OF THE KIRK (CHURCH)--BY JOHN KNOX

Roman Catholic Mary Queen of Scots is reputed to have said: “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe." Many attribute him, under God, for the Reformation in Scotland that changed that country from popery to protestant.

OF THE KIRK AND OF THE NOTES

WHEREBY IT MAY BE DISCERNED

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 it 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, His body and spouse; which is catholic, that is, universal, because it con­tains the Elect of all ages, 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 Jesus Christ through Sanctification of His Holy Spirit. This Kirk is invisible, known only to God ... and comprehends the Elect that be departed, commonly called the Kirk Triumphant, and they that yet live and fight against Satan.

Because Satan from the beginning has labored to deck his pestilent synagogue with the title of the "Kirk of God" ... it is a thing most requisite that the true Kirk be discerned from the unclean synagogues, by clear and perfect Notes. The notes, signs, and assured tokens, we affirm, are neither Antiquity, Title usurped, Lineal descent, Place appointed, nor multitude of men approving an error. The Notes therefore of the true Kirk ... we avow to be: — first, the true Preaching of God's Word, in 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 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 to His promise, is in the midst of them.

John Knox and colleagues, 1560

EXCERPTS FROM ARTICLES 16, 18. THE SCOTS CONFESSION