This mighty man of valor threw himself immediately into the thickest of
the fight against Romanism. He struck at the root of the evil. Instead
of skirmishing along the borders about rituals, ceremonies, and
perversion of doctrines, he boldly challenged the Papal system as
Antichrist, and the Pope as "The man of sin." In his estimation the
Romish Church was a fallen Church and had become "The Synagogue of
Satan." He entered the field of conflict clad in the armor of God and
wielded the sword of the Spirit with precision and terrible effect. In
prayer lay the secret of his power. He knew how to take hold upon God,
and prevail like a prince. The Queen Regent, who in those times mustered
the forces of the government at her pleasure, said, "I am more afraid of
the prayers of John Knox than of any army of ten thousand men."

The very name of Knox was enough to strike terror into the hearts of his
enemies. On one occasion, having been in Geneva for a time, he returned
unexpectedly. Just then a number of the Reformed ministers, who had been
arrested for preaching against Popery, were approaching their trial. The
court had assembled and were attending to the preliminaries. Suddenly a
messenger rushed into the hall of justice, breathless with haste,
exclaiming, "John Knox! John Knox is come! he slept last night in
Edinburgh!" The court was stunned and immediately adjourned.

The life of Knox was often in danger. Once as he sat in his room reading
by candle light a shot was fired at him from the street through the
window. It went harmlessly past him and struck his candle.

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