John Knox; a biography

Front matter

President White Library, Cornell University.

lUoy/

CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Preface

The present work is meant as a companion to one which I published some years since on Knox's fellow-countryman and contemporary, George Buchanan. Each in his own way, these two Scotsmen were representative men of their century ; and the history of their life and work belongs not merely to their own country but to the general development of Europe. An adequate account of Buchanan implied an attempt to sketch the transition from mediaevalism to that phase of humanism of which he was at once so strenuous a champion and so distinguished an ornament. But if Buchanan represented so brilliantly the intellectual side of the great revolution of the sixteenth century, Knox is no less eminent as a type of the new theology and religion. In a degree that has not been fully apprehended, it will be seen that in England and on the Continent Knox exercised an influence on religious thought and feeling which fairly entitles him to be regarded as a figure of European importance. As Humanist and Reformer respectively, these two fellow-countrymen, children of the same year, deserve to be placed side by side as the two greatest men whom Scotland put forward at the epoch when Reformation and Renaissance together were changing the destinies of Christendom.

But in addition to the general interest which attaches to them as typical figures of their age, they have the specific interest that belongs to men who have stamped their image on the mind of their countrymen in a degree and fashion that has made them emphatically a national possession and presiding spirits over the national destinies. Of Buchanan it can be said " that there are not, perhaps, above three or four names holding so proud a place in the homage of his countrymen." 1 In far greater degree than Buchanan, Knox has entered into the mind and heart of his countrymen, and evoked the passions and affinities that give its individuality to a people and determine its calling among the nations. It would, indeed, be difficult to name another historical personage who in such degree as Knox revealed a nation's genius to itself, and at once vitalised and dominated its collective thought and action.

To present Knox in this twofold aspect — at once as a great Scotsman, and a figure of European importance — is the object of the present biography.

1 Hill Burton. In the seventeenth century Calderwood said of Buchanan : " No man did merit better of his nation for learning, nor thereby did bring it to more glory.'

PREFACE

From recent publications on the Continent and from other sources we can now see that by his labours in France he influenced its religious development to an extent that gives him a distinct place in the history of that country. As a preacher in England, in Frankfort, and Geneva, it will further appear that more than any other single person he helped to give form and substance to the great religious movement that came to be known as Puritanism. To do full justice to Knox's work in Scotland, it was found necessary virtually to write the religious and political history of the whole period of his activity in that country. In view of the simple truth that beyond all his contemporaries he was the moving spirit of the revolution through which he lived, this minuteness of treatment can hardly be considered an undue extension of the scope of his biography. Moreover, from materials that have come to hand of late years, we are led to a conception of the Scottish Reformation, alike in its essential character and in the details of its development, which materially differs from the views presented even by such recent historians as Tytler and Hill Burton. To present a construction of the transformation of the national religion that seems more in accordance at once with the character of the leading actors and all the facts as they are now known to us, appeared to be of the very substance of a life of Knox.

In my quotations from Knox I have followed the text of Laing, reproducing the original spelling in all its variations. It is necessary to emphasise this fact ; for, as will be seen, Knox's spelling curiously varied at different periods of his life, and was at all times sufficiently perverse and arbitrary. Even in this disguise, however, his language can present no difficulty to the modern reader. As a matter of fact, by his long residence in England and his subsequent intercourse with Englishmen on the Continent, his diction became so anglicised that it was made a special reproach to him by his countryman Ninian Winzet.

Among previous biographies of Knox, that of Dr. M'Crie stands apart as the work of one of whose services to Scottish literature and history those will speak most highly who are best entitled to pronounce an opinion. As the expression of a special view of Knox that biography, alike by its learning and ability, must remain one of the standard books in the language. After M'Crie, David Laing stands next for the sum of his labours expended on Knox. In his edition of Knox's writings in six volumes, he accomplished a work which in itself justified and, in large degree, made possible a new biography. Special mention should also be made of the work of Dr. Lorimer, who in his Knox and the Church of England made some interesting additions to our knowledge. In the Dictionary of National Biography Sheriff Mackay has related the facts of Knox's life with that genial breadth which distinguishes all his contributions to

PREFACE

Scottish history. The studies of Carlyle and Mr. Louis Stevenson are also noteworthy as recording the judgments of two Scotsmen of genius on their great fellow-countryman. Of other accounts of Knox it is perhaps unnecessary to speak, as none profess to be based on any special study of himself and his age. 1

