I just read Scotland's National Covenant, and it seems to explicitly forbid the union of that country with England, as it would cause "such confusion... as this realm could be no more a free monarchy; because by the fundamental laws, ancient privileges, offices, and liberties of this kingdom...
I am a South African, and some of my ancestors were definitely involved in the Groot Trek. They made a vow to God that they would set aside one day in the year as a special Sabbath to Him if He gave them victory in a certain battle. He did. For context, please see...
Friends,
One of the great forces of downgrade in American Presbyterianism has been the erosion of the Church's adherence to her constitutional documents and maneuvers to change the very constitution of the church which the officers had previously sworn to uphold.
Hence, I have made a webpage...
church
church authority
church constitution
church office
confession
constitutionalism
ecclesiology
free church of scotland
scottish
scottish church history
secession church
subscription
vows
Recently I presented a similar though more extended inquiry here.
Does your church require the taking of formal vows?
Edit: Also if yes, please provide a link if available to where your church publishes the formal vows, e.g. Constitution, Book of Order, etc....
To answer my own question...
I understand that the fourth vow was added in 1929. Does anyone know the history behind why the fourth vow as added?
The fourth vow reads as follows:
"Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?"