the life of john knox
...ere only slightly abated by the filtering northward of renaissance humanism and the Lollardy ( Followers of John Wyclifs teaching.) The condition of the land has been described as “medieval semi- barbarism.” ( Pan p.1) The reformation that followed is a remarkable witness to the truth that where the Word of God is given free course in a land enjoys the blessings of liberty, education, prosperity, and progress. Scotland was translated into modern civilization by Bible preaching, particularly that of three courageous men. Two of these, Patrick Hamilton and George Wishart, are little known today: the third is John Knox. Yet in God’s providence, Hamilton and Wishart, both burned at the stake, kindled in the in the heart of Knox the flame that was to burn until his heart ceased its labor. Knox is best remembered, but heaven honors all three. ( Pan p.1) Of sturdy border stock Knox was born near Haddington in the Lothians. After schooling at Haddington he attended the university of St. Andrews andcame under the powerful influence of the noted scholar Dr. John Major. From him, Knox learned the Revolutionary view that all civil government derives from the will of the people. ( Read p. 1 ) For reasons unknown Knox, did not graduate, but he obtained scholastic employment with influential families in the south of Scotland. By about 1540 he had been ordained a priest in the Roman Catholic Church and seems to have been employed in legal and scholastic work.. ( Read p.1) The first sign of Knox’s interest in the Reformers in his identification with the teachings and activities of George Wishart. ( Read p.1) Whose preaching was attracting a large and influential following and alarming the authorities. Knox is described as carrying a two handed sword for Wishart’s protection. ( Read p.1 ) Knox offered to accompany Wishart on his last fateful journey to St. Andrews, where he was burned for heresy in 1546. But was refused the words: “One is sufficient for one sacrifice.” (Read p.1) In 1549, Knox, was released and went to England, where he served as minister in Berwick and Newcastle and eventually was appointed a royal chaplain under King Edward VI. He then became an influential figure in the ecclesiastical struggles in England. He was offered and refused the bishopric of Rochester, and had a hand in Prayer Book revision. He is thought to be responsible for the Prayer Book revision explaining that kneeling at Holy C...