The History of the Reformation of the Church of 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,³ and dregs of Papistry: But we (all praise to God alone) have nothing within our Churches that ever flowed from that man of Sin. And this we acknowledge to be the strength given to us of God, because we esteemed not our selves wise in our own eyes; but understanding our own wisdom to be but mere foolishness before our God, laid it aside, and followed only that which we found approved by himself.

IN the former Bookes (Gentle Reader) thou mayest clearly see how potently God hath performed in these our last and wicked dayes, 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,