John Knox

John Knox (1505, 1513 or 1514 – 1572) was a Scottish religious reformer who played the lead part in reforming the Church in Scotland in a Presbyterian manner. He died in Edinburgh on November 24, 1572.

Conversion to Protestantism

Knox first publicly professed the Protestant faith about the end of 1545. His mind had in all probability been directed to that faith for some time before the change was avowed. According to Calderwood, Thomas Guillaume, a native of East Lothian, the order of Blackfriars and for a short time chaplain to the Regent Arran in 1543, was the first "to give Mr. Knox a taste of the truth." His original change of opinion has been attributed to the study in early manhood, as already stated, of Augustine and Jerome.

Related Topics:
Protestant - 1545 - Calderwood - Lothian - 1543 - Augustine - Jerome

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The immediate instrument of his actual conversion was probably the learned and amiable George Wishart, who, after a period of banishment, returned to his native country in 1544, to perish, within two years, at the stake, as the last and most illustrious of the victims of Cardinal Beaton. Among other places where he preached the Reformed doctrines Wishart had come to East Lothian in Dec., 1545, and there made Knox's acquaintance.

Related Topics:
George Wishart - 1544 - Cardinal Beaton - 1545

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The attachment which Knox formed for the person as well as for the doctrine of Wishart, must be described as of the nature of a youthful enthusiasm. Knox followed the Reformer everywhere, and constituted himself his body-guard, bearing, it is said, a two-edged sword, that he might be prepared to defend him against the cardinal's emissaries, who were known to be seeking Wishart's life.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On the night of Wishart's apprehension, Knox was hardly restrained from sharing his captivity, and consequently, in all probability, his fate. The words of Wishart's remonstrance are well known:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:"Nay, return to your bairns . One is sufficient for a sacrifice."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~