By Thomas M’Crie.
The Life of John Knox.
By Thomas M’Crie.
About John Knox:
John Knox (c. 1513–1572) was a Scottish reformer and a key figure in the Scottish Reformation. Here’s a brief overview of his life:
Early Life:
- Born around 1513 in Haddington, Scotland.
- Studied at the University of St Andrews and entered the priesthood.
Conversion to Protestantism:
- Influenced by the teachings of George Wishart, Knox embraced Protestantism.
- Witnessed Wishart’s martyrdom in 1546, reinforcing his commitment to the Reformed faith.
Exile and Return:
- Fled to Europe during the persecution of Protestants.
- Spent time in Geneva, where he met John Calvin and imbibed Reformed theology.
- Returned to Scotland in 1559, a period marked by political and religious unrest.
Leadership in the Reformation:
- Knox emerged as a leading figure in the Scottish Reformation.
- Played a crucial role in drafting the Scots Confession (1560) and the Book of Discipline (1561), shaping the Presbyterian Church in Scotland.
Conflicts and Political Influence:
- Engaged in political and theological conflicts, including his opposition to Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Advocated for the establishment of Presbyterianism in Scotland, emphasizing the authority of the church over the monarch.
Legacy:
- Considered the founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
- His influence extended beyond Scotland, impacting the development of Presbyterianism in other countries.
- Died in 1572, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of the Scottish Reformation.
John Knox is remembered as a passionate reformer, preacher, and key figure in shaping the religious landscape of Scotland during a pivotal period in its history.
In the preface the author Thomas M’Crie explains and give some more insight:
Insight into the author’s motivation and methodology for writing a comprehensive work on the Scottish Reformer, John Knox. The author emphasizes the historical significance of the Reformation, pointing out its profound effects on religion, manners, politics, and literature in modern Europe. Despite existing works on the Reformation, the author believes there is more to be explored, particularly in detailing the life of Knox and his role in this transformative period.
The author expresses a need to present a more thorough examination of Knox’s personal history and contributions to the Reformation, aiming to go beyond general historical accounts. The lack of detailed information on Knox’s life, especially in manuscripts and lesser-known books, is highlighted. The author acknowledges possessing a valuable manuscript of Knox’s letters, shedding light on his character and history.
The author lists several manuscripts and historical works consulted for the project, including Calderwood’s “History of the Church of Scotland,” Row’s “History,” and Wodrow’s “Collections.” The preface also mentions the use of Knox’s letters and other original sources, emphasizing the importance of consulting primary materials.
Throughout the preface, the author defends Knox against perceived injustices and distortions in historical portrayals. The inclusion of Knox’s letters and other less-explored manuscripts is considered a valuable contribution to understanding Knox’s life and the Reformation in Scotland.
The author concludes by noting that while some information in the work may not be entirely new, they aim to present known facts in a new light and bring forward lesser-known aspects of the Reformation and Knox’s life. The preface closes with a statement about the author’s unapologetic expression of opinions on public questions related to the narrative and a commitment to vindicate Knox against uncandid criticisms.
CONTENT OF THIS BOOK OF THE LIFE OF JOHN KNOX:
PERIOD 1: 1505-1542
From his birth to his embracing of the Reformed religion
PERIOD 2: 1542-1549
From his embracing the Reformed religion to his release from the French galleys
PERIOD 3: 1549-1554
From his release from the French galleys to his departure out of England
PERIOD 4: 1554-1557
From his departure out of England to his invitation into Scotland, by the Protestant nobility
PERIOD 5: 1557-1560
From his invitation into Scotland, by the Protestant nobility, to his settlement as minister of Edinburgh, upon the establishment of the Reformation
PERIOD 6: 1560-1563
From his settlement as minister of Edinburgh, at the establishment of the Reformation, to his acquittal, from a charge of treason, by the Privy Council
PERIOD 7: 1563-1570
From his acquittal, from a charge of treason, by the Privy Council, to his being struck with apoplexy.
PERIOD 8: 1570-1572
From his being struck with apoplexy to his death
CONCLUSION
Several opinions entertained respecting Knox and a sketch of his character
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