Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish ...
thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
—Matt. 17.27.

[Laws and Acts: Excerpts provided by TrueCovenanter.com.]

LAWS AND ACTS:
That is,
Excerpts from the
Laws, Acts, Constitutions, &
Public Declarations
of Sundry Nations

ONCE FAVOURED WITH THE LIGHT OF THE
GOSPEL OF
JESUS CHRIST,

King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven,
and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes
and commandments... But they and our fathers dealt proudly,
and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to
thy commandments
.—Nehemiah 9.13,16.

Nation:Scotland
Reign:James VI
Parliament:The First Parliament of King James the Sixth (1567-12-15 — 1567-12-29)
Session:Only Session of the First Parliament of James VI

3. Anent the annulling of the Acts of Parliament, made against God’s word, and maintenance of Idolatry in any times bypast.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his dearest Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, ratifies & approves the Act underwritten, made in the Parliament {337} holden at Edinburgh the 24th day of August, the year of God, one thousand five hundred and sixty years, And of new in this present Parliament statutes and ordains the said Act, to be as a perpetual Law to all our Sovereign Lord’s lieges in all times coming. Of the which the tenour follows: THE which day, Forsomuch as there has been divers and sundry Acts of Parliament, made in King JAMES the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth times, Kings of SCOTLAND for the time, and as in our Sovereign Lady’s time, not agreeing with God’s holy word, and by them divers persons took occasion to maintain Idolatry and superstition within the Kirk of GOD, and repressing of such persons, as were professors of the said word, where-through divers innocents did suffer. And for eschewing of such inconveniences in time coming, the three Estates of Parliament, has annulled, and declared all such Acts made in times bypast, not agreeing with God’s word, and now contrary to the Confession of Faith, according to the said word, published in this Parliament, to be of none avail, force, nor effect. And decerns the said Acts, and every one of them, to have no effect nor strength in time to come, but the same to be abolished and extinguished for ever, insofar as any of the foresaids Acts are repugnant, and contrary to the Confession of Faith, and word of GOD foresaid, ratified and approved by the Estates in this present Parliament. And therefore decerns and ordains, the contraveners of the same Act, in any time hereafter, to be punished, according to the Laws. Of the which Confession of the Faith, the tenour follows.


The CONFESSION of the FAITH and DOCTRINE, believed and Professed by the Protestants of SCOTLAND, exhibited to the Estates of the same in Parliament, and by their publick votes authorized, as a doctrine grounded upon the infallible word of God.[1]

1. Of God.

Deut. 6.4.
1 Cor, 8.6.
Isa. 44.5,6.
1 Tim. 1.17.
1 Kings 8.17.
2 Chr. 8.18.
Psalm 139.7,8.
Gen. 17.1.
1 Tim. 6.15,16.
Exod. 3.14,15.
Matt. 28.19.
1 John 5.7.
Gen. 1.1.
Heb. 11.3.
Acts 17.28.
Prov. 16.4.

WE confess and acknowledge one only GOD, to whom only we must cleave, whom only we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom only we must put our trust, Who is Eternal, {338} Infinite, Unmeasurable, Incomprehensible, Omnipotent, Invisible, one in substance, and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, By whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, as well Visible as Invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by his inscrutable Providence, to such end, as his Eternal Wisdom, Goodness, and Justice has appointed them, to the manifestation of his own glory.

2. Of the Creation of man.

Gen. 1.26,27,28, &c.
Colos. 3.10.
Eph. 4.24.
Gen. 3.6.
Gen. 2.17.

WE confess and acknowledge, this our GOD to have created man, to wit, our first father Adam, [according] to his own Image and similitude, to whom he gave wisdom, Lordship, Justice, Free-will, and clear knowledge of himself, so that in the whole nature of man, there could be noted no imperfection. From which honour and perfection, man and woman did both fall: the woman being deceived by the Serpent, and man obeying the voice of the woman, both conspiring against the Sovereign Majesty of GOD, who in expressed words had before threatened death, if they presumed to eat of the forbidden tree.

3. Of Original sin.

Psalm 51.7.
Rom. 5.10.
Rom. 7.5.
2 Tim. 2.26.
Eph. 2.1,2,3.
Rom. 5.14,21.
Rom. 6.23.
John 3.5.
Rom. 5.1.
Phil. 1.29.

BY Which transgression, commonly called Original sin, was the Image of God utterly defaced in man, and he and his posterity of nature become Enemies to GOD, slaves to Satan, and servants unto sin. Insomuch that death everlasting has had, and shall have power and dominion, over all that have not been, are not, or shall not be regenerated from above, which regeneration is wrought by the power of the holy Ghost, working in the hearts of the elect of God, an assured faith in the promise of God, revealed to us in his word, by which Faith we apprehend Christ Jesus, with the graces and benefits promised in him. {339}

4. Of the Revelation of the promise.

Gen. 3.9.
Gen. 3.15.
Gen. 12.3.
Gen. 15.5,6
2 Sam. 7.14.
Isa. 7.14.
Isa. 9.6.
Hag. 2.6.
John 8.56.

FOR This we constantly believe, that God, after the fearful and horrible defection of man from his obedience, did seek Adam again, call upon him, rebuke his sin, convict him of the same, and in the end made unto him a most joyful promise, to wit, that the seed of the woman should break down the Serpent’s head, that is, he should destroy the works of the devil. Which promise, as it was repeated, and made more clear from time to time: so was it embraced with joy, and most constantly received of all the faithful, from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to David, and so forth to the incarnation of Christ Jesus, all (we mean the faithful Fathers under the Law) did see the joyful day of Christ Jesus, and did rejoice.

5. The continuance, increase, and preservation of the Kirk.

Ezek. 6.6,8,9, &c.
Gen. 12.1.
Gen. 13.1.
Exod. 1.1.
Exod. 1.20.
Josh. 1.3. & 23.4.
1 Sam. 10.1.
1 Sam. 16.13.
2 Sam. 7.12.
2 Kings 17.13.
2 Kings 17.15,16, &c.
2 Kings 24.3,4, &c.
Deut. 28.36,48.
2 Kings 25.1, &c.
Dan. 9.2.
Ezra 1. &c.
Hag. 1.14.
Zech. 3.1.

