John Knox
on the Puritan Hard Drive
Two Comfortable Epistles
to His Afflicted Brethren
in England
1554
John Knox
Extracted from: Selected Writings of
John Knox:
Public Epistles, Treatises, and Expositions to the Year 1559
Editor's Note
After writing his Godly Letter of
Warning, Knox departed
from Dieppe in the latter part of February (1553-54). He set out from Dieppe,
"like a Hebrew patriarch of old, 'not knowing whither he went;' and,
'committing his way to God,' travelled through France to Switzerland. A
correspondence had been kept up between some of the English reformers and the
most noted divines if the Helvetic church. The latter had already heard, with
the sincerest grief, of the overthrow of the Reformation, and the dispersion of
its friends, in England. On making himself known, Knox was cordially received
by them, and treated with the most affectionate hospitality. He spent some time
in Switzerland, visiting the particular churches, and conferring with the learned
men of that country; and embraced the opportunity of submitting to them certain
difficult questions, which were suggested by the present conjuncture of affairs
in England, and about which his mind had been greatly occupied. Their views
with respect to these coinciding with his own, he was confirmed in the judgment
which he had already formed for himself.
"In the beginning of May he returned
to Dieppe, to receive information from England; a journey which he repeated at
intervals as long as he remained on the Continent. The kind reception which he
had met with, and the agreeable company which he enjoyed, during his short
residence in Switzerland, had helped to dissipate the cloud which hung upon his
spirits when he landed in France, and to open his mind to more pleasing
prospects as to the issue of the present afflicting events." (M'Crie's Life
of Knox [Edinburgh, 1855], pages
65-66.)
"The two following epistles were
written by Knox after his return to Dieppe, and are dated the 10th and 31st of May
1554. As a portion of the earliest letter is repeated nearly verbatim, they
were no doubt addressed by him to friends, who resided in different parts of
the country." (David
Laing, editor's note in Knox's Works, Vol. 3, p. 229.)
Two Comfortable Epistles
to His Afflicted Brethren
in England
AN EPISTLE TO HIS AFFLICTED BRETHREN
IN ENGLAND
The great Bishop of our souls shall
shortly appear, to the comfort of us that now mourn (1 Pet. 2:25).
When I ponder within myself, right dearly
beloved brethren, what was the estate of Christ's true kirk immediately after
the death and passion of our Saviour Jesus, and what were the changes and great
mutations in the commonwealth of Judah, before the final desolation of the
same; as I cannot but fear like plagues to strike the realm of England; and in
fearing, God knows, I lament and mourn; so can I not but rejoice, knowing that
God's most merciful providence is no less careful this day over his weak and
feeble servants, than he was that day over his dispersed and sorely oppressed
flock.
What was the estate of Christ's kirk
between his death and resurrection, between his resurrection and ascension,
between his ascension and the sending of the Holy Ghost upon his disciples, and
from that time to the final destruction of Jerusalem? The plain scriptures do
witness it was most afflicted, without all comfort and worldly consolations,
and that sometimes it was so oppressed with care, dolour, and desperation, that
neither could the witnessing of the women, the appearing of the angels, nor the
very voice and presence of Christ himself, remove all doubts of a long
continuance from the hearts of his apostles. What were the mutations and
troubles in Judea and Jerusalem before the destruction thereof, such as be
exercised in reading histories, and principally in Josephus and Hegisippus,[1] cannot be ignorant. What were the plagues that
reigned over that unthankful people? to wit, cruel tyrannical, and ungodly
magistrates, by whom the people were oppressed and spoiled of their liberties;
of which occasion was stirred up sedition, and thereupon followed so cruel
persecution, under the name of justice, that no small number were burned quick
[alive]. After which cruelty,
followed such murder universally in the city and in the fields, that the
fathers feared their sons, and the brothers their brethren. Which disquietude
ceased not, till God's severe vengeance was at once poured forth upon such as
obstinately refused, and cruelly persecuted Christ Jesus and his doctrine.
