Beza's book persuaded them to do what they have done. And I assure you, that your opinion concerning the government of the Church, seems plausible unto great men but for two reasons; the one is, to prey upon the goods of the Church; the other for to keep it under, the revenues and authority of Bishops being once taken away. For the form of your discipline is such, that it will never be approved of by a wise and discreet supreme magistrate, who knows how to govern. Ye see not the faults you commit in your proceedings, as well Consistorial as Synodal; men well versed in the laws and in government do observe them. But they contemn them so long as they have the law in their own hands, and that it is far easier for them to frustrate them, and regard neither Consistory nor Synod, than for you to command and make decrees. Were your discipline armed with power, as the Inquisition of Spain is, it would surpass it in tyranny. The Episcopal authority is canonical; that is, so limited and inclosed within the bounds of the Statutes and Canons [of the Church], that it can command nothing without law, much less contrary to law. And the Bishop is but the keeper of the laws, to cause them to be observed, and to punish the transgressors of your Consistories and Synods. For the present I will say no more, only take notice of this, that it is not likely the King, who knows what Consistories and Synods be, will grant that to the islands which doth displease him in Scotland. This, Gentlemen and Brethren, have I thought good to write unto you, entreating you to take it well, as coming from him that loves the islands, and the good and edification of the Church of Christ, as much as you can do. |
