Reformation in Scotland - Knox - I - Preface, Chapter 1 commenced

Required reading
Reformation in Scotland by John Knox, edited by C J Guthrie (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the Preface and commence Chapter 1 up to the paragraph beginning with 'No sooner got the Bishops opportunity, which allwise they sought, but so soon renewed they the battle against Jesus Christ.'

My summary
This week we begin a new church history work written by John Knox about the reformation in Scotland.

Firstly the preface by Guthrie gives an overview of the various editions of the work and some remarks about the current edition.

Then we read part of Chapter One which begins an account of the early reformation in Scotland, starting with the martyrdom of Patrick Hamilton in 1528. 

We also read about:
(i) the martyrdom of Henry Forrest;
(ii) the persecution of William Arth;
(iii) the teachings of Alexander Seton.

What grabbed me
I enjoyed the sense of humour of Alexander Seton who was accused of saying that 'It behoved a Bishop to be a preacher, or else he was but a dumb dog, and fed not he flock, but fed his own belly.'

We then read Seton's response to the accusation: 'The Friar being witty, as well as mindful of that which was his most assured defence, said, ' My Lord, the reporters of such things are manifest liars.' Whereat the Archbishop rejoiced and said : 'Your answer pleaseth me well. I never could think ye would be so foolish as to affirm such things. Where are the knaves that have brought me this tale.' Who compearing, and affirming the same that they did before, the Friar still replied that they were liars. But when the witnesses were multiplied, he turned to the Archbishop and said : 'My Lord, ye may consider what ears these asses have, who can not discern betwixt Paul, Isaiah, Zechariah, Malachi, and Friar Alexander Seton! In very deed, my Lord, I said that Paul saith, "It behoveth a Bishop to be a teacher " ; and that Isaiah saith, "They that feed not the flock are dumb dogs"; and that Zechariah saith, "They are idle pastors." Of mine own head I affirmed nothing, but declared what the Spirit of God had before pronounced; at whom, my Lord, if ye be not offended, justly ye can not be offended at me ! So, yet again, my Lord, I say, that they are manifest liars that reported unto you that I said, " That you and others that preach not are no Bishops, but belly gods." '

A very sharp individual!

But such sharpness at such a time did not go down all that well.

Thankfully Seton found safe haven in England.

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 1.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.