The Scottish Confession: 'The Continuance, Increase, and Preservation of the Kirk'

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First published in 1560

5. The Continuance, Increase, and Preservation of the Kirk

We most constantly believe that God preserved, instructed, multiplied, honored, adorned a, 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 b, him He instructed, his seed He multiplied c, the same He marvelously preserved and more marvelously delivered from the bondage and tyranny of Pharaoh. To them He gave His laws d, constitutions, and ceremonies. Them He possessed in the land of Canaan e: to them, after judges and after Saul, He gave David to be king f, to whom He made promise that of the fruit of his loins should one sit forever 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 g, from which oftentimes they declined by idolatry h. 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 i, in so much that the holy city was destroyed, the temple burnt with fire, and the whole land left desolate the space of 70 years j, yet of mercy did He lead them again to Jerusalem. Where the city and temple were rebuilt and they against all temptations and assaults of Satan did abide, till the Messiah came according to the promise.


Source: The Scottish Confession | Reformed Standards