In connection with my own researches regarding Knox, I have to thank the Rev. Dr. Mitchell of St. Andrews for his kind assistance in the course of my work ; and I but add my testimony to that of many others when I say that his hearty co-operation was never wanting when it was needed. Of my particular obligations to him frequent instances will be found throughout these volumes. To Mr. T. G. Law, of the Signet Library, Edinburgh, I am also indebted for information on points regarding which he is a recognised authority. For the discovery of certain documents directly and indirectly relating to Knox, I have to thank Mr. G. F. Warner, Assistant Keeper of Manuscripts in the British Museum. To M. Aubert, of the Bibliotheque Publique, Geneva, and M. le Pasteur Eugene Choisy, it will be seen that I owe the discovery of a letter of special interest in connection with Knox ; and this is but one instance among many of the kind interest they took in my researches in that town. Similarly, I am under a

1 This applies to the work of Brandes, John Knox der Reformator Schottlands (Elberfeld, 1862).

deep obligation to M. Weiss, of the Protestant Library in the Rue des Saints- Peres, Paris, for the use of certain books on French Protestantism which I had been unable to find elsewhere. Throughout my whole work, I have finally to add, the various learning of my friend, Dr. David Patrick, has been of constant and invaluable service to me.

BOOK I.— KNOX IN SCOTLAND (1505-1549) Knox and Buchanan Parentage Birthplace

Early Surroundings .

Education

PAGE ti

15 19

THE UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW — JOHN MAJOR — CHARACTER OF KNOX'S STUDIES

(1522-1523)

Choice of a University The University of Glasgow .

Knox and John Major Knox and Scholasticism Knox and Latimer contrasted Knox and Secular Studies .

25 27

Relation of Scotland to the Continent The Ideal of the Mediaeval Church .

32 33

Joachim of Flora a Predecessor of Knox

The Breaking-up of Medievalism .

Foreign Relations of Scotland

Corruption of the Catholic Church of Scotland

The Lollards in Scotland

Laws against Heresy

Opinions of John Major . , .

Opinions of Hector Boece .

Opinions of Sir David Lyndsay

Weakness of Protestantism .

PAGE

35 40

44 43 49 5° 51 53 55

Date of Knox's Change of Faith Knox as Apostolical Notary Wishart's Appearance in Scotland .

Cardinal Beaton and the Regent Arran Character of Wishart Knox and Wishart .

Execution of Wishart

57 59 61

CHAPTER V

(1547-1548)

Knox and Archbishop Hamilton ....

Knox enters the Castle of St. Andrews

The Company in the Castle . . .

Knox called to be a Minister

Balnaves and Sir David Lyndsay

Theological Disputes

70 71

75 75 77

CHAPTER VI

KNOX IN THE GALLEYS (1547-1549) The Castle surrendered to the French Knox sent to the Galleys

80 81

CONTENTS

Life in the Galleys .

Knox's Experiences in the Galleys .

Release of Knox and his Fellow-prisoners

PAGE

CHAPTER VII

Balnaves' Treatise on Justification

Account of Balnaves

Knox and Luther

The Office of Bishop

Kings and their Subjects

The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Knox not a Constructive Theologian go

93 95 97 99

Book Ii.— Knox In England (1549-1554)

' Knox's Attachment to England The English Reformation Foreign Protestants in England Knox appointed a Licensed Preacher Berwick assigned as his Charge Knox's Work in Berwick Knox and the Family of Bowes Knox removed to Newcastle

Knox before the Council of the North Knox compared with the English Reformers

115 117

His Discourse before the Council

His Work in Newcastle

Appointed a Royal Chaplain

Knox and the Duke of Northumberland

Knox and the Second Prayer-Book .

PAGE

121 122

126 132

(1552-1554)

Knox in London .......

Misunderstandings with the Council

His Preaching at the Court .

His Wanderings throughout England

Letter to Mrs. Bowes

His Personal Danger

Leaves England ....

Book Iii.— Knox On The Continent (i5s4-is59)

(1554) Uncertainty of Knox's Prospects Religious Situation on the Continent Letter of Knox from Dieppe

Visits Calvin and Bullinger ....

The Questions he submitted to them Returns to Dieppe .....

His " Faythfull Admonition "

151 152

KNOX AND PURITANISM — THE FRANKFORT TROUBLES

(I554-ISS5) Knox in Geneva .......

The Marian Exiles ... . .

CONTENTS

The Congregation of Walloons Their Settlement in Frankfort English Congregation in Frankfort .

Knox appointed one of its Ministers The " Frankfort Troubles " .

Charge against Knox Knox leaves Frankfort Sequel of the Frankfort Troubles .

KNOX IN GENEVA — DEVELOPMENTS OF PURITANISM

(1555-1559)

Calvin's Triumph in Geneva

. 187

Rising against his Authority

Knox visits Scotland

His Return to Geneva

Minister of the English Congregation there .

• 195

Importance of Geneva

Religious Life in Geneva

• 199

Dangers that beset Geneva .

The Livre des Anglois ....

Knox and Puritanism

Translation of the Bible

Letter inviting Knox to Scotland .

He goes to Dieppe .....