And yet amongst the extremity of these
calamities so wondrously was Christ's kirk preserved, that the remembrance
thereof is unto my heart great matter of consolation. For yet my good hope is,
that one day or other Christ Jesus, that now in England is crucified, shall
rise again in despite of his enemies, and shall appear to his weak and sorely
troubled disciples (for yet some he has in that wretched and miserable realm),
to whom he shall say, "Peace be unto you. It is I; fear not" (cf.
Luke 24:36; 20:19 ff.; Matt. 14:27; Mark 6:5; John 6:20). And this shall he do
for his own mercies' sake, to let us know, and in practice understand, that his
promises are infallible, and that he will not treat us according to the
offences of our corrupt and frail nature, which always is ready to fall from
our God, to distrust his promises, and to forget that ever we have received
benefit or comfort at his hand, when trouble or danger appears.
This I write, beloved in the Lord, that
albeit you find your hearts sometimes assaulted with dolour, grudging, or with
desperation, that yet you be not troubled above measure, as that Christ Jesus
should never visit you again. There falls nothing to you, nor yet to the flock
of Christ Jesus this day within the miserable realm of England, which did not
fall on Christ's true and beloved disciples before and after his death.
Before his death, they were advertised and
plainly admonished that trouble should apprehend them, that he should suffer a
cruel and ignominious death, that they should every one be ashamed and flee
from him. This could they not believe, but boldly durst promise the contrary;
and yet as Christ Jesus forespoke, all came to pass. He oftentimes promised and
did assure them that he should rise again, that he should visit them and should
give them consolation, and should remove their dolour.
But trust you, that in the time of their
anguish, any remembrance of Christ's resurrection, comfort, or returning, was
in their hearts? It is easy to be espied, that there was none, but that dolour
and desperation had so pierced their tender hearts, that after many apparitions
their wavering minds fully could not be established.
In the same case, I now consider the true
professors of Christ's holy and sacred evangel to be within the realm of England.
The days of this our dolour have been blown in our ears; our weakness and our
infirmities have been painted out before our eyes; but, alas! then could we not
believe that the time approaches so near, neither yet that so short a tempest
should have overthrown so great a multitude. ("O Lord, increase our faith;
be merciful to us; and let us not drown in the deep for ever!") But,
dearly beloved, the same voice that forespoke our dolours, forespoke also our
everlasting comfort with Christ Jesus: which promise, peradventure, does not
greatly now rejoice our hearts, by reason that the body stands in fear, and our
souls are in anguish by torments that are threatened by such as shall shortly
perish. Such imperfections were in Christ's apostles, and yet they did not
impede his again coming unto them; no more shall they do unto us, providing
that Judas' obstinacy (his impenitent and traitorous heart) be absent from us.
And therefore, beloved in the Lord, hope now against all worldly appearance;
the power of our God shall be known unto his own glory in despite of these
conjured enemies, whose judgment shall not sleep, but suddenly shall fall upon
them to their perpetual confusion. "Haste Lord, and tarry not, for they
have violated thy law, and profaned thy holy testament!"
You would know, perchance, my judgment, by
what means shall the tyrants of England, and most obstinate and abominable
idolaters, be punished. To determine unto them a certain kind of worldly
punishment it appertains not to me. But hereof I am so sure, as I am that my
God lives, that beside their perpetual condemnation and torment in hell, they
shall also be plagued in this present live, except they repent; that likewise,
as men have heard their abominations and enormities shown to their faces, insomuch
that they have bitten their tongues for very despiteful anger, and yet did
never repent from their iniquities; so also shall men, that this very day see
their tyranny, behold the plagues of God's vengeance poured forth upon them
even in this present life; and yet shall they not cease to rebel against his
Holy Majesty; for the deadly venom of that malicious serpent, their father the
devil can never be purged from their cankered hearts. And therefore after
worldly punishment (which they shall not escape), is the fire that never shall
be quenched prepared for their portion; and so these tyrants are more to be
pitied and lamented, than either feared or hated except it be with a perfect hatred, which the
Spirit of God moves in the hearts of God's elect against the rebellious
contemners of his holy statutes; wherewith Jeremiah the prophet was inflamed
when that he prayed, "Let me see thy vengeance taken upon thy enemies, O
Lord" (Jer. 11:20; 20:12). Which also he obtained and beheld with his corporeal
eyes, as I am assured some that at this day sob, under their cruel tyranny,
shall see of the pestilent Papists within the realm of England. But what shall
be the kind of their plagues, and whom God shall use to execute his wrath, I
cannot say; but let it be sufficient that they shall not escape the punishment
that is prepared, no more than Haman did the gallows that he made for Mordecai
the Jew.
