The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Lest that Satan by our silence shall take occasion to blaspheme, and to slander us the Protestants of the Realm of Scotland, as that our fact tended rather to Sedition and Rebellion, then to Reformation of Manners, and abuses in Religion, We have thought expedient so truly and briefly as we can, to commit to writing the causes moving us (as we say, and great part of the Nobility and Barons of the Realm) to take the sword of just Defence, against those that most unjustly seek our destruction. And in this our confession we shall faithfully declare, What moved us to put our hands to the Reformation of Religion; How we have proceeded in the same; What we have asked, and what presently we require of the sacred Authority. To the end that our Cause being known, as well our enemies as our brethren in all Realms, may understand how falsely we are accused of tumult and Rebellion, and how unjustly we are persecuted by France, and by their Faction. And also that our brethren natural Scottish-men, of whatsoever Religion they be, may have occasion to examine themselves, If they can with safe conscience oppose themselves to us, who seek nothing but Christ Jesus his glorious Gospel to be preached, his holy Sacraments to be truly ministered, Superstition, Tyranny, and Idolatry to be suppressed in this Realm, And finally, This our native Country to remain free from the Bondage and Tyranny of Strangers.

LEst that Sathan by our silence shall take occasion to blaspheme, and to slander us the Protestants of the Realme of Scotland, as that our fact tended rather to Sedition and Rebellion, then to Reformation of Manners, and abuses in Religion, We have thought expedient so truely and briefly as we can, to commit to writing the causes moving us (as we say, and great part of the Nobility and Barons of the Realme) to take the sword of just Defence, against those that most unjustly seek our destruction. And in this our confession we shall faithfully declare, What moved us to put our hands to the Reformation of Religion; How we have proceeded in the same; What we have asked, and what presently we require of the sacred Authority. To the end that our Cause being knowne, as well our enemies as our brethren in all Realmes, may understand how falsly we are accused of tumult and Rebellion, and how unjustly we are persecuted by France, and by their Faction. And also that our brethren naturall Scotish-men, of whatsoever Religion they be, may have occasion to examine themselves, If they can with safe conscience oppose themselves to us, who seek nothing but Christ Iesus his glorious Gospel to be preached, his holy Sacraments to be truely ministred, Superstition, Tyranny, and Idolatry to be suppressed in this Realme, And finally, This our native Countrey to remaine free from the Bondage and Tyranny of Strangers.