bidding, sent Knox a warning, saying, that if he preached, the soldiers
would receive orders to fire upon him. His friends urged him not to go.
He replied, "As for the fear of danger that may come to me let no man be
solicitous, for my life is in the custody of Him whose glory I seek. I
desire the hand and weapon of no man to defend me. I only crave
audience, which, if it be denied here unto me at this time, I must seek
farther where I may have it." He went and preached and returned
unharmed. His great courage infused itself into other hearts, and a
multitude of invincible men stood forth with him in the struggle for
liberty and conscience, which he so fearlessly advocated. Every sublime
life is a mighty power for the uplifting of others into the same region
of healthy action.

The throne of Scotland, with its machinery of government, was against
Knox all his days. Queen Mary was determined to keep the people in
subjection to her own arbitrary will, and the Church subject to her
authority. Knox had several personal interviews with her, taking
occasion at the risk of his life to speak candidly and solemnly,
applying the Word of God to her life and conscience. At one time,
remonstrating against her persecuting rage, he said to her, "Even so,
Madam, if those who are in authority, being stricken with a frenzy, will
murder the children of God, who are their own subjects, the sword may be
taken from them, and they may be imprisoned till they be brought to a
sober mind." The queen was much amazed and her face changed color, but
she was powerless to do him harm.

During the lifetime of Knox, the Church of the Reformation grew rapidly
and became mighty in numbers and influence. The first General Assembly
was held in 1560, having 6 ministers and 32 other members, 38 in all. In
1567, just seven years later, the Assembly numbered 252 ministers, 467