The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

I have travelled (Right Honourable and beloved Brethren) since my last arrival within this Realm,¹ in an upright conscience before my God, seeking nothing more (as he is witness) than the advancement of his glory, and the stability of his Church within this Realm; and of late days I have been accused as a seditious man, and as one that usurpeth to my self power that becometh me not: True it is that I have given advertisement unto the Brethren in divers Quarters, of the extremity intended against divers faithful, for looking to a Priest going to Mass, and for observing of those that transgress against just Laws; but that therein I have usurped further power then is given me, till that by you I be condemned, I utterly deny; for (I say) that by you, that is, By the charge of the General Assembly, I have all just power to advertise the Brethren from time to time of dangers appearing, as I have power to preach the Word of God in the Pulpit of Edinburgh; for by you was I appointed to the one, and to the other; and therefore in the Name of God I crave your judgements. The danger that appeared to me in my Accusation was not so fearful, as the words that came to my Ears were dolorous to my heart; for these words were plainly spoken, and that by some Protestants, What can the Pope do more, then to send forth his Letters, and require them to be obeyed. Let me have your judgements therefore whether I have usurped any power to my self; or if I have obeyed your commandment.

I have travelled (Right Honourable and beloved Brethren) since my last arrivall within this Realme,¹ in an upright conscience before my God, seeking nothing more (as he is witnesse) than the advancement of his glory, and the stability of his Church within this Realme; and of late dayes I have been accused as a seditious man, and as one that usurpeth to my selfe power that becometh me not: True it is that I have given advertisment unto the Brethren in divers Quarters, of the extremity intended against divers faithfull, for looking to a Priest going to Masse, and for observing of those that transgresse against just Laws; but that therein I have usurped further power then is given me, till that by you I be condemned, I utterly deny; for (I say) that by you, that is, By the charge of the Generall Assembly, I have all just power to advertise the Brethren from time to time of dangers appearing, as I have power to preach the Word of God in the Pulpit of Edinburgh; for by you was I appointed to the one, and to the other; and therefore in the Name of God I crave your judgements. The danger that appeared to me in my Accusation was not so fearfull, as the words that came to my Ears were dolorous to my heart; for these words were plainly spoken, and that by some Protestants, What can the Pope do more, then to send forth his Letters, and require them to be obeyed. Let me have your judgements therefore whether I have usurped any power to my self; or if I have obeyed your commandment.