Now, beloved in the Lord, seeing that
neither can the cruelty of tyrants, nor yet the infirmity that rests in this our
corrupt nature, withhold from us the merciful presence of our Saviour Christ
Jesus; but that he will visit us again by the brightness of his word to our
sure comfort and consolation, when all our enemies shall tremble, fear, and be
confounded: Let us patiently abide, with groaning and with sobs, the time that
is appointed to our correction, and to the full ripeness of their malicious
minds, avoiding with all study such offences as separate man from the society
and fellowship of God. And these are sins known, maintained obstinately, used
and defended as that they were no sin nor offensive before God; these sorts of
sins, because they are without repentance, divide man from God's favour. God
the Father, for Christ Jesus his Son's sake, preserve and keep your hearts from
that temptation, and by his Holy Ghost so quicken your senses and purge your
understanding, that what you have professed in the days of rest, now in the
days of trouble, in your hearts you may acknowledge, and with your mouths
confess (when the glory of his holy name shall require the same) to be the
infallible and undoubted verity of God. And also, to abhor, detest, and avoid,
by all means possible, that which you know (and openly before the world have
professed) to be abominable idolatry, the maintainers whereof shall not escape
God's vengeance.
My own estate is this: since the 28th of
January, I have travelled through all the congregations of Helvetia [Switzerland], and have reasoned with all the pastors and many
other excellent learned men upon such matters as now I cannot commit to
writing; gladly I would by tongue or pen utter the same to God's glory. If I
thought that I might have your presence, and the presence of some other assured
men, I would jeopardize my own life to let men see what may be done with a safe
conscience in these dolorous and dangerous days. But seeing that it cannot be
done instantly, without danger to others than to me, I will abide the time that
God shall appoint. But hereof be assured, that all is not lawful nor just that
is statute by civil laws; neither yet is everything sin before God, which
ungodly persons allege to be treason. But this I supersede to more opportunity;
if by any means I may, I intend to speak with you ere it be long. God of his
infinite mercy, for Christ Jesus his Son's sake, grant that I may find you such
as my heart thirsts. Amen.
The peace of God rest with you.
In great haste, from Dieppe the 10th of
May 1554.
Yours whom you know,
John Knox
A COMFORTABLE EPISTLE SENT TO
THE AFFLICTED CHURCH OF CHRIST,
EXHORTING THEM TO
BEAR HIS CROSS WITH PATIENCE
Pass through the city, and put a sign
on the foreheads of those that mourn for the admonitions that are committed (Ezekiel 9:4).
When I ponder with myself, beloved in the
Lord, what was the state of Christ's true church immediately after his death
and passion, and what were the changes and great mutations in the commonwealth
of Judea before the final desolation of the same; as I cannot but fear that
like plagues, for like offences, shall strike the realm of England; and in
fearing, God knows, I lament and mourn; [2]so
can I not but rejoice, knowing that God's most merciful providence is no less
careful this day, over his weak and feeble servants in the realm of England,
than it was that day, over his weak and sorely oppressed flock in Jewry.