WE Most constantly believe, that God preserved, instructed, multiplied, honoured, decored [adorned], and from death called to life, his Kirk in all ages from Adam, till the coming of Christ Jesus in the flesh. For Abraham he called from his Father’s country, him he instructed, his seed he multiplied, the same he marvelously preserved, and more marvelously delivered, from the bondage and tyranny of Pharaoh, to them he gave his Laws, constitutions & ceremonies, them he possessed in the Land of Canaan, to them after Judges and after Saul, he gave David to be King, to whom he made promise, that of the fruit of his loins should one sit for ever upon his Regal seat. To this same people from time to time he sent Prophets, to reduce them to the right way of their God: from the which oftentimes they declined, by Idolatry. And albeit that for their stubborn contempt of Justice, he was compelled to give them into the hands of their enemies, as before was threatened by the mouth of Moses, insomuch that the holy City was destroyed, the Temple burnt with fire, and the whole Land left desolate the {340} space of 70 years: Yet of mercy did he reduce them again to Jerusalem, where the City and Temple were re-edified [rebuilt], and they against all temptations and assaults of Satan did abide, till the Messiah came, according to the promise.

6. Of the incarnation of Christ Jesus.

Gal. 4.4.
Luke 1.31.
Matt. 1.18.
Matt. 2.1.
Rom. 1.3.
Matt. 1.23.
John 1.45.
1 Tim. 2.5.

WHEN The fullness of time came, God sent his Son, his eternal Wisdom, the substance of his own glory into this world, who took the nature of man-head of the substance of woman, to wit, of a Virgin, and that by operation of the holy Ghost: And so was born the just seed of David, the Angel of the great Counsel of God, the very Messiah promised, whom we confess and acknowledge Emmanuel, very God and very man, two perfect natures united, and joined in one person. By which our Confession we condemn the damnable and pestilent heresies of Arrius, Marcion, Eutyches, Nestorius, and such others, as either did deny the eternity of his God-head, or the verity of his human nature, or confounded them, or yet divided them.

7. Why it behooved the Mediator to be very God and very Man.

Ephes. 1.3,4,5,6.

WE acknowledge and confess, that this most wondrous conjunction betwixt the God-head and the man-head in Christ Jesus, did proceed from the eternal and immutable decree of God, from which all our Salvation springs and depends.

8. Election.

Ephes. 1.11
Matt. 25.34.
Ephes. 1.21,22.
Heb. 2.7.8.
Psalm 22.11.
Heb. 13.20.
1 Pet. 2.24. & 5.4.
Psalm 130.3.
Psalm 143.3.
1 Tim. 2.5.
John 1.12.
John 20.17.
Rom. 5.17,18,19.
Rom. 8.15.
Gal. 4.5,6.
Acts 17.26.
Heb. 2.11,12.
1 Pet. 3.18,
Isa. 53.8.
Acts 2.24.
1 John 1.2.
Acts 20.28.
1 Tim. 3.16.
John 3.16.

FOR that same Eternal God and Father, who of mere grace elected us in Christ Jesus his Son, before the foundation of the world was laid, appointed him to be our head, our Brother, our Pastor, and great Bishop of our souls. But because that the enmity betwixt the Justice of God and our sins was such, that no flesh by itself could, or might have attained unto God: It behooved that the Son of God should descend unto us, and take himself a body of our body, flesh of our flesh, and bone of our bones, and so {341} become the Mediator betwixt God and man, giving power to so many as believe in him to be the Sons of God, as himself does witness: I pass up to my Father, and unto your Father, to my God, and unto your God. By which most holy fraternity, whatsoever we have tynt [lost] in Adam, is restored unto us again. And for this cause, are we not afraid to call God our Father, not so much because he has created us (which we have common with the Reprobate) as for that, that he has given to us his only Son, to be our Brother, and given unto us grace, to acknowledge and embrace him for our only Mediatour, as before is said. It behooved farther the Messiah and Redeemer to be very God, and very man, because he was to underlie the punishment due for our transgressions, and to present himself in the presence of his Father’s Judgment, as in our person, to suffer for our transgression and disobedience, by death to overcome him that was author of death. But because the only God-head could not suffer death, neither yet could the only man-head overcome the same, he joined both together in one person, that the imbecility of the one, should suffer and be subject to death, (which we had deserved) And the infinite and invincible power of the other, to wit, of the God-head, should triumph and purchase to us life, liberty & perpetual victory: And so we confess, & most undoubtedly believe.

9. Christ’s Death, Passion, and Burial.

Heb. 10.1, &c. 12.
Isa. 53.5.
Heb. 12.3.
John 1.29.
Matt. 26.11.
Deut. 21.23.
Mark 15.1,2.
Gal. 3.13.
Luke 23.1,2.
Matt 26.38.
2 Cor. 5.
Heb. 9.12.
Heb. 10.5.

[We acknowledge & confess] THAT Our Lord Jesus offered himself a voluntary Sacrifice unto his Father for us, that he suffered contradiction of sinners, that he was wounded and plagued for our transgressions, that he being the clean innocent Lamb of GOD, was damned in the presence of an earthly Judge, That we should be absolved before the tribunal seat of our God. That he suffered not only the cruel death of the Cross (which was accursed by the sentence of God) but also that he suffered for a season the wrath of his Father, which sinners had deserved. But yet we avow that he remained the only well-beloved & blessed Son of his Father, even in the midst {342} of his anguish and torment, which he suffered in body and soul, to make the full satisfaction for the sins of the people. After the which we confess and avow, that there remains no other Sacrifice for sin, which if any affirm, we nothing doubt to avow, that they are blasphemous against Christ’s death, and the everlasting purgation and satisfaction, purchased to us by the same.

10. Resurrection.

Acts 2.23.
Acts 3.26.
Rom. 6.5,9.
Acts 2.24.
Rom. 4.25.
Heb. 2.14,15.
Matt. 28.4.
Matt. 27.52,53.
Matt. 28.5.
John 20.27. & 21.7.
Luke 24.41,42,43.
John 21.12,13.

