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

"Scots Confession" from John Knox. Scottish religious reformer who played the lead part in reforming the Church in Scotland in a Presbyterian manner (1510-1572).

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This volume offers partristic commentary edited by Gerald L. Bray on the first article of the Nicene Creed. Readers will gain insight into the history and substance of what the early church believed about God the Father.

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.

Learn: Pastoral Care is written for all ordained and lay pastoral ministers, youth and children's workers, community leaders, chaplains and volunteers working in all branches of health and residential care. This latest volume in the Learn series is designed to provide you with an introductory resource and guidance on Christian pastoral care and to help you to reflect upon your care for others as well as yourself. This publication is divided into four parts. The first part explores what Christians mean by pastoral care and why we care from biblical, theological and missional perspectives. The second part considers who could or should provide pastoral care, the opportunities for the Church to work in partnership with other professional organisations and where pastoral care should be offered. The third part focuses on various ways that pastoral care could be offered, while looking at the significance of self-awareness when offering care to others and caring for the self. Finally, the fourth part explores seven selected themes of pastoral care, each of which deals with two topics and suggests practical guidance. Each part begins with a 'My Story', which shares a real-life experience of pastoral care, and closes with a prayer. Selected themes include: -Caring for children and young people -Relationships and separation -Loneliness and isolation -Mental health struggles -Dementia -Caring for the terminally ill and their loved ones -Bereavement Attractively illustrated throughout and illuminated by real life human stories, this is an essential volume for all involved in working in this key area of ministry.