What was the state of Christ's church
between his death and resurrection, and from his resurrection to the sending of
the Holy Ghost upon his disciples, and from that time also to the final
destruction of Jerusalem? The plain scripture does witness that it was most
afflicted, without all comfort and worldly consolation, and that it was so
persecuted, that havoc was made over the church of God. And what were the
mutations and troubles in Judea and Jerusalem before the destruction of the
same, such as are exercised in histories, and principally in Josephus and
Hegisippus,[1] cannot be ignorant. For they witness, that over that unthankful
people, cruel, tyrannical, and most ungodly magistrates were permitted to
reign, by whom the people were oppressed and spoiled of their liberties; by
which occasion was stirred up sedition; and thereupon followed such cruel
tyranny, that under the name of justice no small number of the people were
burned quick [alive]. After
which cruelty, followed such murder universally in the city and in the fields,
that the fathers feared their sons, and the brethren their brethren. Which
disquietude ceased not, until God's severe vengeance was once poured forth upon
such as obstinately refused and persecuted Christ Jesus and his doctrine.
But to return to the treatment and
preservation of Christ's church at that time. It is evident, that most sharply
it was persecuted, and yet daily did it increase and multiply (Acts 12). It was
compelled to flee from city to city, from realm to realm, and from one nation
to another; and yet so wondrously was it preserved, that a great number of
those whom the wicked priests, by their bloody tyranny, exiled and banished
from Jerusalem, were kept alive till God's vengeance was poured forth upon that
most wicked generation. The remembrance of this, beloved in the Lord, is such
comfort and consolation unto my heart, that neither my tongue nor my pen can
express the same. [3]For this assuredly is my hope and expectation that,
like as Christ Jesus appeared to his disciples, when there was nothing in their
hearts but anguish and desperation; and like as he preserved and multiplied
their number under the most extreme persecution; so shall he do to his
afflicted flock within the realm of England this day, in spite of all his
enemies. First, I say, this is my hope, that a just vengeance shall be taken
upon those blood-thirsty tyrants, by whom Christ Jesus in his members is now
crucified amongst you. And after that, his verity shall so appear to the
comfort of those who now mourn, that they shall hear and know the voice of
their own pastor. And this shall our merciful God do unto us, to let us know,
and in practice understand that his promises are infallible, and that he will
not treat us according to the wicked weakness of our corrupt nature; which
always is ready to fall from God, to distrust his promises, and to forget that
ever we have received benefit or comfort from God's hand, when trouble lies
upon us, or when extreme danger does appear.
And therefore, beloved in the Lord, albeit
you find your hearts sometimes assaulted with dolour, with grudging, or with some
kind of desperation; yet despair not utterly; neither be you troubled above
measure, as that Christ Jesus should never visit you again. Not so, dear
brethren, not so; for such imperfections rested with Christ's own apostles for
a long time, and yet they did not hinder his again coming unto them. [4]No more shall our weakness and imperfections hinder
or let the brightness of his countenance, and the comfort of his word, yet once
again to shine before us; provided always, that Judas' obstinacy, his
impenitence, and traitorous heart be absent from us, as I doubt not but it is
from the members of Christ's body, [5]who
are permitted sometimes to fall, so that of the most fervent professors they
become fearful deniers of the most known truth. But they are not permitted of
any continuance to blaspheme, neither to remain in unbelief and desperation to
the end, as in Christ's apostles plainly may be seen.
And that more clearly we may understand
our times and estate, within the realm of England this day, to agree with the
time and estate of Christ's disciples immediately after his death, let us
consider what chanced to them before and after the same.
[6]Before Christ's passion, as they were instructed by
Christ's own mouth of many things appertaining to that kingdom of God, which
they neither perfectly understood, neither worthily then regarded; so were they
advertised and oft admonished, that Christ their Master should suffer a cruel death,
that they should be ashamed, slandered, and offended in him; also that they
should flee from him; and finally, that persecution and trouble, from time to
time, should apprehend them. With these most dolorous tidings he also promised
that he should arise upon the third day, that he should see them again to their
comfort and consolation, and that he should mightily deliver them from all
troubles and adversities.