WE undoubtedly believe, that insomuch as it was impossible, that the dolours of death should retain in bondage the Author of life, that our LORD JESUS crucified, dead, and buried, who descended into Hell, did rise again for our Justification, and destroying of him who was the Author of death, brought life again to us, that were subject to death, and to the bondage of the same. We know that his Resurrection, was confirmed by the testimony of his very Enemies, by the Resurrection of the dead, whose Sepulchers did open, and they did rise, and appeared to many, within the City of Jerusalem. It was also confirmed by the testimony of his Angels, and by the senses and Judgments of his Apostles, and of others, who had conversation, and did eat and drink with him, after his Resurrection.

11. Ascension.

Luke 24.51
Acts 1.9.
Matt. 28.6.
Mark 16.9.
Luke 24.6.
John 20.9.
Matt. 28.18.
1 John 2.1.
1 Tim. 2.5.
Psalm 110.1.
Matt. 22.44.
Mark 12.36.
Luke 20.42,43.
Acts 1.1.
Acts 3.19.
2 Thes. 1.4,5,6,7,8.
Matt. 25.34.
Rev. 21.27.
Isa. 66.24.
Matt. 25.41.
Mark 9.44,46,48.
Matt. 22.13.
2 Pet. 3.11.
2 Cor. 5.11.
Luke 21.28.
John 15.1, &c.
Isa. 7.14.
Eph. 1.22.
Col. 1.18.
Heb. 9.11,15.
Heb. 10.21.
1 John 2.1.
1 Tim. 2.5.

WE nothing doubt, but the self-same body, which was born of the Virgin, was crucified, dead, and buried, and which did rise again did ascend into the heavens, for the accomplishment of all things: where in our names, and for our comfort, he has received all power in heaven and earth, where he sits at the right hand of the Father inaugurate in his Kingdom, Advocate and only Mediator for us. Which Glory, honour, and prerogative, he alone amongst the Brethren shall possess, till that all his Enemies be made his footstool, as that we undoubtedly believe, they shall be in the final Judgment: To the Execution whereof we certainly believe, that the same our Lord JESUS {343} shall visibly return, as that he was seen to ascend. And then we firmly believe, that the time of refreshing and restitution of all things shall come, insomuch that these, that from the beginning have suffered violence, injury, and wrong, for righteousness sake, shall inherit that blessed immortality promised from the beginning. But contrariwise the stubborn, disobedient, cruel oppressors: filthy persons, Idolaters, and all such sorts of unfaithful [unbelievers], shall be cast into the dungeon of utter darkness, where the worm shall not die, neither yet their fire shall be extinguished. The remembrance of which day, and of the Judgment to be executed in the same, is not only to us a bridle, whereby our carnal lusts are refrained, but also such inestimable comfort, that neither may the threatening of worldly Princes, nether yet the fear of temporal death and present danger, move us to renounce and forsake that blessed society, which we the members have with our head and only Mediator CHRIST JESUS, whom we confess and avow to be the Messiah promised, the only head of his Kirk, our just Lawgiver, our only high Priest, Advocate, and Mediator. In which honours and offices, if man or Angel presume to intrude himself, we utterly detest and abhor them, as blasphemous to our Sovereign and supreme Governour CHRIST JESUS.

12. Faith in the Holy Ghost.

Matt. 16.17.
John 14.26.
John 15.26.
John 14.11.
Acts 5.4.
John 16.13.
Col. 2.13.
Eph. 2.1.
John 9.39.
Revel. 3.17
Matt. 17.17.
Mark 9.19.
Luke 9.41.
John 6.63.
Micah 7.8.
1 Kings 8.38.
Psalm 100.3.
Rom. 5.10.
John 3.5.
Titus 3.5.
Rom. 5.8.
Phil. 3.9.
Phil. 1.6.
2 Cor. 3.5.
Eph. 1.6.

THIS Our Faith and the assurance of the same, proceeds not from flesh and blood, that is to say, from no natural powers within us, but is the inspiration of the Holy Ghost: whom we confess GOD equal with the Father, and with his Son, who sanctifies us, and brings us into all verity [truth] by his own operation, without whom we should [would] remain forever enemies to GOD, and ignorant of his Son Christ Jesus. For of nature we are so dead, so blind, and so perverse, that neither can we feel when we are pricked, see the light when it shines, nor assent to the will of God when it is revealed, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus quicken that which is dead, remove the darkness from our minds, {344} and bow our stubborn hearts to the obedience of his blessed will. And so as we confess, that God the Father created us, when we were not: as his Son our LORD JESUS redeemed us, when we were enemies to him: so also do we confess that the holy Ghost doth sanctify and regenerate us, without all respect of any merit proceeding from us: be it before, or be it after our Regeneration. To speak this one thing yet in more plain words: As we willingly spoil ourselves of all honour, and glory of our own creation, and redemption: so do we also of our Regeneration & Sanctification: for of ourselves we are not sufficient to think one good thought, but he who has begun the work in us, is only he that continues us in the same, to the praise and glory of his undeserved grace.

14. The cause of good works.

Eph. 2.10.
Phil. 2.13.
John 15.5.
Rom. 8.9.
Rom. 7.15,16,17, &c.
Gal. 5.17.
Rom. 8.16.
Rom. 7.24.
Rom. 8.22.
Rom. 6.12.
Eph. 4.17,18,19.
2 Tim. 2.26.
John 15.5.

SO That the cause of good works, we confess to be not our free will, but the Spirit of the LORD JESUS, who dwelling in our hearts by true faith, brings forth such works, as God has prepared for us to walk in. For this we most boldly affirm, that blasphemy it is to say, that Christ abides in the hearts of such, as in whom there is no Spirit of sanctification. And therefore we fear not to affirm, that murderers, oppressors, cruel persecutors, adulterers, whoremongers, filthy persons, Idolaters, drunkards, thieves, and all workers of iniquity, have neither true faith, neither any portion of the Spirit of the LORD JESUS: so long as obstinately they continue in their wickedness. For how soon that ever the Spirit of the Lord Jesus (which God’s elect children receive by true faith) takes possession in the heart of any man, so soon does he regenerate & renew the same man. So that he begins to hate that which before he loved, & begins to love that which before he hated, & from thence comes that continual battle, which is betwixt the flesh and the Spirit in God’s Children: till the flesh & natural man, according to their own corruption, lusts for things pleasing & delectable unto itself, and grudges in adversity, is lifted up in prosperity, and at every {345} moment is prone & ready to offend the Majesty of God. But the Spirit of God, which gives witnessing to our Spirit, that we are the Sons of God, makes us to resist filthy pleasures, and to groan in God’s presence, for deliverance from this bondage of corruption: And finally to triumph over sin, that it reign not in our mortal bodies. This battle has not the carnal men, being destitute of God’s Spirit, but do follow and obey sin with greediness, and without repentance, even as the Devil, and their corrupt lusts do prick them. But the Sons of God, as before was said, do fight against sin, do sob and mourn, when they perceive themselves tempted into iniquity: & if they fall, they rise again with earnest and unfeigned repentance, and these things they do not by their own power, but the power of the Lord JESUS, without whom they were able to do nothing.

