A Cloud of Witnesses, Part K – Part L

A Cloud of Witnesses · Part K – Part L

p. 13K.

Kennedy.

Alexander Kennedy, The Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 24.who passed not eighteen years of age, when he was presented before his bloody Butcherers, at first was faint, and gladly would have recanted; but while the place of repentance was denied him, the Spirit of God wrought in him, and with a chearful countenance, and a joyful voice, upon his knees he said, O eternal God, how wonderful is that love and mercy that thou bearest unto mankind, and unto me the most Caitiffe and miserable wretch above all others; for even now, when I would have denied thee, and thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ my onelyonly Saviour, and so have cast my self into everlasting dammation, Thou by thy own hand hast pulled me from the very bottom of hell, and made me to feel that heavenly comfort, which takes from me that ungodly fear wherewith before I was oppressed. Now I defie death, do what you please, I praise my God, I am ready.

Kerby.

Mr. Wingfield telling him,Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 568. the fire is hot, the terrour is great, the pain extreme, life sweet; Better it were betime to stick to mercy, while there is hope of life, then rashly to begin, and then to s…rink; He said, Ah Mr. Wingfield, be at my burning, and you shall say there standeth a Christian Souldier in the fire; for I know that fire, water, sword, and all other things are in the hands of God, and he will suffer no more to be laid upon us then he will enable us to bear.

When Sentence was past against him,Pag. 569. he with most humble reverence holding up his hands, and p. 14bowing himself devoutly, said, Praised be Almighty God.

Kilian.

Ward, pag. 162.To such as asked Kilian, a Dutch School-Master, if he loved not his Wife and Children? He answered, Yes, if all the world were gold, and were mine to dispose of, I would give it all to live with them, though it were but in Prison; yet is my soul and my Lord Christ dearer to me then all things whatsoever.

Knight.

Fox, Vol. 3, pag. 200.When Stephen Knight was at the Stake, he prayed, — O Lord Jesus Christ, for whose love I leave willingly this life, and desire rather the bitter death of thy Cross, with the loss of all earthly things, then to abide the blasphemy of thy most holy Name, or to obey men in breaking thy holy Commandement. Thou seest, O Lord, that where I might live in worldly wealth to worship a false god, and honour thine enemy, I chuse rather the torment of the body, and the loss of this life, and have counted all things but vile, dust, and dung, that I might win thee, which death is dearer unto me, then thousands of gold and silver. Such love, O Lord, hast thou laid up in my breast, that I hunger for thee, as the Deer that is wounded desireth the soil. Send thy holy Comforter, O Lord, to aid, comfort, and strengthen this weak piece of earth, which is empty of all strength of it self. Thou remembrest, O Lord, that I am but dust, and able to do nothing that is good. Therefore, O Lord, as of thine accustomed goodness and love, thou hast bidden me to this banket, and accounted me worthy to drink of thine own Cup amongst thine Elect; even so give me strength, O Lord, against this thine Element, which as to my sight it is most irksome p. 15and terrible, so to my mind it may at thy Commandement (as an obedient Servant) be sweet and pleasant, that through the strength of thy holy Spirit, I may pass through the rage of this fire into thy bosome, according to thy promise, and for this mortal receive an immortal, and for this corruption put on incorruption. Accept this burnt-sacrifice and offering, O Lord, not for the sacrifice, but for thy Dear Sons sake, my Saviour, for whose Testimony … offer this free-will-offering with all my heart and with all my soul. O Heavenly Father, forgive me my sins, as I forgive all the world. O sweet Son of God, my Saviour, spread thy wings over me. O blessed and holy Ghost, through whose merciful inspiration, I am come hither, conduct me into everlasting life. Lord, into thy hands I commend my Spirit. Amen.

Keyser.

Leonard Keyser, Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 114.as he was led to the place where he was to be burnt, said, O Lord Jesus, remain with me, sustain and help me, and give me force and power.

When the wood was ready to be set on fire, he cried with a loud voice, O Jesus, I am thine, have mercy upon me, and save me.

Knox.

Mr. Iohn Knox, The Eccl…siastical History of Scotland in Folio, pag. 74.wearied with removing from place to place, by reason of the Persecution that came upon him by the Bishop of St. Andrews, was determined to have left Scotland, and to have visited the Schools of Germany (he had then no pleasure in England, by reason that, although the Popes Name was suppressed, yet his Laws and Corruptons remained in full vigour) but was prevailed with by some Gentlemen, for their Childrens sake, whose Education he had undertaken, to go to St. Andrews, p. 16that he might have the benefit of the Castle, which was fortified against the Papists, since the death of the Cardinal in it. Thither he came An. 1547. where he was called to the Ministry after this manner. Mr. Rough having shew'd in a Sermon what power the Congregation,Pag. 75. how small soever, passing the number of two or three, had to elect any man in the time of need, as that was, in whom they espied the gifts of God, and how dangerous it was to refuse to hear the voice of such as desire to be instructed, he directed his words to Mr. Knox, saying, Brother, you shall not be offended, although that I speak unto you that which I have in charge even from all those here present, which is this. In the Name of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ, and in the name of these that presently call you by my mouth, I charge you that you refuse not this holy Vocation, but as ye tender the glory of God, the encrease of Christs Kingdome, the edification of your Brethren, and the comfort of me, whom ye understand well enough to be oppressed by the multitude of labours, that you take upon you the publick office and charge of preaching, even as you look to avoid Gods heavy displeasure, and desire that he shall multiply his graces upon you. And in the end he said to those that were present, was not this your charge to me? and do ye not approve this Vocation? They answered it is, and we approve it.

Besides this Vocation, that which necessitated Mr. Knox to enter in the publick place, was his beating by his Pen Dean Annan (a rotten Papist) that had long troubled Mr. Rough in his Preaching, from all defences, that he was compelled to flie to his last refuge, the Authority of the Church, which (said the Dean) damned all Lutherans and Hereticks, p. 17and therefore he would not dispute. Whereupon Mr. Knox in the open audience of the Parish-Church of St. Andrews told the Dean thus; As for your Roman Church, as it is now corrupted, and the Authority thereof, wherein stands the hope of your victory, I no more doubt but that it is the Synagogue of Satan, and the head thereof, called the Pope, to be that man of sin, of whom the Apostle speaks, then I doubt that Jesus Christ suffered by the procurement of the visible Church of Ierusalem; yea, I offer my self by word or writing, to prove the Roman Church this day farther to degenerate from the purity, which was in the daies of the Apostles,Pag. 76. then was the Church of the Iews, from the Ordinance given by Moses, when they consented to the innocent death of Jesus Christ. The people hearing the offer, cried with one consent, We cannot all read your writings, but we can all hear your preachings; therefore we require you in the Name of God, that ye let us hear the Probation of what you have affirmed; for if it be true, we have been miserably deceived.

The next Lords Day he preached on Dan. 7. And another King shall rise after them, and he shall be unlike unto the first, and he shall subdue three Kings, and shall speak words against the most High, and shall consume the Saints of the most High, &c. In the beginning of his Sermon, he shewed the great love of God towards his Church, whom he pleased to forewarn of dangers to come, so many years before they came to pass. — After he made a short Discourse of the four Empires, the Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman; in the destruction of the fourth rose up that last beast, which he affirmed to be the Roman Church; for to none other power, that ever hath been yet, do all the Notes that God shewed to p. 18the Prophets belong, except to it alone, and to it they do properly appertain, as such as are not more then blind may clearly see. — Then he shewed that the Spirit in the New Testament gives to this King other new names; as the man of sin, the Antichrist, the whore of Babylon, which he proved to belong to the Papists, and their head the Pope. —

Pag. 78.Hereupon he was (with Mr. Rough) convented before the Sub Prior of St. Andrews, &c. and several Articles were read against them.

The strangeness (said the Sub Prior) of these Articles, which are gathered forth of your Doctrine, have moved us to call for you to hear your Answers. Mr. Knox said, I for my part praise my God, that I see such an Auditory; but because it is long since, that I have heard, that ye are one that is not ignorant of the Truth, I may crave of you in the Name of God, yea and I appeal your conscience before that supreme Judge, that if ye think any Article there expressed, contrary to the Truth of God, that ye oppose your self plainly unto it, and suffer not the people to be therewith deceived; but if in your conscience you know the Doctrine to be true, then will I crave your Patr…cinie thereto, that by your Authority the people may be moved the …ather to believe the Truth. The Sub Prior answered, I come not here as a Judge, but onelyonly familiarly to talk, and therefore I will neither allow nor condemn, but if ye list, I will reason. Why may not the Church for good causes devise Ceremonies to decore the Sacraments, and other Gods Service?

K. Because the Church ought to do nothing but in faith, and ought not to go before, but is bound to follow the voice of the true Pastor.

p. 19S. It is in faith that the Ceremonies are commanded,Pag. 79. and they have proper significations to help our faith, they have a godly signification; and therefore proceed from faith, and are done in Faith.

K. It is not enough that man invent a Ceremony, and then give it a signification according to his pleasure; for so might the Ceremonies of the Gentiles, and of Mahomet be maintained: but if any thing proceed from faith, it must have the Word of God for its assurance; for faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Now if ye will prove that your Ceremonies proceed from faith, and do please God, you must prove that God hath commanded them, else they are sin; for whatsoever is not of faith, is sin.

S. Will ye bind us so strait, that we may do nothing without the express Word of God? What if I ask drink, think ye that I sin? and yet I have not Gods Word for me.

K. I would ye should not jest in so grave a matter, neither would I that you should begin to hide the truth with Sophistry. — As to your drinking, I say, that if ye either eat or drink without assurance of Gods Word, in so doing you displease God by sinning against him; for the creatures are sanctified by the Word and Prayer. The Word is this, all things are clean to the clean. — But the Question is not of meat or drink, wherein the Kingdome of God consisteth not, but of Gods true Worshipping, without which we can have no society with God; and here it is doubted, if we may take the same liberty in using of Christs Sacraments, that we may do in eating and drinking. — Moses saith, All that the Lord thy God commandeth p. 20thee to do, that do thou to the Lord thy God, adde nothing to it, diminish nothing from it. By these Rules I think the Church of Christ will measure Gods Religion, and not by that which seems good in their own eyes.

Pag. 80.S. Pardon me, I spake it, because I was dry, Frier follow the Argument.

F. I will prove that those Ceremonies ye damn are ordained by God; for the Ceremonies of the Church are the gold, silver, and precious stones, which do abide the fire, and consume not away, &c.

K. I praise God, through Christ, I find his Word true; Christ bids us not fear when we shall be called before men to give Confession of his truth; For it shall be given in that hour, what we shall speak. If I had sought the whole Scriptures, I could not have produced a place more potent to confound you. — I would learn of you what fire it is that your Ceremonies do abide? and in the mean give you this Argument from the same Text against you. That which can abide the fire, can abide the Word; but your Ceremonies cannot abide the Word, therefore they cannot abide the fire, then are they not gold,Pag. 81. silver, and precious stones.

F. I deny your M…nor, viz. That our Ceremonies may not abide the trial of Gods Word.

K. I prove, That abides not the trial of Gods Word, which Gods Word condemns; but Gods Word condemns your Ceremonies, therefore they do not abide the trial thereof, but as a Thie… abides the trial of the Inquest, and thereby is condemned to be hanged, &c. The Minor is evident▪ for the plain and strait Commandement is,D…u…. 4. Not th… thing that appears good in thine eyes shalt thou do to the p. 21Lord thy God, but what the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, that do thou, adde nothing to it, diminish nothing from it. Now unless ye be able to prove that God hath commanded your Ceremonies, this Command will damn both you and them.

The Frier would not answer directly, but ever fled to the Authority of the Church. Whereto Mr. Knox answered oftner then once, That the Spouse of Christ had neither Power nor Authority against the Word of God. Then said the Frier, you will leave us no Church. Indeed (said Mr. Knox) in David I read,Ps. 26.5.Ps 26:5 that there is a Church of Malignants, that Church ye may have without the Word, &c. but as for me I will be of none other Church, except of that which hath Jesus Christ to be Pastour, which hears his voice, and will not hear a stranger.

