Still Waters Revival Books - Scottish
Covenanters - Creeds,
Confessions and Covenants - Scottish
Presbyterianism - Puritan
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Copyright ©1993, 1995 by Presbyterian Heritage Publications
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Chapter 2
Of the Creation of Man
Chapter 4
Of the Revelation of the Promise
Chapter 5
The Continunace, Increase, and
Preservation of the Kirk
Chapter 6
Of the Incarnation of Christ Jesus
Chapter 7
Why It Behoved the Mediator
to be Very God and Very Man
Chapter 9
Christ's Death, Passion, Burial, etc.
Chapter 12
Faith in the Holy Ghost
Chapter 13
The Cause of Good Works
Chapter 14
What Works are Reputed Good Before God
Chapter 15
The Perfection of the Law and
Imperfection of Man
Chapter 17
The Immortality of the Souls
Chapter 19
The Authority of the Scriptures
Chapter 20
Of General Councils, of Their Power,
Authority, and Causes of Their Convention
Chapter 22
Of the Right Administration of the Sacraments
Chapter 23
To Whom the Sacraments Appertain
Chapter 24
Of the Civil Magistrate
Chapter 25
The Gifts Freely Given to the Kirk
In 1559, John Knox returned to his homeland, marking a new effort in the battle to reform Scotland. Throughout the nation, Protestants joined together in a solemn covenant, pledging their lives and fortunes for the cause of Christ.
The Queen Regent, Mary of Guise,
was a hardened Papist, and she opposed all endeavours to reform Scotland. The
Queen Regent died in 1560, and the Scottish Parliament convened in Edinburgh in
August, to address many issues confronting the restless nation.
In the History of the
Reformation in Scotland, Knox gives a record of the drama which unfolded. A
supplication was laid before the Parliament by the Protestant nobility,
decrying the corruptions of Roman Catholicism, and seeking the abolition of
Popery. The petition of the Protestants exclaimed, "We offer ourselves to
prove, that in all the [rabble of the clergy] there is not one lawful minister,
if God's word, the practice of the apostles, and their own ancient laws shall
judge of lawful election. We further offer ourselves to prove them all thieves
and murderers: yea, rebels and traitors to the lawful authority of empires,
kings, and princes; and therefore unworthy to be suffered in any reformed
commonwealth."[1]
In response, the Parliament
directed the Protestant noblemen and ministers to draw up "in plain and
several heads, the sum of that doctrine which they would maintain, and would
desire that present Parliament to establish as wholesome, true, and only
necessary to be believed and received within that realm."[2]
Over the next four days, the
Scottish Confession was drafted by six ministers: John Winram, John
Spottiswoode, John Willock, John Douglas, John Row, and John Knox. On 17 August
1560, the document was read twice, article by article, before the Parliament;
and the Protestant ministers stood ready to defend the cause of truth, in the
event that any article of belief was assailed.
When the vote was taken, the
Confession was ratified, with only a few dissenting voices, who "yet for
their dissenting could produce no better reason but, 'We will believe as our
fathers believed.' The bishops (papistical, we mean), spake nothing."[3]
The Scottish Confession of 1560 is
a lively testimony to the truth. The Church of Scotland approved the
Westminster Standards over 80 years later; but the ratification of the
Westminster Standards was in no way a repudiation of the previous testimony of
the Church. Rather, the combined documents present a united testimony
respecting the doctrinal landmarks of the Protes tant Reformation. And since
the latter standards are among the offspring of the former Confession, all
persons of the Reformed faith should find it profitable to study the Scottish
Confession of 1560.
Footnotes for Publisher's Introduction
1. John Knox, History of the
Reformation in Scotland, in Knox's Works
(Edinburgh, 1895), Vol. 2, p. 91.
2. John Knox, History, in Works, Vol. 2, p.
92.
3. John Knox, History, in Works, Vol. 2, p.
121-22, 28.
And these glad tidings of the kingdom shall be
preached through the whole world, for a witness unto all nations, and then
shall the end come.
Matthew 24:14
The Estates of Scotland, with the inhabitants of the same, professing Christ Jesus' holy evangel: to their natural countrymen, and unto all other realms and nations, professing the same Lord Jesus with them, wish grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the spirit of righteous judgment, for salutation, etc.
Long have we thirsted, dear brethren, to
have notified unto the world the sum of that doctrine which we profess, and for
the which we have sustained infamy and danger. But such has been the rage of
Satan against us, and against Christ Jesus' eternal verity lately born amongst
us, that to this day no time has been granted unto us to clear our consciences,
as most gladly we would have done. For how we have been tossed a whole year
past, the most part of Europe (as we suppose) does understand. But seeing that of
the infinite goodness of our God (who never suffers his afflicted utterly to be
confounded), above expectation, we have obtained some rest and liberty, we
could not but set forth this brief and plain confession of such doctrine as is
proponed unto us, and as we believe and profess; partly for satisfaction of our
brethren, whose hearts, we doubt not, have been and yet are wounded by the
despiteful railing of such as yet have not learned to speak well; and partly
for stopping of the mouths of impudent blasphemers, who boldly damn that which
they have neither heard, nor yet understand.
Not that we judge that the cankered
malice of such is able to be cured by this our simple confession. No, we know
that the sweet savour of the evangel is, and shall be, death unto the sons of
perdition. But we have chief respect to our weak and infirm brethren, to whom
we would communicate the bottom of our hearts, lest that they be troubled or
carried away by diversity of rumors, which Satan spreads contrary [against] us, to the
defeating of this our most godly enterprise; protesting that, if any man will
note in this our confession any article or sentence repugning to God's holy
word, that it would please him of his gentleness, and for Christian charity's
sake, to admonish us of the same in writing; and we, of our honour and
fidelity, do promise unto him satisfaction from the mouth of God (that is, from
his holy scriptures), or else reformation of that which he shall prove to be
amiss. For God we take to record in our consciences, that from our hearts we
abhor all sects of heresy, and all teachers of erroneous doctrine; and that,
with all humility, we embrace the purity of Christ's evangel, which is the only
food of our souls; and therefore so precious unto us, that we are determined to
suffer the extremity of worldly danger, rather than that we will suffer
ourselves to be defrauded of the same. For hereof we are most certainly
persuaded, that whosoever denies Christ Jesus, or is ashamed of him
in presence of men, shall be denied before the Father, and before his holy
angels. And therefore, by the assistance of the mighty Spirit of the same our
Lord Jesus, we firmly purpose to abide to the end, in the confession of this
our faith, as by articles follows.
