Birth and parentage of Knox――his education――state of literature in Scotland――introduction of Greek language――political and ecclesiastical opinions of John Major――their probable influence on Knox and Buchanan――Knox teaches scholastic philosophy at St Andrew’s――is admitted to clerical orders――change in his studies and sentiments――state of religion in Scotland――urgent necessity of a reformation――gratitude due to the reformers――introduction of reformed opinions into Scotland――Patrick Hamilton――martyrs――exiles for religion――reformation promoted by the circulation of the scriptures――by poetry――embraced by persons of rank――its critical state at the death of James V., Page 1 PERIOD SECOND. Knox retires from St Andrew’s, and joins himself to the reformed――is degraded from the priesthood――reformation favoured by Regent Arran――Scottish Parliament authorize the use of the Scriptures in the vulgar language――the Regent abjures the reformed religion――Thomas Guillaume――George Wishart――Knox enters the family of Langniddrie as a tutor――Cardinal Beatoun assassinated――Knox persecuted by Archbishop Hamilton――averse to go to England――takes refuge in the Castle of St Andrew’s――his sentiments respecting the assassination of Beatoun――Sir David Lindsay of the Mount――Henry Balnaves of Halhill――John Rough――Knox’s call to the ministry――his reluctance to comply with it――reflections on this――his first sermon――his disputation {xviii} before a convention of the clergy――the clergy begin to preach at St Andrew’s――success of Knox’s labours――castle taken, and Knox confined in the French galleys――his health injured――his fortitude of mind――writes a confession of faith――extract from his dedication to a treatise of Balnaves――his humane advice to his fellow‑prisoners――his liberation, Page 37 PERIOD THIRD.