The Lords promised that no conclusion should be taken, or yet vote required, until their propositions and the reasons should both be heard and considered by the whole Assembly. Upon that condition, there were directed to them, with express charge to conclude nothing without the knowledge and advice of the Assembly, the Laird of Dun, Superintendent of Angus, the Superintendents of Lothian and Fife, Mr. John Row, Mr. John Craig, William Christison, and Mr. David Lindsay, ministers, with the Rector of St. Andrews, and Mr. George Hay. The Superintendent of Glasgow, Mr. John Willock, was moderator, and John Knox waited upon the scribe. And so they were appointed to sit with the brethren. Because the principal complaint touched John Knox, he was also called for. [Sidenote: Secretary Lethington defines the Attitude of the Lords of the Court.] Secretary Lethington began the harangue, which contained these heads: First, how much we were indebted unto God, by whose providence we had liberty of religion under the Queen's Majesty, albeit she was not persuaded in it herself: Secondly, how necessary a thing it was that the Queen's Majesty, by all good offices, so spake he, of the Kirk, and of the ministers principally, should be retained in the constant opinion that they unfeignedly favoured her advancement, and procured her subjects to have a good opinion of her: And, lastly, how dangerous a thing it was that ministers should be noted to disagree one from another, in form of prayer for Her Majesty, or in doctrine concerning obedience to Her Majesty's authority. "And in these two last heads," said he, "we desire you all to be circumspect; but especially we must crave of you, our brother, John Knox, to moderate yourself, as well in form of praying for the Queens Majesty, as in doctrine that ye propone touching her estate and obedience. Neither shall ye take this," said he, "as spoken to your reproach, _quia nevus interdum in corpore pulchro_, but because others by your example may imitate the like liberty, albeit not with the same modesty and foresight; and wise men do foresee the opinion that may engender in the people's heads." [Sidenote: The Disputation between John Knox and the Secretary.] _John Knox._ If such as fear God have occasion to praise Him because idolatry is maintained, the servants of God are despised, wicked men are placed again in honour and authority, and, finally, because vice and impiety overflow this whole realm without punishment, then have we occasion to rejoice and to praise God. But if those and the like actions are wont to provoke God's vengeance against realms and nations, then, in my judgment, the godly within Scotland ought to lament and mourn; and so to prevent[234] God's judgments, lest He, finding all in a like security, strike in His hot indignation, perchance beginning at such as think they offend not. [234] Anticipate.