The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

For when your Lordship pleaseth to hear the confession of that mans Faith, the manner of his Doctrine, which agreeth with the Gospel of ⟨p. 115⟩Jesus Christ, I will cause him to assist to judgement, and shall be present there at Gods pleasure, that he may render reckoning of his belief, and our Doctrine to the superior Powers, according to the prescription of that blood of the eternal Testament, sealed by the Immaculate Lamb; To whom with the Father and the holy Spirit, be all honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 4. The fourth Article puts me in remembrance, how dangerous it is, if the Authority would put me to it, and my House, according to comely and common Laws, and our own municipal Laws of this Realm, and how it appeareth to the decay of our House. Answ. All Laws are (or at least should be) subject to Gods Law, which Law should be first placed, and planted in every mans heart, it should have no impediment. Men should not abrogate it, for the defence and setting up of their own advantage. If it would please Authorities to put at our House,¹ for confessing of Gods Word, or for maintenance of his Law: God is mighty enough in his own Cause, he should be rather obeyed then man. I will serve my Prince, with body, heart, goods, strength, and all that is in my power, except that which is Gods duty, which I will reserve to him alone; that is, To worship him in truth and verity, and as near as I can to conform to his written Word, to his own honour, and obedience of my Princess. 5. The fifth Article puts me in remembrance how woe your Lordship would be, to hear, to see, or know any displeasure that might come to me, my son, or any of my House, and especially in my time and days: And as to hear the great and evil brute of me, that should now in my old age in a manner, begin to vary in my Faith, and to be altered therein, when it is time that I should be most sure and firm therein. Ans. Your Lordships good will is ever made manifest unto me in all your Articles, that you should be sorry to hear, see, or know my displeasure, for the which I am bound to render your Lordship thanks, & shall do the same assuredly. But as for wavering in my Faith, God forbid that I should so do: For I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven & earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Saviour. My Lord, I vary not in my Faith;