The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Then the Bishop bade away with the carl. But he answered, Nay, I will not depart this hour, for I have more to speak against the vices of Priests, than I can express this whole day. And so after divers purposes, they commanded him to burn his Bill. And he demanding the cause, they said, Because ye have spoken these Articles whereof ye are accused. His answer was, The great devil bear them away that first and last said them; and so he took the Bill, and chawing it, he spat it in Master Andrew Oliphant's face, saying, Now burn it or drown it, whether ye will, ye hear no more of me. But I must have somewhat of every one of you, to begin my pack again, which a Priest and my wife, a Priests whore, have spent. And so every Prelate and rich Priest, glad to be quit of his evil, gave him somewhat, and so departed he, for he understood nothing of Religion. But so fearful it was then to speak any thing against Priests, that the least word spoken against them, yea, albeit it was spoken in a mans sleep, was judged Heresy, and that was practised upon Richard Carmichell, yet living in Fife, who being young, and Singer in the Chapel Royal of Sterelin, happened in his sleep to say, The devil take away the Priests, for they are a greedy pack. He therefore accused by Sir George Clapperton, Dean of the said Chapel, was compelled forthwith to burn his Bill. But God shortly after raised up against them stronger Champions: For Alexander Seton, ¹a black Friar, of good learning and estimation, began to blame the corrupt doctrine of Papistry. For the space of a whole Lent, he taught the Commandment only, ever beating in the ears of his auditors, That the Law of God had of many years not been truly taught: for mens Tradition had obscured the purity of it. These were his accustomed Propositions; 1. Christ Jesus is the end and perfection of the Law. 2. There is no sin, where Gods Law is not violated. 3. To satisfy for sins, lies not in mans power; but the remission thereof cometh by unfeigned Repentance, and by faith apprehending God the Father merciful in Jesus Christ his Son. While oftentimes he puts his auditors in mind of this and the like Heads; he maketh no mention of Purgatory, Pardons, Pilgrimage, prayer to Saints, nor of such trifles.

Then the Bishop bade away with the carle. But he answered, Nay, I will not depart this hour, for I have more to speak against the vices of Priests, than I can expresse this whole day. And so after divers purposes, they commanded him to burn his Bill. And he demanding the cause, they said, Because ye have spoken these Articles whereof ye are accused. His answer was, The great devill beare them away that first and last said them; and so he took the Bill, and chawing it, he spat it in Master Andrew Olyphants face, saying, Now burn it or drown it, whether ye wil, ye hear no more of me. But I must have somewhat of every one of you, to begin my pack againe, which a Priest and my wife, a Priests whore, have spent. And so every Prelat and rich Priest, glad to be quit of his evill, gave him somewhat, and so departed he, for he understood nothing of Religion. But so fearfull it was then to speak any thing against Priests, that the least word spoken against them, yea, albeit it was spoken in a mans sleep, was judged Heresie, and that was practised upon Richard Carmichell, yet living in Fyfe, who being young, and Singer in the Chappel Royal of Sterelin, happened in his sleep to say, The devill take away the Priests, for they are a greedy pack. He therefore accused by Sir George Clapperton, Dean of the said Chappel, was compelled forthwith to burne his Bill. But God shortly after raised up against them stronger Champions: For Alexander Seton,