The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Thereto I have already answered (said John Knox) But yet for further declaration, I will demand a question, which is this, Whether ye think that the Apostles prayed themselves, as they commanded others to pray, or not? who doubts of that, said the company that were present. Well then, said John Knox, I am assured, that Peter said these words to Simon Magus, Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, That if it be possible, the thoughts of thy heart may be forgiven thee. Here we may clearly see, That Peter joins a condition with his Commandment, That Simon should repent and pray; to wit, If it were possible that his sin might be forgiven, for he was not ignorant, that some sins are unto death, and so without all hope of repentance, or remission. And think ye not (my Lord Secretary, said he) but that same doubt may touch my heart; as touching the Queens conversion, that then touched the heart of the Apostle; I would never (said Lethington) hear you, or any other call that in doubt: But your will (said the other) is no assurance to my conscience. And to speak freely, My Lord, I wonder if ye your self doubt not of the Queens conversion; for more evident signs of Induration have appeared, and do appear in her, then Peter outwardly could have espied in Simon Magus; for albeit sometimes, he was a Sorcerer, yet joined he with the Apostles, believed, and was baptized. And albeit, That the venom of Avarice remained in his heart, and that he would have bought the holy Ghost; yet, when he heard the fearful threatenings of God pronounced against him, he trembled; desired the assistance of the Prayers of the Apostles; and so humbled himself, so far as the judgement of man could pierce, like a true penitent; and yet we see that Peter doubts of his conversion; Why then may not all the godly, justly doubt of the conversion of the Queen, who hath used Idolatry, which is also most odious in the sight of the most jealous God, and still continues in the same; yet she despises all threatenings, and refuseth all godly admonitions. Why say ye, That she refuseth admonition, (said Lethington) she will gladly hear any man: But what obedience (said the other) to God or to his word ensues of all that is spoken unto her, or when shall she be seen to give her presence to the public Preaching; I think never (said Lethington) so long as she is thus used.

Thereto I have already answered (said Iohn Knox) But yet for further declaration, I will demand a question, which is this, Whether ye think that the Apostles prayed themselves, as they commanded others to pray, or not? who doubts of that, said the company that were present. Well then, said Iohn Knox, I am assured, that Peter said these words to Simon Magus, Repent therefore of this thy wickednesse, and pray God, That if it be possible, the thoughts of thy heart may be forgiven thee. Here we may cleerly see, That Peter joynes a condition with his Commandment, That Simon should repent and pray; to wit, If it were possible that his sin might be forgiven, for he was not ignorant, that some sinnes are unto death, and so without all hope of repentance, or remission. And think ye not (my Lord Secretary, said he) but that same doubt may touch my heart; as touching the Queens conversion, that then touched the heart of the Apostle; I would never (said Lethington) heare you, or any other call that in doubt: But your will (said the other) is no assurance to my conscience. And to speak freely, My Lord, I wonder if yee your self doubt not of the Queens conversion; for more evident signes of Induration have appeared, and do appear in her, then Peter outwardly could have espyed in Simon Magus; for albeit sometimes, he was a Sorcerer, yet joyned he with the Apostles, beleeved, and was baptized. And albeit, That the venome of Avarice remained in his heart, and that he would have bought the holy Ghost; yet, when he heard the fearfull threatnings of God pronounced against him, he trembled; desired the assistance of the Prayers of the Apostles; and so humbled himself, so farre as the judgement of man could peirce, like a true penitent; and yet we see that Peter doubts of his conversion; Why then may not all the godly, justly doubt of the conversion of the Queen, who hath used Idolatry, which is also most odious in the sight of the most jealous God, and still continues in the same; yet she despises all threatnings, and refuseth all godly admonitions. Why say ye, That she refuseth admonition, (said Lethington) she will gladly hear any man: But what obedience (said the other) to God or to his word ensues of all that is spoken unto her, or when shall she be seen to give her presence to the publike Preaching; I think never (said Lethington) so long as she is thus used.