Page:Life of John Knox (2).pdf/3



J K, the celebrated Scottish Reformer, was born at Haddington, in the year 1505. He was the descendant of an ancient family, who possessed some property in Renfrewshire. Some writers have asserted that his parents were in poor circumstances; but this has not been established by facts, for they seem to have been in a position to give him a liberal education. At an early age he was sent to the grammar school of Haddington, and after acquiring the principles of the Latin language there, he was removed to the University of St. Andrews, where he prosecuted his studies with great success, and was soon created master of arts, and ordained a priest, before the time prescribed by the rules of the church, although he had no other interest than his own merit, or the recommendation of his teachers procured him. This must have taken place before the year 1530, when he was only twenty-five years of age. About this time, his studies received a new direction which effected an entire change in his sentiments, and had a very important influence on his future life. By the writings of the fathers of the christian church, he was led to the scriptures as the only pure fountain of divine truth, and renouncing scholastic theology, he was led to a more comprehensive view of the system of evangelical religion. He did not, however, profess himself a Protestant till the year 1542. Relinquishing all thoughts of officiating in the Catholic Church, he left St. Andrews, and acted as tutor to the sons of