INTRODUCTORY NOTICE TO BOOK FIFTH. In the previous volume it has been shewn that the Four Books of THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN SCOTLAND were written by KNOX, between the years 1559 and 1566; and that these Books have reached us, as completed by himself, without being either mutilated or interpolated, except in the common printed editions of the work. But of the Fifth Book, no manuscript copy has been discovered; and although there may be sufficient reason to prevent us from ascribing its composition to the Scotish Reformer, there can be no doubt of the propriety of annexing it as a Supplement or Continuation of his History. This Fifth Book relates to the progress of affairs in Scotland, from September 1564 to August 1567, when Queen Mary having been forced to abdicate the throne, the Earl of Murray was appointed Regent. It was first published in folio, in the year 1644, by DAVID BUCHANAN, a person of literary distinction, of whom some account will be given in the Appendix to the present volume. The volume has this title: "THE HISTORIE OF THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND; Containing five Books: Together with some TREATISES conducing to the History. Published by Authority. (Jerem. 5. 1.-2 Cor. 13. 8.) LONDON, Printed by John Raworth, for George Thomason and Octavian Pullen, and are to be sold at the Signe of the Rose in Paul's Church-yard. MDCXLIV." In the course of the same year, another edition, in quarto, appeared under a similar title:-" THE HISTORIE, &c. Printed at LONDON for G. T. and 0. P. And Re-Printed at EDINBURGH by ROBERT BRYSON, and are to be sold at his Shop at the Signe of JONA. 1644." VOL. II. 2 G It is a mistake to suppose that this Edinburgh edition was a literal reprint. The greater portion of the volume is in fact so, insomuch that the words and letters in most of the lines correspond in the two editions; still there are some changes which it is not improbable were introduced under Buchanan's immediate inspection. The Preface "To the Reader," in which the Editor "D. B." says, "I have thought fit in this place to point at some main occurrences from that time (1567) till now," remains unaltered. But "The Life of John Knox," which fills eight pages in the folio edition, is extended as "The Life and Death of John Knox," in the quarto, to twentytwo pages, including "An Acrostick" (8 lines), and 16 lines in the shape of an altar, "To the pretious memorie of JOHN KNOX, that worthie Primitive-Reformer in the Church of Scotland," signed." J. L." The historical "Preface," relating to the earlier people and religion of Scotland, filling thirty leaves in the folio, and thirty-two leaves in the quarto edition, contains no alterations. Neither are there any of importance, until we reach the close of Book Fourth, where four paragraphs are added, two of them being transposed from the commencement of Book Fifth. Other additions occur towards the latter part of Book Fifth. And in the subjoined Treatises, there is added Knox's "Brief Exhortation," dated from Geneva, 12th January 1557. The passage in Buchanan's Life of John Knox, in which he speaks of the HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION, is worthy of notice. After mentioning Knox's education and earnest study of the Holy Scriptures, he refers to his sufferings, and says, "For the cause of the truth, he suffered very much by sea and land, in minde and body; among forraigners, and amongst his own. countreymen, as ye may see in this History of the Church, which now here we present unto you: Which History, namely so much of it, I mean, as formerly was published, hath gone commonly under his name, because he is the man of whom |