15. What works are reputed good before God.

Exod. 20.3, &c.
Deut. 4.7, &c.
Luke 2.75.
Micah 6.11.
Eph. 6.1,7.
Ezek. 22.1, &c.
1 Cor. 6.19,20.
1 Thes. 4.4,5,6.
Jeremiah 22.3,9, &c.
Isa. 50.1, &c.
1 Thes. 4.6.
Rom. 13.2.
Ezek. 22.13, &c.
1 John 3.4.
Rom. 14.23.
Heb. 11.6.
1 Sam. 15.22.
1 Cor. 10.31.
1 John 3.4.
Isa. 29.13.
Matt. 15.9.
Mark 7.7.

WE Confess and acknowledge, that God has given to man his holy Law, in which not only are forbidden all such works as displease and offend his Godly Majesty, but also are commanded all such as please him, and as he has promised to reward. And these works be of two sorts. The one are done to the honour of God, the other to the profit of our Neighbours: and both have the revealed will of God for their assurance. To have one God, to worship and honour him, to call upon him in all our troubles, reverence his holy name, to hear his word, to believe the same, to communicate with his holy Sacraments, are the works of the first Table [of the Law]. To honour Father, Mother, Princes, and Rulers, and superior powers: to love them, to support them, yea to obey their charges (not repugning to the commandment of God) to save the lives of Innocents, to repress tyranny, to defend the oppressed, to keep our bodies clean and holy, to live in soberness and temperance, to deal justly with all men both in word and deed: and finally, to repress all appetite of our Neighbour’s hurt, are the good works of the second Table [of the Law] which are most pleasing and acceptable unto {346} God, as the works that are commanded by himself. The contrary whereof, is sin most odious, which always displeases him, and provokes him to anger: As not to call upon him alone, when we have need, nor to hear his word with reverence, to contemn and despise it, to have or worship Idols, to maintain and defend Idolatry, lightly to esteem the reverend name of God, to profane, abuse, or contemn the Sacraments of Christ Jesus, to disobey or resist any that God has placed in Authority (while they pass not over the bounds of their office) to murder, or to consent thereto, to bear hatred, or to let Innocent blood be shed, if we may withstand it. And finally, the transgression of any other commandment in the first or second Table: we confess and affirm to be sin, by the which God’s anger and displeasure is kindled against the proud unthankful world. So that good works we affirm to be these only, that are done in faith, and at God’s commandment, who in his Law has expressed what the things be that please him. And evil works we affirm not only these that expressly are done against God’s commandment: but these also that in matters of Religion, and worshipping of God, have no other assurance but the invention and opinion of man: which God from the beginning has ever rejected, as by the Prophet Isaiah, and by our Master CHRIST JESUS we are taught in these words, In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the precepts of men.

16. The perfection of the Law, and the imperfection of man.

Lev. 18.5.
Gal. 3.12.
1 Tim. 1.18.
Rom. 7.12.
Psalm 19.7,8,9, &c.
Deut. 5.29.
Rom. 10.3.
1 Kings 8.46.
2 Chron. 6.36.
Eccl. 7.22.
Prov. 20.9.
1 John 1.8.
Rom. 10.4.
Gal. 3.13.
Deut. 27.26.
Phil. 2.15.
Isa. 64.6.
Luke. 17.10.

THE Law of God we confess and acknowledge most just, most equal, most holy, and most perfect, commanding these things, which being wrought in perfection, were able to give life, and able to bring man to Eternal felicity. But our nature is so corrupt, so weak, and so imperfect, that we are never able to fulfill the works of the Law in perfection. Yea, if we say we have no sin, even after we are regenerated, we deceive ourselves, and the verity [truth] of God is not in us. And therefore, it behooves us to apprehend Christ Jesus with his Justice [Righteousness] and satisfaction, {347} who is the end and accomplishment of the Law, by whom we are set at this liberty, that the curse and malediction of God fall not upon us, albeit we fulfill not the same in all pointes. For God the Father beholding us, in the body of his Son Christ Jesus, accepts our imperfect obedience, as it were perfect, and covers our works, which are defiled with many spots, with the Justice [Righteousness] of his Son. We do not mean that that we are so set at liberty, that we owe no obedience to the Law (for that before we have plainly confessed) but this we affirm, that no man in earth (Christ Jesus only excepted) has given, gives, or shall give in work, that obedience to the Law, which the Law requires. But when we have done all things, we must fall down and unfeignedly confess, that we are unprofitable servants. And therefore, whosoever boasts themselves of the merits of their own works, or puts their trust in the works of Supererogation, boast themselves in that, which is nought, and put their trust in damnable Idolatry.

17. Of the Kirk.

Matt. 28.20.
Eph. 1.4.
Col. 1.18.
Eph. 5.23,24,25,29.
Rev. 7.9.
Eph. 2.19.
Eph. 4.5.
John 5.24.
John 17.6.
1 Tim. 2.19.
John 13.14.
Eph. 1.10.
Col. 1.10.
Heb. 12.4.

