1564-1637, 1595, 1722
The Book of Common Order, also known as The Liturgy of John Knox, was revised and adopted by the Church of Scotland in 1564, reprinted in 1886, Glasgow
Editorial Note, p. 5
“These formularies were in more or less general use [from 1564] down to the time of the Solemn League and Covenant [1643], when they were superseded by the [Westminster] Confession, Catechism, and Directions, prepared by the Westminster Assembly. Numerous editions of Knox’s Liturgy continued to be printed, chiefly at Edinburgh and Aberdeen, till 1643.”
The Form of Public Worship
A Prayer used in the Assemblies of the Church, as well Particular as General
Now (I mean) O Lord, thou hast revealed thyself and thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, clearly to the world again, by the true preaching of his blessed Evangel, which also of thy mercy is offered unto us within this Realm of Scotland; and of the same thy mercy has made us Ministers, and burthened us with a charge within thy church.
The Psalms of David in Meter, According as they are sung in the Kirk of Scotland, Together with the conclusion, or Gloria Patri, after the Psalm: and also one prayer after every Psalm, agreeing with the meaning thereof, 1595
Reprinted as Prayers on the Psalms from the Scottish Psalter of 1595, Banner of Truth, 2010. Charles Greig M’Crie described this psalter as “epoch-marking in the history of Scottish Presbyterian worship.”
The Prayer on Psalm 96
O good Lord, who wills all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of your verity [truth, 1 Tim. 2:4], show your power and excellent Majesty unto the whole world, that everyone may sing your praises, yea, and show forth your salvation which you have promised to all them that dedicate themselves to your service; that you may be praised in all your creatures, by means of Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.
Some Observations upon the Answers of the [Marrow] Brethren.. (Edinburgh: John Paton, 1722)
The following quote by Dr. David Lachman summarizes this document published by the Committee for Purity of Doctrine of the Church of Scotland during the early 1700’s Marrow Controversy. This document was a response to the answers of the Marrow Men to the Queries Agreed unto by the Commission of the General Assembly. Dr. Lachman describes these Observations as a “semi-official statement of doctrine.” (The Marrow Controversy, p. 385)
David Lachman, The Marrow Controversy, 1718-1723: An Historical and Theological Analysis, Edinburgh: Rutherford House Books, 1988, p. 384-385
In their Observations the Commission first express their pleasure that their Brethren [the Marrow Men] “so expressly disown any universal Redemption as to Purchase.”…
The Commission then criticize the Brethren [the Marrow Men] for not calling the ‘Deed of Gift and Grant’ [of Christ to all men, a phrase used in the book, The Marrow of Modern Divinity] conditional. If the Brethren [the Marrow Men] mean that it is “a conditional Promise, wherein Christ and Salvation are offered upon Terms of believing, …and that this conditional Grant does not convey a Right to Christ, and Salvation unto all Mankind, but only to such who receive him,” they [the Commission] will “not contend with them [the Marrow Men].” For the saving grace purchased by Christ is not made over to all to whom this conditional grant is offered… Without disputing the Brethren’s exegesis of the passages of Scripture they [the Commission] cite, the Commission grant that these [passages of scripture] are “sufficient Foundation for a full, free, unhampered, yet conditional Offer and Tender of Salvation unto all Hearers of the Gospel, upon Terms of believing,” even though the right to the gift of salvation is granted only to the elect.
[Footnote: Observations upon the… Answers, p. 79-82]
Related Pages
The Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel
Historic Reformed Quotes on the Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel