He received a request on a certain occasion to preach in a city that was a stronghold of Romanism.  He accepted, glad of the opportunity, knowing also the peril.  The archbishop of the city, having an army at his bidding, sent Knox a warning, saying, that if he preached, the soldiers would receive orders to fire upon him.  His friends urged him not to go.  He replied, “As for the fear of danger that may come to me let no man be solicitous, for my life is in the custody of Him whose glory I seek.  I desire the hand and weapon of no man to defend me.  I only crave audience, which, if it be denied here unto me at this time, I must seek farther where I may have it.”  He went and preached and returned unharmed.  His great courage infused itself into other hearts, and a multitude of invincible men stood forth with him in the struggle for liberty and conscience, which he so fearlessly advocated.  Every sublime life is a mighty power for the uplifting of others into the same region of healthy action.

The throne of Scotland, with its machinery of government, was against Knox all his days.  Queen Mary was determined to keep the people in subjection to her own arbitrary will, and the Church subject to her authority.  Knox had several personal interviews with her, taking occasion at the risk of his life to speak candidly and solemnly, applying the Word of God to her life and conscience.  At one time, remonstrating against her persecuting rage, he said to her, “Even so, Madam, if those who are in authority, being stricken with a frenzy, will murder the children of God, who are their own subjects, the sword may be taken from them, and they may be imprisoned till they be brought to a sober mind.”  The queen was much amazed and her face changed color, but she was powerless to do him harm.

During the lifetime of Knox, the Church of the Reformation grew rapidly and became mighty in numbers and influence.  The first General Assembly was held in 1560, having 6 ministers and 32 other members, 38 in all.  In 1567, just seven years later, the Assembly numbered 252 ministers, 467 readers, and 154 exhorters.  This, too, was in a time of distress the conditions were unfavorable, the opposition was very strong.  How account for the success?  “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.”

[Illustration:  Knox administering the lord’s supper.

John Knox led the Church in the great struggle for pure doctrine and worship.  The vain heart of man is ever inventing additions and variations in the services of God’s house.  Many devices had been thrust upon the early Church of Scotland.  Here we see this servant of Christ, in the administration of the Lord’s Supper, giving the people the bread and the cup as Jesus directed.]

The Church contended for the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ, even unto death.

The Church pursued unswervingly the course marked out for her in the Word of God, in doctrine, worship, and discipline, not troubled at the cost nor fearing results.