AS We believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: so do we most constantly believe, that from the beginning there has been, and now is, and to the end of the world shall be, one Kirk, that is to say, one company and multitude of men chosen of God, who rightly worship and embrace him, by true faith in Christ Jesus, who is the only head of the same Kirk, which also is the body and spouse of Christ Jesus, which Kirk is Catholick, that is, universal, because it contains the Elect of all ages, of all Realms, Nations, and Tongues, be they of the Jews, or be they of the Gentiles, who have communion and society with God the Father, and with his Son Christ Jesus, through the sanctification of his Holy Spirit, and therefore is it called the Communion, not of profane persons, but of Saints, who as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, have the fruition of the most inestimable benefits, to wit, of one God, one LORD JESUS, one Faith, and one Baptism: out of the which Kirk, there is {348} neither life, nor Eternal felicity. And therefore we utterly abhor the blasphemy of them that affirm, that men which live according to equity and Justice, shall be saved, what Religion soever they have professed. For as without CHRIST JESUS, there is neither life nor Salvation: so shall there none be participant thereof, but such as the Father has given unto his Son CHRIST JESUS, and they that in time come unto him, avow his doctrine and believe in him, (we comprehend the Children with the faithful parents.) This Kirk is Invisible, known only to God, who alone knows whom he has chosen, and comprehends aswell (as said is) the Elect that be departed, commonly called the Kirk Triumphant, and they that yet live and fight against sin and Satan, as shall live hereafter.

18. The immortality of the Souls.

Rev. 14.13.
Isa. 25.8.
Rev. 7.16,17.
Rev. 21.4.
Rev. 16.10,11.
Isa. 66.24.
Mark 9.44,46,48.
Luke 23.43.
Luke 16.24,25.
Rev. 6.9,10.

THE Elect departed are in peace and rest from their labours: not that they sleep, and come to a certain Oblivion, as some Fantasticks do affirm: but that they are delivered from all fear and torment, and all temptation, to which we and all God’s Elect are subject in this life, and therefore do bear the name of the Kirk Militant: As contrariwise, the reprobate, and unfaithful departed have anguish, torment, and pain, that cannot be expressed. So that neither are the one nor the other in such sleep, that they feel not their torment, as the Parable of Christ Jesus in the 16th [chapter] of Luke, his words to the thief and these words of the souls crying under the Altar: O Lord, thou that art righteous and just, How long shalt thou not revenge our blood upon these that dwell in the Earth, do declare.

19. Of the notes, by the which the true Kirk is discerned, from the false, and who shall be Judge of the doctrine.

Gen. 4.8.
Gen. 21.9.
Gen. 27.41.
Matt. 23.34.
John 15.18,19.
John 11.35.
John 15.20,24.
Acts 4.1, &c.
Acts 5.17. &c.
Gen. 4.1.
Psalm 48.1,2.
Matt. 5.35.
John 12.42.
Eph. 2.20.
Acts 2.42.
John 10.27.
John 18.37.
1 Cor. 1.13.
1 Cor. 11.20,23.
Matt. 28.19,20.
Mark. 16.15.
Rom. 4.11.
Matt. 18.15,16,17.
1 Cor. 5.5.
Matt. 18.20. 1 Cor. 1.1.
2 Cor. 1.1.
Gal. 1.2.
Eph. 1.1.
Acts 16.9,10. & 18.1, &c.
1 Cor. 1. &c.
Acts 20.17, &c.
John 20.31.
2 Tim. 3.16,17.
2 Pet. 1.20,21. John 5.29. Eph. 4.4.

BECAUSE That Satan from the beginning, has laboured to deck his pestilent Synagogue with the title of the Kirk of GOD, and has inflamed the hearts of cruel murderers, to persecute, trouble, and molest, the true Kirk {349} and members thereof, as Cain did Abel, Ishmael Isaac, Esau Jacob, and the whole Priesthood of the Jews Christ Jesus himself, and his Apostles after him. It is a thing most requisite, that the true Kirk be discerned from the filthy Synagogues, by clear and perfect notes, lest we being deceived, receive and embrace to our own condemnation, the one for the other. The notes, signs, and assured tokens, whereby the immaculate Spouse of Christ Jesus is known from the horrible harlot, the Kirk Malignant: We affirm are neither Antiquity, Title usurped, Lineal descent, place appointed, nor Multitude of men approving an error: for Cain in age and title was preferred to Abel and Seth: Jerusalem had prerogative above all places of the Earth, where also were the Priests lineally descended from Aaron, And greater number followed the Scribes, Pharisees, and Priests, then unfeignedly believed and approved Christ Jesus and his doctrine: and yet as we suppose, no man of sound Judgment, will grant that any of the forenamed, were the Kirk of God. The notes therefore of the true Kirk of God, we believe, confess and avow to be: First, the true preaching of the word of God, in the which God has revealed himself unto us, as the writings of the Prophets and Apostles do declare. Secondly, the right administration of the Sacraments of Christ Jesus, which must be annexed unto the word and promise of God, to seal and confirm the same in our hearts. Last, Ecclesiastical discipline uprightly ministered, as God’s word prescribes, whereby vice is repressed, and virtue nourished. Wheresoever then these former notes are seen, and of any time continue (be the number never so few about two or three) there without all doubt is the true Kirk of Christ: who according unto his promise, is in the midst of them. Not that universal, of which we have before spoken, but particular, such as was in Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, and other places, in which the Ministry was planted by Paul, and were of himself named the Kirks of God: and such Kirks, we the inhabitants of the Realm of SCOTLAND, professors of Christ Jesus, profess ourselves to {350} have in our Cities, Towns, and places reformed, for the doctrine taught in our Kirks, contained in the written word of God, to wit, in the books of the Old, and New Testaments, in those books we mean, which of the ancient have been reputed canonical. In the which we affirm, that all things necessary to be believed, for the salvation of mankind, is sufficiently expressed. The interpretation whereof, we confess, neither appertains to private, nor publick person, neither yet to any Kirk, for any preeminence, or prerogative personally or locally, which one has above another, but appertains to the Spirit of God, by the which also the Scripture was written. When controversy then happens, for the right understanding of any place or sentence of Scripture, or for the reformation of any abuse within the Kirk of God, we ought not so much to look what men before us have said or done, as unto that which the Holy Ghost uniformly speaks, within the body of the Scriptures, and unto that which Christ Jesus himself did, and commanded to be done. For this is a thing universally granted, that the Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of Unity, is in nothing contrary unto himself. If then the interpretation, determination, or sentence of any Doctor, Kirk, or Council, repugn to the plain word of God, written in any other place of the Scripture, it is a thing most certain, that there is not the true understanding and meaning of the Holy Ghost, although that Councils, Realms, and Nations have approved and received the same. For we dare not receive nor admit any interpretation, which repugns to any principal point of our faith, or to any other plain text of Scripture, or yet unto the rule of charity.

