and the tradition in the family is, that this watch belonged to the
Reformer, and was presented to him by queen Mary, at a time when she
was anxious to cajole him into an approbation of her measures. On the
brass‑plate of the inner case are the words, _N. Forfaict à Paris_.
Professor Leslie, whose extensive acquaintance with the history of
inventions is well known, after examining an accurate description of
this time‑piece by Dr Knight of Aberdeen, says, “that the watch in
question might have been the property of John Knox, is possible, and
the tradition is in this case not improbable. At the same time it must
be admitted, that pocket watches were extremely rare at that period,
and probably confined for the most part to princes and the more
opulent nobility.” He adds, “I have had the opportunity of inspecting
an antique watch, through the politeness of Mr J. Scot, late chemist
in Edinburgh, the lineal descendant of a Frenchman of the name of {358}
Massie, who, having attended queen Mary into Scotland, had received
the relic from his mistress. It is a small round old watch, scarcely
exceeding an inch in diameter, and made by Hubert in Rouen. It is
precisely of the same structure, but without carving or other ornament,
as the one with which that artful princess is said to have endeavoured
to bribe our stern reformer.”
I have only to add, that no notice is taken of this relic and token of
royal favour in the testament of John Knox, or in the inventory of his
goods presented by his widow after his decease.
Note EE, Footnote 350.
_Of Knox’s History of the Reformation._――When they first formed
themselves into an association to advance the reformation of
religion, the protestants of Scotland, aware that their conduct
would be misrepresented, appointed some of their number to commit
their proceedings to writing. This laudable practice was continued
by them, and the most important events connected with the progress
of the Reformation were registered along with the resolutions adopted
at their meetings. After they came to an open breach with the queen
regent, and she had accused them of rebellious intentions both
to their countrymen and to foreign nations, they resolved that a
narrative of their proceedings should be drawn up from these records,
and that it should be published to the world for their vindication.
Preface to the Gentill Reidare, prefixed to Knox’s Historie, and
Præfatio to the Secunde Booke of the Historie, p. 115, edit. 1732.
The confusions produced by the civil war prevented them from executing
this resolution at the time intended, and the object originally in
view was in part answered by occasional proclamations which they
had been obliged to make, and by answers which they had published to
proclamations issued by the regent. The design was not, however, laid
aside; and the person to whom the compilation was committed continued
the narrative. The book which is placed second in the printed history
was first composed. The third book was next composed, and contains
a circumstantial account of the steps taken by the Congregation to
obtain assistance from England, which it was judged imprudent to
disclose when the {359} former book was drawn up. It brings down the
history to queen Mary’s arrival in Scotland. The book which occupies
the first place in the printed history was composed after these,
and intended as an introduction to them, bringing down the history
from the first dawn of the Reformation in Scotland to 1558. See
preface to the Gentill Reidare, ut supra. The publication being still
delayed, the fourth book was added, which contains the history of
ecclesiastical transactions from the arrival of Mary to the end of
1564. The first and fourth books were composed during the years 1566,
1567, and 1568. Historie, p. 86, 108, 282. Some additions were made to
the fourth book so late as 1571. Ibid. p. 338. The fifth book in the
printed history is not found in any of the ancient MSS. It was added
by David Buchanan, but whether he published it from an old MS. or
compiled it himself, cannot now be ascertained.
The history was composed by one person, (Preface, ut supra,) and
there is no reason for doubting that Knox was the author. In a letter
which he wrote on the 23d of October, 1559, he mentions the design of
publishing it. Keith, Append. p. 30. The English ambassador, Randolph,
says, in a letter to Cecil, dated Edinburgh, 23d September, 1560, “I
have tawlked at large with Mr Knox concernynge hys historie. As mykle
as ys wrytten thereof shall be sent to your honour, at the comynge
of the Lords embassadors by Mr John Woode: He hath wrytten only one
booke. If yow lyke that, he shall contynue the same, or adde onie more.
He sayethe, that he must have farther helpe than is to be had in this
countrie, for more assured knouledge of thyngs passed, than he hath
hymself, or can com bye here: yt is a worke not to be neglected, and
greatly to be wyshed that yt sholde be well handled.” Life of the
Author, p. xliii., prefixed to Knox’s Historie, edit. 1732. From a
letter written by Knox to Mr John Wood, and dated Feb. 14, 1568, it
appears that he had come to the resolution of withholding the history
from the public during his life. See Appendix. The important light
in which he considered the work, appears from the way in which he
expressed himself in April 1571, when he found that the state of
his health would not permit him to finish it. “Lord, provyde for thy
flocks trew pastouris; rease thou up the spretis of some to observe
thy notable workis, faythfullie to commit {360} the same to writ,
that the prosperities [posterities] to come may praise thy holie name,
for the great graces plentyfullie powred foorth upon this vnthankfull
generatione. Jhone Knox trusting end of trawell.” Bannatyne’s Journal,
p. 129. He did not, however, desist altogether from the prosecution of
the work. It appears from two letters of Alexander Hay, clerk to the
privy council, written in December 1571, that the Reformer had applied
to him for papers to assist him in the continuation of his history.
The papers which Hay proposed to send him related to the years
1567‒1571, a period which the printed history does not reach.
Bannatyne, p. 294‒302.
The following petition, presented by Bannatyne to the first General
Assembly which met after our Reformer’s death, with the act of
Assembly relating to it, gives the most satisfactory information
respecting the history. “Unto your Wisdoms humbly means and shows, I,
your servitor Richard Bannatyne, servant to your unquhill most dearest
brother John Knox of worthy memory: That where it is not unknown
to your wisdoms, that he left to the kirk and town of Edinburgh his
history, containing in effect the beginning and progress of Christ’s
true religion, now of God’s great mercy established in this realm;
wherein he hath continued and perfectly ended at the year of God 1564.
So that of things done sinsyne, nothing be him is put in that form and
order that he has put the former. Yet not the less there are certain
scrolls and papers, and minuts of things left to me by him, to use
at my pleasure, whereof a part were written and subscribed by his
own hand, and another be mine at his command, which, if they were
collected and gathered together, would make a sufficient declaration
of the principal things that have occurred since the ending of his
former history, at the year foresaid; and so should serve for stuff
and matter, to any of understanding and ability in that kinde of
exercise, that would apply themselves to make a history, even unto
the day of his death. But for so meikle as the said scrolls are so
intacked and mixed together, that if they should come in any hands
not used nor accustomed with the same, as I have been, they should
altogether lose and perish: And seeing also I am not able, on my own
costs and expenses, to apply myself and spend my time to put {361}
them in order, which would consume a very long time; much less am
I able to write them, and put them in register, as they require to
be, without your wisdoms make some provision for the same: Wherefore
I most humbly request your wisdoms, That I may have some reasonable
pension appointed to me by your wisdoms discretion, that thereby I may
be more able to await and attend upon the samine; lest these things,
done by that servant of God dear to you all, should perish and decay,
which they shall do indeed, if they be not put in register, which
I will do willinglie, if your wisdoms would provide, as said is. And
your wisdoms answer,” &c. To this supplication the Assembly gave the
following answer:――“The Assembly accepted the said Richard’s offer,
and request the kirk of Edinburgh, to provide and appoint some learned
men, to support Richard Bannatyne, to put the said history, that is
now in scrolls and papers, in good form, with aid of the said Richard.
And because he is not able to await thereon, upon his own expences,
appoints to him the sum of forty pounds, to be payed of the 1572 years
crope, be the collectors under‑written, viz. the collector of Lothian,
Fife, Angus, and the West, Galloway, and Murray, every one of them to
pay six pound thirteen shillings four pennies of the said crope; and
it shall be allowed to them in count, they bringing the said Richard’s
acquittance thereupon.” Life of the Author, p. xliv. xlv. prefixed to
Historie, edit. 1732. Book of Univ. Kirk, p. 56.
It is probable that the deficiency of the funds of the church
prevented the publication of the history during Morton’s regency; and
the change of politics after James assumed the reins of government
into his own hands, precluded all hope of its being allowed to be
printed in Scotland. An attempt was made to have it printed in England;
but after the work had proceeded so far, the press was stopped. This
appears from the following extract from Calderwood’s MSS. “February,
1586, Vaultrollier the printer took with him a copy of Mr Knox’s
History to England, and printed twelve hundred of them; the stationers,
at the archbishop’s command, seized them the 18 of February; it was
thought that he would get leave to proceed again, because the council
perceived that it would bring the queen of Scots in detestation.”
Calderwood’s MS. apud Life {362} of Knox, p. 45, prefixed to edition
of Historie, Edinburgh, 1732. Bishop Bancroft also mentions it in
the following terms, “If you ever meet with the History of the Church
of Scotland penned by Mr Knox, and printed by Vaultrollier, read the
pages quoted here in the margent.” Bancroft’s Survey, (originally
printed in 1593,) republished in 1663, p. 37. Copies of this imperfect
edition were allowed to go abroad, and are still to be met with.
