The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Some complained in those days, That the Preachers were undiscreet persons (yea, some called them railers, and worse) because they spake against the manifest iniquity of men, and especially of those that then were placed in Authority, as well in Court, as in other Offices universally throughout the Realm, both in Cities, Towns and Villages. And among others peradventure my rude plainness displeased some, who did complain, That rashly I did speak of mens faults, so that all men might know and perceive of whom I meant. But alas, this day my conscience accuseth me, That I spake not so plainly as my duty was to have done: For I ought to have said to the wicked man expressly by his name, Thou shalt die the death. For I find Jeremiah the Prophet to have done so to Pashur the high Priest,¹ and to Zedekiah the King. And not only he, but also Elijah, Elisha, Michah, Amos, Daniel, Christ Jesus himself; and after him his Apostles expressly to have named the blood-thirsty tyrants,² abominable Idolaters, and dissembling hypocrites of their days. If that we the Preachers within the Realm of England were appointed by God to be the Salt of the earth (as his other Messengers were before us.) Alas, Why with-held we the Salt, where manifest compunction did appear?³ (I accuse none but my self.) The blind love that I did bear to this my wicked carcass was the chief cause that I was not fervent and faithful enough in that behalf; For I had no will to provoke the hatred of all men against me: And therefore so touched I the vices of men in the presence of the greatest, that they might see themselves to be offenders (I dare not say that I was the greatest flatterer.) But yet nevertheless I would not be seen to proclaim manifest War against the manifest wicked: Whereof unfeignedly I ask my God mercy.

Some complained in those dayes, That the Preachers were undiscreet persons (yea, some called them raylers, and worse) because they spake against the manifest iniquity of men, and especially of those that then were placed in Authority, as well in Court, as in other Offices universally thorowout the Realme, both in Cities, Towns and Villages. And among others peradventure my rude plainnesse displeased some, who did complain, That rashly I did speak of mens faults, so that all men might know and perceive of whom I meant. But alas, this day my conscience accuseth me, That I spake not so plainly as my duty was to have done: For I ought to have said to the wicked man expressely by his name, Thou shalt die the death. For I finde Ieremiah the Prophet to have done so to Pashur the high Priest,