"Our fifth concerneth the inobedience of certain wicked persons, who not only trouble, and have troubled ministers in their functions, but also disobey the superintendents in their visitation. Of this we humbly crave remedy; not so much for any fear that we and our ministers have of the Papists, but for the love that we bear to the common tranquillity. For we cannot hide from your Majesty and Council that, if the Papists think to triumph where they may, and to do what they list, where there is not a party able to resist them, some will think that they must begin where they left off. Heretofore they have borne all things patiently, in hope that laws should have bridled the wicked. If they be frustrated in this, albeit nothing is more odious to them than tumults and domestic discord, men will attempt the uttermost, before they behold with their own eyes the demolition of that House of God, which with travail and danger God hath within this realm erected by them. "Lastly, we desire that such as have received remission of their Third be compelled to sustain the ministry within their bounds, else we forewarn your Grace and Council that we fear that the people will retain the whole in their hands, until such time as their ministry shall be sufficiently provided. We farther desire that the kirks be repaired according to an Act set forth by the Lords of Secret Council, before your Majesty's arrival in this country; that judges be appointed to hear the causes of divorcement, for the Kirk can no longer sustain that burden, especially since there is no punishment for the offenders; that sayers and hearers of Mass, profaners of the Sacraments, such as have entered into benefices by the Pope's bulls, and other such transgressors of the law made at your Grace's arrival within this realm, may be severely punished; else men will think that there is no truth meant in the making of such laws. "Farther, we most humbly desire of your Grace and honourable Council a resolute answer to every one of the heads forewritten, that, the same being known, we may somewhat satisfy such as are grievously offended at manifest iniquity now maintained, at oppression under pretext of law done against the poor, and at the rebellious disobedience of many wicked persons against God's Word and holy ordinance. "God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, so rule your hearts, and direct your Grace and Council's judgments by the dyttament[204] and illumination of His Holy Spirit, that ye may so answer that your consciences may be absolved in the presence of that righteous Judge, the Lord Jesus; and then we doubt not but that ye yourselves shall find felicity, and this poor realm, that long has been oppressed by wicked men, shall enjoy tranquillity and rest, with the true knowledge of God." [204] Dictation; guidance. [Sidenote: Secretary Lethington objects to the Terms of the Supplication.]