The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

And this is the conclusion of that, which to your self, I say, except that in the cause of Christs Evangel, you be found simple, sincere, fervent, and unfeigned, you shall taste of the same cup, which politic heads have drank in before you. The other Point concerning my self, and that poor flock now dispersed, and as I hear say, rudely used, is this; By divers Messengers I ⟨p. 220⟩have requested such Privileges as Turks commonly do grant to men of every Nation; to wit, That liberty should be granted to me freely to pass through England, to the end that with greater expedition I might repair towards my own Country, which now beginneth to thirst for Christs Trueth. This request I thought so reasonable, that almost I had entered the Realm, without license demanded; and yet I understand that it hath been so rejected, that the solicitors thereof, did hardly escape imprisonment; and some of that poor flock I hear to be so extremely handled, That those who most rudely have shed the blood of Gods most dear Children finds this day amongst you greater favours,¹ then they do; Alas, this appeareth much to repugn to Christian Charity: for whatsoever hath been mine offence, this I fear not to affirm in their cause; That if any that hath suffered exile in those most dolorous days of persecution, deserve praise and commendation, for Peace, Concord, sober and quiet living, it is they. And as for me, how criminal that ever I be in Gods presence, for the multitude of my sins; yet before his Justice-seat I have a testimony of a clear Conscience, That since my first acquaintance with England, willingly I never offended person within it, except in open Chair, to reprove that which God condemneth, can be judged offence: but I have (say you) written a Treasonable Book against the regiment and Empire of women; If that be my offence, the poor flock is innocent (except such as this day do fastest cry Treason) For Sir (in Gods presence I do write) with none in that company did I consult before the finishing of the same. Therefore in Christs Name I require, That the blame may be upon me alone. The writing of that Book I will not deny, but to prove it Treasonable, I think it shall be hard; for Sir, No more do I doubt of the Trueth of my Proposition, then that I doubt that this was the voice of God, which first did pronounce this penalty against women;

And this is the conclusion of that, which to your self, I say, except that in the cause of Christs Evangell, you be found simple, sincere, fervent, and unfained, you shall taste of the same cup, which politick heads have drank in before you. The other Point concerning my self, and that poore flock now dispersed, and as I heare say, rudely used, is this; By divers Messengers I