A47584:1268
The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland
The history of the reformation of the Church of Scotland containing five books : together with some treatises conducing to the history.The historie of the reformation of the Church of Scotland containing five books : together with some treatises conducing to the history.
London: printed by John Raworth for George Thomason and Octavian Pullen, 1644
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.
The Admonition of John Knox to the Commonalty of Scotland
To his beloved Brethren the Commonalty of SCOTLAND: JOHN KNOX wisheth Grace, Mercy, and Peace; With the Spirit of righteous judgement.
What I have required of the Queen Regent, States and Nobility, as of the chief Heads (for this present) of the Realm, I cannot 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 and glory 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 amongst you is this day defended by fire and sword. As for mine own conscience, I am most assuredly persuaded, That whatsoever is used in the Papistical Church, is altogether 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 Gods 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,1 in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, desire audience, as well of you the Commonalty, my brethren, as of the States and Nobility of the Realm, that in public Preaching I may have place amongst you at large to utter my mind in all matters of controversy this day in Religion.