The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland: With Which Are Included Knox's Confession and The Book of DisciplineKnox, John
History
The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland: With Which Are Included Knox's Confession and The Book of Discipline
Knox, John
Reformation -- Scotland; Scotland -- Church history
When he had said these words, the horned bishops and their
accomplices cried, and girned[87] with their teeth, saying, "See ye
not what colours he hath in his speech, that he may beguile us, and
seduce us to his opinion."
[87] Gnashed.
5. Thou, heretic, didst say openly, that it was necessary to every
man to know and understand his baptism, and that it was contrary
to general councils, and the estates of Holy Church.--My Lords, I
believe there be none so unwise here that will make merchandise
with a Frenchman, or any other unknown stranger, except he know and
understand first the condition or promise made by the Frenchman or
stranger. So, likewise, I would that we understood what things we
promise in the name of the infant unto God in baptism. For this
cause, I believe ye have confirmation.
Then said Master Bleiter, chaplain, that he had the devil within
him, and the spirit of error. A child answered him, "The Devil
cannot speak such words as yonder man doth speak."
6. Thou, false heretic, traitor, and thief, saidst that the
Sacrament of the altar was but a piece of bread, baken upon the
ashes, and nothing else; and all that is there done is but a
superstitious rite against the commandment of God....--O Lord God!
So manifest lies and blasphemies the Scripture doth not teach you.
As concerning the Sacrament of the altar, my Lords, I never taught
anything against the Scripture, which I shall, by God's grace, make
manifest this day, I being ready therefor to suffer death.
The lawful use of the Sacrament is most acceptable unto God: the
great abuse of it is very detestable unto Him. But what occasion
they have to say such words of me, I shall shortly show your
Lordships. I once chanced to meet with a Jew, when I was sailing
upon the water of Rhine. I did inquire of him what was the cause of
his pertinacity in not believing that the true Messias was come,
considering that they had seen fulfilled all the prophecies which
were spoken of Him; moreover, the prophecies taken away, and the
sceptre of Judah. By many other testimonies of the Scripture, I
vanquished him, and proved that Messias was come, whom they called
Jesus of Nazareth. This Jew answered me, "When Messias cometh, he
shall restore all things, and he shall not abrogate the Law, which
was given to our fathers, as ye do. For why? we see the poor almost
perish through hunger among you, yet you are not moved with pity
towards them; but among us Jews, though we be poor, there are no
beggars found. Secondly, it is forbidden by the Law to feign any
kind of imagery of things in heaven above or in the earth beneath
or in the sea under the earth, but one God only to honour: your
sanctuaries and churches are full of idols. Thirdly, ye adore and
worship a piece of bread baken upon the ashes, and say that it is
your God." I have rehearsed here but the sayings of the Jew, which I
never affirmed to be true.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account