We confess and acknowledge one only God, to
whom only we must cleave, whom only we must serve, whom only we must worship,
and in whom only we must put our trust:[1] who is eternal, infinite,
immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible;[2] one in substance, and
yet distinct in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost;[3] by
whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and in earth, as well visible
as invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be
ruled and guided by his inscrutable Providence, to such end as his eternal
wisdom, goodness, and justice has appointed them, to the manifestation of his
own glory.[4]
1. Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:6; Deut. 4:35; Isa.
44:5-6.
2. 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 Kings 8:27; 2 Chron. 6:18;
Ps. 139:7-8; Gen. 17:1; 1 Tim. 6:15-16; Ex. 3:14-15.
3. Matt. 28:19; 1 John 5:7.
4. Gen. 1:1; Heb. 11:3; Acts 17:28; Prov.
16:4.
We confess and acknowledge this our God to
have created man (to wit, our first father Adam) to his own image and
similitude, to whom he gave wisdom, lordship, justice, free will, and clear
knowledge of himself; so that in the whole nature of man there could be noted
no imperfection:[1] from which honour and perfection man and woman did both fall;
the woman being deceived by the serpent, and man obeying the voice of the
woman: both conspiring against the Sovereign Majesty of God, who in expressed
words had before threatened death, if they presumed to eat of the forbidden
tree.[2]
1. Gen. 1:26-28; Col. 3:10; Eph. 4:24.
2. Gen. 3:6; 2:17.
By which transgression, commonly called
Original Sin, was the image of God utterly defaced in man; and he and his
posterity of nature became enemies to God, slaves to Satan, and servants to
sin;[1] insomuch that death everlasting has had, and shall have, power and
dominion over all that have not been, are not, or shall not be regenerated from
above: which regeneration is wrought by the power of the Holy Ghost, working in
the hearts of the elect of God an assured faith in the promise of God, revealed
to us in his word; by which faith we apprehend Christ Jesus, with the graces
and benefits promised in him.[2]
1. Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:10; 7:5; 2 Tim. 2:26;
Eph. 2:1-3.
2. Rom. 5:14,21 6:23; John 3:5; Rom. 5:1;
Phil. 1:29.
For this we constantly believe: that God,
after the fearful and horrible defection of man from his obedience, did seek
Adam again, call upon him,[1] rebuke his sin, convict him of the same, and in
the end made unto him a most joyful promise: to wit, that the seed of the
woman should break down the serpent's head [2] that is, he should destroy the works
of the Devil. Which promise, as it was repeated and made more clear from time
to time, so was it embraced with joy, and most constantly received of all the
faithful, from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to David, and
so forth to the incarnation of Christ Jesus: all (we mean the faithful fathers)
under the law did see the joyful days of Christ Jesus, and did rejoice.[3]
1. Gen. 3:9.
2. Gen. 3:15.
3. Gen. 12:3; 15:5-6; 2 Sam. 7:14; Isa.
7:14; 9:6; Hag. 2:6; John 8:56.
We most constantly believe that God
preserved, instructed, multiplied, honoured, decored, and from death called to
life his kirk in all ages, from Adam, till the coming of Christ Jesus in the
flesh.[1] For Abraham he called from his father's country; him he instructed;
his seed he multiplied;[2] the same he marvelously preserved, and more
marvelously delivered from the bondage and tyranny of Pharaoh;[3] to them he
gave his laws, constitutions, and ceremonies;[4] them he possessed in the land
of Canaan;[5] to them, after Judges and after Saul, he gave David to be king,
to whom he made promise, that of the fruit of his loins should one sit for
ever upon his regal seat.[6] To this same people, from time to time, he sent
prophets to reduce them to the right way of their God,[7] from the which often
times they declined by idolatry. And albeit for their stubborn contempt of
justice, he was compelled to give them in the hands of their enemies,[8] as
before was threatened by the mouth of Moses,[9] insomuch that the holy city was
destroyed, the temple burnt with fire,[10] and the whole land left desolate the
space of seventy years;[11] yet of mercy did he reduce them again to Jerusalem,
where the city and temple were reedified, and they, against all temptations and
assaults of Satan, did abide till the Messiah came, according to the
promise.[12]
1. Ezek. 6:6-14.
2. Gen. 12:1; 13:1.
3. Ex. 1, etc.
4. Josh. 1:3; 23:4.
5. 1 Sam. 10:1; 16:13.
6. 2 Sam. 7:12.
7. 2 Kings 17:13-19.
8. 2 Kings 24:3-4.
9. Deut. 28:36, 48.
10. 2 Kings 25.
11. Dan. 9:2.
12. Jer. 30; Ezra 1, etc.; Hag. 1:14; 2:7-9;
Zech. 3:8.
When the fulness of time came, God sent his
Son[1] his Eternal Wisdom, the substance of his own glory, in this world
who took the nature of manhood of the substance of woman: to wit, of a virgin,
and that by operation of the Holy Ghost.[2] And so was born the just seed of
David, the angel of the great counsel of God; the very Messiah promised, whom
we confess and acknowledge Immanuel; very God and very man, two perfect natures
united and joined in one person.[3] By which our confession we damn the
damnable and pestilent heresies of Arius, Marcion, Eutyches, Nestorius, and
such others as either deny the eternity of his Godhead, or the verity of his
human nature, either confound them, either yet divide them.
1. Gal. 4:4.
2. Luke 1:31; Matt. 1:18; 2:1; Rom. 1:3;
John 1:45; Matt. 1:23.
3. 1 Tim. 2:5.
