A04923:105
The appellation of John Knox from the cruel and most iniust sentence pronounced against…The appellation of Iohn Knoxe from the cruell and most iniust sentence pronounced against…
The appellation of John Knox from the cruel and most iniust sentence pronounced against him by the false bishops and clergy of Scotland, with his supplication and exhortation to the nobility, estates, and co[m]munaltie of the same realm.The appellation of Iohn Knoxe from the cruell and most iniust sentence pronounced against him by the false bishoppes and clergie of Scotland, with his supplication and exhortation to the nobilitie, estates, and co[m]munaltie of the same realme.
Geneva: printed by J. Poullain and A. Rebul?, 1558
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
TO HIS BELOVED BRETHREN THE commonalty of Scotland John Knox wisheth grace, mercy and peace with the spirit of righteous judgement.
TO HIS BELOVED BRETHREN THE communaltie of Scotland Iohn Knoxe wisheth grace, mercie and peace with the spirit of righteous iudgement.
What I have required of the Queen Regent, estates and nobility as of the chief heads (for this present) of the realm, I can not cease to require of you dearly beloved Brethren, which be the commonalty and body of the same. To wit, that it (notwithstanding that false and cruel sentence, which your disguised bishops have pronounced against me) would please you to be so favourable unto me, as to be indifferent auditors of my just purgation. Which to do if God earnestly move your hearts, as I nothing doubt, but that your enterprise shall redound to the praise of his holy name, so am I assured, that ye and your posterity shall by that means receive most singular comfort, edification, and profit. For when ye shall hear the matter debated, ye shall easily perceive and understand, upon what ground and foundation is builded that religion, which ⟨image 49⟩amongest you is this day defended by fire and sword. As for my own conscience I am most assuredly persuaded, that, what soever is used in the papistical Church is all together repugning to Christs blessed ordinance, and is nothing but mortal venom, of which whosoever drinketh, I am assuredly persuaded, that therewith he drinketh death and damnation, except by true conversion unto God he be purged from the same. But because that long silence of God's word hath begotten ignorance almost in all sorts of men, and ignorance, joined with long custom, hath confirmed superstition in the hearts of many, I therefore in the name of the Lord Jesus desire audience aswell of you the commonalty, my Brethren, as of the estates and nobility of the realm,