The doctrine and discipline of the Kirke of Scotland as it was formerly set forth by publicke authority and at this present commanded there to be practised in the said kirke, anno 1641 : together vvith some acts of generall assemblies clearing and confirming the same : as also an act of Parliament by the King and three estates of Scotland for rectifying of the said discipline : the first and second booke.

The Conclusion.

THUS have we in these few heads offered unto your Ho∣nors our judgements, according as we were commanded, touching the reformation of things, which heretofore have altogether been abused in this cursed Papistrie. We doubt not but some of our petitions shall appeare strange unto you at the first fight. But if your wisedomes deeply consider, that we must an∣swere not only unto man, but also before the throne of the eter∣nall God, and of his Son Christ Iesus, for the counsell which we give in this so grave a matter, your Honors shall easily consider, that more assured it is to us to fall in the displeasure of all men in the earth, then to offend the Majestie of God, whose justice can∣not suffer flatterers, and deceitfull counsellors unpunished. That we require the Kirk to be set at such liberty, that she neither be com∣pelled to feed Idle-bellies, neither yet to sustaine the tyrannie which heretofore hath been by violence maintained: wee know we shall offend many, but if we should keep filence hereof, wee are most assured to offend the just and Righteous God, who by the mouth of his Apostle hath pronounced this sentence, He that labour∣eth not, let him not eat. If we in this behalfe, or in any other, re∣quire or aske any other thing then by Gods expresse Commande∣ment, by equity and good conscience ye are bound to grant, let it be noted, and after repudiate. But if wee require nothing which God requireth not also, let your Honors take heed how we gainestand the charge of him, whose hand and punishment yee cannot escape. If blinde affections rather lead you to have respect to the sustentation of these your carnall friends, who tyranously

have impyred above the flock of Christ Iesus, then that the zeale of Christ Iesus his glory provoke and move you to set his oppressed Kirk at freedome and libertie, wee feare your sharpe and sud∣daine punishments, and that the glory and honor of this en∣terprise be reserved unto others. And yet shall this our judgement abide to the generations following, for a monument and witnesse how lovingly God called you, and this nation to Repentance: what counsellours God sent unto you, and how you have used the same. If obediently ye heare God now calling, we doubt not but he shall heare you in your greatest necessitie. But if, following your owne corrupt judgements, ye contemne his voice and vocati∣on, we are assured that your former iniquitie, and present ingrati∣tude, shall together crave great punishment from God, who can∣not long delay to execute his most just judgements, when after ma∣ny offences, and long blindnesse, grace and mercy offered is con∣temptuously refused.

God the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, by the power of his ho∣ly Spirit, so illuminate your hearts, that ye may cleerly see what is pleasing and acceptable in his presence, and so bow the same to his obedience, that ye may preferre his revealed will to your owne affections. And so strengthen you by the Spirit of Fortitude, that boldly yee may punish vice, and maintaine vertue within this Realme, to the praise and glory of his holy Name, to the comfort and assurance of your own consciences, and to the consolation, and the good example of the posterity following, Amen.

By your Honours most humble servitors.

From Edinburgh the 20. of May. 1560.