Chapter 1   1545-1574 
His early life and education including in France and Geneva. His teaching in the Academy at Geneva. His return to Scotland through France and England and his eluding the Inquisition in the former.

Chapter 2   1574-1580
Melville is appointed Principal of Glasgow University. His educational reforms. His defence of the independence and liberties of the University.

Chapter 3
The influence of Melville’s teaching, particularly at the University of Glasgow.

Chapter 4   1574-1580 
Melville’s activity in civil affairs upon his return to Scotland. His leadership in opposing episcopacy is supported by the General Assembly but opposed by the nobility. The Second Book of Discipline. Melville charged to bring "Genevan discipline" to Scotland by the General Assembly. His part in the overthrow of episcopacy.

Chapter 5
Establishment of University of St. Andrews and system of Reformed education. Its reform according to the First Book of Discipline.

Chapter 6
The scheming of corrupt nobles with the king against the church. Melville proceeds with exercise of church discipline displeasing the king. He is summoned before the Privy council, put on trial and escapes to England. Presbyterianism is overthrown in Scotland. Melville’s return to Scotland.

Chapter 7   1585-1592 
Melville contends for the liberties of the church against the opposition of the king, his exile and his return.

Chapter 8   1592-1596 
Melville elected Rector of the University of St. Andrews. His conduct in Presbytery. The conspiracy of the popish lords to reestablish Roman Catholicism and their excommunication under Melville’s leadership. The king supports the popish lords. Melville participates in the expedition against them and their exile from Scotland. The court’s designs against the liberties of the church and Melville’s interview with the king.

Chapter 9   1596-1603 
The disorder in Edinburgh used as an excuse to move against the church and its ministers. He courts attempts to corrupt the ministers. Melville is restricted from sitting in the courts of the church. The restoration of the bishops, including Archbishop Beaton to the see of Glasgow. Melville is confined to his college. The King ascends the throne of England.

Chapter 10
Melville defends the non-conformist ministers in England. The court moves to control the church and supercede the General assembly. Ministers imprisoned for holding an assembly and convicted of high treason. Melville defends them in Parliament and protests against episcopacy. He is called to appear in London, forbidden to return to Scotland, and confined to house arrest. Melville called a second time before the English Privy Council and sent to the Tower of London.

Chapter 11   1607 
Melville deprived of his office of Principal. The state of education in Scotland and Melville’s influence on it.

Chapter 12   1607-1611 
The severity of his imprisonment in the Tower. The Huguenot Church of Rochelle applies for him. The attempts to obtain his release. He is consulted on the Arminian controversy. The intercession of the Duke of Bouillion on his behalf and its opposition by the French court. His release from prison and departure for France.

Chapter 13   1611-1622 
His reception in France and his employment in the University of Sedan. His opposition to Arminianism. His defence of the Scottish Church and his death.