, after that the verity hath been received and approved, that then not onely the Magistrates, to whom the sword is committed; but also the people are bound by that Oath, which they have made to God, to revenge to the utmost of their power, the injury done against his Majesty.

In universal defections, and in a general revolt, such as was in Israel after Jeroboam, there is a divers consideration; for then, because the whole people were together conspired against God, there could none be found that would execute the punishment which God had commanded, till God raised up Jehu, whom he appointed for that purpose. And the same is to be considered in all other general defections, such as this day be in the Papistry, where all are blinded, and all are declined from God, and that of long continuance, so that no ordinary Justice can be executed, but the punishment must be reserved to God, and unto all such means as he shall appoint: But I speak of such a number as after they have received Gods perfect Religion, do boldly profess the same, notwithstanding,¹ that some, or the most part fall back (as of late days was in England) unto such a number, I say, it is lawful to punish the Idolaters with death, if by any means God give them power: For so did Joshua and Israel determine to have done against the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, for their suspected Apostasy and defection from God. And the whole Tribes did in very deed execute that sharp judgement against the Tribe of Benjamin for a less offence then for Idolatry. And the same ought to be one wheresoever Christ Jesus and his Evangel is so received in any Realm, Province, or City, that the Magistrates and people have solemnly avowed and promised to defend the same, as under King Edward of late days was done in England. In such places, it is not only lawful to punish to the death, such as labour to subvert the true Religion, but the Magistrates and people are bound so to, unless they will provoke the wrath of God against themselves. And therefore, I fear not to affirm, That it had been the duty of the Nobility, Judges, Rulers, and people of England, to have resisted and gain-standed Mary their Queen, with all the sort of her Idolatrous Priests, together with all such as should have assisted her, when that she and they openly began to suppress Christs Evangel, to shed the blood of the Saints of God, and to erect that most devilish