We acknowledge and confess that this most
wondrous conjunction betwixt the Godhead and the manhood in Christ Jesus did
proceed from the eternal and immutable decree of God, whence also our salvation
springs and depends.[1]
1. Eph. 1:3-6.
For that same Eternal God and Father, who of
mere grace elected us in Christ Jesus his Son, before the foundation of the
world was laid,[1] appointed him to be our Head,[2] our Brother,[3] our Pastor,
and great Bishop of our souls.[4] But because that the enmity betwixt the
justice of God and our sins was such that no flesh by itself could or might
have attained unto God,[5] it behoved that the Son of God should descend unto
us, and take himself a body of our body, flesh of our flesh, and bone of our
bones, and so become the perfect Mediator betwixt God and man;[6] giving power
to so many as believe in him to be the sons of God,[7] as himself does witness:
I pass up to my Father and unto your Father, to my God, and unto your God.[8] By which most
holy fraternity, whatsoever we have lost in Adam is restored to us again.[9]
And for this cause are we not afraid to call God our Father,[10] not so much
that [because] he has created us (which we have common with the
reprobate),[11] as for that he has given to us his only Son to be our
brother,[12] and given unto us grace to acknowledge and embrace him for our
only Mediator, as before is said.
It behoved further the Messiah and Redeemer
to be very God and very Man, because he was to underlie the punishment due for
our transgressions, and to present himself in the presence of his Father's
judgments, as in our person, to suffer for our transgression and
disobedience,[13] by death, to overcome him that was author of death. But
because the only Godhead could not suffer death,[14] neither yet could the only
manhead overcome the same, he joined both together in one person, that the
imbecility [weakness] of the one should suffer, and be subject
to death (which we had deserved), and the infinite and invincible power of the
other (to wit, of the Godhead) should triumph and purchase to us life, liberty,
and perpetual victory.[15] And so we confess, and most undoubtedly believe.
1. Eph. 1:11; Matt. 25:34.
2. Eph. 1:22-23.
3. Heb. 2:7-8, 11-12; Ps. 22:22.
4. Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:24; 5:4.
5. Ps. 130:3; 143:2.
6. 1 Tim. 2:5.
7. John 1:12.
8. John 20:17.
9. Rom. 5:17-19.
10. Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:5-6.
11. Acts 17:26.
12. Heb. 2:11-12.
13. 1 Pet. 3:18; Isa. 53:8.
14. Acts 2:24.
15. John 1:2.; Acts 20:20; 1 Tim. 3:16; John
3:16
[We confess] That our Lord Jesus Christ
offered himself a voluntary sacrifice unto his Father for us;[1] that he
suffered contradiction of sinners; that he was wounded and plagued for our
transgressions;[2] that he, being the clean and innocent Lamb of God,[3] was
damned in the presence of an earthly judge,[4] that we should be absolved
before the tribunal seat of our God;[5] that he suffered not only the cruel
death of the cross (which was accursed by the sentence of God),[6] but also
that he suffered for a season the wrath of his Father,[7] which sinners had
deserved. But yet we avow, that he remained the only and well-beloved and blessed
Son of his Father, even in the midst of his anguish and torment, which he
suffered in body and soul, to make the full satisfaction for the sins of the
people.[8] After the which, we confess and avow, that there remains no other
sacrifice for sin:[9] which if any affirm, we nothing doubt to avow that they
are blasphemers against Christ's death, and the everlasting purgation and
satisfaction purchased to us by the same.
1. Heb. 10:1-12.
2. Isa. 53:5; Heb. 12:3.
3. John 1:29.
4. Matt.27:11,26; Mark 15; Luke 23.
5. Gal. 3:13.
6. Deut. 21:23.
7. Matt. 26:38-39.
8. 2 Cor. 5:21.
9. Heb. 9:12; 10:14.
We undoubtedly believe that, insomuch as it
was impossible that the dolours of death should retain in bondage the Author of
life;[1] that our Lord Jesus Christ crucified, dead, and buried, who descended
into hell, did rise again for our justification,[2] and destroying him who was
the author of death, brought life again to us that were subject to death and to
the bondage of the same.[3] We know that his resurrection was confirmed by the
testimony of his very enemies;[4] by the resurrection of the dead, whose
sepulchres did open, and they did arise and appear to many within the city of
Jerusalem.[5] It was also confirmed by the testimony of angels,[6] and by the
senses and judgments of his apostles, and of others, who had conversation, and
did eat and drink with him after his resurrection.[7]
1. Acts 2:24.
2. Acts 3:26; Rom. 6:5, 9; 4:25.
3. Heb. 2:14-15.
4. Matt. 28:4.
5. Matt. 27:52-53.
6. Matt. 28:5-6.
7. John 20:27; 21:7,12-13; Luke 24:41-43.
We nothing doubt but that the selfsame body,
which was born of the virgin, was crucified, dead, and buried, and which did
rise again, did ascend into the heavens, for the accomplishment of all
things;[1] where, in our names, and for our comfort he has received all power
in heaven and in earth,[2] where he sits at the right hand of the Father
inaugurated in his kingdom, Advocate and only Mediator for us:[3] which glory,
honour, and prerogative he alone amongst the brethren shall possess, till that
all his enemies be made his footstool,[4] as that we undoubtedly believe they
shall be in the final judgment; to the execution whereof we certainly believe
that the same our Lord Jesus shall visibly return, as that he was seen to
ascend.[5] And then we firmly believe, that the time of refreshing and
restitution of all things shall come,[6] insomuch that those that from the
beginning have suffered violence, injury, and wrong for righteousness' sake,
shall inherit that blessed immortality promised from the beginning.[7]
But contrariwise, the stubborn, disobedient,
cruel oppressors, filthy persons, idolaters, and all sorts of unfaithful shall
be cast in the dungeon of utter darkness, where their worm shall not die,
neither yet their fire shall be extinguished.[8] The remembrance of which day,
and of the judgment to be executed in the same, is not only to us a bridle,
whereby our carnal lusts are refrained; but also such inestimable comfort, that
neither may the threatening of worldly princes, neither yet the fear of
temporal death and present danger, move us to renounce and forsake that blessed
society, which we, the members, have with our Head and only Mediator Christ
Jesus:[9] whom we confess and avow to be the Messiah promised, the only Head of
his kirk, our just Lawgiver, our only High Priest, Advocate, and Mediator.[10]
In which honours and offices, if man or angel presume to intrude themselves, we
utterly detest and abhor them, as blasphemous to our Sovereign and Supreme
Governor, Christ Jesus.
1. Mark 16:9; Matt. 28:6; Luke 24:51; Acts
1:9.
2. Matt. 28:18.
3. 1 Jn. 2:1; 1 Tim. 2:5.
4. Ps. 110:1; Matt. 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke
20:42-43.
5. Acts 1:8.
6. Acts 3:19.
7. Matt.25:34.
2Thess. 1:4-8.
