Witt your universities, That our loving brother, John Knox, bearer of thir presents, hes been and is, ane trew and faithfull minister of the Evangell of Christ Jesus, within this realme of Scotland, continually thir eight yeares bygone, or thereabout; in doctrine pure, and sincere in life and conversation, to our sights inculpable; and hes so fruitfully used that talent granted to him be the Eternall, to the advancement of the glory of his godly name, to the propagation of the kingdome of Jesus Christ, and edifying of them that heard his teaching, that, of dewtie, we most heartilie praise his godly Majestie for that so great ane benefite granted unto him for our utilitie and profit; and because he, for the naturall love and affection whilk he bears to his children, now being within the realme of England, and favour to uthers his brethren and allya there, gentlie requested us to grant him licence for ane season to repaire toward the said realme of England for the causes abovementioned; We, after mutual conference in full Assembly, thought this petition just and reasonable; and, therefore, all in ane voyce, grants licence to our said brether, according to the Q. Majestie’s conduct, to pass to the said realme, what tyme he shall think most commodious for his journey; provideing alwayes, that he returne to this realme of Scotland before the 25th of the moneth of June next ensuing, to continue in his former vocatione, and no utherwayes; and this we make it knowne to all and sundrie whom it effeirs be thir our letters testimonialls, given at Edinburgh in our Generall Assembly, and third Session thereof. Subscribed be the Clerk of the same the 27th of December. Attour, ordained ane Letter to be direct to the Bishops of England, that they would be content gently to handle the brethren preachers, touching the habits, supercloathes, and uthers abulziements, whilks appearantly tends more to superstitione nor edificatione; and requests Mr Knox to put the heads in write whilks he thinks necessare to be written to the saids Bishops; the tenor whereof follows:-- The Superintendants, Ministers, and Commissioners of Kirks within this Realme of Scotland, To their Brethren, the Bishops and Pastors of Ingland, who hes renounced the Romane Antichrist, and does professe with them the Lord Jesus in sincerity, desyres the perpetual increase of the Holy Spirit.