The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

By these Articles which God of his merciful providence caused the enemies of his truth to keep in their registers, may appear how mercifully God hath looked upon this Realm, retaining within it some spark of his light, even in the time of greatest darkness. Neither ought any man to wonder, albeit that some things be obscurely, and some things doubtfully spoken. But rather ought all faithful to magnify Gods mercy, who without public Doctrine gave so great light. And further, we ought to consider that seeing that the enemies of Jesus Christ gathered the foresaid Articles, thereupon to accuse the persons aforesaid, that they would deprave the meaning of Gods servants so far as they could; as we doubt not but they have done, in the heads of Excommunication^*, Swearing^*, and of Matrimony^*: In the which it is no doubt but the servants of God did damn the abuse only, and not the right Ordinance of God: for who knows not that the Excommunication in these days was altogether abused? That Swearing aboundeth without punishment or remorse of conscience: And that Divorcements was made, for such causes as worldly men had invented. But to our History. Albeit that the accusation of the Bishop and of his Complices was very grievous, yet God so assisted his servants, partly by inclining the Kings heart to gentleness (for divers of them were his great familiars) and partly by giving bold and godly answers to their Accusators; that the enemies in the end we•e frustrate of their purpose. For while the Bishop in mockage said to Ad•m Read of Barskeiming; Read, believe ye that God is in heaven? He answered; Not as I do the Sacraments seven: Whereat the Bishop thinking to have triumphed, said; Sir, lo, he denies that God is in heaven? Whereat the King wondering, said; Adam Read! What say ye? The other answered; Pleaseth your Majesty to hear the end betwixt the churl and me: and therewith he turned to the Bishop and said; I neither think nor believe, ⟨p. 4⟩as thou thinkest that God is in heaven; but I am most assured, that he is not only in heaven, but also in the earth: But thou and thy faction declare by your works, that either ye think there is no God at all, or else that he is so set up in heaven, that he regards not what is done upon the earth: