That affirmative was mocked, and the contrary was affirmed. "Well," said the other, "time will try the truth; but to my former words this will I add--take from us the freedom of assemblies, and take from us the Evangel; for, without assemblies, how shall good order and unity in doctrine be kept? It is not to be supposed that all ministers shall be so perfect, but that they shall need admonition, concerning manners as well as doctrine. It may be that some shall be so stiff-necked that they will not admit the admonition of the simple. It may be that fault may be found with ministers, without just offence committed. Yet, if order be not taken, both with the complainer and the persons complained upon, it cannot be avoided that many grievous offences shall arise. For remedy of these, General Assemblies are necessary. There, the judgment and the gravity of many concur to correct or to repress the follies or errors of a few." The majority of the Nobility and of the Barons assented to this, and willed the reasoners for the part of the Queen to desire that, if her Grace were suspicious of anything that was to be dealt with in their Assemblies, she should be pleased to send such as she would appoint, to hear whatsoever was proponed or reasoned. [Sidenote: Discussion concerning the Book of Discipline.] After that, the Book of Discipline was put forward, with request that it should be ratified by the Queen's Majesty. That was scripped at, and it was demanded, "How many of those that had subscribed that Book would be subject unto it?" It was answered, "All the godly." "Will the Duke?" said Lethington. "If he will not," answered the Lord Ochiltree, "I would that he were scraped out, not only from that Book, but also from our number and company. For to what purpose shall labours be taken to put the Kirk in order, and to what end shall men subscribe, and then never mean to keep a word of that which they promise?" Lethington answered, "Many subscribed there _in fide parentum_, as the bairns are baptized." John Knox answered, "Albeit ye think that scoff proper, yet, as it is most untrue, so is it most improper. That Book was read in public audience, and by the space of divers days the heads thereof were reasoned, as all that here sit know well enough, and ye yourself cannot deny; no man was required to subscribe that which he understood not." "Stand content," said one, "that Book will not be obtained." "Let God," said the other, "require the lack which this poor Commonwealth shall have of the things therein contained, from the hands of such as stop the same." [Sidenote: The Barons sue for Public Order in regard to Ecclesiastical Benefices.]