8. Rev. 21:27; Isa. 66:24; Matt. 25:41; Mark
9:44, 46,48; Matt. 22:13.
9. 2 Pet. 3:11; 2 Cor. 5:9-11; Luke
21:27-28; John 14:1, etc.
10. Isa. 7:14; Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18; Heb.
9:11,15; 10:21; 1 John 2:1; 1 Tim. 2:5.
This our faith, and the assurance of the
same, proceeds not from flesh and blood, that is to say, from no natural powers
within us, but is the inspiration of the Holy Ghost:[1] whom we confess God,
equal with the Father and with the Son; [2]who sanctifies us, and brings us in
all verity by his own operation; without whom we should remain for ever enemies
to God, and ignorant of his Son, Christ Jesus. For of nature we are so dead, so
blind and so perverse, that neither can we feel when we are pricked, see the
light when it shines, nor assent to the will of God when it is revealed, unless
the Spirit of the Lord Jesus quicken that which is dead, remove the darkness
from our minds, and bow our stubborn hearts to the obedience of his blessed
will.[3] And so, as we confess that God the Father created us when we were
not;[4] as his Son, our Lord Jesus redeemed us when we were enemies to him;[5]
so also do we confess that the Holy Ghost does sanctify and regenerate us,
without all respect of any merit proceeding from us, be it before or be it
after our regeneration.[6] To speak this one thing yet in more plain words: as
we willingly spoil ourselves of all honour and glory of our own creation and
redemption,[7] so do we also of our regeneration and sanctification; for of
ourselves we are not sufficient to think one good thought; but he who has begun
the good work in us, is only he that continues us in the same,[8] to the praise
and glory of his undeserved grace.[9]
1. Matt. 16:17; John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13.
2. Acts 5:3-4.
3. Col. 2:13; Eph. 2:1; John 9:39; Rev.
3:17; Matt. 17:17; Mark 9:19; Luke 9:41; John 6:63; Micah 7:8; 1 Kings 8:57-58.
4. Ps. 100:3.
5. Rom. 5:10.
6. John 3:5; Titus 3:5; Rom. 5:8.
7. Phil. 3:7.
8. Phil 1:6.
2 Cor. 3:5.
9. Eph. 1:6.
So that the cause of good works we confess
to be, not our free will, but the Spirit of the Lord Jesus who, dwelling in our
hearts by true faith, brings forth such good works as God has prepared for us
to walk into. For this we most boldly affirm, that blasphemy it is to say that
Christ Jesus abides in the hearts of such as in whom there is no spirit of
sanctification.[1] And therefore we fear not to affirm that murderers,
oppressors, cruel persecutors, adulterers, whoremongers, filthy persons,
idolaters, drunkards, thieves, and all workers of iniquity, have neither true
faith, neither any portion of the spirit of sanctification, which proceeds from
the Lord Jesus, so long as obstinately they continue in their wickedness.
For how soon that ever the Spirit of the
Lord Jesus (which God's elect children receive by true faith) takes possession
in the heart of any man, so soon does he regenerate and renew the same man; so
that he begins to hate that which before he loved, and begins to love that
which before he hated. And from thence comes that continual battle which is
betwixt the flesh and the spirit in God's children; while the flesh and natural
man (according to their own corruption) lust for things pleasing and delectable
unto the self, grudge in adversity, are lifted up in prosperity, and at every
moment are prone and ready to offend the Majesty of God.[2] But the Spirit of
God, which gives witnessing to our spirit, that we are the sons of God,[3]
makes us to resist filthy pleasures, and to groan in God's presence for
deliverance from this bondage of corruption;[4] and finally, to triumph over
sin that it reign not in our mortal bodies.[5]
This battle have not the carnal men, being
destitute of God's Spirit; but [they] do follow and obey sin with greediness,
and without repentance, even as the devil and their corrupt lusts do prick
them. But the sons of God (as before is said) do fight against sin, do sob and
mourn, when they perceive themselves tempted to iniquity; and if they fall,
they rise again with earnest and unfeigned repentance.[6] And these things they
do not by their own power, but the power of the Lord Jesus, without whom they
were able to do nothing.[7]
1. Eph. 2:10; Phil 2:13; John 15:5; Rom.
8:9.
2. Rom. 7:15-25; Gal. 5:17.
3. Rom. 8:16.
4. Rom. 7:24; 8:22.
5. Rom. 6:12.
6. 2 Tim. 2:26.
7. John 15:5.
We confess and acknowledge that God has
given to man his holy law, in which not only are forbidden all such works as
displease and offend his godly Majesty, but also are commanded all such as
please him, and as he has promised to reward.[1] And these works are of two
sorts: the one are done to the honour of God, the other to the profit of our
neighbours; and both have the revealed will of God for their assurance.
To have one God; to worship and honour him;
to call upon him in all our troubles; to reverence his holy name; to hear his
word; to believe the same; to communicate with his holy sacraments, are the
works of the first table.[2] To honour father, mother, princes, rulers, and
superior powers; to love them, to support them, yea, to obey their charges (not
repugning to the commandment of God); to save the lives of innocents; to
repress tyranny; to defend the oppressed; to keep our bodies clean and holy; to
live in sobriety and temperance; to deal justly with all men, both in word and
in deed; and, finally, to repress all appetite of our neighbour's hurt,[3] are
the good works of the second table, which are most pleasing and acceptable unto
God, as those works that are commanded by himself.
The contrary whereof is sin most odious,
which always displeases him, and provokes him to anger: as, not to call upon
him alone, when we have need; not to hear his word with reverence; to contemn
and despise it; to have or to worship idols; to maintain and defend idolatry;
lightly to esteem the reverent name of God; to profane, abuse, or contemn the
sacraments of Christ Jesus; to disobey or resist any that God has placed in
authority (while they pass not over the bounds of their office);[4] to murder,
or to consent thereto; to bear hatred, or to suffer innocent blood to be shed
if we may gainstand it;[5] and, finally, the transgressing of any other
commandment in the first or second table, we confess and affirm to be sin,[6]
by the which God's anger and displeasure are kindled against the proud and
unthankful world. So that good works we affirm to be these only that are done
in faith,[7] at God's commandment,[8] who in his law has expressed what be the
things that please him. And evil works, we affirm not only those that
expressedly are done against God's commandment,[9] but those also that, in
matters of religion and worshipping of God, have no other assurance but the
invention and opinion of man: which God from the beginning has ever rejected,
as by the prophet Isaiah,[10] and by our master Christ Jesus, we are taught in
these words: In vain do they worship me, teaching the doctrines and precepts
of men.[11]
1. Ex. 20:3, etc.; Deut. 5:6, etc.; 4:8.
2. Luke 10:27-28; Micah 6:8.
3. Eph. 6:1,7; Ezek. 22:1,etc.; 1Cor.
6:19-20; 1 Thess. 4:3-7; Jer. 22:3, etc.; Isa. 50:1, etc.; 1 Thess. 4:6.
