The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

I doubt not but the rumours which have come to your Majesties ears, of me, have been such, that if all reports were true, I were unworthy to live upon the earth: And wonder it is, That the voices of the multitude should not so have inflamed your Majesties heart with just hatred of such a one as I am accused to be, that all access to pity should have been shut up. I am traduced as an heretic, accused as a false teacher and seducer of the people, besides other opprobries, which (affirmed by men of worldly honour and estimation) may easily kindle the wrath of Magistrates, where innocence is not known. But blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by the dew of his heavenly grace, hath so quenched the fire of displeasure, as yet, in your Majesties heart (which of late days I have understood) that Satan is frustrate of his enterprise and purpose; which is to my heart no small comfort; Not so much (God is my witness) for any benefit that I can receive in this miserable life, by protection of any earthly creature (for the cup which it behoveth me to drink, is appointed by the wisdom of him whose counsels are not changeable) as that I am for that benefit which I am assured your Majesty shall receive, if that ye continue in like moderation and clemency towards others that most unjustly are and shall be accused, as that your Majesty hath begun towards me, and my most desperate Cause: that is, If that by godly wisdom ye shall study to bridle the fury and rage of them, who, for the maintenance of their worldly pomp, regard nothing the cruel murdering of simple innocents.¹ Then shall he who doth pronounce mercy to appertain to the merciful, and promiseth that a cup of cold water given for his Names sake shall not lack reward, first cause your happy Government to be praised in this present age, and in posterities to come; and last recompense your godly pains and study with that joy and glory,