The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

¹WE perceiving how Satan in his members, the Antichrists of our time, cruelly do rage, seeking to overthrow and destroy the Gospel of Christ, and his Congregation, ought, according to our bounden duty, to strive in our Masters Cause,^{2 3}even unto the death, being certain of the Victory in him: The which our duty being well considered▪ We do promise before the Majesty of God, and his Congregation, That we (by his grace) shall with all diligence continually apply our whole power, substance, and our very lives, to maintain, set forward, and establish the most blessed Word of God, and his Congregation: And shall labour according to our power, to have faithful Ministers, truly and purely to minister Christs Gospel and Sacraments to his people. We shall maintain them, nourish them, and defend them; the whole Congregation of Christ, and every Member thereof according to our whole powers, and waging of our lives, against Satan and all wicked power that doth intend Tyranny or trouble against the foresaid Congregation. Unto the which holy Word, and Congregation, we do join us; and so do forsake and renounce the Congregation of Satan, with all the superstitious abomination and idolatry thereof. And moreover, shall declare our selves manifestly enemies thereto, By this our faithful Promise before God,⁴ testified to this Congregation, by our Subscription at these Presents.⁵ At Edinburgh the third of December, anno 1557. God called to witness. Sic subscribitur. A. Earle of Argyle. Glencarne. Morton. Archibald, Lord of Lorn. John Erskine of Dun, Et caetera.

¹WE perceiving how Sathan in his members, the Antichrists of our time, cruelly do rage, seeking to overthrow and destroy the Gospel of Christ, and his Congregation, ought, according to our bounden duty, to strive in our Masters Cause,²