1558-1559. [126] _The Second Book of the History of Things done in Scotland, in the Reformation of Religion, beginning in the Year of God 1558._ [Sidenote: The Preface to the Second Book.[127]] [127] The "History" originally commenced at this point. The Second Book was begun in 1560: the scope of the work was enlarged about 1566, when the First and Fourth Books were added. The reader will note that, in point of date, the narrative at the opening of the Second Book overlaps that at the close of Book First.--ED. Lest Satan shall take occasion of our long silence to blaspheme, and to slander us the Protestants of the realm of Scotland by suggesting that our actions tended rather to sedition and rebellion than to reformation of manners and abuses in religion; we have thought it expedient, as truly and briefly as we can, to commit to writing the causes moving us, a great part of the nobility and barons of the realm, to take the sword of just defence against those that most unjustly have sought our destruction. In this our Confession we shall faithfully declare what moved us to take action, what we have asked, and what we require of the sacred authority. Our cause being thus made known, our enemies as well as our brethren in all realms may understand how falsely we are accused of tumult and rebellion, and how unjustly we are persecuted by France and by their faction. Thus, too, our brethren, natural Scotsmen, of whatever religion they be, may have occasion to examine themselves as to whether they may with safe conscience oppose themselves to us. We only seek that the glorious Evangel of Christ Jesus may be preached, His holy Sacraments be truly ministered, superstition, tyranny, and idolatry be suppressed in this realm, and the liberty of this our native country remain free from the bondage and tyranny of strangers. [Sidenote: The Consciences of Judges, Lords, and Rulers are awakened.]