Knox – died

ON THIS DATE

John Knox died 11/24/1572, Edinburgh.  He converted to Christ under George Wishart, preached in England until Catholic Queen Mary gained the throne, thne fled to the Continent.  In 1553 he met John Calvin in Geneva, where he thoroughly studied the Presbyterian and Calvinist doctrines.  Knox returned to Scotland in 1559 and boldly preached the doctrines of the Reformation.  The following year Presbyterianism was established as the national religion.  Knox’s most notable writing is History of the Reformation of Religion within the Realm of Scotland, (born ca. 1514)                         

Personal: My first memory of hearing about Knox was when H Robb French quoted Knox praying, “Give me Scotland or I die.”

Knox quotes

“You cannot antagonize and influence at the same time.”

“No one else holds or has held the place in the heart of the world which Jesus holds.  Other gods have been as devoutly worshipped; no other man has been so devoutly loved.”

“A man with God is always in the majority.”

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John Knox – birth, Feb. 28, 1513

As for the fear of danger that may come to me let no man be solicitous, 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 cease from doing my duty, when of His mercy He offereth me the occasion.

                – Wm. Taylor, John Knox, (NY: A C Armstrong & Son, 1885), 124. 

 

I am in the place where I am demanded of my conscience to speak the truth; and therefore the truth I speak; impugn it who so list.

                – Wm. Taylor, John Knox, (NY: A C Armstrong & Son, 1885), 177. 

 

Go tell your master that sentence is pronounced against him; that the Divine vengeance shall never depart from him or from his house, except they repent; but that his name shall remain an execration to posterity, and none proceeding from his loins shall enjoy his kingdom in peace.  

                – Wm. Taylor, John Knox, (NY: A C Armstrong & Son, 1885), 196. 

 

“Without [sc. outside] the preaching place Madam I think few have occasion to be offended at me; but there Madam I am not master of myself but maun [sc. must] obey Him who command me to speak plain and to flatter no flesh upon the face of the earth.” 

                                                            – John Knox (to Mary Queen of Scots)

  – John R W Stott, Between Two Worlds (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publ., 1982), 304.

John Knox was born this date (2/28/1513) in Giffordgate, Scotland.  He was a strong voice for right in his day.

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John Knox – death, Nov. 24, 1572

For those who may not know Knox, he was a powerful Presbyterian Minister who opposed Queen Mary and the system she represented.  With that opposition in mind the following prayer is an insight into his soul.

“Illuminate the heart of our Sovereign Lady Queen Mary with pregnant gifts of the Holy Ghost, and influence the hearts of her council with Thy true fear and love.”  – Wm M Taylor, John Knox, (NY: A C Armstrong & Sons, 1885), 67.

In direct conversation with this same Queen, in response to her question he said, “Yea, madame, to me it appertains no less to forewarn of such things as may hurt it [the commonwealth], if I foresee them, then it doth to any of the nobility; for both my vocation and conscience requires plainness of me.” – Wm M Taylor, John Knox, (NY: A C Armstrong & Sons, 1885), 171.

Some knew the possible danger he was in to which he replied, “As for the fear of danger that may come to me let no man be solicitious, 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 cease from doing my duty, when of His mercy He offereth me the occasion.” – Wm M Taylor, John Knox, (NY: A C Armstrong & Sons, 1885), 124.

On another occastion when some questioned his speaking as he did; he replied, “I am in the place where I am demanded of my consiecne to speak the truth; and therefore the truth I will speak; impugn it who so list.”  – Wm M Taylor, John Knox, (NY: A C Armstrong & Sons, 1885), 176.

After hearing of the St. Bartholomew Day massacre he had an opportunity to address Le Croc, the French ambassador, “Go tell your master that sentence is pronounced against him; that the Divine vengeance shall never depart from him or from his house, except they repent…”    – Wm M Taylor, John Knox, (NY: A C Armstrong & Sons, 1885), 196.

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