Upon the appearance of one and twenty French Gallies in the sight of the Castle,Pag. 83. the Castle was demanded to be delivered, and the Governour refusing, it was besieged by Sea and Land, the Plague being within. Mr. Knox ever told them within, That their corrupt life, having fallen into all kind of licentiousness, puft up with pride of their success, and relying on England for help in case of need, could not escape the punishment of God. When they triumphed of their Victory, he lamented, and said,Pag. 84. They saw not what he saw. When they bragged of the force and thickness of their Walls, he said, They should be but Egge-shells. When they vaunted, England will rescue us, he said, Ye shall not see them, but ye shall be delivered into your enemies hands, and shall be carried into a strange Countrey.

The last of Iuly the Castle was delivered upon Articles, That the lives of all in the Castle should p. 22be saved, and safely transported into France, &c. In France the principal, that looked for freedome, were put into several Prisons, and the rest were left in the Gallies, and miserably used, among which Mr. Knox was all the Winter.

Pag. 92.When Mr. Iames Balfour (afterwards Sir Iames Balfour, and an Apostate) would ask Mr. Knox, if he thought that ever they should be delivered; his Answer ever was, That God would deliver them from that bondage to his glory, even in this life.

When the Gallies returned to Scotland, within sight of St. Andrews, Mr. Iames willed Mr. Knox (who was then extremely sick, that few hoped his life) to look to the Land, and asked if he knew it? He answered, Yes, I know it well, for I see the Steeple of that place, where God in publick opened my mouth to his glory, and I am fully perswaded, how weak soever I now appear, that I shall not depart this life, till that my tongue shall glorifie his holy Name in the same place. This he spake many years before he sate foot on Scottish ground.

In answer to a Letter from those that were imprisoned in Mount Michel, Mr. Knox writes; That if without the blood of any shed or spilt by them for their deliverance, they might set themselves at liberty, they might safely do it. But to shed any mans blood for their freedome, thereto would he never consent. Adding farther, that he was assured that God would deliver them and the rest of that company, even in the eyes of the world, but not by such means they looked for, that the praise of their deliverance should redound to his glory onelyonly. He willed therefore every one to take the occasion that God offered to them, provided that they did p. 23nothing against Gods command for deliverance. — Adding,Pag. 93. that in one instant God delivered the whole company into the hands of unfaithful men, but so would he not relieve them; but some would he deliver by one means, and at one time, and others must abide for a season upon his good pleasure.

When Mr. Knox was delivered, he came into England, and was Preacher to Barwick, then to Newcastle, then to London, &c. But before he was delivered, whilst in the Gallies, he wrote a Treatise containing the Summe of his Doctrine, and the Confession of his Faith, and sent it to his Familiars in Scotland, with his Exhortation, that they should continue in the truth, which they had professed, notwithstanding any worldly adversity that might ensue thereof.

Whilst he was in England, See his Life set before the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 2.he was in so great favour and esteem with King Edward the Sixth, that he was offered a Bishoprick; but he not onelyonly refused and rejected it, but with a grave and severe Speech declared, That the proud title of Lordship, and that great state was not to be suffered to be in the Church of God, as having Quid commune cum Antichristo, i. e. somewhat common with Antichrist.

King Edward being dead, the Persecution of Queen Mary made him leave England, with many other godly Ministers; and first he went to Frankford, where for a time he preached the Gospel to the English Congregation there.See this Admonition at the end of the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 43.

There he wrote his Admonition to England, An. 1554.

In his Admonition to the true Professours of the Gospel of Christ in England. — Looking for a suitable Scripture to handle for your consolation in these most dark and dolorous times, as I was p. 24turning my Book, I chanced to see a Note in the Margin written thus in Latin, Vid eat Anglia, Let England beware, the Note written was this, Seldome it is that God worketh any notable work to the comfort of his Church, but that trouble, fear, and labour cometh upon such as God hath used for his Servants,Pag. 44. and Workmen; and also tribulation most commonly followeth that Church, where Christ Jesus is most truly preached. This Note was made upon Matth. 14. which place declareth that after Christ had used the Apostles, as Ministers and Servants to feed so many thousand, &c. he sent them to Sea, &c. and there they met with a Storm, that was like to overthrow their poor Boat and them. — Remembring that I had handled the same Scripture in your presence, I thought nothing more expedient, then shortly to call to mind such things, as then, I trust, were touched. — Why Christ sent away from him the people, the Evangelist Iohn declareth, saying, When Iesus knew that they were come to take him, Iohn 6.John 6that they might make him King, he passed secretly (or all alone) to the mountain. — The people sought by Christ a carnal and worldly Liberty, regarding nothing his heavenly Doctrine, &c. viz. that such as would follow him, must suffer for his Names sake persecution, must be hated of all men, must deny themselves, must be sent forth,Pag. 45. as Sheep among Wolves: No part of this Doctrine pleased them; but their whole mind was upon their bellies, for sufficing whereof, they devised that they would appoint Christ their worldly King; for he had power to multiply bread at his pleasure. Which vain opinion perceived by Christ, he withdrew himself from their company, to avoid all such suspition, and to let them understand, that no such Honours did p. 25agree with his Vocation, who came to serve, and not to be served. — Why the Disciples should suffer that great danger, Saint Mark plainly shews,Mark 6.Mark 6 saying, That their hearts were blinded, and therefore did neither remember, nor consider the miracle of the loaves, i. e. Albeit they touched the bread, &c. and gathered up twelve baskets full, &c. yet did not they rightly consider the infinite power of Christ Jesus by this wonderful miracle; and therefore of necessity it was, that in their own bodies they should suffer trouble for their better instruction. When I deeply consider how the flock of Christ was fed under King Edward the Sixth, and now behold the dispersion, &c. methinks I see the same causes to have moved God, not onelyonly to withdraw his presence frem the multitude, but also to have sent his well beloved Servants to the travels of the Seas, &c. What were the affections of the greatest multitude that followed the Gospel is easily judged by their lives. Who lived (in that rest) as that he had refused himself? — as that he had been crucified with Christ? — as that he had certainly looked for trouble to come upon him? yea who lived not in delicacy and joy, and seeking the world and pleasures thereof, caring for the flesh and carnal appetites, as though death and sin had clean been devoured? and what was this else then to make of Christ an earthly King? The Word, that we professed, daily cried in our ears, that our Kingdome, our Joy, our Rest and Felicity, neither was, is, nor should be upon the Earth, &c. but in Heaven, into which we must enter by many tribulations. But, alas! we sleeped in such security, that the sound of the Trumpet could of many never be perfectly understood, but alwayes we perswaded our selves of a certain tranquility,Pag. 46. as though p. 26the troubles, whereof mention is made within the Scriptures of God, appertained not at all to this Age, &c. and therefore was our heavenly Father compelled to withdraw from us the presence of his Verity, to the end we may more earnestly thirst for the same, and with more obedience embrace and receive it, &c. — I mean not that such as have left Christ in body and heart shall embrace the Verity, but such as by the infirmity of the flesh, and weakness of faith dare not openly and boldly confess that, which their hearts know to be most true, and lament for the imperfection by-past and present; from such shall not the amiable presence of Christ for ever be withdrawn; but yet again shall the eyes of their sore troubled hearts behold the Light of Christs Gospel, wherein they most delight. We the Ministers, who were Distributers of this Bread (the true Word of God) lacked not our offences, which also moved God to send us to the Sea. And because no mans offences are so manifest unto me as mine own, I will onelyonly censure my self. — (O that all such Ministers, as are put from their Charges, would seriously and sadly peruse and lay to heart his humble confession.) The portion of heavenly Bread which I received from Christ by his benediction multiplyed in breaking, &c. but alas!Pag. 47. how little did I consider the dignity of that Office, and the power of God, that then multiplied the Bread, the people received of my hands? God I take to record in my Conscience, that I delivered the same Bread, that I received of Christs hands; and that I mixed no poyson with the same, i. e. I teached Christs Gospel without any mixture of mens dreams, devices, or phantasies, but alas I did it not with such fervency, with such indifferency and diligence, as now I know it was my duty. Some p. 27complained in those dayes that the Preachers were indiscreet persons, yea Railers, &c. — but alas this day my Conscience accuseth me, that I spake not so plainly, as my duty was to have done; for I ought to have said to the wicked man expresly by his name, Thou shalt die the death. I find Ieremiah the Prophet to have done so to Pashur the high Priest, and to Zedekiah the King. — The blind love I did bear to this my wicked Carkass, was the chief cause I was not fervent and faithful enough in that behalf; for I had no will to provoke the hatred of all men against me. — As I was not so fervent in rebuking manifest iniquity, as I should, so was I not so indifferent a feeder as is required of Christs Steward; for the love of friends and carnal affection of some men, with whom I was most familiar, allured me to make more residence in one place then in another, having more respect to the pleasure of a few, Pag. 48.then the necessity of many. — Moreover remaining in one place, I was not so diligent as mine office required; but sometime by counsel of carnal friends I spared the body, some time I spent in worldly business of particular friends, and sometime in taking recreation▪ &c. And albeit men may judge these to be light and small offences, yet I acknowledge that unless pardon should be granted unto me in Christs blood, that every one of these three offences deserved damnation. — And beside these, I am assaulted, yea, infected and corrupted with seeking the favour, estimation, and praise of men. — O Lord be merciful to my great offence, and deal not with me according to my great iniquity; but according to the multitude of thy mercies remove from me the burden of my sin; for of purpose and mind to have avoided the vain displeasure of man, I spared p. 28little to offend thy Majesty. Think not that I thus accuse my self without cause, to appear more holy, or to accuse my Brethren; No, God is Judge to my Conscience, that I do it from an unfeigned and sore troubled heart. — This great tempest cometh from the great mercy of our heavenly Father, to provoke us to unfeigned repentance; for neither Preacher, nor Professor did rightly consider the time of our merciful visitation, but we spent our time, as though Gods Word had rather been preached to satisfie our phantasies, then to reform our evil manners. Which thing if we earnestly repent, then shall Jesus Christ appear unto our comfort, be the storm never so great. Haste, O Lord, for thy Names sake.