20. The authority of the Scriptures.

1 Tim. 3.16,17.
John 10.27.

AS We believe and confess the Scriptures of God sufficient to instruct, and make the man of God perfect: so do we affirm, and avow the authority of the same, to be of God, and neither to depend on men, nor Angels. We affirm therefore, that such as allege the Scripture, to {351} have no other authority, but that which it has received from the Kirk, to be blasphemous against God, and injurious to the true Kirk, which always hears and obeys the voice of her own spouse and Pastor, but takes not upon her to be Mistress over the same.

21. Of general Councils, of their Power, Authority, and cause of their Convention.

Gal. 2.11,12,13,14.
1 Tim. 4.1,2,3.
Col. 2.18,19,20, 21,22,23.
Acts 15.1. &c.
1 Tim. 3.15.
Heb. 3.2.
1 Cor. 14.40.

AS We do not rashly damn that which godly men assembled together in general Councils lawfully gathered, have proponed unto us, so without just examination, dare we not receive whatsoever is obtruded unto us by men under the name of general Councils: for plain it is, as they were men, so have some of them manifestly erred, and that in matters of great weight and importance. So far then, as the Council proves the determination and commandment that it gives, by the plain word of God: so soon do we reverence and embrace the same. But if men under the name of a Council, pretend to forge unto us, new Articles of our faith, or to make constitutions repugning to the word of God: then utterly we must refuse the same, as the doctrine of Devils, which draws our souls from the voice of our only God, to follow the doctrines and constitutions of men. The cause then why that general Councils convened, was neither to make any perpetual Law, which God before had not made, neither yet to forge new Articles of our belief, nor to give the word of God authority, much less to make that to be his word, or yet the true interpretation of the same, which was not before, by his holy will, expressed in his word: but the cause of Councils (we mean of such as merit the name of Councils) was partly for confutation of heresies, and for giving publick confession of their faith, to the posterity following, which both they did by the authority of God’s written word, and not by any opinion or prerogative, that they could not err, by reason of their general assembly: And this we judge to have been the chief cause of general Councils. The other was for good policy and order, {352} to be constitute and observed in the Kirk, which (as in the house of God) it becomes all things to be done decently and in order. Not that we think, that any policy, and one order in Ceremonies, can be appointed for all ages, times, and places, for as ceremonies, such as men have devised, are but temporal: so may and ought they to be changed, when they rather foster superstition, than that they edify the Kirk, using the same.

22. Of the Sacraments.

Gen. 17.10.
Exod. 12.3, &c.
Gen. 17.4.
Num. 9.13.
Matt. 28.19.
Mark 16.17.
Matt. 26.26.
Mark 14.22.
Luke 22.19.
1 Cor. 11.24.
1 Cor. 10.16. Rom. 6.3,4,5.
Gal. 3.27. Mark 16.19.
Luke 24.51.
Acts 1.11.
Acts 3.21.
1 Cor. 10. Eph. 5.30.
Matt. 27.50.
Mark 15.37.
Luke 23.46.
John 19.30.
John 6.51,53, 54,55,56,57,58. 1 Cor. 11.28,29.

AS The Fathers under the Law, besides the verity of the Sacrifices, had two chief Sacraments, to wit, Circumcision & the Passover, the despisers and contemners whereof, were not reputed of Gods people: so do we acknowledge and confess, that we now in the time of the Evangel, have two chief Sacraments only, instituted by the Lord Jesus, & commanded to be used of all they, that will be reputed members of his body: To wit, Baptism, and the Supper or Table of the Lord Jesus, called the Communion of his body & blood. And these Sacraments as well of old, as of new Testament, now instituted of God, not only to make a visible difference, betwixt his people, and they that was without his league [covenant]: but also to exerce [exercise] the faith of his Children, and by participation of the same Sacraments, to seal in their hearts the assurance of his promise, & of that most blessed conjunction, union, and society, which the elect have with their head Christ Jesus. And thus we utterly damn the vanity of they, that affirm Sacraments to be nothing else but naked & bare signs. No, we assuredly believe, that by Baptism, we are ingrafted into Christ Jesus, to be made partakers of his Justice [Righteousness], by which our sins are covered and remitted. And also, that in the Supper rightly used, CHRIST JESUS is so joined with us, that he becomes very nourishment and food of our souls. Not that we imagine any transubstantiation of Bread into Christ’s body, and of Wine into his natural blood, as the Papists have perniciously taught, and damnably believed: but this union and conjunction, which we have with the body & {353} blood of Christ Jesus in the right use of the Sacraments, wrought by operation of the holy Ghost, who by true faith carries us above all things that are visible, carnal, and earthly, & makes us to feed upon the body and blood of Christ Jesus, which was once broken and shed for us, which now is in heaven, and appears in the presence of his Father for us: And yet notwithstanding the far distance of place, which is betwixt his body, now glorified in Heaven, and us now mortal in this earth, yet we most assuredly believe, that the bread which we break, is the communion of Christ’s body, and the cup which we bless, is the communion of his blood. So that we confess, and undoubtedly believe, that the faithful in the right use of the Lord’s Table, do so eat the body and drink the blood of the Lord Jesus, that he remains in them, and they in him. Yea, they are so made flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bones, that as the eternal God-head has given to the flesh of Christ Jesus (which of its own condition and nature was mortal and corruptible) life and immortality: so does Christ Jesus his flesh and blood eaten and drunken by us, give unto us the same prerogatives. Which albeit we confess, are neither given unto us at that time only, neither yet by the proper power and virtue of the Sacrament only: yet we affirm that the faithful, in the right use of the Lord’s Table, has conjunction with Christ Jesus: as the natural man cannot apprehend: yea, and farther we affirm, that albeit the faithful oppressed by negligence, and namely infirmity, do not profit so much, as they would, in the very instant action of the Supper: yet shall it after bring fruit forth, as lively seed sown in good ground. For the Holy Spirit, which can never be divided from the right institution of the Lord Jesus, will not frustrate the faithful of the fruit of that mystical action, but all these we say come of true faith, which apprehends Christ Jesus; who only makes this Sacrament effectual unto us. And therefore whosoever slanders us, as that we affirm or believe Sacraments to be naked and bare Signs, do injury unto us, and speaks against the manifest truth. But this liberally and frankly we confess, {354} that we make a distinction betwixt Christ Jesus in his eternal substance, and betwixt the Elements of the Sacramental Signs. So that we will neither worship the Signs, in place of that which is signified by them, neither yet do we despise & interpret them, as unprofitable and vain, but do use them with all reverence, examining ourselves diligently, before that so we do. Because we are assured by the mouth of the Apostle, that such as eat of that bread, and drink of that cup unworthily, are guilty of the body and blood of Christ Jesus.

