Reformation in Scotland - Knox - XXI - Chapter 5 of Book 4

Required reading
Reformation in Scotland by John Knox, edited by C J Guthrie (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 5 of Book 4.

My summary
This week we firstly hear about the trial of the Massmongers.

Then Parliament opens in 1563 which included talk from the Roman Catholics 'of the punishment of adultery, and of witchcraft, and to seek the restitution of the glebes and manses to the Ministers of the Kirk, and the Reparation of churches.'

But then Knox preaches a sermon to the nobility which offends everyone, particularly his comments about the possible marriage of the Queen.

Thus Knox is hauled once again before a weeping Mary to give an account for his words.  Knox defends himself and declares the gospel: 'I am sent to preach the Evangel of Jesus Christ, to such as please to hear it.  It hath two parts-Repentance and Faith.'

What grabbed me
I enjoyed reading about Knox being removed from the Queen's presence only to begin sharing the gospel directly outside her door with the young ladies: 'Herewith was the Queen more offended, and commanded the said John to pass forth of the Cabinet, and to abide her pleasure in the Chamber. The Laird of Dun tarried, and Lord John Stewart, Prior of Coldingham [the Queen's brother] came into the Cabinet, and they both remained with her near the space of one hour. John Knox stood in the Chamber, as one whom men had never seen — so were all affrayed — except that the Lord Ochiltree bore him company. Therefore began he to forge talking with the ladies who were there sitting in all their gorgeous apparel; which espied, he merrily said, ' O, fair Ladies ! How pleasing were this life of yours, if it should ever abide, and then in the end that we might pass to Heaven with all this gay gear ! But fie upon that knave Death, that will come, whether we will or not ! And when he hath laid on his arrest, the foul worms will be busy with this flesh, be it never so fair and so tender ; and the silly Soul, I fear, shall be so feeble, that it can neither carry with it gold, garnishing, targetting, pearl nor precious stones!' By such means procured he the company of women ! And so he passed the time till the Laird of Dun willed him to depart to his house until new advertisement.'

John Knox certainly knew how to redeem the time!

Next week's reading
Read Chapters 6 and 7 of Book 4.

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