Observe next the vehemency of the fear, which the Disciples indured in that great danger, of longer continuance then any before; They were in the midst of the raging Sea,Pag. 49. and it was night, and Christ their Comforter absent from them, and cometh not to them neither in the first, second, nor third Watch. What fear think you were they in? Such as be in like danger in England do by this storm better understand, then my Pen can express. — What we read here to have chanced to Christs Disciples, and their poor Boat, the same thing hath chanced, doth, and will chance to the true Church, travelling (like a Ship) in the Sea of this troublesome World, to the Haven of eternal felicity. — The wind,Pag. 50. that alwayes hath blown against the Church of God, is the malice of the Devil: As the wind is invisible, and yet the poor Disciples feel that it troubleth and letteth their Ship; so the pestilent envy of the Devil worketh in Reprobates so subtily, that it cannot be espied by Gods Elect, nor by his Messengers, till first they feel the blasts p. 29thereof to blow their Ship backward. As the vehement wind causeth the waves of the Sea to rage, and yet the dead water neither knoweth what it doth, nor can cease from being troubled, and troubling Christs Disciples in their poor Ship; so by the envy and malice of the Devil are wicked and cruel, both Subjects and Princes (whose hearts are like the raging Sea) compelled to persecute the true Church of Christ, and yet so blinded, that they see not their manifest iniquity, nor can they cease to run to their own destruction. — The whole malice of the Devil hath alwayes this end,Pag. 52. to vex and overthrow Christs afflicted Church. — Albeit the Tyrants of the Earth have learned by long experience,Pag. 54. that they are never able to prevail against Gods Truth, yet because they are bound Slaves to their Master the Devil, they cannot cease to persecute the Members of Christ, when the Devil bloweth his wind in the darkness of the night, i. e. when the Light of Christs Gospel is taken away, and the Devil reigneth by Idolatry, Superstition, and Tyranny. — It is fearful to be heard that the Devil hath such power over any man, but yet the Word of God hath so instructed us, and therefore we must believe it. He is called the Prince and god of this world, because he reigneth and is honoured by Tyranny and Idolatry in it. He is called the Prince of darkness, Pag. 55.that hath power in the aire. It is said, he worketh in the children of unbelief, &c. — And therefore wonder not that now the Devil rageth in his obedient Servants; for this is their hour and power granted to them, they cannot cease, nor asswage their furious fumes; for the Devil, their Sire, stirreth, moveth, and carrieth them at his will. — I do not attribute to him or them power at their pleasure, but onelyonly as God p. 30shall suffer. When therefore I hear what the ravenous Lions do, I pray, O Lord, those cruel Tyrants are loosed by thy hand, to punish our former ingratitude, whom, we trust, thou wilt not suffer to prevail for ever, but when thou hast corrected us a little, and hast declared to the world the tyranny that lurked in their boldened breasts, then wilt thou break their jaw-bones, and wilt shut them up in their Caves again, that the generation and posterity following may praise thy holy Name, before thy Congregation. Amen. — I know that God shall yet shew mercy to his afflicted Church in England, and repress the pride of these present Tyrants, as he hath done those that were before us. Therefore, beloved Brethren in our Saviour Jesus Christ, hold up to God your hands, that are fainted through fear, and hear the voice of your God, who sweareth by himself, that he will not suffer his Church to be oppressed for ever, and that he will not despise our sobs to the end, if we will rowe and strive against this vehement wind: I mean, if that ye will not turn back headlong to Idolatry, then shall this storm be asswaged in despight of the Devil. Pag. 56.— Be not moved from the sure Foundation of your Faith; for albeit that Christ Iesus be absent from you (as he was from his Disciples in that great storm) by his bodily presence, yet he is present by his mighty power and grace. He standeth upon the mountain in security and rest, i. e. his flesh and whole humanity is now in Heaven, and can suffer no such trouble, as once he did; yet he is full of pity and compassion, and doth consider all our travel, anguish, and labours; wherefore it is not to be doubted, but that he will suddenly appear to our great comfort. The tyranny of this world cannot keep back his coming, more p. 31then the blustering wind and raging Seas let Christ to come to his Disciples, looking for present death. — We gave you warning of these dayes long ago: for the reverence of Christs blood let these words be noted; The same Truth, that spake before of these dolorous dayes, fore-spake also the everlasting joy prepared for such as should continue to the end. The trouble is come: O dear Brethren look for the comfort, and (after the example of the Apostle) abide in resisting this vehement storm a little space. The third watch is not yet ended. Remember that Christ came not to his Disciples till the fourth watch.Pag. 57. — Observe next that the Disciples at the presence of Christ were more afraid then they were before: That Christ useth no other instrument but his Word to pacifie their hearts: That Peter in a fervency first left the Ship, and yet after feared: That Christ permitted neither Peter, nor the rest of his Disciples to perish in that fear, but gloriously delivered all, and pacified the tempest. — There were three causes why the Disciples knew not Christ, but judged him to be a Spirit: The darkness of the night, that letted their eyes to see him: The unaccustomed Vision that appeared; and it was above nature that a massy, weighty, and heavy body of a man (such as they understood their Master Christ to have) should be born up of, and walk upon the water of the raging Sea and not sink: And finally, the horrour of the tempest, and great danger they were in perswaded them to look for none other, but certainly to be drowned. — What here hapned to Christ himself, daily hapneth to the verity of his blessed Word, &c. The truth and sincere preaching of his glorious Gospel, sent by God for mans deliverance from sin, &c. is judged to be Heresie and deceiveable p. 32Doctrine, sent by the Devil to mans destruction. — The chief note is this,Pag. 58. The more nigh deliverance, and salvation approacheth, the more strong and vehement is the temptation of the Church of God: and the more nigh that Gods vengeance approacheth to the wicked, the more proud, cruel, and arrogant are they. Whereby it commonly comes to pass, that the Messengers of Life are judged to be the Authors of all mischief. Thus the Israelites cursed Moses, Exod. 5.6, &c.Exod 5:6alledging that he and Aaron was the whole cause of their last extreme trouble.Pag. 59. — This I write to admonish you, that although you see tribulation so abound, that no hope be left, that yet you decline not from God. And that albeit sometimes ye be moved to hate the Messengers of Life, that therefore ye shall not judge that God will never shew mercy after. No, dear Brethren, as he hath dealt with others before you, so will he deal with you. — One cause why God permitteth such blood-thirsty Tyrants to molest his Church, is this, Such is his justice, that he will not pour forth his extreme vengeance upon the wicked, until such time as their iniquity be so manifest, that their very flatterers cannot excuse it.Exod. 10.Exod 10 Pharaoh was not destroyed, till his own houshold Servants and Subjects abhorred and condemned his stubborn disobedience. — If Gardener, Tunstal, and Bonner had suffered death when first they deserved it, Papists would have alledged (as they did) that they were reformable, neither thirsted they for the blood of any man. And of Lady Mary, who hath not heard, that she was sober, merciful, and one that loved the Commonwealth of England? Had she and her pestilent Council been dead before these dayes, their iniquity and cruelty had not so manifestly appeared to the world.Pag. 62. — Thus (dear p. 33Brethren) must the Sons of the Devil declare their own impiety and ungodliness, that when Gods vengeance (which shall not sleep) shall be poured forth upon them, all tongues shall confess and say, That God is righteous in all his judgements. — The means Christ used to remove the Disciples fear is onelyonly his Word, he said, Be of good comfort, it is I, be not afraid. The natural man (that cannot understand the power of God) would have desired some other present comfort in so great a danger, as either to have had the Heavens to have opened, and to have shewed them such a light in that darkness, that Christ might have been fully known by his own face, or else, that the winds and raging waves of the Sea suddenly should have ceased, or some other miracle, that had been subject to all their senses, whereby they might have perfectly known that they were delivered from all danger. And truly equal it had been to Christ Jesus to have done any of these (or any work greater) as to have said, It is I, be not afraid: but he would hereby teach us the dignity and effectual power of his holy Word.

— This I write (Beloved in the Lord) that ye knowing the Word of God,Pag. 63. not onelyonly to be that whereby were created Heaven and Earth, but also to be the Power of God to Salvation to all that believe, &c. may now in this hour of darkness and most raging tempest, thirst and pray, that ye may hear yet once again this amiable voice of your Saviour Christ,Pag. 64. Be of good comfort, it is I, be not afraid. — Exercise your selves secretly in revolving that which sometimes you have heard openly proclaimed in your ears, and be every man now a faithful Preacher to his Brother;Luke 24.Luke 24 If your communication be of Christ, assuredly he will come before ye be aware. p. 34— What comfort was in the hearts of the Disciples, when they heard these words, It is I, your Master, your Master, most familiar, whose voice you know, whose work you have seen, who commanded you to enter into this journey, it is I, be not afraid, cannot be exprest, but by those that have experienced the comforts of the Spirit after great conflicts,Pag. 65. &c. — It is certain Christs voice had wrought in Peter's heart, not onelyonly a forgetting and contempt of the great tempest, but such boldness and love, that he could fear no danger following, but assuredly did believe that nothing could resist his Masters Command, and therefore he saith, Command me to come, q. d. I desire no more then the assurance of thy command. If thou wilt command, I am determined to obey. The waters cannot prevail against me if thou speak the word: so that whatsoever is possible unto thee, by thy Will and Word may be possible unto me. —

Pag. 68.— Such as bear reverence to Gods most holy Word, are drawn by the power and vertue of the same, to believe, and follow, and obey that, which God commandeth, be it never so hard, and contrary to their affections; and therefore are they wonderfully preserved, when Gods vengeances are poured forth upon the disobedient.

Pag. 70.— In Peter's being afraid, seeing a mighty wind, and when he began to sink, crying, Lord, save me: Three things are principally to be noted; From whence cometh the fear of Gods Elect: Why they faint in adversity: What resteth with them in the time of their fear and down-sinking. — The cause of our fear, who would through the storms of the Sea go to Christ, is, that we more consider the dangers and lets that are in our journey, then we do the Almighty Power of him that p. 35hath commanded us to come to himself. — This I note for this purpose, that albeit this late most raging storm hath taken from you the presence of Christ for a time, so that you have doubted whether it was Christ which you saw before or not; and albeit that the vehemency of this contrary wind, that would drive you from Christ, hath so employed your ears, that almost you have forgotten what he was who commanded you to come to himself, when that he cried,Mat. 11. Rev. 18.Matt 11Rev 18 Come unto me, &c. Pass from Babylon, O my People, &c. Yet despair not, such offences have chanced to Gods Elect before you.Pag. 71. If obstinately ye shall not continue, yet shall you find mercy and grace. — So long as Peter neither feared danger, nor mistrusted Christs Word, so long the waves did serve his feet, as if they had been dry, solid, and sure ground, &c. to instruct us, That lively faith makes man bold, and is able to carry in through such perils, as be uncapable to nature. But when faith begins to faint, then beginneth man to sink down in every danger.Pag. 73. — Indeed with Gods Elect in their greatest fear and danger, there resteth some small spark of faith, which by one means or other declareth it self; albeit the af…l…cted person in fear or danger doth not presently perceive the same. — Lord, save me, declares that Peter knew the power of Christ able to deliver him, and that he had some hope through Christs goodness to obtain deliverance. —

It is also to be noted, that in his great jeopardy Peter murmureth not against Christ, neither blame him, albeit at his Command he had left his Boat, he saith not, Why lettest thou me sink, seeing I have obeyed thy Command? Moreover, he asked help of Christ alone. — Immediately stretched forth his hand, &c. Note, That God is alwayes nigh to p. 36those that call on him faithfully, &c. What was visibly done to Peter, is done to Christs members invisibly in all ages.

Pag. 74.— Open your ears (Dear Brethren) and let your hearts understand that our God is unchangeable, his gracious hand is not shortned this day. — If we know the danger we are in, and unfeignedly call for deliverance, the Lords hand is nigher then the sword of our enemies. Christs rebuke of Peter teacheth us, That God doth not flatter, nor conceal the faults of his Elect, but maketh them manifest, that the offenders may repent, and that others may avoid the like offences. — In passing to Christ through the storms of this world, it is not onelyonly required that our faith be fervent in the beginning, but constant to the end, and not faint. — We have less excuse for doubting then Peter, for he might have alledged, that he was not advertised that any great storm should have risen between him and Christ, which we cannot justly alledge; for since Christ hath appeared to us, he hath continually blown in our ears,Pag. 75. that persecution should follow the Word that we professed. Alas then, why doubt we through this storm to go to Christ? Support, O Lord, and let us sink no farther. — O blessed and happy are those that patiently abide the deliverance of the Lord. The raging Sea shall not levour them, albeit they have fainted, &c. The Majesty of Christs presence shall put to silence this boisterous wind, the malice of the Devil, which so bloweth in the hearts of Princes, Prelates, and earthly men, &c. —

— Peradventure some there are of Gods Elect beholdin… such as have sometimes boldly professed Christs verity, now to be returned to their accustomed abominations, and themselves to be so overcome p. 37of fear, that against their knowledge and conscience they stoop to an Idol, ☜and with their presence maintain the same fear, whether it be possible the Members of Christs Body can be permitted so horribly to fall to the denial of their Head. The dolour and fear of such I grant to be most just; for O how fearfull is it for the love of this transitory life in the presence of man to deny Christ, and his known and undoubted Verity? Yet such as be not obstinate contemners of God I should counsel, that they would rather appeal to Mercy,Pag. 76. then to pass against themselves the fearfull Sentence of Condemnation, and to consider that God includeth all under unbelief, that he may have Mercy on all. — And that all Christs Apostles fled from him, and denied him in their hearts, and yet were not rejected for ever.— Some may demand, How shall it be known in whom faith is not utterly quenched, and in whom it is, seeing all flee from Christ, and bow down to Idolatry? Hard it is, and in a manner impossible, that one man should be able to judge of another, that could not Elijah do of the Israelites in his daies, but yet a man may of himself.☜ — And wilt thou have a trial, whether the root of faith remaineth with thee or not? Feelest thou thy soul fainting in faith, as Peter felt his body sink down in the waters? Art thou as sore afraid, that thy soul shall drown in hell, if thou consentest or obeyest idolatry, as Peter was, that his body should drown in the waters?Pag. 77. Desirest thou as earnestly the deliverance of thy soul, as Peter did the deliverance of his body? Believest thou that Christ is able to deliver thy soul, and that he will do the same according to his promise? Dost thou call upon him without hypocrisie, now in the day of thy trouble? Dost thou thirst for his presence, p. 38and for the liberty of his Word again? Mournest thou for the great abominations that now overslow the Realm of England? If these promises remain in thy heart, then art not thou altogether destitute of faith, neither shalt thou descend to perdition for ever, but the Lord shall mercifully stretch forth his mighty hand, and deliver thee. How? it neither appertains to thee to demand, nor to me to define.

