The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

IF Christs words were esteemed true,¹ That of every idle word an account shall be given; and that nothing is so secretly done, which shall not come to knowledge and light; I suppose that the tongues of men should be better bridled, then impudently to speak their pleasure in matters unknown. For albeit that the true fear of God should not move them to speak truth; yet would I think (if any spark of humanity remained) that worldly shame should impede them to lye. When reasoning was, before your Majesty, what man it was that preached in Air, and divers men were of divers opinions; some affirming, that it was an Englishman, and some supposing the contrary; a Prelate, not of the least pride, said, Nay, no Englishman, but it is Knox that Knave. It was my Lords pleasure so to Baptize a poor man. The reason whereof, if it should be required, his Rochet and Mitre must stand for Authority. What further liberty he used in defining things like uncertain to him, to wit, of my learning and doctrine, at this present I omit, Lamenting more that such pestilent tongues have liberty to speak in the presence of Princes, then that I am sorry for any hurt that their venom can do to me in body or fame: For what hath my life and conversation been, since it hath pleased God to call me from the puddle of Papistry, let my very enemies speak; And what learning I have, they may prove when they please. The report of your Majesties moderation, as well at that time, as after, when suite was made for my taking, moved me to write this my other Letter; in which, albeit, I have not played the Orator, trimming and decking the matter for the pleasure of itching, and delicate ears; yet doth my conscience bear me record, That with simplicity I have advertised you of a mortal danger; As this portion subsequent shall prove.