tated, that one discourse,
at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this
arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of
the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore
deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following
Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic
value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it
will prove generally acceptable to our readers. For the information of
those who may not be acquainted with the circumstances attending its
delivery, we subjoin the following extract from a late edition of the
select works of Knox:--

"Henry Darnley (king of Scotland by his marriage with queen Mary,) went
sometimes to mass with the queen, and sometimes attended the protestant
sermons. To silence the rumours then circulated of his having forsaken the
reformed religion, he, on the 19th of August, 1565, attended service at
St. Giles's church, sitting on a throne which had been prepared for him.
Knox preached that day on Isaiah xxvi. 13, 14, and happened to prolong the
service beyond the usual time. In one part of the sermon, he quoted these
words of scripture, 'I will give children to be their princes, and babes
shall rule over them: children are their oppressors, and women rule over
them.' In another part he referred to God's displeasure against Ahab,
because he did not correct his idolatrous wife Jezebel. No particular
application of these passages was made by Knox, but the king considered
them as reflecting upon the queen and himself, and returned to the palace
in great wrath. He refused to dine, and went out to hawking.

That same afternoon Knox was summoned from his bed to appear before the
council. He went accompanied by several respectable inhabitants of the
city. The secretary informed him of the king's displeasure at his sermon,
and desired that he would abstain from preaching for fifteen or twenty
days. Knox answered, that he had spoken nothing but according to his text,
and if the church would command him either to preach or abstain, he would
obey so far as the word of God would permit him. The king and queen left
Edinburgh during the week following, and it does not appear that Knox was
actually suspended from preaching."

The following are Knox's reasons for the publication of this Sermon,
extracted from his preface to the first edition.

"If any will ask, To w