— I think not that suddenly and by one means shall all the faithfull in England be delivered from Idolatry: No, it may be that God so strengthens the hearts of some of those that have fainted before, that they will resist Idolatry to the death, and that were a glorious and triumphant deliverance: of others God may so touch the hearts, that they will chuse to go as Pilgrims, from Realm to Realm, suffering hunger, cold, heat, thirst, weariness and poverty, then they will abide (having all abundance) in subjection of Idolatry: To some God may offer such occasions, that in despight of Idolaters they may remain in their own Land, and yet neither Bow the knee to Baal, nor lack the lively food of Gods most holy Word. — Seeing we are so like the Disciples, let us make such a complaint (as the following one) unto God.Pag. 78. G God, the heathen are entred into thine inheritance, they have defiled thy holy Temple, and have profaned thy blessed Ordinances, &c.☞ Thy Prophets are persecuted, and none are permitted to speak thy Word freely, the poor Sheep of thy Pasture are commanded to drink the venemous waters of mens traditions, &c. Such is the tyranny of these most cruel Beasts, that they say plainly, they shall root us out at once, so that no remembrance shall remain of us on earth. O Lord▪ thou knowest we are but flesh, &c. We confess we p. 39are punished most justly, thy blessed Gospel was in our ears, like a Lovers Song, it pleased us for a time; but alas! our lives did nothing agree with holy Statutes. — But be thou mindfull, O Lord, that thy enemies blaspheme thy holy Name, &c. Thy Gospel is called Heresie, and we are accused as Traitors, for professing the same, &c. Albeit our sins accuse and condemn us, yet do thou according to thy great Name. — Correct us, but not in thy hot displeasure, spare thy people, and permit not thine inheritance to be in rebuke for ever, &c. Gather us yet once again to the wholesome treasures of thy most Holy Word, that openly we may confess thy blessed Name within the Realm of England. — Amen.

— Abide patiently the Lords deliverance,Pag. 79. avoiding and flying such offences as may separate and divide you from the blessed Fellowship of the Lord Jesus at his second coming. Watch and pray, resist the Devil, and rowe against this vehement Tempest,Isa. 26.Isa 26 and the Lord shall come shortly to your comfort, and you shall say, Behold, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he hath saved us. —

Mr. Knox remained at Frankford till some more given to unprofitable Ceremonies,See the History of T…oubles at Frankford, pag. 37.38. And the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 93, 94. then to the sincerity of Religion, essaied by a most cruel, barbarous, and bloody practice to dispatch him out of the way. They accused him to the Magistrates of high Treason against the Emper…ur, and his Son Philip, and Mary Queen of England, for that in his Admonition to England, he called the Emperour no less an Enemy to Christ then N…ro, and Queen Mary more cruel then I…zabel. The Magistrates, perceiving their malice, and abhorring their bloody attempt, gave advertisement secretly to him to depart their City, because they could not p. 40save him, if he were required by the Emper…ur, or by the Queen of England in the Emperours Name.

The night before his departure he made a most comfortable Sermon of the Death and Resurrection of Christ, and of the unspeakable joyes that were prepared for Gods Elect, which in this life suffer persecution for the Testimony of his blessed Name.

From Frankford he went to Geneva, and thence to Diep, and thence to Scotland.

The Ecclesiastical History of Scotland pag. 98, 99.At his coming to Edinburg, the Lord made him instrumental for the comforting the troubled conscience of Mrs. Elizabeth Adamson, who under extreme torments of body said, A thousand years of this torment, and ten times more joyned unto it, is not to be compared to a quarter of an hour that I suffered in my Spirit. I thank my God, through Jesus Christ, that hath delivered me from that fearful pain, and welcome be this, even so long as it pleaseth the Majesty of Heaven to exercise me therewith.

At his coming into Scotland he began as well in private conference as preaching to shew how dangerous a thing it was to communicate in any son with Idolatry. Whereupon the Question was debated, Whether in any wise it was lawful for: Christian to go to Mass, or to communicate with the abused Sacraments in the Papistical manner? I was urged, that Paul at the command of Iames, and of the Elders of Ierusalem passed to the Temple and feigned himself to pay his Vow with others▪ Pag. 100.But this and other things were so fully answered b… Mr. Knox, that Mr. Maitland confessed, I see ver… perfectly that our shifts will serve nothing before God seeing that they stand us in so small stead before men. His Answer to the fact of Paul, &c. was, (1) The p. 41fact was most unlike going to Mass; for to pay Vows was sometimes Gods command, as was never Idolatry; and their Mass from the Original was and remained odious Idolatry. (2) I greatly doubt (said he) whether either Iames's command, or Paul's obedience, proceeded of the holy Ghost, seeing he fell into the most desperate danger that ever he sustained before for obeying worldly-wise counsel.

Mr. Knox was so successfull in a short time through the blessing of God,Pag. 101. that the Earl of Glencarn, the Earl of Marschel, and Henry Drummond, were so contented with his Exhortation, that they willed him to write unto the Queen Regent somewhat that might move her to hear the Word of God. He obeyed their desire, and wrote that which was afterwards published, and is called, The Letter to the Queen Dowager, which was delivered to her own hands, by the Earl of Glencarn. The Queen having read it, delivered it to the Bishop of Gl… scow, saying in mockage, Please you my Lord to read a Pasquil, which words coming to the ears of Mr. Knox, occasioned him to make the Additions to his Letter.

— In his Letter.See this Letter with the Additions at the end of the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 81. Mat. 5. Iohn 14.16. Isa. 9.Matt 5John 14:16Isa 9 — The Christians Victory standeth not in resisting, but suffering: as our Sovereign Master pronounceth to his Disciples, That in patience they should possess their souls: and Isaiah painteth forth all other Battels to be with violence, tumult, and blood-shedding, but the Victory of Gods people to be in quietness, silence, and hope; meaning that all others that obtain victory, do enforce themselves to resist their Adversaries to shed blood, and to murder: but so do not Gods Elect, for they suffer all things at the command of him who hath appointed them to suffer, being p. 42most assuredly perswaded that then onelyonly they triumph, when all men judge them oppressed; for in the Cross of Christ alwaies is included a secret and hid victory,Pag. 82. never well known till the Sufferers appear altogether to be (as it were) exterminate; for then onelyonly did the blood of Abel cry to God, when proud Cain judged all memory of his Brother to have been extinguished. — Sometimes God toucheth the hearts of those, who in mans judgement have power to destroy his people, with pity to save them, &c. for two causes specially, (1) To comfort his weak Warriers in their manifold temptations. And (2) To give a testimony of his favour to such great ones. — Pity and mercy shewed to Christs afflicted flock, as they never lacked reward temporal; so if they be continued, and be not changed into cruelty, are assured signes and seals of everlasting mercy to be received from God. — From those words of Christ,Pag. 83. Fu…fill the measure of your Fathers, Mat. 23.Matt 23that all the blood which hath been shed since the blood of Abel the just, till the blood of Zechariah, &c. It is evident, that the murderers of our time are guilty of all the blood that hath been shed from the beginning; and it is but equal and just it should be so; for whosoever sheddeth the blood of any one of Christs members, for professing his Truth, consenteth to all the murder that hath been made from the beginning for that cause. As there is one Communion of all Gods Elect, of which every member is participant of the righteousness of Christ; so is there a communion among the reprobates, by which every one of the Serpents seed are guilty of all the iniquity which the whole body committeth, because they are altogether against Christ Jesus, and his eternal Verity; every one serving Satan, the Prince of this world, in p. 43their rank, age, degree, and estate. The Kings and Princes, that by power oppress the people of God, and will not suffer that they truly worship God, as he hath commanded, but will retain them in Egypt, are brethren and companions to Pharaoh: The Prelates and Priests, with their Fathers the old Pharisees, have taken away the key of Knowledge, and have shut up the Kingdome of Heaven before men, so that neither they themselves will enter, nor suffer others to enter in. Pag. 86.— As Satan by craft hath corrupted the most holy Ordinances of Gods Precepts of the first Table, in the place of the spiritual honouring of God, introducing mens dreams, inventions, and fancies; so hath he, abusing the weakness of man, corrupted the Precepts of the second Table, touching the honour that is due to Parents, under whom are comprehended Princes and Teachers; for now the Devil hath so blinded the senses of many, that they cannot, or at least will not learn what appertaineth to God, and what to Caesar; but because the Spirit of God hath said, Honour the King; therefore whatsoever they command, be it right or wrong, must be obeyed. It is blasphemy to affirm, That God hath commanded any creature to be obeyed against himself, that for the command of any Prince, be he never so potent, men shall commit Idolatry, embrace a Religion which God hath not approved by his Word, or confirm by their silence wicked and blasphemous Laws made against the Honour of his Majesty; and men that do so are Traitors to their Princes, whom by flattery they confirm in their rebelling against God.Pag. 88. — God cannot lie, he cannot deny himself, he hath witnessed from the beginning,Deut. 4. & 12.Deut 4 that no Religion pleaseth him, except that which he by his own Word hath commanded and established: The Verity it p. 44self pronounceth this Sentence,Mat. 15.Matt 15 In vain do ye worship me, teaching for Doctrines the Precepts of men, and also all plantation, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted out. Before the coming of his well-beloved Son in the flesh, he secretly punished all such as durst enterprise to alter or change his Ceremonies or Statutes, as in S…ul, Uzziah, Nadab, A…ihu is to be read, and will be now, after that he hath opened his counsel to the world by his onelyonly Son, whom he commandeth to be heard; and after that by holy Spirit, speaking in his Apostles, he hath established the Religion, in which he would have his true worshippers to abide unto the end, will he now (I say) admit mens inventions in the matter of Religion, which he reputed for damnable Idolatry? If men or Angels would affirm, that he will, or may do it, his own Verity shall convince them of a lie;Deut. 4. & 12.Deut 4 for this Sentence he pronounceth, Not that which seemeth good in thy eyes, shalt thou do to the L…rd thy God, but that, which the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, that do thou; adde nothing unto it, diminish nothing from it, which, sealing up his New Testament,Rev. 2.Rev 2 he repeateth in these words, That which ye have, ho…d till I come, &c. —

The Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 101.Whilst Mr. Knox was thus occupied in Scotland, Letters came to him from the English Church, assembled at Geneva (which was separated from the superstitious and contentious company that was at Frankford) commanding him in Gods Name, as he that was their chosen Pastour, to repair unto them for their comfort. Great desires there were to stay him in Scotland, but he would not be perswaded, saying,Pag. 102. Once I must see that little Flock, which the wickedness of men hath compelled me to leave; adding, That if God blessed those small beginnings, and if that they continued in godliness, p. 45whensoever they pleased to command him, they should find him obedient.

Immediately after his leaving Scotland, the Bishops summoned him, and for non-appearance, burnt him in Effigie at the Cross in Edinburg, An. 1555. from the which unjust Sentence, Mr. Knox made his Appellation, and directed it to the Nobility and Commons of Scotland, Printed at Geneva, An. 1558.