In 1644, David Buchanan published his edition of Knox’s History at
London in folio, which was reprinted the same year at Edinburgh in
quarto. The editor prefixed a preface concerning the antiquity of the
Scots, and a Life of Knox, both of which were written by himself. He
modernised the language of the history; but not satisfied with this,
he also altered the narrative, by excluding some parts of it, and by
making numerous interpolations. It appears from the passage formerly
quoted from Milton, (see vol. i. p. 464,) that attempts were made
to suppress, or at least to mutilate, this edition; but the passage
is so obscure that we cannot learn from what quarter these attempts
were made. At last, a genuine and complete edition of the history
was printed in 1732, from a manuscript belonging to the university
of Glasgow, compared with several other manuscripts of undoubted
antiquity. Those who wish to know the great difference between this
edition and that of David Buchanan, may consult Mr Wodrow’s letter,
inserted at large in the Life of the Author, p. xlvi‒li. prefixed
to the Historie, edit. 1732, and partially inserted in Nicolson’s
Scottish Historical Library, p. 132‒141. Lond. 1736. All the editions
of the history lately published are mere copies of Buchanan’s spurious
and interpolated one.
This deduction of facts may serve to clear the subject of the
History from the difficulties in which it has been involved. That Knox
was the author of the first four books, as they are printed in the
edition 1732, is beyond all reasonable doubt. After the publication
of that edition, it is mere perverseness to endeavour to discredit
the authenticity or genuineness of the History, by insisting on the
alterations and interpolations of David Buchanan. To infer that he
was not the author of the History from the difference between its
style and that of his undoubted works, is quite conjectural. {363} The
historical and the didactic styles are different in themselves; and
when we consider the intervals at which the history was composed, the
numerous avocations which distracted the author’s attention, and the
multiplicity of facts which it was requisite for him to collect and
investigate, we will not be surprised to find this work inferior, in
point of language and arrangement, to those tracts which he composed
on single topics, and which, having the sentiments at his command, he
was left at liberty to arrange and to adorn. The facts which I have
produced tend also to corroborate the credibility of the History,
as they evince that, however negligent as to points of inferior
consideration, the author was most active and laborious in searching
for materials, and in procuring, when it was at all possible, original
and authentic documents. And such was his character for integrity,
that I am persuaded there are few, if any, who believe that he would
insert as a fact any thing of whose truth he was not fully convinced.
Note FF, Footnote 351.
_Catalogue of Knox’s writings._――The following catalogue of the
Reformer’s works will, I trust, be found more correct and complete
than any one which has hitherto appeared. The titles have been
accurately copied from the books themselves, when I could possibly
procure them, and at the end of each I have mentioned where a copy
may be seen. For the titles of such as I have not seen, I have had
recourse to the best authorities, as marked after each article. I have
also noticed those of which there are copies in the MS. volume in my
possession.
1. “An admonition, or warning, that the faithfull Christians in London,
Newcastel, Berwycke, and others, may avoide God’s vengeance both in
thys life and in the life to come. Compyled by the servaunt of God,
John Knokes.” A cut of truth, poor woman, handcuffed and fastened in
the stocks, with a halter about her neck, held by Tyrannye on the one
hand, while Crueltye, with a cornered cap, is threatening her with a
rod on the other. Beneath the cut, “The persecuted speaketh,
{364} I fear not death, nor passe not for bands:
Only in God put I my whole trust,
For God will requyre my blod at your hands,
And this I know that once dye I must,
Only for Chryst, my lyfe if I give:
Death is no death, but a meane for to leyve.”
Under these verses in ancient writing “John Frythe boke Red and send
yt agayne.” E, in eights. “From Wittonburge by Nicholas Dorcastor.
Anno M.D.LIIII. the viii of May. Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.”
W. H. (Ames by Herbert, p. 1576,) sixteens. Comp. Tanneri Bibliotheca
Britannico‑Hibernica, p. 460. See above, vol. i. p. 136, note.
2. “A faythful admonition made by John Knox, unto the professours of
God’s truthe in England, whereby thou mayest learne howe God wyll have
his churche exercised with troubles, and how he defendeth it in the
same. Esaie ix. After all this shall not the Lordes wrath ceasse, but
yet shall hys hande be stretched out styll. Ibidem. Take hede that the
Lorde roote thee not out both heade and tayle in one daye.”
On the back of title: “The epistle of a banyshed manne out of
Leycestershire sometime one of the preachers of Goddes worde there,
to the Christen reader wysheth health, deliveraunce, and felicitie.”
“Imprynted at Kalykow the 20 daye of Julii 1554. Cum gratia et
privilegio ad Imprimendum solum.” French black letter, extends to I,
and makes 63 leaves. Advocates’ Library. A copy of this in MS. Vol.
