The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

But now, since all former walls of separation and division, both ancient and modern, Civill and Ecclesiastical, are in a great measure taken away by Gods blessing: and since in so many respects the Scots and English are so near one unto another, as we have said: But above all, since they both are members of the true Church and pure Spouse of Christ Jesus, to the upholding of whose Truth, and purging of it from uncleanness they have newly bound themselves together as one People, yea, as one man, Let them then, in Gods Name, laying aside all excuses, envies, jealousies, and by-ends, as feeling members of one and the same Body, concur unanimously, with their mutual and best endeavours, to settle the true Worship of God in all true purity, and quiet all things speedily with wisdom, to the good of the people, with due obedience to our lawful Sovereign under God, as we are taught by the Law of God, the Law of Nature, the Law of Nations, and the Municipal Laws of our several Countries. But to return to the Church.

But now, since all former walls of separation and division, both ancient and moderne, Civill and Ecclesiasticall, are in a great measure taken away by Gods blessing: and since in so many respects the Scots and English are so neer one unto another, as we have said: But above all, since they both are members of the true Church and pure Spouse of Christ Jesus, to the upholding of whose Truth, and purging of it from uncleannesse they have newly bound themselves together as one People, yea, as one man, Let them then, in Gods Name, laying aside all excuses, envies, jealousies, and by-ends, as feeling members of one and the same Body, concur unanimously, with their mutuall and best endeavours, to settle the true Worship of God in all true purity, and quiet all things speedily with wisedom, to the good of the people, with due obedience to our lawfull Sovereign under God, as we are taught by the Law of God, the Law of Nature, the Law of Nations, and the Municipall Laws of our severall Countreys. But to return to the Church.

The Scots, although they received amongst them the light of the Gospel with the very first of the Gentiles, as we have said, yet had they not the Evangel so universally professed through the whole Country, till towards the first years of the third Age; that is, till Donald the first; who not only professed the Faith of Christ himself, with his Family, but did his best to cast out Idolatry wholly from his Dominions, and to settle the Ministry of the Gospel in every corner thereof: But this religious King could not bring