The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Letter.

How dangerous soever, it shall appear to the flesh, to obey God and to make war against the devil, the prince of darkness, pride, and superstition; yet if your Majesty look to have your self, and seed to continue in honour, worldly, and everlasting, subject your self betimes, under the hand of him, that is omnipotent. Embrace his Will,¹ despise not his Testament, refuse not his Graces offered. When he calleth upon you, withdraw not your ear; Be not led away with the vain opinion, that your Church cannot err. Be ye most assuredly persuaded, That so far as in life, ye see them degenerate from Christs true Apostles, so in Religion are they further corrupted.² Lay the Book of God before your eyes, and let it be judge to that,³ which I say. Which if ye, with fear, and reverence, obey, as did Josiah the admonitions of the Prophetess, then shall he (by whom Kings do reign) crown your Battle with double benediction, and reward you with wisdom, riches, glory, honour, and long life in this Regiment temporal, and with life everlasting, when the King of kings (whose Members now do cry for your help) the Lord Jesus shall appear in judgement, accompanied with his Angels, before whom ye shall make account of your present Regiment, when the proud and disobedient shall cry: Mountains fall upon us, and hide us from the face of the Lord. But then it shall be too late, because they contemned his voice, when he lovingly called.

HOw dangerous soever, it shall appear to the flesh, to obey God and to make warre against the divell, the prince of darknesse, pride, and superstition; yet if your Majesty look to have your self, and seed to continue in honour, worldly, and everlasting, subject your self betimes, under the hand of him, that is omnipotent. Embrace his Will,¹