In his Appellation.See his Appellation at the end of the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 1. — To the Nobility and States of Scotland. — It is not onelyonly the love of this temporal life (Right Honourable) nor the fear of corporal death that moveth me to expose unto you the injuries done against me, and to crave of you redress; but it proceedeth partly from the reverence every man oweth to Gods eternal Truth, and partly from a love which I bear to your Salvation. It hath pleased the Lord of his infinite mercy, not onelyonly to illuminate the eyes of my mind,Pag. 2. &c. but to make and appoint me a Witness, Minister, and Preacher of his Doctrine, the sum whereof I communicated to my Brethren in Scotland, because I knew my self to be a Steward, and must give an account, &c. I did therefore (as Gods Minister) whilst with them (God is record and witness) truly and sincerely, according to my gift divide the word of Salvation, &c. — I affirmed (so taught by my Master Christ Jesus) That whosoever denieth him, yea …r is ashamed of him before this wicked generation, him shall Christ deny, and of him be ashamed, &c. And therefore I feared not to affirm, that of necessity it is, that such as hope for life everlasting, avoid all Superstition, vain Religion, and Idolatry; Vain I call, whatsoever is done in Gods Service or Honour, without the express command of his Word. — Nevertheless me as an Heretick, and this Doctrine p. 46as Heretical, have your false Bishops and ungodly Clergy condemned, pronouncing against me a Sentence of death, in testification whereof they have formed a Picture, from which false and cruel Sentence, &c. I make it known to your Honours, that I appeal to a lawful and general Council, &c. most humbly requiring of your Honours to receive me calling unto you, as to the Powers of God,Pag. 3. ordained into your Protection against the rage of Tyrants, not to maintain me in any iniquity, errour, or false opinion, but to let me have such equity, as God by his Word, ancient Laws and determinations of godly Councils, grant to men accused or infamed.Pag. 4.— It is lawfull to Gods Prophets and Preachers of Christ to appeal from the sentence and judgement of the visible Church, to the knowledge of the Civil Magistrate, who by Gods Law is bound to hear their causes, and to defend them from Tyranny,Ier. 26.Jer 26 as appears in Ieremiah's case,Pag. 5. &c. He was condemned by the Priests and Prophets in Ierusalem, &c. who then onelyonly in earth were known to be the Visible Church, from which Sentence he appealed, i. e. sought help of the Princes. I am in your hands, &c. q. d. the Princes of Iudah and Rulers of the people, to whom it belongs indifferently to judge between party and party, to justifie the Just man, and to condemn the Malefactour. You have heard a Sentence of death pronounced against me by the Priests,Pag. 6. &c. I stand in your presence, whom God hath made Princes, your Power is above their Tyranny, before you do I expose my cause, I cannot resist to suffer what you think just; but least my lenity and patience should make you negligent in the defence of me in my just cause, &c. I dare not conceal. That if you murder me (which thing ye do, if ye defend p. 47me not) ye make your selves and this whole City guilty of my blood: whereupon they freed him from the Sentence.Ier. 38.Jer 38 — The same this Prophet did before Zedekiah. Pag. 7.— This will more plainly appear in the fact of Saint Paul. Acts 22.23, 24, & 25.Acts 22:23Acts 22:24Acts 22:25— He appealed from all judgement of the Priests at Ierusalem to the Emperour. — It seems that his Cause was greatly to be suspected, partly for that he refused the judgement of those, that had most knowledge (as all men supposed) of Gods Will and Religion; and partly because he appealed to the Emperour, who then was at Rome, far absent from Ierusalem, a man ignorant of God, and enemy to all vertue: But the Apostle considering the nature of his enemies, and what things they had intended against him, did not fear to appeal from them,Pag. 8. &c. grounding himself upon his innocency, he neither regarded the displeasure of Festus, nor the brunt of the ignorant multitude, but appealed to Caesar, &c. — What I think of mine own person God will reveal, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, &c. But touching the Doctrine and Cause, for which that adulterous and wicked generation of Antichrists Servants (who will be called Bishops among you) have condemned me: I fear not, neither do I shame to confess and avow before man and Angel to be the eternal truth of the eternal God; and in that case I doubt not to compare my self with any member, in whom the Truth hath been impugned, since the beginning. — Seeing that my battel is against the proud and cruel hypocrites of this Age,Pag. 9. as that battel of those most excellent instruments was against the false Prophets and Malignant Church of their ages. No man ought to think it strange that I compare my self with them, with whom I sustain a common cause. p. 48— But lest that some doubt remain, that I require more of you then you of conscience are bound to grant,Pag. 10. — I purpose briefly, but yet freely to speak what God by his Word doth assure me to be true. (1) That in conscience you are bound to punish Malefactours, and to defend Innocents imploring your help. (2) That God requireth of you to provide that your Subjects be rightly instructed in his true Religion, and that the same be by you reformed, whensoever abuses do creep in by the malice of Satan, and negligence of men. (3) That you are bound to remove from Honour, and to punish with Death (if the Crime so require) such as deceive the people,See pag. 11. to pag. 20. or defraud them of that food of their souls; I mean, Gods lively Word. — After that M…ses had declared what was true Religion,Pag. 20, 21. viz. To honour God as he commanded, adding nothing to his Word, neither diminishing any thing from it;Deut. 12.Deut 12 and after also he had vehemently exhorted them to observe the same Law, he denounceth the punishment against the transgressours, If thy Brother, Deut. 23. & 27.Deut 23Son, Daughter, Wife, or Neighbour, whom thou lovest as thine own life, sollicite thee secret, saying, Let us go serve other gods, &c. let not thine eye spare him, &c. Observe here, (1) That such as sollicitate onelyonly to idolatry, ought to be punished to death, without favour or respect of person, &c. (2) That the punishment of such crimes,Pag. 22. as are Idolatry, Blasphemy, and others that touch the Majesty of God, doth not appertain to Kings onelyonly, but also to the whole body of the people, and every member thereof, according to his vocation, &c. God even streightly commandeth, that a City declining to idolatry should fall by the edge of the Sword,Deut. 7.Deut 7 and that the whole spoil of the same should be burned, no portion of it reserved, that the p. 49Lord may turn from the fury of his wrath,Pag. 23. &c. hinting, that by the defection and idolatry of a few, Gods wrath is kindled against the whole, which is never quenched, till such punishment be taken upon the Offenders, that whosoever served them in their idolatry be brought to destruction; because that it is execrable and accursed before God. — If any think that this is contrary to the practise of the Ap…stles, Pag. 24.who finding the Gentiles in idolatry, did call them to repentance, requiring no such punishment: I answer, That the Gentiles before the preaching of Christ, were never avowed by God to be his people, nor received into his houshold, neither were his Laws given unto them to be kept in Religion, nor Policy; and therefore no corporal punishment was inflicted on them, &c. But after they repented of their idolatries and embraced, and made one people with the believing Iews, they were subject to the same Law, as the Iews were, and were liable to the same punis…ment if they returned to idolatry again.Pag. 25. — In universal defections, and a general revolt, such as was in Israel after Ieroboam, there is a diverse consideration; for then, because the whole people were conspired against God, none could be found to execute the punishment God had appointed, till God raised up Iehu, whom he appointed for that purpose.Pag. 32. — I know that your Bishops, &c. will cry, A damned Heretick ought not to be heard. But remember, my Lords, what I protested in the beginning, upon which ground I continually stand, I am no Heretick, no deceivable Teacher, but the Servant of Christ Jesus, a Preacher of his infallible Verity, innocent in all they can lay to my charge, &c. and therefore am unjustly condemned, from which cruel Sentence I have appealed, and do appeal p. 50(as before) in the mean time most humbly requiring your Honours to take me into your protection, to be Auditors of my just defences, granting unto me the same liberty, which Ahab, a wicked King, and Israel, at that time a blinded people, granted to Elijah in the like case,1 Kings 18.1 Kgs 18 viz. that your Bishops, and the whole rable of your Clergy may be called before you, and before the people whom they have deceived; that I be not condemned by multitude, custome, authority, or law devised by man, but that God himself may be judge betwixt me and my adversaries. Let God, I say, speak by his Law, Prophets, Christ Jesus, Apostles, and so let him pronounce what Religion he approveth, and then be my enemies never so many, and appear they never so strong and learned, no more do I fear victory, then did Elijah, being but one man, against the multitude of Baal's Priests. And if they think to have advantage by their Councils and Doctors, this I farther offer, to admit the one and the other as witnesses in all matters debatable, three things (which justly cannot be denied) being granted, (1) That the most ancient Councils, …ighest to the Primitive Church, in which the learned and godly Fathers examined all matters by Gods Word, may be holden of most authority. (2) That no determination of Councils, or man, be admitted against the plain verity of Gods Word, nor against the determination of those four chief Councils, &c. (3) That to no Doctor be given greater authority, then Augustine required to be given to his Writings, viz. If he plainly prove not his affirmation by Gods infallible Word, that then his Sentence be rejected and imputed to the errour of a man.—

Pag. 34.— To the Commonalty of Scotland. — I am most assuredly perswaded, that whatsoever is used p. 51in the Papistical Church, is altogether repugnant to Christs blessed Ordinance, and is nothing but mortal venome, of which whosoever drinketh, therewith he drinketh death and damnation, except by true conversion unto God he be purged from the same. — It will be said, That it is unreasonable, that ye should call your Religion in doubt, which hath been approved and established by so long continuance, and by the consent of so many men before you. But I shortly answer, That neither is the long continuance of time, neither the multitude of men a sufficient approbation,Pag. 35. which God will allow for our Religion: For as some of the Ancients witness, neither can long process of time justifie an errour, nor can the multitude of such as follow it, change the nature of the same; but if it was an errour in the beginning, so it is in the end; and the longer that it be followed, and the more that do receive it, it is the more pestilent, and the more to be avoided. If Antiquity or Multitude of men could justifie any Religion, then was the idolatry of the Gentiles, and now is the abomination of the Turks good Religion; for antiquity approved the one, and a multitude have received and do defend the other. But otherwise to answer; Godl… men may wonder from what Fountain such a Sentence doth flow, that no man ought to try his Faith and Religion by Gods Word, but he may safely believe and follow every thing, which Antiquity and Multitude have approved. The Spirit of God doth otherwise teach us,Iohn 5. & 7. Acts 17. 1 Iohn 4. Iohn 3.John 5Acts 171 John 4John 3 Search the Scriptures, &c. The Bareans are commended for trying the Apostles Doctrine by Gods plain Scriptures. Believe not every Spirit, but try the Spirits, &c. Whoso doth evil hateth the light; neither will he come to the light, lest that his works be p. 52manifested and rebuked. — Truth being of the nature of fine purified Gold, doth not fear the trial of the Furnace; but the stubble and chaffe of mens inventions (such is their Religion) may not abide the flame of the fire.Pag. 36. — Seeing Religion is to man, as the stomack to the body, which, if it be corrupted, doth infect all the members, it is necessary that the same be examined, and if it be found replenished with pestilent humours (I mean with the fancies of men) then of necessity it is that those be purged, else shall your bodies and souls perish for ever. A corrupt Religion defileth the whole life of man, appear it never so holy. Neither would I that ye should esteem the reformation and care of Religion less to appertain to you, because you are no Kings, Rulers, Iudges, Nobles, nor in Authority. — To believe and receive the Gospel the Commonalty are no less bound, then be their Rulers and Princes. — As your bodies cannot escape corporal death, if with your Princes ye eat re drink deadly poyson (although it be by ignorance or negligence) so shall ye not escape the everlasting, if with them ye pro…ess a corrupt Religion. — As the just liveth by his own faith, so doth the unfaithful perish by his own infidelity — If ye look for the life everlasting, you must try if ye stand in the faith; and if ye would be assured of a true and lively faith, you must needs have Christ truly preached unto you.… 37. — When the Tabernacle was built and set in order, God provided how it and the things pertaining to the same should be sustained, so that they should not fall in decay: and this provision (albeit Heaven and Earth obey his Empire) would he not take from the secret and hid treasures, which lie dispersed in the veins of the Earth, neither yet would he take it onelyonly from p. 53the rich and potent of the people,Exod. 30.Exod 30 but the rich should give no more for that use, then the poor, nor the poor less then the rich.Pag. 3…. — If this equality was commanded by God for the maintenance of that transitory Tabernacle, which was but a shadow of a better to come; is not the same required of us, who have the Verity, which is Christ Jesus? He being clad in our nature is Immanuel, i. e. God with us. And for the more assurance of his promise of being with us, &c. he hath erected among us the signs of his own presence with us, the true preaching of his Word, and right administration of the Sacraments, his spiritual Tabernacle, to the maintenance whereof is no less bound the Subject then the Prince, the poor then the rich. — As the one is obliged to believe in heart, and with mouth to confess the Lord Iesus, so also is the other.Pag. 39. — The poorest that in the dayes of this cruel persecution believeth in Christ, and boldly doth confess him before this wicked generation, is no less acceptable before God, then is the King, that by his Sword and Power rooteth out Idolatry, and so advanceth Christs Glory. —

From Geneva, Iuly 4. 1558.