3. “A godly letter sent to the faythefull in London, Newcastell,
Barwyke, and to all other within the realme of Englande, that love the
coming of our Lord Jesus, by Jhon knox. Matth. x. He that continueth
unto the ende shall be saved. Imprinted in Rome, before the Castel of
S. Aungel, at the signe of Sainct Peter. In the moneth of July, in the
yeare of our Lord 1554.” D, 28 leaves, Fr. black letter. Advocates’
Library. A copy in MS. Vol.
4. “A confession and declaratiō of praiers added thereunto, by Jhon
Knox, minister of christes most sacred Evangely, upon the {365} death
of that moste famous king Edward the VI. kynge of Englande, Fraunce,
and Ireland, in which confession, the sayde Jhon doth accuse no less
hys owne offences, than the offences of others, to be the cause of
the awaye takinge of that most godly prince, nowe raininge with Chryst
whyle we abyde plagues for our unthāfulnesse. Imprinted in Rome,
before the Castel of S. Aungel, at the signe of Sainct Peter. In
the moneth of July, in the yeare of our Lorde, 1554.” C, 19 leaves.
Fr. black letter. Advocates’ Library.
The “Confession” is inserted in vol. i. Note U. The “Declaration
of Praiers” is in MS. Vol. See vol. i. Note N. Another edition was
licensed in 1580. See Ames, p. 1146.
5. “The copie of a letter sent to the ladye Mary dowagire, regent
of Scotland, by John Knox in the yeare 1556. Here is also a notable
sermon, mayde by the sayde John Knox, wherein is evydentlye proved
that the masse is and alwayes hath been abhominable before God, and
Idolatrye. _Scrutamini Scripturas._” H, extends to 64 leaves, 16mo.
Black letter. No year or place of printing. A copy of this rare book,
which belonged to the late Duke of Roxburghe, is now in the Advocates’
Library.
Ames (p. 1587) introduces this book as printed in 1556, but without
alleging any authority; and (p. 1834) he speaks of the Sermon against
the Mass as printed in 1550, for which he quotes T. Baker’s Maunsell,
p. 101. Both the tracts contained in this book are in MS. Vol.
6. “Ane Exposition upon the syxth Psalme of Dauid, wherein is
declared hys crosse, complayntes and prayers, moste necessarie too be
red of all them, for their singular comforte, that vnder the banner of
Christe are by Satan assaulted, and feele the heauye burthen of synne,
with which they are oppressed. ☞ The paciente abydinge of the sore
afflicted was neuer yet confounded.” Ends on the reverse of the last
leaf of F. On G begins, “A comfortable Epistell sente to the afflicted
church of Chryst, exhortynge thē to beare hys crosse with paciēce,
lokyng euery houre for hys commynge agayne to the greate comfort and
consolacion of hys chosen, with a prophecy of ye destruction of the
wycked. Whereunto is joyned a most wholesome counsell, howe to behaue
ourselues in the myddes {366} of thys wycked generacion touching the
daily exercise of Gods most holy and sacred worde. Wrytten by the man
of God, J. K.”
A copy of this very rare collection of tracts, which also belonged to
the late Duke of Roxburghe, is now in the Advocates’ Library. It wants
two or three leaves at the close,――ending with I, 5. Black letter,
16mo. (All of these are in MS. Volume. The “wholesome counsell” is
inserted in vol. i. Note Z.) In the same volume, and printed with
the same type, are two tracts by “Gracious Menewe,” the first on
“Auricular Confession,” and the second, “Of the Communion in both
kyndes.” It has been conjectured that Knox wrote these under a
fictitious name.
7. “The copie of a lettre delivered to the laidie Marie, Regent of
Scotland, from Johne Knox minister of Goddes worde, in the yeare of
our Lord 1556, and nowe augmented and explained by the author in the
yeare of our Lord 1558.” Device: two arches, one narrow, the other
broad; over the narrow one is a crown of laurel, over the broad one
flames of fire, with this motto about them, “Enter in at the streit
gate: for wide is the gate, and brode is the waye, that leadeth to
destruction, Matth. vii.” Printed at Geneva, by James Pollain, and
Antonie Rebul. M.D.LVIII. D, extends to 28 leaves. Rom. letter, 16mo.
Advocates’ Library.
8. “The First Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstruous Regement
of Wemen. Veritas temporis filia. M.D.LVIII.” 56 leaves, Rom. letter.
Advocates’ Library.
9. “The Appellation of Johne Knoxe from the cruell and most unjust
sentence pronounced against him by the false bishoppes and clergie
of Scotland, with his supplication and exhortation to the nobilitie,
estates and cōmunalitie of the same realme. Printed at Geneva M.D.
