IOHN KNOXE TO THE READER.

Because many are offended at the first blast of the trompett, in whiche I
affirme, that to promote a woman to beare rule, or empire aboue any
realme, nation or citie, is repugnant to nature, contumelie to God, and a
thing moste contrariouse to his reuealed and approued ordenance: and
because also, that somme hath promised (as I vnderstand) a confutation of
the same, I haue delayed the second blast, till such tyme as their reasons
appere, by the which I either may be reformed in opinion, or els shall
haue further occasion more simply and plainly to vtter my iudgement. Yet
in the meane tyme for the discharge of my conscience; and for auoyding
suspition, whiche might be ingendred by reason of my silence, I could not
cease to notifie these subsequent propositions, which by Gods grace I
purpose to entreate in the second blast promised.

1 It is not birth onely nor propinquitie of blood, that maketh a kinge
lawfully to reign aboue a people professing Christe Iesus, and his
eternall veritie, but in his election must the ordenance, which God hath
established, in the election of inferiour iudges be obserued.

2 No manifest idolater nor notoriouse transgressor of gods holie
preceptes o[u]ght to be promoted to any publike regiment, honour or
dignitie in any realme, prouince or citie, that hath subiected the[m] self
to Christe lesus and to his blessed Euangil.

3 Neither can othe nor promesse bynd any such people to obey and maintein
tyrantes against God and against his trueth knowen.