The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

¹I mean nothing of those that followed Christ only for their bellies, for such perceiving that they could not obtain their hearts desire of Christ, have grudged, and left him in body and heart; which thing their blasphemous voices spake against his eternal verity, doth witness and declare. For such (brethren) be ye not moved,² for in the time of their profession they were not of us, but were very dissemblers and Hypocrites; and therefore God justly permitteth that they blaspheme the Truth, which they never loved. I mean not that ever such dissembling Hypocrites shall embrace the verity, but I mean such as by infirmity of the flesh, and by natural blindness (which in this life is never altogether expelled) then could not give the very obedience which Gods Word required, neither now by weakness of faith dare openly and boldly confess that which their hearts know to be most true, and yet lamenteth & mourneth, both for the imperfection by passed and present;³ from such shall not the amiable presence of Christ for ever be withdrawn; but yet again shall the eyes of their sore troubled hearts behold and see that light of Christs Gospel, wherein they most delight. We the Ministers, who were the distributers of this bread, (the true Word of God) wherewith the multitude within England was fed, lacked not our offences, which also moved God to send us to the Sea. And because the offences of no man are so manifest unto me, as mine own, I will only censure my self.

¹I mean nothing of those that followed Christ only for their bellies, for such perceiving that they could not obtain their hearts desire of Christ, have grudged, and left him in body and heart; which thing their blasphemous voices spake against his eternall verity, doth witnesse and declare. For such (brethren) be ye not moved,² for in the time of their profession they were not of us, but were very dissemblers and Hypocrites; and therefore God justly permitteth that they blaspheme the Truth, which they never loved. I mean not that ever such dissembling Hypocrites shall embrace the verity, but I meane such as by infirmitie of the flesh, and by naturall blindnesse (which in this life is never altogether expelled) then could not give the very obedience which Gods Word required, neither now by weaknesse of faith dare openly and boldly confesse that which their hearts know to be most true, and yet lamenteth & mourneth, both for the imperfection by passed and present;