Afterwards Mr. Knox called back again into Scotland by some Lords,The Eccles. Hist. of Scotland, pag. 107, 108, 109. &c. but a stop being for a while put upon his return, he writ from Diep, Octob. 27. 1557. having left Geneva.

In his Letter. — If any perswade you for fear of dangers that may follow, to faint in your former purpose, let him be judged of you both foolish and your mortal enemy: foolish, because he understood nothing of Gods approved wisdome; and enemy unto you, because he laboured to separate you from Gods favour, provoking his vengeance p. 54and grievous plagues against you; because he would that you should prefer your worldly rest to Gods praise and glory, and the friendship of the wicked to the salvation of your Brethren. I am not ignorant that fearful troubles shall ensue your enterprise: But O joyful and comfortable are the troubles and adversities, which man sustaineth for accomplishment of Gods Will revealed by his Word! How terrible soever they appear to the judgement of the natural man, yet are they never able to devour, nor utterly to consume the Sufferers; for the invisible and invincible power of God sustaineth and preserveth, according to his promise, all such, as with simplicity do obey him. —

Pag. 149.When the Bishop of Saint Andrews threatned Mr. Knox, that if he preached there (as he intended) he should be assaulted with a dozen of Culverings. Being demanded his judgement, whether his preaching should not be delayed, answered, God is my witness, that I never preached Christ Jesus in contempt of any man, neither mind I at any time to present my self to that place, having either respect to my own private commodity, or to the worldly hurt of any creature: But to delay to preach to morrow (unless the body be violently withholden) I cannot in conscience; for in this Town and Church God began first to call me to the dignity of a Preacher, from the which I was reft by the tyranny of France, and procurement of the Bishops,Pag. 147. what torment I sustained in the Gallies, &c. is now no time to recite. This onelyonly I cannot conceal, which more then one have heard me say, when absent from Scotland, That my assured hope was in open audience to preach at Saint Andrews, before I departed this life. And therefore, my Lords, seeing that God, above the p. 55expectation of many, hath brought my body to the same place, where first I was called to the office of a Preacher, and from the which I was most unjustly removed, I beseech your Honours not to stop me from presenting my self unto my Brethren: And as for the fear of danger, that may come to me, let no man be sollicitous; for my life is in the custody of him, whose glory I seek; and therefore I cannot so fear their boast or tyranny, that I will cease from doing my duty, when of mercy he offereth the occasion. I desire not the hand of any man to defend me, onelyonly I crave audience, &c. Whereupon the Lords were fully content he should preach; and so he did, upon the ejection of the buyers and sellers forth of the Temple, applying the corruption that was then, to the corruption that is in Papistry, and Christs fact to the duty of those to whom God gives power and zeal to remove all Monuments of idolatry.Pag. 206.207. — When the Lords and those that favoured Reformation were driven from Edinburg to Sterling (which was the time of their greatest trouble) Mr. Knox preached on Psal. 80.5.6, 7, 8.

In the Sermon. — God in wisdome sometimes suffers his chosen Flock to mockage, and dangers, yea apparent destruction; that they may feel the vehemency of Gods indignation; that they may know how little strength is in themselves; that they may leave a testimony to the generations following,Pag. 208. as well of the malice of the Devil against Gods people, as of the marvellous Work of God in preserving his little Flock by far other means, then man can espy. — It is a great and sore temtation, when God turns away his face from our Prayers, &c. This temptation no flesh can overcome or abide, unless the mighty Spirit of God p. 56interpose; as appears in Saul, when God would not hear him. The difference between the Elect and Reprobate in this temptation is this; The Elect, sustained by the secret power of Gods Spirit, still call upon God, albeit he appear to contemn their Prayers, as Iacob did, &c. But the Reprobate, being denied their requests, do cease to pray, and contemn God, and it may be seek to the Devil for what they cannot obtain by God. — Such is our tender delicacy and self-love of our own flesh, that those things, which we lightly pass over in others, we can greatly complain of, if they touch our selves.Pag. 209. — When the sins of men are rebuked in general, seldome is it that man descendeth within himself, accusing and condemning in himself that, which most displeaseth God; but rather he doubteth that to be a cause, which before God is no cause indeed; as the Israelites supposed the cause of their overthrow was, because they had lifted the Sword against their Brethren of Benjamin, and yet the express command that was given them, did deliver them from all crime in that cause. — The true cause was their going to execute judgement against the wicked without repentance for their own former offences and defection from God; and their trusting in their own strength, they were a great multitude, and the other far inferiour to them.Pag. 210. — When we were a few, &c. we called upon God, and took him for our Protector, Defence, and Refuge; among us we had no bragging of multitude, nor of our strength, nor of our policy; we did onelyonly sob to God to have respect to the equity of our Cause, and to the cruel pursuit of the tyrannical Enemy. But since that our Number hath been multiplied, and great Ones joyned with us, nothing hath been heard, but, This Lord p. 57will bring these many hundred Spears; this man hath the credit to perswade the Countrey; If this Eare be ours, no man in such bounds will trouble us. Thus we made flesh our Arm. — It resteth that we turn to the Eternal our God (who beateth down to the death, that he may raise up again, to leave the remembrance of his wonderous deliverance, to the praise of his own Name) which if we do unfeignedly, I no more doubt, but that this our dolour, confusion, and fear, shall be turned into joy, honour, and boldness, then that God gave victory to the Israelites over the Benjamites, after that twice with ignominy they were repulsed. Yea, whatsoever shall become of us and our mortal carkases, I doubt not but that this Cause (in despight of Satan) shall prevail; for it is the eternal Truth of the eternal God.

It may be that God shall plague some;Pag. 211. for that they delight not in the Truth, albeit for worldly respects they seem to favour it: yea God may take some of his dearest Children away, before that their eyes see greater troubles; but neither shall the one, nor the other so hinder this Action, but in the end it shall triumph.

After the taking of Kinghorn, Pag. 215.at which time the Queen Regent blasphemously said, Where now is Iohn Knox his God? My God is now stronger then he even in Fife. Mr. Knox preached a comfortable Sermon,Iohn 6.John 6 on the danger wherein the Disciples of Christ, when they were in the midst of the Sea, and Jesus upon the Mountain, exhorting them not to faint, but to rowe against the contrary blasts, till that Jesus Christ should come; for (said he) I am assuredly perswaded, that God will deliver us from this extreme trouble, as that this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which I preach unto you this p. 58day. The fourth watch is not yet come, abide a little, the Boat shall be saved, and Peter, which hath left the Boat, shall not drown.

Pag. 218.In his Letter to Sir William Cicil, Secretary of State in England. — As from God you have received Life, Wisdome, and Honours, &c. so ought you wholly to apply the same to the advancement of his glory,Pag. 219. &c. which alas! in times past you have not done: For to the suppressing of Christs true Evangel, to the erecting of Idolatry, and to the shedding of the blood of Gods most dear Children, have you by silence consented and subscribed this your most horrible defection from the known Truth and once professed, &c. He hath not dealt with you, as with others, &c. but you guilty in the same offences hath he fostered (as it were) in his own bosome, during the time of that most miserable thraldome under Queen Mary; and now hath set you at such liberty, as the fury of Gods enemies cannot hurt you, except that willingly against his Honour, you take pleasure to conspire with them. — God requires of you earnest repentance for your former defection, and an heart mindful of his merciful providence, and a will ready to advance his glory, that evidently it may appear, that in vain you have not received these graces of God. To performance whereof, of necessity it is, that carnal wisdome and worldly policy (to both which you are too much inclined) give place to Gods naked Truth. Very love compells me to say, That except the Spirit of God purge your heart from that Venome, which your eyes have seen destructive to others, that you shall not long escape the reward of Dissemblers.—Now you are in that estate and credit, in the which you shall either comfort the sorrowful and aff…icted for p. 59righteousness sake, or else you shall molest and oppugne the Spirit of God speaking in his Messengers. The Comforters of the afflicted for godliness have promise of comfort in their greatest necessities; but the Troublers of Gods Servants (how contemned soever they appear before the world) are threatned to have their Names in execration to the Posterities following. — Except that in the Cause of Christs Evangel you be found simple, sincere, fervent, and unfeigned, you shall taste of the same cup, which Politick Heads have drunk in before. — I hear that some of that poor Flock,Pag. 220. of late assembled in Geneva, are so extremely handled, that those who most rudely have shed the blood of Gods most dear Children, find this day among you greater favours, then they do. Alas! This appeareth much to repugne to Christian Charity: for whatsoever hath been mine offence, this I fear not to affirm in their Cause; That if any that have suffered Exile in those most dolorous dayes of Persecution, deserve praise and commendation for peace, concord, sober and quiet living, it is they. —

From Diep, April 10. 1559.

In his Letter to Queen Elizabeth. Pag. 226.— Consider deeply how for fear of your life you did decline from God, and bow to Idolatry, going to Mass under your Sister Mary her persecution of Gods Saints. Let it not appear a small offence in your eyes, that you have declined from Christ Jesus in the day of your Battel: neither would I that you should esteem that mercy to be vulgar and common, which you have received, viz. that God hath covered your Offence, hath preserved your Person, when you were most unthankful, and p. 60hath Exalted you, &c. — Commonly it is seen, that such as refuse the counsel of the Faithful (appear it never so sharp) are compelled to follow the deceit of Flatterers to their own perdition. —

Edinburg, Iuly 28. A. 1559.

Pag. 310.When Mass was permitted to the Queen for a time, Mr. Knox the next Sabbath after the first Mass, shewed what terrible plagues God had taken upon Realms and Nations for Idolatry, and added, That one Mass was more fearful to him,☞ then if Ten thousand armed Enemies were Landed in any part of the Realm, of purpose to suppress the whole Religion; for (said he) in our God there is strength to resist and confound multitudes, if we unfeignedly depend upon him, whereof heretofore we have had experience; but when we joyn hands with Idolatry, it is no doubt but both Gods amiable presence and comfortable defence will leave us, and what shall then become of us? Alas! I fear that experience will teach us to the grief of many.

When God began to make his words good, He did in the audience of many, Dec. 1565. ask God mercy that he was not more vehement and upright in suppressing that Idol at the beginning; For (said he) albeit I spake that, which offended some (which this day they see and feel to be true) yet did I not that, which might have been done; for God had not onelyonly given me knowledge and a tongue to make known the impiety of that Idol, but he had given me credit with many, who would have put in execution Gods Judgements, if I would onelyonly have consented thereto: but so careful was I of that common tranquility, and so loth was I to offend some, that in secret conference with zealous p. 61men I travelled rather to mitigate, yea to slacken that fervency God had kindled in them, then to animate or encourage them to put their hands to the Lords Work: wherein I acknowledge my self to have done most wickedly, and from the bottome of my heart do ask of my God pardon, that I did not what in me lay to have suppressed that Idol in the beginning.

When the Queen accused him for stirring up her Subjects against her Mother & her Self, and that he was the cause of much sedition & great slaughter in England, and that all he did was by Necromancy: Madam (said Mr. Knox) may it please your Majesty patiently to hear my simple answers:Pag. 311. and first, If to teach the Word of God in sincerity, if to rebuke Idolatry, and to will a people to worship God according to his Word, be to raise Subjects against their Princes, then cannot I be excused; but if the true knowledge of God and his right worshipping be the chief cause, which must move men to obey their just Princess from their heart (as it is most certain they are) wherein can I be reprehended? I think, and am surely perswaded that your Majesty hath had, and now hath as unfeigned obedience of such as profess Christ Jesus within this Realm, as ever your Father or Progenitors had of those that were called Bishops. Pag. 312.— And now shortly to answer the other two Accusations, I heartily praise my God, through Jesus Christ, that Satan, that enemy of mankind, and the wicked of the world, have no other crimes to lay to my charge, then such as the world it self knoweth to be most false and vain. If indeed in any of the places, where I was in England, during the time of my being there, there was either Battel, Sedition, or Mutiny, I shall confess my self a shedder of blood; p. 62but God so blessed my weak labours in Barwick (wherein then commonly used to be slaughter, by reason of quarrels that used to arise among Souldiers) that there was great quietness all the time that I remained there. And whereas they slander me of Magick, Necromancy, &c. all the Congregations that ever heard me, know what I spake against such acts, and those that use such impiety: but seeing my Master was accused thus, even that he was possessed with Belzebub, I must patiently bear their false accusations.