4. Rom. 13:2.
5. Ezek. 22:13, etc.
6. 1 John 3:4.
7. Rom. 14:23; Heb. 11:6.
8. 1 Sam. 15:22; 1 Cor. 10:31.
9. 1 John 3:4.
10. Isa. 29:13.
11. Matt. 15:9.; Mark 7:7.
The law of God we confess and acknowledge
most just, most equal, most holy, and most perfect: commanding those things
which, being wrought in perfection, were able to give life, and able to bring
man to eternal felicity.[1] But our nature is so corrupt, so weak, and so
imperfect, that we are never able to fulfill the works of the law in
perfection.[2] Yea, If we say we have no sin (even after we are
regenerate), we deceive ourselves, and the verity of God is not into
us.[3]
And therefore it behoved us to apprehend Christ Jesus, with his justice and
satisfaction, who is the end and accomplishment of the law, by whom we are set
at this liberty, that the curse and malediction of the law fall not upon us,
albeit we fulfill not the same in all points.[4] For God the Father, beholding
us in the body of his Son Christ Jesus, accepts our imperfect obedience, as it
were perfect,[5] and covers our works, which are defiled with many spots,[6]
with the justice of his Son.
We do not mean that we are set so at
liberty, that we owe no obedience to the law (for that before we have plainly
confessed). But this we affirm, that no man in earth (Christ Jesus only
excepted) has given, gives, or shall give in work, that obedience to the law
which the law requires. But when we have done all things, we must fall down and
unfeignedly confess, that we are unprofitable servants.[7] And therefore
whosoever boast themselves of the merits of their own works, or put their trust
in the works of supererogation, boast themselves of that which is not, and put
their trust in damnable idolatry.
1. Lev. 18:5; Gal. 3:12; 1 Tim. 1:8; Rom.
7:12; Ps. 19:7-9; 19:11.
2. Deut. 5:29; Rom. 10:3.
3. 1 Kings 8:46; 2 Chron. 6:36; Prov. 20:9;
Eccl. 7:22; 1 John 1:8.
4. Rom. 10:4; Gal. 3:13; Deut. 27:26.
5. Phil 2:15.
6. Isa. 64:6.
7. Luke 17:10.
As we believe in one God, Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost; so do we most constantly believe that from the beginning there has
been, now is, and to the end of the world shall be, a kirk: that is to say, a
company and multitude of men chosen of God, who rightly worship and embrace
him, by true faith in Christ Jesus,[1] who is the only Head of the same kirk,
which also is the body and spouse of Christ Jesus; which kirk is Catholic
that is, universal because it contains the elect of all ages, all realms,
nations, and tongues, be they of the Jews, or be they of the Gentiles; who have
communion and society with God the Father, and with his Son Christ Jesus,
through the sanctification of his Holy Spirit;[2] and therefore it is called
the communion, not of profane persons, but of saints, who, as citizens of the
heavenly Jerusalem,[3] have the fruition of the most inestimable benefits: to
wit, of one God, one Lord Jesus, one faith, and of one baptism;[4] out of the
which kirk there is neither life, nor eternal felicity. And therefore we
utterly abhor the blasphemy of them that affirm that men which live according
to equity and justice shall be saved, what religion that ever they have
professed. For as without Christ Jesus there is neither life nor salvation,[5]
so shall there none be participant thereof, but such as the Father has given
unto his Son Christ Jesus, and those [that] in time come unto him,[6] avow his
doctrine, and believe into him (we comprehend the children with the faithful
parents).[7] This kirk is invisible, known only to God, who alone knows whom he
has chosen,[8] and comprehends as well (as said is) the elect that are departed
(commonly called the kirk triumphant), as those that yet live and fight against
sin and Satan as shall live hereafter.[9]
1. Matt. 28:20; Eph. 1:4.
2. Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23-24, etc.; Rev. 7:9.
3. Eph. 2:19.
4. Eph. 4:5.
5. John 3:36.
6. John 5:24; 6:37; 6:39; 6:65; 17:6.
7. Acts 2:39.
8. 2 Tim. 2:19; John 13:18.
9. Eph. 1:10; Col. 1:20; Heb. 12:4.
The elect departed are in peace and rest
from their labours:[1] not that they sleep and come to a certain oblivion (as
some fantastics do affirm), but that they are delivered from all fear, all
torment, and all temptation, to which we and all God's elect are subject in
this life,[2] and therefore do bear the name of the kirk militant: as
contrariwise, the reprobate and unfaithful departed, have anguish, torment, and
pain, that cannot be expressed.[3] So that neither are the one nor the other in
such sleep that they feel not joy or torment, as the parable of Christ Jesus in
the sixteenth [chapter] of Luke,[4] his words to the thief,[5] and these words
of the souls crying under the altar,[6] O Lord, thou that art righteous and
just, how long shalt thou not revenge our blood upon them that dwell upon the
earth!
doth plainly testify.
1. Rev. 14:13.
2. Isa. 25:8; Rev. 7:14-17; 21:4.
3. Rev. 16:10-11; Isa. 66:24; Mark 9:44, 46,
48.
4. Luke 16:23-26.
5. Luke 23:43.
6. Rev. 6:9-10.
Because that Satan from the beginning has
laboured to deck his pestilent synagogue with the title of the kirk of God, and
has inflamed the hearts of cruel murderers to persecute, trouble, and molest
the true kirk and members thereof as Cain did Abel;[1] Ishmael, Isaac;[2]
Esau, Jacob;[3] and the whole priesthood of the Jews, Christ Jesus himself, and
his apostles after him;[4] it is a thing most requisite that the true kirk be
discerned from the filthy synagogue, by clear and perfect notes, lest we, being
deceived, receive and embrace to our own condemnation the one for the other.
