The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

Alas, Sir, is my offence (although in that time, and in that matter, I had written ten Books) so heinous, that I cannot have Licence, by Preaching of Christ Jesus, to refresh those thirsty souls, which long have lacked the Water of Life: No man will I presently accuse, but I greatly fear, That the Leprous have no gre•t pleasure to behold fair faces in clear glass: ¹Let none be afraid, that I require to frequent the Court, or yet to remain any long time in England; but only thirsts, in passing through to my native Country, to communicate with you, and some others, such things as willingly I list not to commit to Paper, neither to the Credit and knowledge of many. And then in the North parts to offer Gods favours, to such as I suppose do mourn for their desertion. And this, I trust, shall be no less profitable to the Queen, and to all godly within England, then it should be pleasing to me in the flesh. This is the third time that I have begged Licence to visit the hungry and thirsty amongst you, which if now be denied, as before God, I have a testimony, that I seek not for my self, but the advancement of Christs Evangel, and the comfort of such, as whom I know afflicted: so shall the godly understand that England in refusing me refuseth a friend, how small that ever the power be. The mighty Spirit of the Lord Jesus move your heart deeply to consider your duty unto God, and the estate of that Realm, in which by his appointment you now serve. From Deep, the 10 of April, 1559. Yours to command in godliness, John Knox.

Alas, Sir, is my offence (although in that time, and in that matter, I had written ten Bookes) so hainous, that I cannot have Licence, by Preaching of Christ Jesus, to refresh those thirsty soules, which long have lacked the Water of Life: No man will I presently accuse, but I greatly feare, That the Leprous have no gre•t pleasure to behold faire faces in cleare glasse: ¹Let none be afraid, that I require to frequent the Court, or yet to remaine any long time in England; but onely thirsts, in passing thorow to my native Countrey, to communicate with you, and some others, such things as willingly I list not to commit to Paper, neither to the Credit and knowledge of many. And then in the North parts to offer Gods favours, to such as I suppose do mourne for their desertion. And this, I trust, shall be no lesse profitable to the Queen, and to all godly within England, then it should be pleasing to me in the flesh. This is the third time that I have begged Licence to visite the hungry and thirstie amongst you, which if now be denied, as before God, I have a testimonie, that I seek not for my selfe, but the advancement of Christs Evangell, and the comfort of such, as whom I know afflicted: so shall the godly understand that England in refusing me refuseth a friend, how small that ever the power be. The mighty Spirit of the Lord Jesus moove your heart deeply to consider your dutie unto God, and the estate of that Realme, in which by his appointment you now serve. From Deepe, the 10 of April, 1559. Yours to command in godlinesse, Iohn Knox.