The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

THE FOURTH BOOK OF The Progress and Continuance of true Religion within SCOTLAND.

THE FOVRTH BOOK OF The Progresse and Continuance of true Religion within SCOTLAND.

IN the former Books (Gentle Reader) thou mayest clearly see how potently God hath performed in these our last and wicked days, as well as in the ages that have passed before us, the promises that are made to the servants of God, by the Prophet Isaiah, in these words,¹ They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. This promise, we say, such as Satan hath not utterly blinded, may see performed in us,² the Professors of Christ Jesus, within this Realm of Scotland, with no less evidence, then it was in any age, that ever passed before us. For what was our force? What was our number? Yea, what wisdom or worldly policy was in us, to have brought to any good end so great an enterprise? our very enemies can bear witness. And yet in how great purity God did establish amongst us his true Religion, as well in Doctrine as in Ceremonies? To what confusion and fear were Idolaters, adulterers, and all public transgressors of Gods Commandments within short time brought, the public Orders of the Church, yet, by the mercy of God preserved, and the punishment executed against malefactors, can testify unto the world. For as touching the administration of the Sacraments used in our Churches, we are bold to affirm, That there is no Realm this day upon the face of the earth, that hath them in greater purity; yea, we can speak the Trueth, whomsoever we offend, there is none (no Realm I mean) that hath them in the like purity, ⟨p. 304⟩for all others, how sincere that ever the Doctrine be that by some is taught, retain in their Churches, and in the Ministers thereof, some footsteps of Antichrist,