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Title Page; Table of Contents; Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Chapter 1: Introduction; Theme and Importance; Nature: Historical and Theological; Useage of the Word "Reformed"; The Scottish Reformation; Influences upon The First Book of Discipline; Summary; Chapter 2: Calvin on Discipline, A Theological Perspective; Introduction; Relationships of Basic Dependence; Calvin on Discipline; The Church as Our Mother; The Holy Bride for God's Glory; Common Discipline; Clergy Discipline; The Purpose of Discipline; The Authority for Discipline; Summary

Chapter 3: John a Lasco and His Influence on The First Book of DisciplineIntroduction; Historical Between a Lasco and the Scottish Reformers; John Willock; John Knox; A Lasco's Writings and The First Book of Discipline: A Comparison; Superintendents; The Prophesying; Discipline Proper; Summary; Chapter 4: Valerand Poullain and His Influence on The First Book of Discipline; Introduction; Historical Connections between Poullain and the Scottish Reformers; John Willock; John Knox; Poullain's Work and The First Book of Discipline: A Comparison; The Election of Ministers; Elders; Discipline Proper

Chapter 5: The French Reformed Church and The First Book of Discipline; Introduction; Historical Connection between the French Reformed Church and the Scottish Reformers; John Knox; Other Scottish Reformers; La Discipline Ecclesiatique and The First Book of Discipline: A Comparrison; Ministerial Election and Discipline; The Office of Elder; Discipline Proper; Excursus; Summary; Chapter 6: Conclusion; Calvinian Sixteenth Century Discipline; Some Practical Reflections; Appendix A; Appendix B; Appendix C; Bibliography; Index of Names and Places;

The book argues for seeing Calvinian influence as the most significant influence for the Scottish reform movement of 1560. It examines John Calvin's understanding of discipline and interpretations of it by the wider continental Calvinian family, particularly John à Lasco, Valérand Poullain and the French Reformed Church, and their connections and influences on the Scottish Reformation.