The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

That,¹ albeit in life and conversation they were so wicked, and detestable, that not only they condemned themselves, but that also they drew to Hell and perdition many thousands with them,² yet that none should presume to reprehend or rebuke them. This being established for the Head (albeit not without some contradiction, for some Emperors did require ⟨p. 29⟩due obedience of them, as Gods Word commanded, and ancient Bishops had given before to Emperors, and to their Laws, but Satan so prevailed in his suite before the blind world, that the former sentences were confirmed, which power being granted to the Head) then began provision to be made for the rest of the members in all Realms and Countries, where they made residence; the residence whereof we see to be this, that none of that pestilent generation (I mean the vermin of the Papistical Order) will be subject to any Civill Magistrate, how enormous soever his crime be, but will be reserved to their own Ordinary, as they term it: And what fruits have hereof ensued, be the word never so blind, it cannot but witness; for how their Head that Roman Antichrist hath been occupied ever since the granting of such privileges, Histories do witness, and of late the most part of Europa, subject to the plague of God, to fire and sword, by his procurement hath felt, and this day doth feel: The pride, ambition, envy, excess, fraud, spoil, oppression, murder, filthy life and incest, that is used and maintained amongst that rabble of Priests, Friars, Monks, Cannons, Bishops, and Cardinals, cannot be expressed. I fear not to affirm, neither doubt I to prove, that the Papistical Church is further degenerate from the purity of Christs Doctrine, from the footsteps of the Apostles,³ and from the manners of the primitive Church, then was the Church of the Jews from Gods holy Statutes, what time it did crucify Christ Jesus the only Messiah, and most cruelly persecute his Apostles: And yet will our Papists claim their privileges and ancient Liberties, which if you grant unto them, my Lords, ye shall assuredly drink the cup of Gods vengeance with them,⁴ and shall be reputed before his presence, companions of Thieves, and maintainers of Murderers, as is before declared;