The notes, signs, and assured tokens whereby the immaculate spouse of Christ
Jesus is known from that horrible harlot, the kirk malignant; we affirm are
neither antiquity, title usurped, lineal descent, place appointed, nor
multitude of men approving an error for Cain in age and title was preferred
to Abel and Seth;[5] Jerusalem had prerogative above all places of the
earth,[6] where also were the priests lineally descended from Aaron; and
greater multitude followed the scribes, Pharisees, and priests, than
unfeignedly believed and approved Christ Jesus and his doctrine;[7] and yet, as
we suppose, no man (of whole judgment) will grant that any of the forenamed
were the kirk of God.
The notes, therefore, of the true kirk of
God we believe, confess, and avow to be: first, the true preaching of the word
of God, into the which God has revealed himself to us, as the writings of the
prophets and apostles do declare; secondly, the right administration of the
sacraments of Christ Jesus, which must be annexed unto the word and promise of
God, to seal and confirm the same in our hearts;[8] last, ecclesiastical
discipline uprightly ministered, as God's word prescribes, whereby vice is repressed,
and virtue nourished.[9] Wheresoever then these former notes are seen, and of
any time continue (be the number [of persons] never so few, about two or three)
there, without all doubt, is the true kirk of Christ: who, according to his
promise is in the midst of them:[10] not that universal [kirk] (of which we
have before spoken) but particular; such as were in Corinth,[11] Galatia,[12]
Ephesus,[13] and other places in which the ministry was planted by Paul, and
were of himself named the kirks of God.
And such kirks we, the inhabitants of the
realm of Scotland, professors of Christ Jesus, confess ourselves to have in our
cities, towns, and places reformed; for the doctrine taught in our kirks is
contained in the written word of God: to wit, in the books of the New and Old
Testaments: in those books, we mean, which of the ancient have been reputed
canonical, in the which we affirm that all things necessary to be believed for
the salvation of mankind are sufficiently expressed.[14] The interpretation
whereof, we confess, neither appertains to private nor public person, neither
yet to any kirk for any preeminence or prerogative, personal or local, which
one has above another; but appertains to the Spirit of God, by the which also
the scripture was written.[15]
When controversy then happens, for the right
understanding of any place or sentence of scripture, or for the reformation of
any abuse within the kirk of God, we ought not so much to look what men before
us have said or done, as unto that which the Holy Ghost uniformly speaks within
the body of the scriptures, and unto that which Christ Jesus himself did, and
commanded to be done.[16] For this is a thing universally granted, that the
Spirit of God (which is the Spirit of unity) is in nothing contrary unto
himself.[17] If then the interpretation, determination, or sentence of any
doctor, kirk, or council, repugn to the plain word of God written in any other
place of scripture, it is a thing most certain, that there is not the true
understanding and meaning of the Holy Ghost, supposing that councils, realms,
and nations have approved and received the same. For we dare not receive and
admit any interpretation which directly repugns to any principal point of our
faith, or to any other plain text of scripture, or yet unto the rule of
charity.
1. Gen. 4:8.
2. Gen. 21:9.
3. Gen. 27:41.
4. Matt. 23:34; John 15:18-20,24; 11:47,53;
Acts 4:1-3; 5:17, etc.
5. Gen. 4:1.
6. Ps. 48:2-3; Matt. 5:35.
7. John 12:42.
8. Eph. 2:20; Acts 2:42; John 10:27; 18:37;
1 Cor. 1:13; Matt. 18:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; 1 Cor. 11:24-26; Rom. 4:11.
9. Matt. 18:15-18; 1 Cor. 5:4-5.
10. Matt. 18:19-20.
11. 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:2.
12. Gal. 1:2.
13. Eph. 1:1; Acts 16:9-10; 18:1, etc.;
20:17, etc.
14. John 20:31; 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
15. 2 Pet. 1:20-21.
16. John 5:39.
17. Eph. 4:3-4.
As we believe and confess the scriptures of
God sufficient to instruct and make the man of God perfect, so do we affirm and
avow the authority of the same to be of God, and neither to depend on men nor
angels.[1] We affirm, therefore, that such as allege the scripture to have no
authority, but that which is received from the kirk, to be blasphemous against
God, and injurious to the true kirk, which always hears and obeys the voice of
her own Spouse and Pastor, but takes not upon her to be mistress over the
same.[2]
1. 1 Tim. 3:16-17.
2. John 10:27.
As we do not rashly damn that which godly
men, assembled together in general councils, lawfully gathered, have proponed
unto us; so without just examination dare we not receive whatsoever is obtruded
unto men under the name of general councils. For plain it is, as they were men,
so have some of them manifestly erred, and that in matters of great weight and
importance.[1] So far then as the council proves the determination and
commandment that it gives by the plain word of God, so far do we reverence and
embrace the same. But if men, under the name of a council, pretend to forge
unto us new articles of our faith, or to make constitutions repugning to the
word of God, then utterly we must refuse the same as the doctrine of devils,
which draws our souls from the voice of our only God to follow the doctrines
and constitutions of men.[2]
The cause, then, why general councils
convened, was neither to make any perpetual law (which God before had not
made), nor yet to forge new articles of our belief, neither to give the word of
God authority much less to make that to be his word, or yet the true
interpretation of the same, which was not before by his holy will expressed in
his word.[3] But the cause of councils (we mean of such as merit the name of
councils), was partly for confutation of heresies, and for giving public
confession of their faith to the posterity following: which both they did by
the authority of God's written word, and not by any opinion or prerogative that
they could not err, by reason of their general assembly. And this we judge to
have been the chief cause of general councils. The other was for good policy
and order to be constituted and observed in the kirk, in which (as in the house
of God)[4] it becomes all things to be done decently and into order.[5]Not that we think
that any policy, and one order in ceremonies can be appointed for all ages,
times, and places: for as ceremonies (such as men have devised) are but
temporal, so may and ought they to be changed, when they rather foster
superstition than that they edify the kirk using the same.
1. Gal. 2:11-14.
2. 1 Tim. 4:1-3; Col. 2:18-23.
3. Acts 15:1, etc.
4. 1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:2.
5. 1 Cor. 14:40.
