Reprint of the original, first published in 1881.

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The First and Second Books of Discipline were amongst the constitutional foundation documents of the Scottish Reformation, and for four and a half centuries have been relied on to guide the polity of Presbyterian churches around the world. Their scholarly editing and publication a generation ago helped to revive serious study in the Church's constitutional law; and this reprint makes very important material available in a time of immense organisational change in the Church. Rev Dr Marjory A MacLean Deputy Principal Clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

'The Book of Common Prayer' is a vital religious text that has been used by the Church of England for centuries. The Episcopal Church in Scotland adopted its own version in 1912, featuring the Scottish Communion Office and other minor additions and deviations from the English version. This edition replaced earlier Scottish parishes' use of the English version. The text includes the Psalms of David, prayers for the administration of the sacraments and other rites, and guidance on the making, ordaining, and consecration of bishops, priests, and deacons. This important historical document is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity and the role of liturgy in religious practice.

If you care at all about the Christian church you must brace yourself for a roller coaster of emotions as you read A Sad Departure. The title contains a double entendre. On the one hand it alludes to the departure from the Church of Scotland of about forty ministers and many members. On the other hand it refers to the catalyst of these actions the departure of the Kirk from its moorings in the authority of Scripture by its decisions on 'the gay question'. It tells a dark story, almost novelesque in character. A church's Theological Commission reaches a unanimous conclusion on the teaching on marriage given in its ultimate authority, the Bible. But then its General Assembly acts in a way that ignores, demeans, and rejects that teaching. Thus behind these sad departures lies the prior and much sadder departure of the Kirk from its sacred constitution. This is a thoughtful, honest and solemnising book written out of a deep personal and pastoral concern for the cause of the gospel.

Part 1. Biography -- Part 2. Missionary -- Part 3. Church Issues.