His journey to Scotland delayed

Reasons for the delay

Returns to Geneva .

Birth of his two Sons

Knox finally leaves Geneva ....

. 214

KNOX IN DIEPPE — HIS INFLUENCE ON FRENCH PROTESTANTISM

(1559) Knox delayed in Dieppe . . . ■ • • 2I 5

His Work in Dieppe .

Its Results for French Protestantism . . . ■

Letter to Mrs. Locke ' ■ ■

Correspondence with Sir William Cecil VOL. I

220 221 222 225

\J

CHAPTER V

"THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTRUOUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN"

Knox and Bullinger .....

Knox and Calvin . . . .

Reasons for the publication of the " First Blast " . Circumstances of its Publication Argument of the Pamphlet

Aylmer's Reply . ....

Jean Bodin's Opinions identical with those of Knox Knox and Queen Elizabeth ....

Calvin's Opinion of the " First Blast "

PAGE

CHAPTER VI

PAMPHLET ON PREDESTINATION KNOX AND ANABAPTISM

Erasmus and Luther on Freewill

The Doctrine of Predestination as understood by Calvin

Calvin's Controversy with Sebastian Castalio

Origin of Knox's Treatise

Knox's View of Predestination

The Question between Knox and his Opponent

Historical Significance of the Controversy .

Specimens of Knox's Reasoning

245 246

247 249 250 252 256 258

Book Iv.— Knox In Scotland— The Religious Revolution

Scotland after the Fall of the Castle of St. Andrews

English Invasion under Somerset .....

The Scots call in the Aid of France .

267 268 270

CONTENTS

Meeting of the Estates

Parties in Scotland .

Policy of Mary of Lorraine .

The French in Scotland

Peace of Boulogne .

Visit of Mary of Lorraine to France

Her Return and Appointment as Regent

Her Endeavours to gain Scotland for France

State of Religion in the Country

Mary of Lorraine and the Primate Hamilton

Spread of Heresy ....

Attempts at Reform ....

PAGE

271 272

KNOX IN SCOTLAND (I55S-I5S6)

Knox's Arrival in Edinburgh . . . 293

His Relations to Female Converts . 294

Question of Religious Compromise . . . 296

Knox visits Forfarshire . . • 298

Erskine of Dun . . • 300 Knox at Calder House . . ... 302 Characters of Lord Erskine, Lord Lorn, and the Lord James Stewart . 303

Knox visits Ayrshire . . . 3°5

Second Visit to Calder House . • 3°6

Is summoned to Edinburgh . . 3°7

William Keith, fourth Earl Marischal 3° 8

Knox's Letter to Mary of Lorraine . . 3°9

His " Addition " to it . . • 310

Knox at Castle Campbell .... ■ 3 IZ

His Departure for Geneva . . . • ■ .312

Motives of the Lords of the Reforming Party . 313

EVENTS IN SCOTLAND FROM I 5 5 6— I 559

Designs of France in Scotland

Policy of Mary of Lorraine .

Marriage of the Dauphin and Mary of Scotland

Sudden deaths of four Scottish Commissioners

The Scottish Estates and the Marriage

Death of Mary Tudor

The first " Bond " or Covenant

Demands of the " Lords of the Congregation "

The Earl of Argyle and the Primate Hamilton

Burning of Mill ....

Increasing Boldness of the Reformers

Riot in Edinburgh .

The Regent and the Protestants

" Protestation " of the Reformers

The " Beggars' Summonds "

Relations of France, England, and Scotland

Last Provincial Council meets

The Regent breaks with the Protestants

Return of Knox

PAGE 321

323 326 328 329 330

Effect of Knox's Letters

Knox on Papists and Anabaptists .

He wishes a moderate Reform if possible .

The Relations of Church and State .

Duty of the Nobles in the Existing Crisis .

Duty of the Commons

348 349

352 353 354 356

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

TO

VOL. I

Portrait of John Knox, from Beza's Icones Frontispiece Parish Church of St. Andrews in 1767, from Oliphant's

St. Andrews Delineated . To face page 90 Haddington Church and Gifford-Gate in 1693, from Slezer's

Theatrum Scotiae , , 176

Castle of St. Andrews ... . 272

VOL. II

John Knox's House, at the Netherbow, Edinburgh . . Frontispiece

St. Giles's Church, Edinburgh, from the North-west, before

Pulpit of John Knox, St. Andrews . . . ,,160 Reduced Facsimile of Letter of Knox to Sir William Douglas

of Lochleven 1 ..... ,, 248

Burial Place of Knox, behind the Church of St. Giles,

Edinburgh . . . . Page 298

1 The original of this letter was in the possession of the Earl of Morton, but has been lost. It was reproduced in the Morton Papers, and also by Laing in his edition of Knox's Works, vol. vi. p. 574.