LVIII.” The appellation is addressed “To the nobilitie, and estates of
Scotlād” only; the epistle, “To his beloved brethren the cōmunalitie
of Scotlād,” annexed, begins at folio 47, and concludes at folio 59,
“Be witnesse to my appellation.――From Geneva the 14 of July, 1558.
Your brother to commaunde in godliness, John Knoxe.” On the back of
which leaf begins: “An admonition to England and Scotland to call
them to repentance, written by Antoni Gilby.” On the back of leaf 78,
“Psalme of {367} David xciiii turned into metre by W. Kethe,” ends on
first page of folio 80――Rom. letter, 16mo. Advocates’ Library.
It is a mistake to suppose that “Antoni Gilby” was a fictitious name
assumed by Knox. Gilby was a member of the English church at Geneva.
(See vol. i. p. 187.) Ames mentions several publications by him. See
also Tanneri Bibliotheca, p. 318.
10. “The copie of his [John Knox’s] epistle, sent unto Newcastle, and
Barwick. [This was, perhaps, another edition of No. 3.] Also a brief
exhortatione to Englande for the speedy embracing of Christes gospell,
heretofore, by the tyranny of Mary, suppressed. Prin. at Geneva, 1559.”
Maunsell, p. 65. With a catalogue of Martyrs, 16mo. Ames, p. 1600.
Comp. Tanner, p. 460.
11. “An Answer to a great number of blasphemous cauillations written
by an Anabaptist, and Adversarie to Gods eternal Predestination; and
confuted by Iohn Knox, minister of Gods worde in Scotland: Wherein
the Author so discouereth the craft and falshode of that sect, that
the godly knowing that error, may be confirmed in the trueth by the
euident worde of God. Prov. xxx. There is a generatiō that are pure
in their own cōceit, and yet are not washed from their filthiness.
Printed by Iohn Crespin, M.D.LX.” Rom. letter, 454 pages. Advocates’
Library. Another edition was licensed 1580; and it was again printed
in 1591. See Ames, p. 1196, 1254, 1263.
12. “Heir followeth the coppie of the ressoning which was betuix the
Abbote of Crossraguell and John Knox in Mayboil concerning the Masse,
in the yeare of God, a thousand five hundreth thre scoir and two
yeares. Apocalips xxii. For I protest, &c. Imprinted at Edinburgh by
Robert Lekpreuik, and are to be solde at his hous, at the nether bow.
Cum privilegio, 1563.” The running title is “The ressoning betwix
Jo. Knox and the abbotte of Crossraguell.” In the library of Alexander
Boswell, Esq. of Auchinleck. See above, p. 73.
13. “A sermon preached by John Knox, minister of Christ Jesus, in the
publique audience of the church of Edenbrough, within the realme of
Scotland, upon Sunday the 19 of August, 1565. For the which the said
John Knoxe was inhibite preaching for a season, 1 Tim. iv. The time
is come that men cannot abyde the sermon {368} of veritie nor holsome
doctrine. To this is adjoyned an exortation unto all the faithfull
within the sayde realme, for the reliefe of such as faythfully
trauayle in the preaching of Gods word. Written by the same John Knoxe,
at the commandment of the ministrie aforesaid.” Consists of 49 leaves;
and 11 more, “Of the superintendents to the faithful.” No name of
place, nor printer. Sixteens. Ames, p. 1488‒89. Tanner, p. 460.
14. “To his loving brethren whome God ones gloriously gathered in the
church of Edinburgh, and now are dispersed for tryall of our faith,
&c. Johne Knox. Imprented at Striviling be Robert Lekpreuik. Anno Do.
M.D.LXXI.” Rom. letter, 4 leaves, 16mo. Advocates’ Library.
15. “An Answer to a letter of a Jesuit named Tyrie, be Johne Knox.
Proverbs xxvi. Answer not a foole according to his foolishness, least
thou be lyke him: answer a foole according to his foolishness least he
be wise in his owē cōseat.
“The contrarietie appearing at the first sight betwix thir twa
sentēcis, stayit for a tyme baith heart to meditate and hand to wryte
any thing, cōtrair that blasphemous letter. But when with better mynd,
God gave me to considder, that whosoever opponis not him self bouldly
to blasphemy and manifest leis, differis lytill fra tratouris: cloking
and fostering, so far as in them ly, the treasoun of traitouris, and
dampnable impietie of those, against whome Gods just vengeance mon
burne without end, unless spedie repentāce follow: To quyet therefore
my owne conscience, I put hande to the pen as followeth:――Imprentit at
Sanctandrois be Robert Lekpruik, Anno Do. 1572.”