[7]But what availed all these admonitions to Christ's
disciples, before his death, or in the extremity of their anguish shortly after
the same? Did they fear, and verily look for trouble before it came? Or did
they look for any comfort when the forespoken trouble was come? It is most
evident that no such thing did enter into their hearts. For before Christ's
death, their greatest mind was upon worldly honour, for which sometimes they
debated and contended among themselves; yea, even when Christ was most
earnestly preaching his cross (Luke 22:24-30). And after his death, they were
so oppressed with anguish, with care, with dolour and desperation, that neither
could the witnessing of the women, affirming that they had seen Christ (Luke
24:11); neither the grave, left empty and void; neither the angels who appeared
to certify his resurrection (John 20:1-10); neither yet the very voice and
presence of Christ Jesus himself, remove all doubts from their afflicted hearts
(Matt. 28:1-9, 16-17); but from time to time their minds wavered, and could not
be fully established that their Lord and Master was verily risen to their
comfort, according to his former promises.
In this case I consider the true
professors of Christ's holy gospel to be [at] this day in the realm of England.
[8]For these days of our present dolour and
tribulation have been before spoken and blown in our ears long before they
came. Our weakness and frail infirmity was also painted forth before our eyes;
but who would have believed that the days of our trouble had been so nigh? Or
that so short a tempest should have overthrown so great a multitude? I think no
man within the whole realm. For all men appeared to live in careless security,
as though the immutable sentence of God, pronouncing that whosoever will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12), had nothing
appertained to our age. And such a bold confidence (or rather a vain
persuasion) had a great number, of their own strength, that if they had
continued without any backsliding, they might have been judged rather angels
than men.
But, beloved in the Lord, the sword of
anguish and of dolour has now pierced the tender heart of Christ's mother (that
is, of his true church), so that the cogitations of many hearts are
sufficiently revealed. The fire is come: which as it has burned away with a
blast the stubble, hay, and wood; so, in trying the gold, silver, and precious
stones, it has found such dross and dust, that the whole mass may appear to be
consumed.
For who now calls to mind, that the same
voice which forespoke our dolours, forespoke also our everlasting comfort with
Christ Jesus? Who delights now in his amiable promises? Who rejoices under the
cross? Yea, who rather does not fear, tremble, grudge, and lament, as that
there were no help in God, or as that he regarded not the trouble which we
suffer? These are the imperfections that continually remain in this our corrupt
nature; the knowledge whereof ought to move us earnestly to cry, "O Lord,
increase our faith; be merciful unto us, and let us not drown in the deep for
ever." Which if we do with unfeigned hearts, then shall Christ Jesus
appear to our comfort; his power shall be known to the praise and glory of his
own name, in despite of all his conjured enemies. [9]And
this is the chief and principal cause of my comfort and consolation in these
most dolorous days, that neither our infirmities nor daily desperation can
hinder or let Christ Jesus to return to us again.
The other cause of my comfort is, that I
am assured that the judgment of these tyrants that now oppress us shall not
slip, but that vengeance shall fall upon them without provision. For
sufficiently they have declared the malice of their minds. They have violated
the law and holy ordinances of the Lord our God. They have opened their mouths
against his eternal verity. [10]They have exiled his
truth, and established their own lies. They daily persecute the innocents, and
stoutly maintain open murderers. Their hearts are obdurate, and their faces are
become shameless like harlots; so that no hope of repentance nor amendment is
to be had of them. And therefore destruction shall suddenly fall upon them. But
with what kind of plagues they shall be stricken in this life; and whom God
shall appoint to execute his vengeance upon them, that I remit to his good
pleasure and further revelation. But their manifest iniquity is unto me an
assured assurance, that they cannot long escape the vengeance, of them most
justly deserved.
But in the mean season, beloved brethren,
you must avoid two things. [11]The former, that you
presume not to be revengers of your own cause, but that you resign over
vengeance unto him who only is able to requite them, according to their
malicious minds. Secondly, that you hate not with any carnal hatred these
blind, cruel, and malicious tyrants; but that you learn of Christ to pray for
your persecutors (Matt. 5:44), lamenting and bewailing that the devil should so
prevail against them, that headlong they should run, body and soul, to
perpetual perdition. And note well that I say, we may not hate them with a
carnal hatred: that is to say, only because they trouble our bodies [12]for there is a
spiritual hatred, which David calls a perfect hatred, which the Holy Ghost
engenders in the hearts of God's elect, against the rebellious contemners of
his holy statutes (Ps. 139:22). And it is, when we more lament that God's glory
is suppressed, and that Christ's flock is defrauded of their wholesome food,
than that our bodies are persecuted.
