The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland: With Which Are Included Knox's Confession and The Book of DisciplineKnox, John
History
The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland: With Which Are Included Knox's Confession and The Book of Discipline
Knox, John
Reformation -- Scotland; Scotland -- Church history
"Thirdly, We seek that the holy Sacrament of Baptism may be used in
the vulgar tongue; so that the godfathers and witnesses may not only
understand the points of the league and contract made betwixt God
and the infant, but also that the Church then assembled may be more
gravely informed and instructed of the duties which at all times
they owe to God, according to the promise made unto Him, when they
were received into His household by the lavachre[129] of spiritual
regeneration.
[129] Washing.
"Fourthly, We desire that the holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper,
or of His most blessed body and blood, may likewise be ministered
unto us in the vulgar tongue; and in both kinds, according to the
plain institution of our Saviour Christ Jesus.
"Lastly, We most humbly require that the wicked, slanderous, and
detestable life of prelates, and of the estate ecclesiastical may
be so reformed, that the people may not have occasion (as for many
days they have had) to contemn their ministers, and the preaching
whereof they should be messengers. If they suspect that we, envying
their honours or coveting their riches and possessions rather
than zealously desiring their amendment and salvation, do travail
and labour for this Reformation; we are content not only that the
rules and precepts of the New Testament, but also the writings of
the ancient fathers, and the godly approved laws of Justinian
the Emperor, decide the controversy between us and them. And if
it shall be found that either malevolently or ignorantly we ask
more than these three forenamed have required and continually do
require of able and true ministers in Christ's Church, we refuse
not correction, as your Grace, with right judgment, shall think
meet. But if all the forenamed shall damn that which we damn and
approve that which we require, then we most earnestly beseech your
Grace that, notwithstanding the long consuetude which they have
had to live as they list, they be compelled either to desist from
ecclesiastical administration, or to discharge their duties as
becometh true ministers; so that, the grave and godly face of the
primitive Church reduced,[130] ignorance may be expelled and true
doctrine and good manners may once again appear in the Church of
this realm.
[130] Brought back.
"These things we, as most obedient subjects, require of your Grace,
in the name of the Eternal God and of His Son Christ Jesus, in
presence of whose throne judicial, ye and all other that here on
earth bear authority shall give account of your temporal regiment.
The Spirit of the Lord Jesus move your Grace's heart to justice and
equity. Amen."
[Sidenote: The Papists brag of Disputation: the Articles of
Reconciliation.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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