The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

But if this Answer doth not suffice, then will I answer more shortly, That no godly Emperor since Christs Ascension hath granted any such privilege to any such Church or person, as they (the whole generation of Papists) be at this day.

But if this Answer doth not suffice, then will I answer more shortly, That no godly Emperour since Christs Ascension hath granted any such priviledge to any such Church or person, as they (the whole generation of Papists) be at this day.

I am not ignorant, that some Emperors of a certain zeal, and for some considerations granted liberties to the true Church, afflicted for their maintenance against Tyrants; but what serveth this for the defence of their Tyranny? If the Law must be understood according to the mind of the Lawgiver, then must they prove themselves Christs true and afflicted Church, before they can claim any privilege to appertain to them, for only to that Church were the privileges granted; it will not be their glorious Titles, neither yet the long possession of the name that can prevail in this so weighty a Cause; for all those had the Church of Jerusalem, which did crucify Christ, and did condemn his Doctrine. We offer to prove by their fruits and Tyranny, by the Prophets, and plain Scriptures of God, what trees and generation they be, to wit, unfruitful and rotten, apt for nothing, but to be cut and cast into Hell fire; yea, that they are the very kingdom of Antichrist, of whom we are commanded to beware.

I am not ignorant, that some Emperours of a certain zeale, and for some considerations granted liberties to the true Church, afflicted for their maintenance against Tyrants; but what serveth this for the defence of their Tyrannie? If the Law must be understood according to the minde of the Lawgiver, then must they prove themselves Christs true and afflicted Church, before they can claim any priviledge to appertaine to them, for onely to that Church were the priviledges granted; it will not be their glorious Titles, neither yet the long possession of the name that can prevail in this so weighty a Cause; for all those had the Church of Ierusalem, which did crucifie Christ, and did condemne his Doctrine. We offer to prove by their fruits and Tyrannie, by the Prophets, and plain Scriptures of God, what trees and generation they be, to wit, unfruitfull and rotten, apt for nothing, but to be cut and cast into Hell fire; yea, that they are the very kingdome of Antichrist, of whom we are commanded to beware.