The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

But he, who of mercy (as is said) did choose his habitation amongst them, and also that best knoweth what lieth within man, did provide the remedy for the one, and for the other, making them equal in that behalf, who in other things were most unequal. If the poor should have found himself grieved by reason of that tax, and that as much was imposed upon him as upon the Rich, yet had he no small cause of joy, that God himself would please to compare him,¹ and to make him equal (in the maintenance of his Tabernacle) to the most rich and potent in Israel. If this equality was commanded by God for maintenance of that transitory tabernacle, which was but a shadow of a better to come; is not the same required of us, who now have the verity, which is Christ Jesus? who being clad with our nature, is made Immanuel, that is, God with us; Whose natural body, ²albeit it be received into the Heavens, where he must abide till all be complete that is forespoken by the Prophets, yet hath he promised to be present with us to the end of the world. And for that purpose, and for the more assurance of his Promise, he hath erected amongst us here in earth the Signs of his own presence with us, his spiritual Tabernacle, the true preaching of his Word,³ and right administration of his Sacraments; to the maintenance whereof is no less bound the subject then the Prince, the poor then the rich: For as the Price, which was given for mans redemption, is one, so God requireth of all that shall be partakers of the benefits of the same, a like duty which is a plain confession, That by Christ Jesus alone we have received, whatsoever was lost in Adam. Of the Prince doth God require, That he refuse himself, and that he follow Christ Jesus; of the Subject he requireth the same. Of the Kings and Judges it is required, That they kiss the Son; that is, give honour, subjection and obedience to him: and from such reverence doth not God exempt the Subject that shall be saved; and this is, That equality which is betwixt the kings and subjects, the most rich or noble, and betwixt the poorest and men of lowest state; to wit, That as the one is obliged to believe in heart, and with mouth to confess the Lord Jesus to be the only Saviour of the world, so also is the other.

But he, who of mercy (as is said) did choose his habitation amongst them, and also that best knoweth what lyeth within man, did provide the remedie for the one, and for the other, making them equall in that behalf, who in other things were most unequall. If the poor should have found himself grieved by reason of that taxe, and that asmuch was imposed upon him as upon the Rich, yet had he no small cause of joy, that God himself would please to compare him,