Let no day slip over without some comfort received from the mouth of God.
John KnoxRead
The testimony of scripture is so plain that to add anything were superfluous, were it not that the world is almost now come to that blindness, that whatsoever pleases not the princes and the multitude, the same is rejected as doctrine newly forged, and is condemned for heresy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that scripture is clear and should be accepted, but society often rejects what doesn't please those in power.
In this quote, John Knox highlights the clarity of biblical scripture and warns that societal pressures can distort truth. He reflects on how opinions shaped by powerful leaders and the masses can lead to the dismissal of genuine doctrine that may not align with popular preference, thus creating a blindness to true understanding and acceptance of scripture. This critique serves as both an observation of his time and a timeless warning about the influence of authority over truth.
Themes
ScriptureTruthBlindnessSocietyDoctrine
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon arguing for the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs against societal pressure.
More from John Knox
All quotes →As touching nature I am a worm of this earth, and yet a subject of this commonwealth; but as touching the office wherein it has pleased God to place me, I am a watchman... For that reason I am bound in conscience to blow the trumpet publicly.
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I will keep the ground that God has given me and perhaps in his grace, he will ignite me again. But ignite me or not, in his grace, in his power, I will hold the ground.
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I have never once feared the devil, but I tremble every time I enter the pulpit.
John KnoxRead
A man with God is always in the majority.
John KnoxRead
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