To the Reader. Albeit that in the Book of Discipline the causes as well of public repentance as of excommunication are sufficiently expressed: yet, because the form and order are not so set forth, that every church and minister may have assurance that they agree with others in proceeding, it is thought expedient to draw that order which shall be observed universally within this realm.
John Knox was a Scottish reformer, born in Scotland and was ordained as a Catholic priest between 1530 and 1540. He was converted to Christ after he met two Bible-believing Christians, Wishart and Beacon. Wishart was burned at the stake in 1546, and shortly afterwards Knox was arrested by the authorities and made a galley slave for 19 months.
He went to England in 1549 and preached the Bible until the reign of Bloody Mary, during which time he lived in Frankfort, Germany. There he came under the influence of Calvin.
He returned to Scotland after several years in Geneva, and began preaching against the Papal Church. He was arrested under Queen Mary Stuart in 1560 and tried for treason, but was acquitted.
He spent his remaining years preaching and lecturing in Edinburgh and St. Andrews. Above all others, he was the maker of Protestant Scotland. He preached hellfire and damnation to Queen Mary of Scotland, and also to Bloody Mary, queen of England. Of him it was said, "Here is one who never feared the face of man."
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