23. Of the right administration of the Sacraments.

Matt. 26.26, &c.
Mark 14.22, &c.
Luke 22.19, &c.
1 Cor. 11.24. 1 Cor. 11.25,26. Heb. 9.27,28.

THAT Sacraments be rightly ministered, we Judge two things requisite: The one, that they be ministered by lawful Ministers, whom we affirm to be only they, that are appointed to the preaching of the word, into whose mouths God has put some Sermon of exhortation, they being men lawfully chosen thereto by some Kirk. The other, that they be ministered in such elements, and in such sort, as God has appointed, else we affirm that they cease to be the right Sacraments of Christ Jesus. And therefore it is, that we fly the doctrine [flee the society—Ed. 1568.] of the Papistical Kirk, in participation of their Sacraments: first, because their Ministers are no Ministers of Christ Jesus, yea (which is more horrible) they suffer women, whom the Holy Ghost will not suffer to teach in the Congregation, to Baptize: and secondly, because they have so adulterated both the one Sacrament and the other, with their own inventions, that no part of Christ’s action abides in the original purity. For Oil, Salt, Spittle, and such like in Baptism, are but men’s inventions. Adoration, Veneration bearing through streets and towns, and keeping of bread in boxes or buistes [chests], are profanation of Christ’s Sacraments, and no use of the same. For Christ Jesus said, Take, eat &c. do ye this in remembrance of me. By which word and charge, he sanctified bread and wine, to the Sacrament of his holy body and blood, to the end, that the one should be eaten, and that all should drink of the other, and not that they should be {355} kept to be worshipped and honoured, as God, as the Papists have done heretofore. Who also committed Sacrilege, stealing from the people the one part of the Sacrament, to wit, the blessed cup. Moreover, that the Sacraments be rightly used, it is required, that the end and cause, why the Sacraments were institute, be understand and observed, as well of the Minister, as of the receivers. For if the opinion be changed in the receiver, the right use ceases, which is most evident, by the rejection of the Sacrifice [Sacrifices—Ed. 1568.], as also if the teacher plainly teach false doctrine, which were odious and abominable before God (albeit they were his own ordinance) because that wicked men use them to another end, than God has ordained. The same affirm we of the Sacraments in the Papistical Kirk: in which we affirm the whole action of the Lord Jesus to be adulterated, as well in the external form, as in the end and opinion. What Christ Jesus did, and commanded to be done, is evident, by the Evangelists, and by Saint Paul; What the Priest doth at his Altar, we need not to rehearse. The end and cause of Christ’s institution, and why the selfsame should be used, is expressed in these words. Do ye this in remembrance of me, as oft as ye shall eat of this bread, and drink of this Cup, ye shall show forth, that is, extol, preach, magnify, and praise the Lord’s death, till he come. But to what end, and in what opinion the Priests say their Mass, let the word of the same, their own Doctors and writings witness. To wit, that they, as Mediators betwixt Christ, and his Kirk, do offer unto God the Father, a Sacrifice propitiatory, for the sins of the quick and the dead. Which doctrine, as blasphemous to Christ Jesus, and making derogation to the sufficiency of his only Sacrifice, once offered for purgation of all they that shall be sanctified, we utterly abhor, detest and renounce.

24. To whom Sacraments appertain.

Col. 2.11,12.
Rom. 4.11.
Gen. 17.10.
Matt. 28.19. 1 Cor. 11.28,29.

WE Confess and acknowledge, that Baptism appertains as well to the infants of the faithful, as unto them that be of age and discretion, {356} and so we damn the error of the Anabaptists, who deny baptism to appertain to Children, before that they have faith and understanding. But the Supper of the Lord, we confess to appertain to such only, as be of the household of Faith, and can try and examine themselves, as well in their faith, as in their duty towards their Neighbours. Such as eat and drink at that holy Table without faith, or being at dissension and division with their brethren, do eat unworthily: And therefore it is that in our Kirk, our Ministers take publick and particular examination, of the knowledge and conversation of such, as are to be admitted to the Table of the Lord Jesus.

25. Of the Civil Magistrate.

Rom. 13.1.
Titus 3.1.
1 Pet. 2.13. Rom. 13.2. Rom. 13.7.
1 Pet. 2.17.
Psalm 82.1. 1 Chron. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. chap.
2 Chron. 17.7.
2 Chron. 29. 30. & 31. chapters.
2 Chron. 34. & 35. chap.

WE confess and acknowledge Empires, Kingdoms, Dominions, and Cities, to be distincted and ordained by God: the powers & authority in the same, be it of Emperours in their Empires, of Kings in their Realms, Dukes and Princes in their Dominions, and of others Magistrates in the Cities, to be God’s holy ordinance, ordained for manifestation of his own glory, and for the singular profit and commodity of mankind: So that whosoever goeth about to take away, or to confound the the whole state of Civil policies, now long established: we affirm the same men, not only to be enemies to mankind, but also wickedly to fight against God’s expressed will. We farther confess and acknowledge, that such persons, as are placed in authority, are to be loved, honoured, feared, and holden in most reverent estimation: because that they are the Lieutenants of God, in whose Sessions, God himself does sit, and Judge: yea, even the Judges and Princes themselves, to whom by God is given the sword, to the praise and defense of good men, and to revenge and punish all open malefactors. Moreover to Kings, Princes, Rulers and Magistrates, we affirm that chiefly and most principally the conservation and purgation of the Religion appertains, so that not only they are appointed for Civil policy, but also for maintenance of the true Religion, and {357} for suppressing of Idolatry and Superstition whatsoever. As in David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, and others highly commended for their zeal in that case, may be espied. And therefore we confess and avow, that such as resist the supreme power, doing that thing which appertains to his charge, do resist God’s ordinance: And therefore cannot be guiltless. And farther we affirm, that whosoever denies unto them aid, their Counsel and comfort, whiles the Princes and Rulers vigilantly travail in execution of their office, that the same men deny their help, support and Counsel to God, who by the presence of his Lieutenant, doth crave it of them.

