The History of the Reformation in Scotland

by John Knox

Few figures have dominated the character of a nation’s life as John Knox has influenced the history of Scotland. In this remarkable work, originally dictated to his secretaries between 1559 and 1571, John Knox tells the story of his times and the progress of the Reformation in Scotland. These pages breathe the sense of excitement and expectation possible only to an eye-witness and participant in the unfolding drama of the Reformation in 16th century Scotland.

John Knox was incapable of writing history in a detached fashion, merely as a catalogue of events, or even as a tracking down of causes and effects. The days through which he lived were full of the signs of the work of God. So, he said: ‘We write that the posterity to come may understand how patiently God wrought in preserving and delivering those that had but a small knowledge of the truth, and for the love of the same hazarded all’.

Genres: Church History, History, Nonfiction, Theology, Scotland, Religion, Christianity

353 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

John Knox (c. 1514 – 24 November 1572) was a Scottish clergyman and a leader of the Protestant Reformation who brought reformation to the church in Scotland. He was educated at the University of St Andrews and was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood in 1536. Influenced by early church reformers such as George Wishart, he joined the movement to reform the Scottish church. He was caught up in the ecclesiastical and political events that involved the murder of Cardinal Beaton in 1546 and the intervention of the regent of Scotland, Mary of Guise. He was taken prisoner by French forces the following year and exiled to England on his release in 1549.

While in exile, Knox was licensed to work in the Church of England, where he quickly rose in the ranks to serve King Edward VI of England as a royal chaplain. In this position, he exerted a reforming influence on the text of the Book of Common Prayer. In England he met and married his first wife, Marjorie. When Mary Tudor ascended the throne and re-established Roman Catholicism, Knox was forced to resign his position and leave the country.

Knox first moved to Geneva and then to Frankfurt. In Geneva, he met John Calvin, from whom he gained experience and knowledge of Reformed theology and Presbyterian polity. He created a new order of service, which was eventually adopted by the reformed church in Scotland. He left Geneva to head the English refugee church in Frankfurt but he was forced to leave over differences concerning the liturgy, thus ending his association with the Church of England.

On his return to Scotland, he led the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Protestant nobility. The movement may be seen as a revolution, since it led to the ousting of Mary of Guise, who governed the country in the name of her young daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots. Knox helped write the new confession of faith and the ecclesiastical order for the newly created reformed church, the Kirk. He continued to serve as the religious leader of the Protestants throughout Mary's reign. In several interviews with the queen, Knox admonished her for supporting Catholic practices. Eventually, when she was imprisoned for her alleged role in the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley, and James VI enthroned in her stead, he openly called for her execution. He continued to preach until his final days.

Reviews

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Knox writes like an Old Testament prophet. He sees the hand of God guiding the nation of Scotland, alternately dispensing judgment and blessing. There is little doubt that Knox saw the Old Testament kings, particularly Josiah, as a model for civil society today (and there is little doubt Knox would have been fired from modern Reformed institutions). Far from holding to the modern Reformed “common grace” ethic, Knox viewed the Old Testament scriptures as a template for today ( Knox, 32).

Throughout the narrative Knox reveals many facets of an early, developing Reformed orthodoxy. Knox very clearly believed in the continuation of prophetic gifts. He notes that the proto-martyr Mr. George Wishart was “so clearly illuminated with the Spirit of Prophecy” that he was able to see what would happen to the realm afterwards (Knox, 52). Knox himself was said to have this gift, though Knox explains it as being so immersed in the Law of God and continually applying this knowledge to interpreting Providence (271 n.1). Perhaps this is what St Paul meant when he said seek earnestly the gift of prophecy.

In Knox we also see--not surprisingly--a budding anti-Roman apologetics. Knox’s narrative is focused on the idolatry of the Mass. Knox examines the way Romanists view the Mass: 1) Is Christ being offered to the Father for the sins of the Church? or 2) Is Christ merely being offered as a remembrance to God? If (1), then does not this action replace the office of Christ, which performed the once offering up of himself to God? But if (2), then does this not imply that God forgets stuff? In either case, Knox notes that believers are simply commanded to take the Supper in both kinds in remembrance of Christ’s death (242ff). This is not as thorough as Calvin’s view of the Supper, but Knox never claimed to have Calvin’s polish. Having studied under Calvin, though, one can place Knox in the same trajectory.

The sections of the book dealing with John Knox’s views on resistance are the heart of the matter. Knox sees society as a nexus of interrelating covenants between prince, God, and the people. As a result of these covenants, no one’s power is absolute. Contrary to some readings of Knox, he is not simply saying we should rebel against authority whenever we feel like it. Knox’s examples provide us with resistance in the following cases: 1) protect the weak and oppressed (151), 2) defend the land against idolatry (167), and to defend the land against insane rulers (278; this is a corollary of point 1). In conclusion, both to the argument and the narrative, Knox tells Mary that authority comes from God, not the ruler and in response, we “do no sin who bridle the prince from striking innocent men in his rage” (316). Samuel Rutherford polished and perfected Knox’s argument.

The book alternates between a fine, cogent read and a scattered one. Knox’s style is fairly easy to follow, and he occasionally writes with a rare power. The narrative, however, isn’t so clear. He frequently alludes to very minor figures in local Scottish history and the reader is frequently lost.

[Eddie Kaiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It is He that subjects people under princes, and causes obedience to be given unto them. Yea, God craves of kings that they be foster-fathers to His church, and commands queens to be nurses to His people.”

Knox’s own commentary and interpretation of the Scottish Reformation made this such a unique and delightful history (albeit a bit hard to follow at times). The footnotes alone are very much worth it.

[Sean Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exhaustive, but rewarding account of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland. John Knox writes with such apocalyptic power, in a world of religious violence and injustice. It is a book I will certainly come back to again.

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how bold Knox is. He isn't afraid to blast the Catholics and evil rulers. He combines as interesting history of how the Reformation eventually triumphed in Scotland, along with multiple interviews between him and Queen Mary, and several of the Covenanter's creeds. His theonomy some times overtakes him, because he is unclear about freedom of religion. Though he hates Queen Mary's overreach into religion, we do not know what he would have done had he been the King. He very likely may have set up a Christian government on earth. As a history though, this is very well done. I wish I had the original, not just one third of it.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the prose of a biblical prophet, Knox traces the workings of God throughout the realm of Scotland in the 16th century, recognising the rise and fall of God's hand as the Kirk of Scotland is built.

Knox manages to through four volumes establish in great detail a history of the rise of the reformation against the then corruptions of the Church in Rome. The conversations recorded from the queen, the courts, and general assembly paint a powerful picture of the political landscape of the time.

Though at times perhaps too thorough, the work is clearly an important piece of history, tracing first hand how God in his mercy guided the church to hold fast to the 'evangel'.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good.

[Benjamin Cervantes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great historical detail. The conversations and interviews recorded are shocking. Such bold stances against the wicked papist queen.

[Joyce Stahle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read. I enjoy reading about church history and the church fathers of the faith.

[Travis Daggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hero of the faith

[Gabriel Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! well written, brief, yet thorough history!