Formerly titled "A Brief Exhortation to England for the Speedy Embracing of the Gospel, 1559."

Mitchell in The Scottish Reformation (p. 80) cites Dr. Merle D'Aubigne on Knox: "The blood of warriors ran in the veins of the man who was to become one of the most intrepid champions of Christ's army... He was active, bold, thoroughly upright and perfectly honest, diligent in his duties, and full of heartiness for his comrades."

The warrior in Knox was certainly roused for battle in this production. Kevin Reed (Selected Writings of John Knox, p. 580) comments, "Some historians have reflected negatively on the vehemence of Knox's remarks. Perhaps they should peruse the long list of the martyrs named in the appendix to this work. Critics may then find a clue for understanding the reformer's zeal. Knox is discussing serious matters of life and death -- spiritual issues which affect us deeply in this life, and for eternity."

Magistrates everywhere today need to hear this message again; God has not changed -- there are still corporate curses for disobedience at a national level and corporate blessings for those nations "that kiss the Son" (cf. Psalm 2).