26. The gifts freely given to the Kirk.

Matt. 13.24,25,26, &c. Matt. 13.20,21.
Rom. 10.9,13. Rom. 7. &
2 Cor. 5.21.
John 5.28,29.
Rev. 20.23.
Job 19.25,26,27.
Matt. 25.31.
Rev. 14.10. Rom. 2.6,7,8,9,10.
Phil. 3.21.
1 Cor. 15.24,28.

ALBEIT That the word of God truly preached, and the Sacraments rightly ministered, and Discipline executed, according to the word of God, be the certain and infallible Signs of the true Kirk, we mean not that every particular person joined with such company, be an Elect member of CHRIST JESUS: For we acknowledge and confess, that Darnel, Cockle, and Chaff, may be sown, grow, and in great abundance lie in the midst of the Wheat, that is, the Reprobate may be joined in the society of the Elect, and may externally use with them the benefits of the word and Sacraments. But such being but temporal professors in mouth, but not in heart, do fall back and continue not to the end, And therefore have they no fruit of Christ’s death, Resurrection, nor Ascension: but such as with heart unfeignedly believe, and with mouth boldly confess the Lord Jesus, as before we have said, shall most assuredly receive these gifts: First, in this life remission of sins, and that by only faith in Christ’s blood. Insomuch, that albeit sin remain and continually abide, in these our mortal bodies, yet it is not imputed unto us, but is remitted, and covered with Christ’s Justice. Secondly, in the general Judgment, there shall be given to every man and woman resurrection of the flesh. For the Sea shall give her dead; the Earth they that therein be enclosed, {358} yea the Eternal our God shall stretch out his hand on the dust, and the dead shall arise uncorruptible, and that in the substance of the selfsame flesh that every man now bears, to receive, according to their works, glory, or punishment. For such as now delight in vanity, cruelty, filthiness, superstition, or Idolatry, shall be adjudged to the fire unquenchable. In which they shall be tormented for ever, aswell in their own bodies, as in their souls, which now they give to serve the Devil in all abomination. But such as continue in well doing to the end, boldly professing the Lord Jesus: we constantly believe, that they shall receive glory, honour, and immortality, to reign forever in life everlasting, with Christ Jesus, to whose glorified body all his Elect, shall be made like, when he shall appear again in Judgment, and shall render up the Kingdom to God his Father, who then shall be, and ever shall remain all in all things God blessed for ever. To whom with the Son, and with the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and ever. So be it.

Num. 9.35.
Psalm 68.1.
Acts 4.29.


1. None of the printed editions of the Acts of Parliament from the First Parliament of King James VI include the introductory epistle from the Estates of Scotland originally printed with the 1560 Scots Confession. Here follows the text thereof according to the John Scott edition of 1561, which, of the three editions printed that year, most accurately represents the text as it stands in the records of Parliament:

THE
Confession of fa-
ITH PROFESSED, AND BELIEVED, BY
the Protestants within the Realm of Scotland, Pub-
lished by them in Parliament. And by the Estates
thereof. Ratified and approved, as wholesome, & sound
Doctrine grounded upon the infallible truth
of
GOD’S word

Math. 24.

And these glad tidings of the Kingdom,
shall be preached through the whole world
for a witness unto all nations:
And then shall the end come.

¶ the Estates of Scot land, with the Inhabitants of the same, profes sing CHRIST JESUS, his holy Evangel. To their natural countrymen, and to all other Realms and Nations, professing the same LORD JESUS, with them, wish grace, mercy, and peace from GOD the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, with the Spirit of righteous Judgment. For Salutation. &c.

LONG HAVE We thirsted dear Brethren to have notified unto the world the sum of that Doctrine which we profess and for the which, we have sustained, Infamy, and danger. But such has been the rage of Satan against us, and against Christ JESUS’s eternal verity, lately born amongst us: That to this day no time has been granted unto us to clear our consciences, as most gladly we would have done. For how we have been tossed a whole year past, the most part of Europe (as we suppose) does understand. But seeing that of the infinite goodness of our GOD (who never suffereth his afflicted utterly to be confounded) above expectation we have obtained some rest, & liberty. We could not but set forth this brief & plain confession of such doctrine as is proponed unto us, and as {} we believe and profess, partly for satisfaction of our brethren, whose hearts we doubt not, have been, and yet are wounded, by the despiteful railing of such, as yet have not learned to speak well: & partly for stopping of the mouths of impudent blasphemers, who boldly damn that, which they have neither heard, nor yet understand. Not that we judge that the cankered malice of such is able to be cured by this our simple confession. No, we know that the sweet Savour of the Evangel, is and shall be death to the Sons of perdition. But we have chief respect to our weak and infirm brethren, to whom we would communicate the bottom of our hearts, lest that they be troubled or carried away by diversity of rumours, which Satan spreadeth against us, to the defacing of this our most godly enterprise. Protesting that if any man will note in this our confession any Article, or sentence, repugning to God’s holy word, that it would please him, of his gentleness, & for Christian charity’s sake, to admonish us of the same in writ. And we of our honours & fidelity, do promise unto him satisfaction from the mouth of GOD (that is from his holy scriptures) or else reformation of that which he shall prove to be amiss. For GOD we take to record in our conscience that from our hearts we abhor all Sects of heresy, & all teachers of erroneous doctrine, & that with all humility, we embrace the purity of Christ’s Evangel; Which is the only food of our {} Souls: And therefore so precious unto us, that we are determined to suffer the extremity of worldly danger, rather than that we will suffer our selves to be defrauded of the same. For hereof we are most certainly persuaded, that whosoever denies Christ Jesus, or is ashamed of him, in presence of Men, shall be denied before the Father, and before his holy Angels. And therefore by the assistance of the mighty Spirit of the same our LORD Jesus, we firmly purpose to abide to the end, in the confession of this our faith, as by Articles follows:

2. Below is the Colophon as it appears in the John Scott edition of 1561.