As the fathers under the law (besides the
verity of the sacrifices) had two chief sacraments to wit, circumcision and
the Passover, the despisers and contemners whereof were not reputed for God's
people[1] so do we acknowledge and confess that we now, in the time of the
evangel, have two sacraments only, instituted by the Lord Jesus, and commanded
to be used of all those that will be reputed members of his body: to wit,
baptism and the supper, or table of the Lord Jesus, called the communion of his
body and blood.[2] And these sacraments (as well of the Old as of the New
Testament) were instituted of God, not only to make a visible difference
betwixt his people, and those that were without his league; but also to
exercise the faith of his children and, by participation of the same
sacraments, to seal in their hearts the assurance of his promise, and of that
most blessed conjunction, union, and society, which the elect have with their
head, Christ Jesus.
And thus we utterly damn the vanity of those
that affirm sacraments to be nothing else but naked and bare signs. No, we
assuredly believe that by baptism we are engrafted in Christ Jesus, to be made
partakers of his justice, by the which our sins are covered and remitted; and
also, that in the supper, rightly used, Christ Jesus is so joined with us, that
he becomes the very nourishment and food of our souls.[3] Not that we imagine
any transubstantiation of bread into Christ's natural body, and of wine in his
natural blood (as the Papists have perniciously taught and damnably believed);
but this union and conjunction which we have with the body and blood of Christ
Jesus, in the right use of the sacraments, is wrought by operation of the Holy
Ghost, who by true faith carries us above all things that are visible, carnal,
and earthly, and makes us to feed upon the body and blood of Christ Jesus,
which was once broken and shed for us, which now is in heaven, and appears in
the presence of his Father for us.[4] And yet, notwithstanding the far distance
of place which is betwixt his body now glorified in the heaven, and us now
mortal in this earth, yet we most assuredly believe that the bread that we
break is the communion of Christ's body, and the cup which we bless is the
communion of his blood.[5] So that we confess, and undoubtedly believe, that
the faithful, in the right use of the Lord's table, do so eat the body and
drink the blood of the Lord Jesus, that he remains in them and they in him:
yea, that they are so made flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bones,[6] that
as the Eternal Godhead has given to the flesh of Christ Jesus (which of its own
condition and nature was mortal and corruptible)[7] life and immortality, so
does Christ Jesus' flesh and blood eaten and drunken by us, give to us the same
prerogatives. Which, albeit we confess are neither given unto us at that only
time, neither yet by the proper power and virtue of the sacrament only; yet we
affirm that the faithful, in the right use of the Lord's table, have such
conjunction with Christ Jesus,[8] as the natural man cannot apprehend.
Yea, and further we affirm, that albeit the
faithful, oppressed by negligence, and manly infirmity, do not profit so much
as they would in the very instant action of the supper, yet shall it after
bring fruit forth, as lively seed sown in good ground. For the Holy Spirit
(which can never be divided from the right institution of the Lord Jesus) will
not frustrate the faithful of the fruit of that mystical action; but all this,
we say, comes by true faith, which apprehends Christ Jesus, who only makes this
sacrament effectual unto us. And, therefore, whosoever slanders us, as that we
affirm or believe sacraments to be only naked and bare signs, do injury unto
us, and speak against the manifest truth.
But this liberally and frankly we must
confess, that we make a distinction betwixt Christ Jesus, in his natural
substance, and betwixt the elements in the sacramental signs; so that we will
neither worship the signs in place of that which is signified by them; neither
yet do we despise and interpret them as unprofitable and vain; but do use them
with all reverence, examining ourselves diligently before that so we do,
because we are assured by the mouth of the apostle, That such as eat of that
bread, and drink of that cup, unworthily, are guilty of the body and of the
blood of the Lord Jesus.[9]
1. Gen. 17:10-11; Ex. 23:3,etc.; Gen. 17:14;
Num. 9:13.
2. Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15-16; Matt.
26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26.
3. 1 Cor. 10:16; Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:27.
4. Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:11; 3:21.
5. 1 Cor. 10:16.
6. Eph. 5:30.
7. Matt. 27:50; Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John
19:30.
8. John 6:51; 6:53-58.
9. 1 Cor. 11:27-29.
That sacraments be rightly ministered, we
judge two things requisite: the one, that they be ministered by lawful
ministers, whom we affirm to be only they that are appointed to the preaching
of the word, or into whose mouths God has put some sermon of exhortation, they
being men lawfully chosen thereto by some kirk. The other, that they be
ministered in such elements, and in such sort, as God has appointed; else, we
affirm that they cease to be right sacraments of Christ Jesus.
And therefore it is that we flee the society
of the Papistical kirk, in participation of their sacraments: first, because
their ministers are no ministers of Christ Jesus; yea (which is more horrible)
they suffer women, whom the Holy Ghost will not suffer to teach in the
congregation, to baptize. And, secondly, because they have so adulterated both
the one sacrament and the other with their own inventions, that no part of
Christ's action abides in the original purity: for oil, salt, spittle, and
suchlike in baptism, are but men's inventions. Adoration, veneration, bearing
through streets and towns, and keeping of bread in boxes or buists [chests], are profanation of
Christ's sacraments, and no use of the same. For Christ Jesus said,
Take, eat, etc. Do ye this in remembrance of me.[1] By which words
and charge he sanctified bread and wine, to be the sacrament of his body and
blood, to the end that the one should be eaten, and that all should drink of
the other; and not that they should be kept to be worshipped, and honoured as
God, as the blind Papists have done heretofore, who also committed sacrilege,
stealing from the people the one part of the sacrament: to wit, the blessed
cup.
Moreover, that the sacraments be rightly
used, it is required that the end and cause why the sacraments were instituted
be understood and observed, as well of the minister, as the receivers. For if
the opinion be changed in the receiver, the right use ceases: which is most
evident by the rejection of the sacrifices; as also if the teacher plainly
teaches false doctrine, which were odious and abominable before God (albeit
they were his own ordinances), because that wicked men use them to another end
than God has ordained. The same affirm we of the sacraments in the Papistical
kirk, in which we affirm the whole action of the Lord Jesus to be adulterated,
as well in the external form, as in the end and opinion. What Christ Jesus did,
and commanded to be done, is evident by the evangelists, and by Saint Paul.
