The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Now (said he) here is the fact of a Prophet, that proves, that Subjects were commanded to execute Gods judgements upon their King and Prince. There is enough (said Lethington) to be answered thereto; For Jehu was a King before he put any thing in execution. And besides, That the fact is extraordinary, and ought not to be Imitate: My Lord (said the other) he was a mere Subject, and no King, when the Prophets servant came unto him; yea, and albeit that his fellow Captains hearing of the Message, blew the Trumpet, and said, Jehu is King; yet I doubt not, but Jezebel both thought, and said, that he was a Traitor; and so did many others that were in Israel, and in Samaria.

Now (said he) here is the fact of a Prophet, that proves, that Subjects were commanded to execute Gods judgements upon their King and Prince. There is enough (said Lethington) to be answered thereto; For Iehu was a King before he put any thing in execution. And besides, That the fact is extraordinary, and ought not to be Imitate: My Lord (said the other) he was a meere Subject, and no King, when the Prophets servant came unto him; yea, and albeit that his fellow Captaines hearing of the Message, blew the Trumpet, and said, Iehu is King; yet I doubt not, but Iezabel both thought, and said, that he was a Traytor; and so did many others that were in Israel, and in Samaria.

And as touching, That ye allege, that the fact was extraordinary, and is not to be imitate: I say, That it had the ground of Gods ordinary judgement, which commandeth the Idolater to dye the death. And therefore, I yet again affirm, That it is to be Imitate of all those that prefers the true Honour of the true Worship and Glory of God, to the affection of flesh, and wicked Princes. We are not bound (said Lethington) to follow extraordinary examples, unless we have the like commandment and assurance. I grant (said the other) if the example repugn to the Law; As if an avaricious and deceitful man would borrow Silver, Raiment, or other necessaries from his Neighbour, and withhold the same; alleging, that so he might do, and not offend God; because the Israelites at their departure forth of Egypt, did so to the Egyptians. The example served to no purpose, unless that they could produce the like cause,