With this hatred was Jeremiah inflamed,
when he prayed, "Let me see thy vengeance taken upon thine enemies, O
Lord" (Jer. 11:20; 20:12; 17:15-18; 18:18-23). With this hatred may we
hate tyrants, and earnestly may we pray for their destruction, be they kings or
queens, princes or prelates. And further you shall note, that the prayers made
in the fervency of this hatred, are before God so acceptable, that ofttimes he
that prays obtains the selfsame thing that the external words of his prayer do
mean, as David, Jeremiah, and other of the prophets saw with their corporeal
eyes the hot vengeance of God poured forth upon the cruel tyrants of their age;
and I am assured that some, who this day do sob and groan under your tyrannical
bishops, shall see upon the Papists within the realm of England.
This my affirmation proceeds not from any
conjecture of man's fantasy, but from the ordinary course of God's judgments
against manifest contemners of his precepts from the beginning. [13]Which is this:
First, to rebuke and notify, by his
messengers, such sins as before the world are not known to be sin.
Secondly, to provoke to repentance.
Thirdly, to suffer the reprobate to
declare their own impenitence before the world.
And last, to pour upon them so manifest
vengeance, that his church may be instructed, as well of his power, as of his
severe judgments against disobedience. This was the order of his judgment
against Pharaoh (Ex. 7-8, 14), against Saul (1 Sam. 15), against Jeroboam (2
Kings 13), against Herod, against the scribes and the Pharisees, and against
the whole city of Jerusalem.
Our ears have heard, and our eyes have
seen, the first three diets of the Lord's judgment executed against the
pestilent Papists within the realm of England. [1]For
we have heard their summoning and citation duly executed by the messengers of
God's word. [15]We have heard them accused and convicted before their
own faces of theft and murder, of blasphemy against God, of idolatry, and
finally, of all abominations. Which crimes being laid to their charge in their
own presence, they were not able to deny; so potent, so plain and evident was
God's word, whereby their secret botches, and old festered sores were
discovered and revealed.
[16]We know that long process of time has been granted
by God's lenity to their conversion and repentance; and how little the same has
availed, these present days may testify. For who now does not espy their malice
to increase, and their obstinacy to be such as none can be greater? Shall we
then think that God will give over his cause, as that he were not able to
prevail against tyrants? Not so, dear brethren, not so. But even so assuredly
as our God lives, by whose Spirit were stirred up some of his elect first to
espy the great abominations of those tyrants in this our age which his messengers in despite of their tyranny
God preserved to proclaim and notify, before their own faces, such sins as the
world knew not to be sin and as
assuredly as we have espied them still to continue in malice against God,
against his eternal verity, and against the messengers of the same; [17]so assuredly shall we see God's extreme plagues
poured forth upon them, even in this corporeal life; that some of us may
witness to the generation that shall follow, the wondrous works that the Lord
has wrought, and will work in this our age.
[18]Neither shall these plagues (more than the word of
God which passed before) work in them any true repentance, but still in a blind
rage they shall rebel against the majesty of God. For the deadly venom of that
malicious serpent, their father the devil, can never be purged from their
cankered hearts. And therefore, after these plagues, of whom some we have heard
and seen (for what a plague was it to the false bishop of Durham, before his
own face to be called a murderer and a thief, and of the same so to be
convicted, [19]that neither could himself deny it, neither any of
his proctors or divine doctors, being present with him, durst enterprise to
speak one word in defence of his cause)
after these plagues, I say, of whom some we have seen, and the rest we shortly
look for, rests the last, [20]the unquenchable fire, which is prepared for their
portion.