What the priest does at his altar we need not rehearse. The end and cause of
Christ's institution, and why the selfsame should be used, is expressed in
these words: Do this in remembrance of me. As oft as ye shall eat of this
bread and drink of this cup, ye shall show forth, that is, extol,
preach, magnify, and praise, the Lord's death till he come.[2] But to what end,
and in what opinion, the priests say their Mass, let the words of the same,
their own doctors and writings witness: to wit, that they, as mediators betwixt
Christ and his kirk, do offer unto God the Father a sacrifice propitiatory for
the sins of the quick and the dead. Which doctrine, as blasphemous to Christ
Jesus, and making derogation to the sufficiency of his only sacrifice, once
offered for purgation of all those that shall be sanctified,[3] we utterly
abhor, detest, and renounce.
1. Matt. 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; 1
Cor. 11:24.
2. 1 Cor. 11:24-26.
3. Heb. 9:27-28; 10:14.
We confess and acknowledge that baptism
appertains as well to the infants of the faithful, as unto those that be of age
and discretion. And so we damn the error of the Anabaptists, who deny baptism
to appertain to children before that they have faith and understanding.[1] But
the supper of the Lord we confess to appertain to such only as be of the
household of faith, and can try and examine themselves, as well in their faith,
as in their duty towards their neighbors. Such as eat and drink at that holy
table without faith, or being at dissension and division with their brethren,
do eat unworthily:[2] and therefore it is, that in our kirks our ministers take
public and particular examination of the knowledge and conversation of such as
are to be admitted to the table of the Lord Jesus.
1. Col. 2:11-12; Rom. 4:11; Gen. 17:10; Matt.
28:19.
2. 1 Cor. 11:28-29.
We confess and acknowledge empires,
kingdoms, dominions, and cities to be distinguished and ordained by God: the
powers and authorities in the same (be it of emperors in their empires, of
kings in their realms, dukes and princes in their dominions, or of other
magistrates in free cities) to be God's holy ordinance, ordained for
manifestation of his own glory, and for the singular profit and commodity of
mankind.[1] So that whosoever goes about to take away or to confound the whole
state of civil policies, now long established; we affirm the same men not only
to be enemies to mankind, but also wickedly to fight against God's expressed
will.[2]
We further confess and acknowledge, that
such persons as are placed in authority are to be loved, honoured, feared, and
held in most reverent estimation[3] because they are the lieutenants of God, in
whose sessions God himself does sit and judge[4] (yea even the judges and
princes themselves), to whom by God is given the sword, to the praise and
defense of good men, and to revenge and punish all open malefactors.[5]
Moreover, to kings, princes, rulers, and magistrates, we affirm that chiefly
and most principally the conservation and purgation of the religion appertains;
so that not only they are appointed for civil policy, but also for maintenance
of the true religion, and for suppressing of idolatry and superstition
whatsoever: as in David,[6] Jehoshaphat,[7] Hezekiah,[8] Josiah,[9] and others,
highly commended for their zeal in that case, may be espied.
And therefore we confess and avow, that such
as resist the supreme power (doing that thing which appertains to his charge),
do resist God's ordinance, and therefore cannot be guiltless. And further, we
affirm that whosoever denies unto them their aid, counsel and comfort, while
the princes and rulers vigilantly travail in the execution of their office,
that the same men deny their help, support and counsel to God, who, by the
presence of his lieutenant, craves it of them.
1. Rom. 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-14.
2. Rom. 13:2.
3. Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17.
4. Ps. 82:1.
5. 1 Pet. 2:14.
6. 1 Chron. 22-26.
7. 2 Chron. 17:6, etc.; 19:8, etc.;
8. 2 Chron. 29-31.
9. 2 Chron. 34-35.
Albeit that the word of God truly preached,
and the sacraments rightly ministered, and discipline executed according to the
word of God, be the certain and infallible signs of the true kirk; yet do we
not so mean that every particular person joined with such a company be an elect
member of Christ Jesus.[1] For we acknowledge and confess, that darnel, cockle,
and chaff may be sown, grow, and in great abundance lie in the midst of the
wheat: that is, the reprobate may be joined in the society of the elect, and
may externally use with them the benefits of the word and sacraments; but such
being but temporal professors in mouth, but not in heart, do fall back and
continue not to the end;[2] and therefore have they no fruit of Christ's death,
resurrection, nor ascension.
But such as with heart unfeignedly believe,
and with mouth boldly confess the Lord Jesus (as before we have said) shall
most assuredly receive these gifts:[3] first, in this life, remission of sins,
and that by only faith in Christ's blood, insomuch that, albeit sin remains and
continually abides in these our mortal bodies, yet is it not imputed unto us,
but is remitted and covered with Christ's justice.[4] Secondly, in the general
judgment there shall be given to every man and woman resurrection of the
flesh;[5] for the sea shall give her dead, the earth those that therein be
enclosed; yea, the Eternal, our God, shall stretch out his hand upon the dust,
and the dead shall arise incorruptible,[6] and that in the substance of the
selfsame flesh that every man now bears,[7] to receive according to their
works, glory or punishment.[8] For such as now delight in vanity, cruelty,
filthiness, superstition, or idolatry, shall be adjudged to the fire
unquenchable, in which they shall be tormented for ever, as well in their own
bodies, as in their souls, which now they give to serve the devil in all
abomination. But such as continue in well doing to the end, boldly professing
the Lord Jesus, we constantly believe that they shall receive glory, honour,
and immortality, to reign for ever in life everlasting with Christ Jesus,[9] to
whose glorified body all his elect shall be made like,[10] when he shall appear
again to judgment, and shall render up the kingdom to God his Father, who then
shall be, and ever shall remain all in all things, God blessed for ever:[11] to
whom, with the Son, and with the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and
ever. Amen.
Arise, O Lord, and let thy enemies be
confounded: Let them flee from thy presence that hate thy godly name: Give thy
servants strength to speak thy word in boldness; and let all nations cleave to
thy true knowledge.[12]
So be it.
1. Matt. 13:24, etc.
2. Matt. 13:20-21.
3. Rom. 10:9,13.
4. Rom. 7.
2 Cor. 5:21.
5. John 5:28-29.
6. Rev. 20:13.
7. Job 19:25-27.
8. Matt. 25:31-46.
9. Rev. 14:10; Rom. 2:6-10.
10. Phil. 3:21.
11. 1 Cor. 15:24,28.
12. Num. 10:35; Ps. 68:1; Acts 4:29.
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