The Church refused to be guided by human wisdom or temporizing methods, either to win numbers or gain favor, depending for success upon the wisdom that cometh from above.

The Church sought to glorify God with simplicity of faith, holiness of life, purity of worship, and loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Hence the invincible energy, the wonderful achievements, the magnificent victories, and the amazing increase.  Would not the Church of Christ take on like activities, proportions, and strength, by following the same course of fidelity in our own times?

John Knox died in 1572, at the age of 67.  His last words were, “Come, Lord Jesus, sweet Jesus; receive my spirit.”  His latter end was peace.

Will we strive to emulate Knox in prayer, courage, self-denial, and pure-heartedness?  Will not his example be to us an inspiration to work with faith and might, to build up the Church and enlarge the Kingdom of Christ?  He was great because he was humble and trusted in the Lord.  The same way is still open to all who would do great things for God.  Humility, prayer, faith, activity, courage, honor, glory—­these are the successive steps upward.  There is yet room in the high places.  Knox’s place seems to be vacant.  Who will fill it?  What an opportunity for young men to bring their noblest powers into action!

* * * * *

Points for the class.

1.  What great reformer appeared at this stage of the conflict?

2.  What was the attitude of Knox toward Romanism?

3.  How was his power dreaded by his enemies?

4.  What was his demeanor in danger?

5.  Describe his interviews with the rulers.

6.  Tell how the Church prospered during his ministry; explain the cause.

7.  What effect should such a life have on us as we study it?

V.

Foundation stones.—­A.D. 1550.

During the first half of the Sixteenth century the Church struggled strenuously for a more complete organization.  The Word of God was quietly circulated and believers in Jesus Christ were growing numerous.  But hitherto they had to worship God at their own fireside or burn at the stake.  In the humble cottage, while the raging storm kept spies away, the father read from the Book of God to his children as they huddled around the turf fire, and the mother sang Psalms to the little ones as she knit their stockings or baked the oaten bread.  Thus pious parents instilled into their sons and daughters the truth of Christ which stirred their blood, and prepared a generation to emerge from the bondage of Papacy.

THE FIRST COVENANT—­1557.