And therefore, yet again, dearly beloved
in our Saviour Jesus Christ, hope you against hope, and against all worldly
appearance. For so assuredly as God is immutable, so assuredly shall he stir up
one Jehu or other to execute his vengeance upon these bloodthirsty tyrants and
obstinate idolaters. And therefore, you abide patiently the time that is
appointed to our correction, and to the full ripeness of their malicious minds.
Be not discouraged, although the bishops have gotten the victory. So did the
Benjamites (natural brethren to our bishops), defenders of whoredom, and of
abominable adultery, twice prevail against the Israelites, who fought at God's
commandment (Judges 20). You shall consider, beloved brethren, that the
counsels of God are profound and inscrutable. The most just man is not innocent
in his sight.
There may be secret causes why God
sometimes will permit the most wicked to prevail and triumph in the most unjust
action; but yet will he not long delay to execute his wrath and justly deserved
vengeance, upon such as are proud murderers, obstinate idolaters, and
impenitent malefactors. And therefore they have not great cause to rejoice: for
albeit they have once prevailed against flesh, yet shall God shortly bring them
to confusion and shame for ever.
Let Winchester,[21]
and his cruel council, devise and study till his wits fail, how the kingdom of
his father, the Antichrist of Rome, may prosper. And let him and them drink the
blood of God's saints, till they be drunken, and their bellies burst, yet shall
they never prevail long in their attempts. Their counsels and determinations
shall be like the dream of a hungry or thirsty man, who in his sleep dreams
that he is eating or drinking; but after he is awakened, his pain continues,
and his soul is impatient and nothing eased. Even so shall these tyrants, after
their profound counsels, long devices, and assured determinations, understand
and know, that the hope of hypocrites shall be frustrated (Job 15:16-35); that
a kingdom begun with tyranny and blood, can neither be stable nor permanent,
but that the glory, the riches, and maintainers of the same shall be as straw
in the flame of fire. Altogether with a blast they shall be consumed in such
sort, that their palaces shall be a heap of stones (Isa. 22); their
congregations shall be desolate; and such as do depend upon their help shall
fall into destruction and ignominy with them.
And therefore, beloved brethren in our
Saviour Jesus Christ, seeing that neither our imperfections nor frail weakness
can hinder Christ Jesus to return to us by the presence of his word; neither
that the tyranny of these bloodthirsty wolves may so devour Christ's small
flock, but that a great number shall be preserved to the praise of God's glory;
neither that these most cruel tyrants can long escape God's vengeance; let us
in comfort lift up our heads, and constantly look for the Lord's deliverance;
with heart and voice saying to our God, "O Lord, albeit other lords than
thou have power over our bodies, yet let us only remember thee and thy holy
name." To whom be praise before the congregation. Amen.
God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by his omnipotent Spirit, guide and rule your hearts in his true fear to the
end. Amen.
Written at Dieppe,
the last of May, Anno 1554.
[John Knox]
Notes
2. Marginal note: The care of God is
always one over his chosen
3. Marginal note: As God did to his
afflicted church in Judah, so shall he do the same in England
4. Marginal note: Our imperfections
may not hinder God to be merciful
5. Marginal note: God's elect are
permitted sometimes horribly to fall
6. Marginal note: The state of
Christ's church before and shortly after his death
7. Marginal note: Note
8. Marginal note: The trouble of
God's elect within England forespoken
9. Marginal note: The cause of
comfort
10. Marginal note: Why God should
suddenly strike the Papists in England
11. Marginal note: What we ought to
avoid in extreme trouble
12. Marginal note: Perfect and godly
hatred
13. Marginal note: The ordinary cause
of God's judgment
14. Marginal note: The Papists have
been summoned
15. Marginal note: The Papists have
been accused and convicted
16. Marginal note: The time of
repentance has bee granted to Papists
17. Marginal note: The due execution
approaches
18. Marginal note: Papists shall rebel
against God to the end
19. Marginal note: Tonstall convicted
of murder and theft to his face at Berwick
20. Marginal note: The last plague of
the Papists
21. Stephen Gardiner
(1483-1555), Bishop of Winchester.
Copyright ©
1995 by Kevin Reed
Presbyterian
Heritage Publications
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