But yet (said the Queen) you have taught the people to receive another Religion, then their Princes can allow; and how can that Doctrine be of God, seeing God commandeth Subjects to be obedient to their Princes? Madam (said he) as right Religion took neither original, nor antiquity from worldly Princes, but from the eternal God alone; so are not Subjects bound to frame their Religion according to the appetite of their Princes. Pag. 313.— Daniel and his fellows were Subjects to Nebuchadnezzar and unto Darius, and yet they would not be of their Religion. The three Children said, We make it known to thee, O King, that we will not worship thy gods. And Daniel prayed publickly to his God against the express command of the King. —

Pag. 314.You are not the Church (said the Queen) that I will nourish: I will defend the Church of Rome; for I think it is the true Church of God. Your will Madam (said he) is no reason, neither doth your thought make that Roman Harlot to be the immaculate Spouse of Jesus Christ. And wonder not (Madam) that I call Rome an Harlot; for that Church is altogether polluted with all kind of spiritual fornication, &c. Yea I offer my self further to prove, that the Church of the Iews, who crucified p. 63Christ Jesus, when they manifestly denied the Son of God, was not so far degenerated from the Ordinances and Statutes, which God gave by Moses and Aaron to his people, as the Church of Rome is declined from the purity of Religion, which the Apostles taught and planted. —

You interpret the Scriptures (said she) in one manner, and they in another; whom shall I believe? who shall be Iudge? Believe (said he) God that speaketh plainly in his Word; and further then the Word teacheth you, ye shall believe neither the one, nor the other. The Word of God is plain in it self; and if there appear any obscurity in one place, the Holy Ghost, who is never contrarious to himself, explains the same more clearly in other places.

When he was accused as one that had irreverently spoken of the Queen, Pag. 334.and that travelled to bring her into hatred and contempt of the people, and that he had exceeded the bounds of his Text. Madam (said he) if your ears had heard the whole matter that I treated of, if there be in you any spark of the Spirit of God, yea of honesty and wisdome, you would not justly be offended with any thing I spake. — My Text was this, And now O Kings understand, be learned ye Iudges of the earth. After (Madam) I had declared the dignity of Kings and Rulers, the obedience due to them, I demanded this Question, But oh alas! what account shall the most part of Princes make before the supreme Judge, whose Throne and Authority so shamefully they abuse? The complaint of Solomon is this day most true, That Violence and Oppression do occupy the Throne of God on earth; for whilst that Murtherers, Blood-thirsty men, Oppressors, &c. dare present themselves before Kings and Princes, p. 64and the poor Saints of God are banished and exiled, what shall we say, but that the Devil hath taken possession in the Throne of God, which ought to be …earful to all wicked doers, and a refuge to the innocent and oppressed: And how can it be otherwise? For Princes will not understand,Pag. 335. &c. Gods Law they despise, his Statutes and holy Ordinances they will not understand; for in fidling and singing they are more exercised, then in reading or hearing Gods most blessed Word. &c. And of dancing (Madam) I said, That albeit in Scripture I find no praise of it, and in profane Writers it is termed the gesture rather of those that are mad, then of sober men. Yet do I not utterly condemn it, provided that two vices be avoided. (1) That the principal Vocation of those that use that exercise, be not neglected, for the pleasure of dancing. (2) That they dance not, as the Philistines their Fathers, for the pleasure that they take in the displeasure of Gods people; for if they do so, they shall receive the reward of dancers, and that will be to drink in Hell, unless they speedily repent. So shall God turn their mirth into sudden sorrow; for God will not alwayes afflict his people, nor wink at the tyranny of Tyrants.

Many that stood by witnessed, That Mr. Kn…x had recited the very words that publickly he spake. The Queen looked about upon some of the Reporters, and said, Your words are sharp enough, as you have spoken them, but yet they were told me in another manner. — If you hear any thing of my self, that misliketh you, come to my self and tell me, and I shall hear you. Madam (said he) I am called to a publick Function within the Church of God, and appointed by God to rebuke the sins of all. I am not appointed to come to every man p. 65in particular to shew him his offence; for that labour were infinite. If your Majesty pleaseth to frequent the publick Sermons, then I doubt not but you shall fully understand, both what I like and mislike, as well in your Majesty as in all others. Or if your Majesty will assign me a certain day and hour when it shall please you to hear the Form and Substance of Doctrine, which is proposed in publick to the Churches of this Realm, I will most gladly wait upon your Majesties pleasure, time, and place; but to come and wait upon your Chamber door, or elsewhere, and then to have no farther liberty, but to whisper my mind in your Majesties ear,Pag. 336. or to tell you what others think or speak of you, neither will my conscience, nor the Vocation whereto God hath called me, suffer it.

Mr. Knox departed with a reasonable merry countenance, whereat some Papists offended, said, He is not afraid; which heard by him, he answered, Why should the pleasant face of a Lady afray me? I have looked in the faces of many angry men, and yet have not been afraid above measure.

When the Courtiers pickt quarrels against the Preachers for reprehending avarice,Pag. 348. oppression, excess, riotous cheer, banquetting, immoderate dancing, and whoredome, that thereof ensues, which then began to abound at Court, alledging, That all their preaching was turned into railing. Mr. Knox told them; It cometh to our ears, that we are called Railers, whereof albeit we wonder, yet we are not ashamed, seeing that the most worthy Servants of God, that before us have travelled in this Vocation, have so been stiled; but unto you do I say, that the same God, who from the beginning hath punished the contempt of his Word, and p. 66hath poured forth his vengeance on such proud mockers, shall not spare you; yea, he shall not spare you before the eyes of this wicked generation, for the pleasure whereof ye despise all wholesome admonition. Have you not seen greater then any of you sitting where ye sit (Earl Huntly) pick his nails, and pull down his Bonnet over his eyes, when Idolatry, Witchcraft, Murder, Oppression, &c. were rebuked? was not this his common talk? When these Knaves have railed their fill, then will they hold their peace. Have ye not heard it affirmed to his own face, that God should revenge that his blasphemy, even in the eyes of such as were witness to his iniquity? By your hands hath God executed the judgement threatned. But what amendment can be espied in you? Idolatry was never in greater quiet, vertue and vertuous men never in more contempt, vice was never more bold, nor punishment less feared. And yet who guides the Queen and Court?Pag. 349. who but Protestants? O horrible slanderers of God, and of his holy Evangel! Better it were unto you plainly to renounce Christ Jesus, then thus to expose his blessed Evangel to mockage. If God punisheth not you that this same age shall see your punishment, the Spirit of righteous judgement guides me not.

Pag. 352.When the Queen sent for Mr. Knox, and would have him to perswade the people, especially the Gentlemen of the W…st, not to put hand to punish any for using themselves in their Religion as pleased them: He willed her Majesty to punish Male-factours according to the Laws, and he durst promise quietness upon the part of them that professed the Lord Jesus within Scotland; but if her Majesty thought to delude the Laws, he said, He feared some would let the P…ists understand, that without p. 67punishment they should not be suffered so manifestly to offend Gods Majesty.Pag. 354. — I shall cause (said the Queen) to summon all offenders, and ye shall know that I shall minister justice. I am assured then (said he) that ye shall please God, and enjoy rest and tranquillity within your Realm, which to your Majesty is more profitable, then all the Popes power can be.

In his Letter to the Earl of Murray. Pag. 357.— Seeing I perceive my self frustrate of my expectation, which was, that you should ever have preferred God to your own affection, and the advancement of his truth to your own commodity, I commit you to your wit, and to the conducting of those which can better please you. —

In a Sermon concerning the Queens Marriage, Pag. 359.he said, Whensoever the Nobility of Scotland, who profess the Lord Jesus, consent that an Infidel (and all Papists be Infidels) shall be Head to our Sovereign, ye do, so far as in you lies, banish Christ Jesus from this Realm; yea, bring Gods vengeance on the Countrey, a plague upon your selves, and perchance you shall do small comfort to your Sovereign.

When he was upon that account brought before the Queen; Pag. 360.Madam (said he) when it shall please God to deliver you from that bondage of darkness and errour, wherein ye have been nourished for lack of true Doctrine, your Majesty will find the liberty of my tongue nothing offensive. Out of the Pulpit I think few have occasion to be offended at me; but there I am not Master of my self, but must obey him, who commands me to speak plain, and to flatter no flesh upon the face of the earth. But what have you to do (said she) with my Marriage? I am sent (said he) to preach the Evangel of Iesus p. 68Christ to such as please to hear. It hath two parts, Repentance and Faith. Now, Madam, in preaching of Repentance, of necessity it is that the sins of men be noted, that they may know wherein they offend: but so it is, that the most part of your Nobility are so addicted to your affections, that neither Gods Word, nor yet their Commonwealth are rightly regarded; and therefore it becometh me to speak that they may know their duty. (And so he repeated to her self what he had said in publick) Whereupon the Queen wept; but when she had given place to her inordinate passions, Mr. Knox said, Madam, in Gods presence I speak, I never delighted in the weeping of any of Gods Creatures, &c. much less can I rejoyce in your Majesties weeping; but seeing I have given you no just occasion to be offended, but have spoken the truth, as my Vocation craves of me, I must sustain your Majesties tears, rather then I dare hurt my conscience, or betray the Commonwealth by silence.

Pag. 362.About that time he p…ayed thus. — Deliver us O Lord from the bondage of Idolatry. Preserve and keep us from the tyranny of Strangers. Continue us in peace and concord among our selves, if thy good pleasure be, O Lord, for a season.

Being asked, Why he prayed for quietness for a season, and not absolutely? His answer was, That he durst not pray, but in faith, and faith in Gods Word assured him, That constant quietness would not continue in that Realm, wherein Idolatry had been suppressed, and then was permitted to be erected again.

Pag. 366.The Master of Maxwell telling him, That he would not find that men will bear with him in times to come, as they had done in times past; If p. 69(said he) God stand my Friend, as I am assured he of his mercy will, so long as I depend upon his promise, and prefer his glory to my life and worldly profit, I little regard how men behave themselves towards me, &c. —

The Earl of Murray, Pag. 367.and the Secretary sent for Mr. Knox, and lamented that he had so highly offended the Queen by writing Letters, desiring the Brethren from all parts to convene at Edinburg, that there was no hope for him, unless he would confess his offence, and put himself in her Majesties will. I praise God through Jesus Christ (said he) I have learned not to fear the things that the Godless multitude fear. I have the testimony of a good conscience, that I have given no offence to the Queen; for I have done nothing but my duty, and so my hope is, that my God will give me patience to bear what will ensue.

When he was called before the Queen and her Council, Pag. 368.the Secretary Lethington told him, the Queen was informed, That he travelled to raise a tumult of her Subjects against her, and for certification thereof, produced one of his Letters, which he owned. Then said the Secretary, Mr. Knox, Are not you sorry from your heart, that such a Letter hath passed your Pen, &c. Before I repent (said he) I must be taught my offence. Offence (said Lethington) If there were no more but the Vocation of the Queens Leiges, Pag. 369.the offence cannot be denied. Remember your self, my Lord, (said Knox) there is a difference betwixt a lawfull and an unlawfull Vocation. If I have been guilty in this, I have oft offended since I came last into Scotland; for what Vocation of Brethren hath ever been since, to which my Pen hath not served? and before this no man laid it to my charge as a crime. Then was p. 70then (said Lethington) and now is now, we have no need of such Vocation, as sometimes we have had. The time that hath been (said Knox) is now before my eyes; for I see the poor flock in no less danger, then it hath been at any time before; except that the Devil hath gotten a Vizard upon his face, before he came in with his own face, discovered by open tyranny, seeking the destruction of all that refused Idolatry, and then I think you will confess, the Brethren lawfully assembled themselves for defence of their lives; and now the Devil comes under the Cloak of Justice, to do that which God would not suffer him to do by strength, by crafty deceit, making the Prince party, &c. After a long conference between the Queen and Mr. Knox, the Secretary told him, He might return to his house for that night. I thank God and the Queens Majesty (said he) and Madam, I pray God to purge your heart from Papistry, and to preserve you from the counsel of …latterers; for how pleasant soever they appear to your ear and corrupt affections for the time, experience hath taught us, in what perplexity they have brought famous Princes. After he was gone, the Nobility in the presence of the Queen absolved Mr. Knox.

Pag. 380.In his Prayer for the Queen. — O Lord, if thy good pleasure be, purge the heart of the Queen: Majesty from the venome of Idolatry, and deliver her from the thraldome and bondage of Satan, into the which she hath been brought up, and yet remains, for the lack of true Doctrine; and let her see by the illumination of thy Spirit, that there is no means to please thee, but by Jesus Christ thy onelyonly Son, and that Jesus Christ cannot be found but in thy holy Word; nor yet received, but as it prescribes, which is, to renounce our own wisdome, p. 71and preconceived opinion, and worship thee as it commands; that in so doing she may avoid the eternal damnation which is ordained for all obstinate impeniten…s; and that this poor Realm may also escape that plague and vengeance which inevitably followeth Idolatry, maintained against the manifest Word, and the light thereof.

Secretary Lethington was offended at two things therein. (1) Because he prayed for the Queen conditionally, If it be thy good pleasure, &c. Where have ye an example of such a Prayer? Mr. Knox answered, Wheresoever the examples are, I am sure of the Rule, which is this; If we shall ask any thing according to his Will, he shall grant us. — I have learned to pray in faith; now faith (you know) depends upon the Word of God; and so it is, that the Word of God teacheth me, that Prayer profiteth the Sons and Daughters of Gods Election. — Besides,Pag. 381. did not the Apostles pray as they commanded others to pray? Now Peter commanded Simon Magus to pray conditionally, If it be p…ssible, &c. (2) Where find ye that the Scriptures call any the Bond-slaves of Satan (said the Secretary) or that the Prophets of God spake of Kings and Princes so irreverently? The Scripture saith (said Mr. Knox) that by nature we are all the children of wrath,Pag. 382. and our Master Christ affirms, That such as do sin, are servants to sin, &c. Behold, I send thee (saith Christ to Paul) to the Gentiles, to turn them from the power of Satan unto God. — Kings and Queens are not excepted, but all unfaithfull are pronounced to stand in one rank, and to be in bondage to one Tyrant the Devil. — Elisha was a Subject in the Kingdome of Israel, and yet how little reverence did he give to the King? he feared p. 72not to say to King Iehoram, What have I to do with thee?Pag. 383. &c. As the Lord of Hosts liveth, in whose sight I stand, if it were not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, I would not have looked toward thee, &c. —

Pag. 390.Lethington telling him, That we are not bound to follow extraordinary examples, unless we have the like command, &c. I grant (said Mr. Knox) if the example repugne the Law; as if a covetous man should borrow silver, raiment, &c. from his neighbour, and withhold the same, alledging the example of the Israelites in Egypt, &c. But where the example agrees with the Law, &c. it stands to us in place of a Commandement; for as God in his Nature is constant and immutable, so cannot he condemn in the ages subsequent, that which he hath approved in his Servants before us. —

Pag. 391.Lethington telling him, That prosperity doth not alwaies prove, that God approves the facts of men. Yes (said he) when the facts of men agree with the Law of God, and are rewarded according to his own promise expressed in his Law, the prosperity that succeeds them is a most infallible assurance, that God hath approved them. —

Pag. 416.Upon the nineteenth of August An. 1565. a little while after the Queen was married to the Lord Darley, who to please the Protestants, came to Church, Mr Knox preached upon Isa. 26.13, 14, 15, 16, &c. wherein he said, That God sets in Government (for the offences and ingratitude of the people) Boyes and Women, and that God justly punished Ahab and his posterity, because lie would not take order with that harlot Iezabel; for which Sermon he was called in question, and in answering said more then he had preached; for he added, That as the King had (to please the Queen) gone to p. 73Mass, and dishonoured the Lord God, so should God in his Justice make her an instrument of his ruine; and so it fell out in a very short time. But the Queen being incensed at these words, to please her he was forbid to preach for a time.See his Life before the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 3. See the Sermon it self at the end of the said History, p. 88. This Sermon he took care to have it printed, to make known to the world what ground there was to deal so with him, as he tells us.

In his Epistle to the Reader. — I dare not deny (least that in so doing I should be injurious to the Giver) but that God hath revealed to me secrets, unknown to the world, and also that he hath made my tongue a Trumpet, to forewarn Realms and Nations, yea, certain great revelations of mutations and changes, when no such things were feared, nor yet was appearing: A portion whereof cannot the world deny (be it never so blind) to be fulfilled; and the rest alas! I fear, shall follow with greater hast, and in more full perfection then my sorrowfull heart desireth.Pag. 89. Notwithstanding these revelations and assurances, I did ever abstain to commit any thing to writing, contented onelyonly to have obeyed the charge of him, who commanded me to cry.

If any then will ask to what purpose this onelyonly Sermon is set forth, and greater matters omitted, I answer, To let such, as Satan hath not altogether blinded, see, upon how small occasions great offence is now conceived. For this Sermon (from my Bed) I was called before the Council, and after long reasoning, I was by some forbidden to preach in Edinburg, so long as the King and Queen were in Town.—

The Sermon he writ for the Press the last day of August 1565.Pag. 122 when the Castle of Edinburg was shooting against the Exiled for Christs sake; and p. 74therefore he concluded thus; Lord into thy hands I commend my Spirit, for the terrible roaring of Guns, and the noise of Armour do so pierce my heart, that my soul thirsteth to depart. Be merciful to thy flock, O Lord, and at thy good pleasure put an end to my misery.

See his Life before the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 3.The next Sabbath, after the Earl of Murray was slain, a Note was sent to Mr. Knox, among the Papers, wherein were written the names of those that desired the Prayers of the Church, with these words, Take up the man, whom ye accounted another god. At the end of his Sermon he bemoaned the loss that the Church and State of Scotland received by the death of that man, and said, That as God in his mercy giveth good and wise Rulers, so he taketh them away in his wrath; and then added, There is one in this Company, that maketh the subject of his mirth this horrible murder, whereat all good men have cause to be sorry: I tell him, he shall die where there shall be none to lament him.

The young Gentleman that writ the Note, hearing this Comination, went home and said to his Sister, that Iohn Knox was raving to speak of he knew not whom. His Sister replied with tears in her eyes, telling him, That none of Iohn Knox's threatnings fell to the ground without effect: and so it fell out in this particular; for this Mr. Thomas Metellan shortly after went beyond Sea to travel, and died in Italy, having no known man to assist him, much less to lament him.

Pag. 4.He told his People, it was his desire to finish and close his preaching with preaching upon the History of Christs Passion.

In his last Sermon to his People at Edinburg, (which was preached at the Election of Mr. Iames p. 75Lawson to succeed him, to whom he had writ thus; Accelera mi frater, alioqui sero venies; Make haste, Brother, otherwise you will come too late; meaning, That if he made any stay, he should find him dead and gone. He called God to witness, that he had walked in a good conscience among them, not seeking to please men, nor serving his own or other mens affections, but in all sincerity and truth preached the Gospel of Christ most gravely and pithily, exhorting them to stand fast in the faith which they had received.

In his sickness he said unto the Earl of Morton, Pag. 5.who came to visit him; My Lord, God hath given you wisdome, honour, high birth, riches, many good and great friends, and is now to prefer you to the Government of the Realm. In his Name I charge you, that you will use these Blessings better in time to come, then you have done in times past: In all your actions seek first the glory of God, the furtherance of his Gospel, the maintenance of his Church and Ministry; next be carefull of the King, and the welfare of the Realm. If you shall do this, God will be with you, and honour you: if otherwise you do it not, he will deprive you of all these benefits, and your end shall be shame and ignominy.

These Speeches the Earl about nine years after, at the time of his Execution, called to mind, saying, That he had found them true, and Mr. Knox therein a true Prophet.

A day or two before his death, he sent for Mr. Lindsay, Mr. Lawson, and the Elders and Deacons of the Church, and said unto them, The time is approaching, for which I have long thirsted, wherein I shall be released from all my cares, and be with my Saviour Christ for ever; and now God p. 76is my Witness, whom I have served with my Spirit in the Gospel of his Son, that I have taught nothing but the true and sincere Word of God, the true and solid Doctrine of the Gospel; and that the end I proposed in all my Doctrine was, to instruct the ignorant, to confirm the weak, to comfort the consciences of those who were humbled under the sense of their sins, and born down with the threatnings of Gods judgements. Such as were proud and rebellious; I am not ignorant, have blamed, and do yet blame my too great rigour and severity; but God knoweth, that in my heart I never hated the persons of those, against whom I thundred Gods judgements, I did onelyonly hate their sins, and laboured according to my power to gain them to Christ. That I did forbear none of whatsoever condition, I did it out of the fear of my God, who hath placed me in the Ministry, and I know will bring me to an account. Now Brethren, for your selves, I have no more to say, but to warn you to take heed to the Flock,Pag. 6. over which God hath placed you overseers, which he hath redeemed with the blood of his onelyonly begotten Son. And now Mr. Lawson, Fight a good fight, do the work of the Lord with courage, and with a willing mind, and God from above bless you, and the Church whereof you have charge: against it (so long as it continueth in the Doctrine of the Truth) the gates of Hell shall not prevail.

This spoken, and the Elders and Deacons dismissed, he called▪ the two Preachers to him, and said, There is one thing that grieveth me exceedingly; You have sometimes seen the courage and constancy of the Laird of Grange, in the Cause of God, and that most unhappy man hath cast himself away. I pray you two to take the pains to go to p. 77him, and say from me, That unless he forsake that wicked course, wherein he is entred, neither shall the rock, in which he confideth, defend him; nor the carnal wisdome of that man, whom he counteth half a god (this was young Lethington) yield him help, but shamefully he shall be pulled out of that nest, and his carkass hang before the Sun (and so it fell out; for the next year, the Castle which he did keep against the Kings Authority, was taken, and he hanged before the Sun) the Soul of that man is dear unto me; and if it be possible, I would fain have him saved. They went, but could not prevail; yet at his death, he did express serious repentance for his sins.

The next day he was much in Prayer, crying, Come Lord Jesus, Sweet Jesus, into thy hands I commend my Spirit.

Being asked by those about him, if his pains were great, he answered, That he did not esteem that a pain, which should be unto him the end of all troubles, and beginning of eternal joyes.

Oftentimes, after some deep Meditations, he burst forth in these words, O serve the Lord in fear and death shall not be troublesome unto you:Pag. 7. blessed is the death of those that have part in the death of Christ.

In the Evening, having slept some hours together, but with great unquietness; for he was heard to send forth many sighs and groans. Being asked, after he awaked, How he did find himself, and what it was that made him to mourn so heartily in his sleep? He answered, In my life time I have oft been assaulted with Satan, & many times he hath cast in my teeth my sins, to bring me to despair; yet God gave me strength to overcome all his temptations: p. 78and now that subtile Serpent, who never ceaseth to tempt, hath taken another course, and seeks to perswade me, that all my labours in the Ministry, and the fidelity that I have shewn in that Service, hath merited Heaven and immortality: but blessed be God, that brought to my mind these Scriptures, What hast thou, that thou hast not received? and not I, but the grace of God in me. With which he is gone away ashamed, and shall no more return. And now I am sure my Battel is at an end; and that without pain of body, or trouble of spirit, I shall shortly change this mortal and miserable life, with that happy and immortal, which never shall have end.

After one had prayed for him, he was ask'd whether he heard the Prayer? he answered, Would to God that ye had heard it with such an ear and heart as I have done: adding, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. With which words, without any motion of hands or feet, as one falling asleep, rather then dying, he ended his life.

When he was buried, the Earl of Morton being near the Grave, said by way of Epitaph, Here lies the body of him, who in his life time never feared the face of man.

L.

Lalaeus.

Ward, pag. 161, 162.Simon Lalaeus to Silvester his Executioner said, Never saw I a man in all my life, whose coming was more welcome to me then thine.

Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 142.Silvester, seeing the great faith and constancy of this blessed Martyr, was converted, and with all his Family removed to the Church at Geneva.