KNOX IN SCOTLAND by Stephen N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 16, 1881

KNOX IN SCOTLAND.

By Stephen N. Haskell

BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.

(Continued.)

THE reply which John Knox made to the Protestant noblemen, silenced all further remonstrance; and, the next day, he appeared in the pulpit and preached to a large assembly, including some of the clergy, without the slightest opposition or interruption. His subject, as usual, was pertinent to the occasion. Selecting the circumstance of Christ's driving from the temple those who sold oxen, doves, etc., as the basis of his discourse, he went on to expose the enormous corruptions that had been introduced into the church under the Papacy, and to point out the duty of Christians to remove them, as far as in their power. The three following days, he also preached in the same place; and as the result, the people harmoniously agreed to set up the reform worship in the town. Accordingly, the church was stripped of images and pictures, and the monasteries pulled down. This occurred June 14, 1559. The Regent hearing of these proceedings, attempted to come upon the reformers and take them by surprise; but those from other places rallied to their assistance, with so much speed and in such numbers, that she dared not risk a battle.

The example of St. Andrews was quickly followed in other parts of the kingdom. Within a few weeks, at Crail, Cupar, Lindores, Stirling, Linlithgow, Glasgow, and Edinburg, the houses of the monks were overthrown, and all the instruments which had been employed to foster idolatry and image-worship, were destroyed. This destruction of property, and of many relics of ancient art, and valuable memorials of antiquity, has been severely censured, even by some who were not Catholics; but when we consider that it was largely by the magnificence of temples, and the splendid apparatus of its worship, that the popish church fascinated the senses and imaginations of the people, a necessity for the removal of such things, becomes apparent. "The best way to keep the rooks from returning, is to pull down their nests," was a maxim which Knox is said to have inculcated.

Soon after this, Knox undertook a tour of preaching through the kingdom, which he accomplished in about two months. In speaking of him at this time, the historian says: "The wide field which was before him, the interesting situation in which he was placed, the dangers by which he was surrounded, and the hopes which he cherished, increased the ardor of his zeal, and stimulated him to extraordinary exertions, both of body and mind." Of this time, he, himself, thus speaks: "The long thirst of my wretched heart is satisfied in abundance, that is, above my expectation; for now forty days and more hath my God used my tongue, in my native country, to the manifestation of his glory. Whatsoever now shall follow, as touching my own person, his holy name be praised. The thirst of the poor people, as well as of the nobility here, is wondrous great; which putteth me in comfort, that Christ Jesus shall triumph here in the north, and extreme parts of the earth for a space. Time to me is so precious, that with great difficulty I steal one hour in eight days either to satisfy myself, or to gratify my friends. I have been in continual travel since the day of appointment; and, notwithstanding the fevers have vexed me, yet have I traveled through the most part of this realm, where all men of all sorts and conditions, embrace the truth. Enemies we have many, by reason of the Frenchmen who lately arrived, of whom our Papists hope golden hills. As we be not able to resist, we do nothing but go about Jericho, blowing with trumpets, as God giveth strength, hoping for victory by his power alone."

At this period, the Reformation in Scotland becoming more intimately connected with political matters, we find Knox acting to some extent as a politician; not, however, from choice, but a sense of duty. "He felt," says his biographer, "that it was almost as difficult to preserve Christian integrity and simplicity, amidst the crooked wiles of political intrigue, as he had formerly found it to pursue truth through the perplexing mazes of scholastic sophistry. France, in whose court Catholicism prevailed, was plotting for the overthrow of Elizabeth's reign, and the suppression of the Reformation in England and Scotland. It was information of this kind that Knox wished to convey to the English court on his return to Scotland, when he was so rudely repulsed. Scotland was the only avenue through which France could make a successful attack upon England. French troops were accordingly sent to Scotland, to assist the Regent in her efforts against the Protestant party; and it soon became evident that the latter would not long be able to maintain the struggle without foreign aid.

Knox finally succeeded in securing a communication with the English court; but that country, wishing to avoid an open rupture with France, was slow in granting other than pecuniary aid, which it did secretly. Meanwhile, the zeal and activity of Knox in securing aid from England, and otherwise, exposed him to the deadly hatred of the Regent, and the Papists. A reward was publicly offered to the person who should seize, or kill him; and different persons were watching an opportunity to apprehend him. This, however, did not deter him from appearing in public, nor from traveling through the country, when duty required. "His exertions at this period," says the historian, "were incredibly great. He was day he was employed in preaching, by night, in writing letters on public business. He was the soul of the congregation; was always present at the post of danger; and by his presence, his public discourse, and private advice, animated the whole body, and defeated the schemes employed to corrupt, and disunite them."

A letter is said to be in the British Museum, which was written by Knox at this time, in which he says that of the twenty-four hours he has not four for natural rest. He also speaks of his last request for his mother, and of his need of a good horse; "for," says he, "great watch is laid for my apprehension, and large money is promised to any that shall kill me." The letter was written at midnight, and the last words are broken, as though the writer had fallen asleep while writing.