The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

But to me, it was and is such, that more worldly substance then I will express, could not have caused me willingly to behold the eyes of so many grave men weep at once for my cause, as that I did in taking my last good night from them: To whom if it please God that I return, and question be demanded, What was the impediment of my purposed journey, judge you what I shall answer. The cause of my dolour and sorrow (God is my witness) is for nothing pertaining either to my corporal contentment, or worldly displeasure; but it is for the grievous plagues and punishments of God, which assuredly shall apprehend, not only you, but every inhabitant of that miserable Realm and Isle, except that the power of God, by the liberty of his Gospel, deliver you from Bondage. I mean not only that perpetual fire and torment prepared for the devil,¹ and for such as denying Christ Jesus, and his known Verity, do follow the sons of wickedness to perdition (which most is to be feared) but also that thraldom and misery that shall apprehend your own bodies, your children, subjects, and posterity, whom ye have betrayed (in conscience I can except none that bear the name of Nobility) and presently fight to betray them and your Realm to the slavery of strangers. The War begun (although I acknowledge it to be the work of God) shall be your destruction, unless that betime remedy be provided. God open your eyes, that ye may espy and consider your ⟨p. 109⟩own miserable estate. My words shall appear to some, sharp, and undiscreetly spoken. But as charity ought to interpret all things to the best, so ought wise men to understand, That a true friend cannot be a flatterer. Especially, when the questions of salvation both of body and soul are moved; and that not of one, nor of two, but as it were of a whole Realm or Nation. What are the sobs, and what is the affection of my troubled heart, God shall one day declare: But this will I add to my former rigour and severity, to wit, If any persuade you for fear of dangers that may follow, to faint in your former purpose, be he so wise and friendly, let him be judged of you both foolish,² and your mortal enemy: Foolish, for because he understood nothing of Gods approved wisdom; and enemy unto you, because he laboured to separate you from Gods favour, provoking his vengeance, and grievous plagues against you: