Chapter IV: Appendix: Knox's Confession (3)

The Cardinal drew the Governor to Dundee; for he understood that the Earl of Rothes and Master Henry Balnaves were with the Lord Gray in the Castle of Huntly. The Governor sent command to the said Earl and Lord, with the foresaid Master Henry, to come unto him to Dundee, and appointed the next day, at ten o'clock forenoon. This hour they decreed to keep; and for that purpose assembled their folks at Balgavie. They were more than three hundred men, and the Cardinal, informed of their number, thought it not good that they should join with the town, for he feared his own estate; and so he persuaded the Governor to pass forth from Dundee before nine o'clock, and to take the straight road to Perth. The Lords, perceiving this, began to fear that they were come to pursue them, and so put themselves in order and array, and marched forward of purpose to have bidden[56] the uttermost.

[56] Abode.

The crafty fox, foreseeing that his security stood not in fighting, ran to his last refuge, that is, to manifest treason; and consultation was taken as to how the force of the others might be broken. And at the first, the Laird of Grange and the Provost of St. Andrews, knowing nothing of treason, were sent to ask, "Why they molested my Lord Governor in his journey?" Thereto they answered that "nothing was less their intention; for they had come at his Grace's commandment, to keep the hour in Dundee appointed by him. When they saw this prevented, and knew the Cardinal to be their unfriend, they could not but suspect their coming forth of the town contrary to previous arrangement. They had therefore put themselves in order, not to invade, but to defend in case they were invaded." This answer being reported, there was sent to them the Archbishop of St. Andrews, Master David Panter, and the Lairds of Buccleuch and Coldinknowes, to desire certain of the other company to talk with them. This was easily obtained, for they suspected no treason. After long communication, it was demanded whether the Earl and Lord and Master Henry foresaid would not be content to talk with the Governor, provided that the Cardinal and his company were off the ground? They answered that the Governor might command them in all things lawful, but that they had no will to be at the Cardinal's mercy. Fair enough promises were made for their security. Then the Cardinal and his band were commanded to depart; and, according to the purpose taken, he did so.

The Governor remained, and another with him; and, without company, the said Earl, Lord, and Master Henry came to him. After many fair words given unto them all, protesting that he would have them agreed with the Cardinal, and that he would have Master Henry Balnaves the worker and instrument thereof, he drew them forward with him towards Perth, whither the Cardinal had ridden. When it was too late, they began to suspect, and desired to have returned to their folk. But it was answered, "They should send back from the town, but they must needs go forward with my Lord Governor." And so, partly by flattery and partly by force, they were compelled to obey. As soon as ever they were within the town they were apprehended, and upon the morn all three were sent to Black Ness. There they remained so long as it pleased the Cardinal's graceless Grace, and that was until bond of manrent[57] and of service set some of them at liberty. Thus the Cardinal with his craft prevailed on every side; so that the Scots proverb was true in him, "So long runs the fox, as he foot has."

[57] Vassalage.

[Sidenote: The Persecution at Perth.]

We cannot affirm whether it was on this journey, or at another date, that that bloody butcher executed his cruelty upon the innocent persons in Perth. Indeed, we do not study to be curious; we travail to express the actual facts, rather than scrupulously and exactly to record day and date, although we do not omit these when we are certain of them. The truth in regard to the cruel deed at Perth is this. On St. Paul's Day, before the first burning in Edinburgh, the Governor and Cardinal came to Perth, and there, upon envious delation, a great number of honest men and women were called before the Cardinal, and accused of heresy. Albeit they could be convicted of nothing more than suspicion that they had eaten a goose upon Friday, four men were adjudged to be hanged, and a woman to be drowned; and this cruel and most unjust sentence was unmercifully put into execution. The husband was hanged, and the wife, having a sucking babe upon her breast, was drowned. "O Lord, the land is not yet purged from such beastly cruelty; neither has Thy just vengeance yet stricken all that were criminal of their blood. But the day approaches when the punishment of that cruelty and of others will evidently appear."

The names of the men that were hanged were James Hunter, William Lamb, William Anderson, and James Ronaldson, burgesses of Perth. At that same time there were banished Sir Henry Elder, John Elder, Walter Pyper, Lawrence Pullar, and divers others whose names have not come to our knowledge. That sworn enemy to Christ Jesus, and unto all in whom any spunk of true knowledge appeared, had divers persons in prison about that same time. Amongst these was John Roger, a Black Friar--godly, learned, and one that had fruitfully preached Christ Jesus, to the comfort of many in Angus and Mearns. Him that bloody man caused to be murdered in the ground of the Sea-Tower of St. Andrews, thereafter causing his body to be cast over the crag, sparsing[58] a false bruit that the said John, seeking to flee, had broken his own craig.[59]

[58] Spreading abroad.

[59] Neck.

[Sidenote: The English invade Scotland, and sack Edinburgh and Leith.]

Thus Satan ceased not, by all means, to maintain his kingdom of darkness, and to suppress the light of Christ's Evangel. But potent is He against whom they fought; for, when the wicked were surest of their triumph, God began to show His anger. On the third day of May, in the year of God 1543, without knowledge of any of those in Scotland who should have had the care of the realm, there was seen a great fleet of ships approaching the Forth. Posts came to the Governor and Cardinal, who both were in Edinburgh, informing them of the multitude of ships seen, and of the course they took. This was upon the Saturday, before noon. Some said there was no doubt they were Englishmen and would land. The Cardinal scripped[60] and said, "It is but the Island fleet: they are come to make a show, and put us in fear. I shall lodge in my eye all the men-of-war that shall land in Scotland." The Cardinal sat still at his dinner, as if there had been no apparent danger. Men ran together to gaze upon the ships, some to the Castle Hill, some to the Crags and other eminent places. But no one asked what forces we had for resistance, if we should be invaded. Soon after six o'clock at night, more than two hundred sails were arrived and had cast anchor in the Road of Leith. Shortly thereafter, the Admiral shot a fleet boat, and this sounded the depth of water from Granton crags unto the east of Leith, and then returned to her ship. Men of judgment foresaw what this meant. But no credit was given to any that said, "They mind to land." And so everybody went to bed, as if these ships had been a guard for their defence.

[60] Mocked.

Upon the point of day, upon Sunday, the fourth of May, the fleet made ready for landing, and arranged their ships so that a galley or two laid their snouts to the crags. The small ships, called pinnaces and light horsemen, approached as near as they could. The great ships discharged their soldiers into the smaller vessels, and these, by boats, set upon dry land, before ten o'clock, ten thousand men, as was judged, and more. The Governor and Cardinal, seeing then what they could not, or at least would not, believe before, after they had made a brag to fight, fled as fast as horse would carry them; nor did they afterwards approach within twenty miles of the danger. The Earl of Angus and George Douglas were that night freed of ward in Black Ness, and the said Sir George in merriness said, "I thank King Harry and my gentle masters of England."

The English army entered Leith betwixt twelve and one, found the tables covered, the dinners prepared, and abundance of wine and victuals, besides other substance. The like riches within the like bounds were not to be found, either in Scotland or England. Upon the Monday, the fifth of May, there came to them from Berwick and the Border, two thousand horsemen; and, after these had rested somewhat, the army, upon the Wednesday, marched towards the town of Edinburgh, spoiled and burnt the same, and also the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The horsemen took the House of Craigmillar, and got great spoil therein; for, it being judged the strongest house near the town, other than the Castle of Edinburgh, men sought to place their movables therein for safety. But the courageous Laird gave it over without shot of hackbut, and for his reward was caused to march upon foot to London. He is now captain of Dunbar and Provost of Edinburgh.

The Englishmen seeing no resistance, hurled[61] cannons up the causeway to the Butter-throne, or above, and hazarded a shot at the fore-entry of the Castle. But that was to their own discomfiture; for, without trench or gabion, they were exposed to the force of the whole ordnance of the said Castle. This opened fire, and not all in vain; for the wheel and axletree of one of the English cannons were broken, and some of their men were slain. So, with small honour, they left off that enterprise, which was taken in rashness rather than of any advised counsel. When for the most part of the day the English had spoiled and burned, they returned to Leith towards the night; upon the morrow returning to Edinburgh, and executing the rest of God's judgments for that time. When they had consumed both towns, they laded the ships with spoil thereof, and returned to Berwick by land, using the country for the most part at their own pleasure.

[61] Wheeled.

This was a part of the punishment which God laid upon the realm for the infidelity of the Governor, and for the violation of his solemn oath. But this was not the end; for the realm was divided into two factions: the one favoured France; the other the league lately contracted with England. In nothing did the one thoroughly trust the other. The country was in extreme calamity; for divers strongholds, such as Carlaverock, Lochmaben, and Langholm, were delivered to the English. And the most part of the borders were confederate with England. Albeit Sir Ralph Evers and many other Englishmen were slain at Ancrum Moor, in February, in the year of God 1544, and in the year after some of the said strongholds were recovered, this was not accomplished without great loss and detriment to the commonwealth.

[Sidenote: France comes to the Aid of Cardinal Beaton.]

In the month of June, in the year of God 1545, Monsieur de Lorge Montgomery, with bands of men of war, came from France for a further destruction to Scotland; and upon their brag was an army raised and pushed forward towards Wark, even in the midst of harvest. The Cardinal's banner was that day displayed, and all his dependents were charged to be under it. Many had promised to follow the standard, but in the issue it was left so bare that for shame it was shut up in the pock[62] again, and after a show the army returned, with more shame to the realm than scathe to their enemies. The black book of Hamilton makes mention of great vassalage[63] done at that time by the Governor and the French. But such as with their eyes saw the whole progress knew that to be a lie, and do repute it amongst the venial sins of that race, which is to speak the best of themselves they can.

[62] Bag; case.

[63] Feats of valour.

The following winter so nurtured the French men that they learned to eat, yea to beg, cakes which at their entry they scorned. Without jesting, they were so miserably treated, that few returned to France again with their lives. The Cardinal had then almost fortified the Castle of St. Andrews, and he made this so strong, in his opinion, that he regarded neither England nor France. The Earl of Lennox, as we have said, disappointed of all things in Scotland, passed to England, where he received protection from King Harry, who gave him Lady Margaret Douglas to wife. Of her was born Harry,[64] umquhile[65] husband to our Jezebel mistress.

[64] Henry, Lord Darnley.

[65] Late; deceased.

[Sidenote: John Hamilton, Abbot of Paisley.]

While the inconstant Governor was sometimes dejected and sometimes raised up again by the Abbot of Paisley, who before was called "chaster than any maiden," the latter began to show himself; for, after he had by craft taken the Castles of Edinburgh and Dunbar, he took also possession of his eme's[66] wife, the Lady Stenhouse. The woman is and has been famous, and is called Lady Gylton. Her Ladyship was holden always in property; but how many wives and virgins he has had since that time in common, the world knows, albeit not all, and his bastard birds bear some witness. Such is the example of holiness that the flock may receive of the papistical bishops.

[66] Kinsman's.

[Sidenote: Master George Wishart comes to Scotland.]

In the midst of all the calamities that came upon the realm after the defection of the Governor from Christ Jesus, there came to Scotland, in the year of God 1544, that blessed martyr of God, Master George Wishart, in company of the commissioners before mentioned. A man of such graces was never before him heard of within this realm; yea, and such graces are yet rarely found in any man, notwithstanding the great light of God that since his days has shined upon us. He was not only singularly learned, as well in godly knowledge as in all honest human science, but he was also so clearly illuminated with the spirit of prophecy that he saw not only things pertaining to himself, but also such things as some towns and the whole realm afterwards felt. These he forespake, not in secret, but in the audience of many, as in their own places shall be declared.

[Sidenote: He is driven from Dundee.]

He began teaching in Montrose. Thence he went to Dundee, where, with great admiration of all that heard him, he taught the Epistle to the Romans, until, by procurement of the Cardinal, Robert Mill, then one of the principal men in Dundee, and a man that of old had professed knowledge and for the same had suffered trouble, did, in the Queen's and Governor's name, give inhibition to the said Master George that he should trouble their town no more; for they would not suffer it. This was said unto him in the public place. After musing for some time, with his eyes bent to heaven, he looked sorrowfully to the speaker and to the people, and said, "God is witness that I never minded your trouble but your comfort. Yea, your trouble is more dolorous unto me, than it is unto yourselves. But I am assured that the refusal of God's Word and the chasing from you of His messenger shall not preserve you from trouble; it shall bring you into it. God shall send unto you messengers who will not be afraid of horning,[67] nor yet of banishment. I have offered unto you the Word of salvation, and at the hazard of my life I have remained amongst you. Now ye yourselves refuse me, and therefore must I leave my innocency to be declared by my God. If it be long prosperous with you, I am not led by the Spirit of truth. But if trouble unlooked for apprehend you, do ye acknowledge the cause, and turn to God, for He is merciful. If ye turn not at the first, He shall visit you with fire and sword." These words pronounced, he came down from the preaching place.

[67] Outlawry.

[Sidenote: Master George goes to Kyle.]

The Lord Marischall and divers gentlemen were present in the kirk, and these would have had the said Master George remain, or else have gone with him into the country. But for no request would he any longer tarry, either in the town or on that side of Tay. With all possible expedition he passed to the west-land, where he began to offer God's Word. This was gladly received by many, until Dunbar, Archbishop of Glasgow, by instigation of the Cardinal, came with his gatherings to the town of Ayr, to make resistance to the said Master George, and did first occupy the kirk. The Earl of Glencairn being informed of this, repaired with diligence to the town with his friends, and so did divers gentlemen of Kyle (amongst whom was the Laird of Leifnorris, a man far different from him that now liveth, in manners and religion) of whom to this day many yet live, and have declared themselves always zealous and bold in the cause of God. When all were assembled, conclusion was taken that they would have possession of the kirk. But Master George utterly repugned, saying, "Let him alone; his sermon will not do much hurt. Let us go to the Market Cross." This they did, and there he made so notable a sermon that the very enemies themselves were confounded. The Archbishop preached to his jackmen and some old bosses of the town. The sum of all his sermon was: "They say that we should preach: why not? Better late thrive than never thrive: hold us still for your Bishop, and we shall provide better for the next time." This was the beginning and the end of the Archbishop's sermon. With haste he departed from the town, nor did he return to fulfil his promise.

The said Master George remained with the gentlemen in Kyle, until he should get sure knowledge of the state of Dundee. He preached commonly at the kirk of Galston and much in the Barr. He was required to come to the kirk of Mauchline, and did so. But the Sheriff of Ayr manned the kirk, for preservation of a tabernacle that was there, beautiful to the eye. The persons that held the kirk were George Campbell of Monkgarswood, who yet liveth, Mungo Campbell of Brounsyde, George Reid in Daldilling, and the Laird of Templeland.

Some zealous men of the parish, among whom was Hugh Campbell of Kinyeancleuch, offended that they should be debarred their parish kirk, determined to enter by force. But the said Master George drew the said Hugh aside, and said unto him, "Brother, Christ Jesus is as potent upon the fields as in the kirk; and I find that He Himself preached in the desert, at the sea side, and other places judged profane, more often than He did in the Temple of Jerusalem. It is the word of peace that God sends by me; the blood of no man shall be shed this day for the preaching of it." And so, withdrawing the whole people, he came to a dyke at the side of a moor, upon the south-west side of Mauchline, and upon this he climbed. The whole multitude stood and sat about him, God giving a pleasing and hot day. He continued in preaching more than three hours. In that sermon, God wrought so wonderfully with him that one of the most wicked men that was in that country, Lawrence Rankin, Laird of Sheill, was converted. The tears ran from his eyes in such abundance that all men wondered. His conversion was without hypocrisy, for his life and conversation witnessed it in all after-times.

[Sidenote: The Plague comes to Dundee: Wishart returns.]

While this faithful servant of God was thus occupied in Kyle, word came that the plague of pestilence had arisen in Dundee. This had begun within four days after Master George was inhibited from preaching, and was so vehement that it almost passed credibility to hear what number died every four-and-twenty hours. This certainly understood, Master George took his leave of Kyle, with the regret of many. No request could make him remain. "They are now in trouble," he said, "and they need comfort. Perchance this hand of God will make them now to magnify and reverence that Word, which before, for the fear of men, they set at light price." On his coming to Dundee, the joy of the faithful was exceeding great. He delayed no time, but even upon the morrow gave signification that he would preach. The most part were either sick or were in company with those that were sick, and for this reason he chose the head of the East Port of the town for his preaching place. Those who were whole sat or stood within the Port, the sick and suspected without. The text of his first sermon was taken from the hundred-and-seventh Psalm, "He sent His Word and healed them;" joining therewith these words, "It is neither herb nor plaster, O Lord, but Thy Word healeth all." In this sermon he most comfortingly treated of the dignity and utility of God's Word; the punishment that comes for contempt of the same; the promptitude of God's mercy to such as truly turn to Him; yea, the great happiness of them whom God takes from this misery, even in His own gentle visitation, a happiness that the malice of man can neither eke nor pare.[68]

[68] Increase nor diminish.

By this sermon Master George so raised up the hearts of all that heard him that they regarded not death, but judged those more happy that should depart, than such as should remain behind; considering that they knew not if they should have such a comforter with them at all times. Master George did not hesitate to visit them that lay in the very extremity of sickness. Them he comforted as well as he might in such a multitude. He also caused that all things necessary for those that could use meat or drink should be ministered; and in that respect the town was wondrously benefited; for the poor were no more neglected than were the rich.

[Sidenote: The Cardinal attempts to assassinate Wishart at Dundee.]

While Master George Wishart was spending his life to comfort the afflicted, the Devil ceased not to stir up his own son the Cardinal again. He, by money, corrupted a desperate priest named Sir John Wighton to slay the said Master George, who did not look to himself in all things so circumspectly as worldly men would have wished. One day, the sermon ended, and the people departing, suspecting no danger and therefore not heeding the said Master George, the priest that was corrupted stood waiting at the foot of the steps, his gown loose, and his drawn whinger in his hand under his gown. The said Master George, who was most sharp of eye and judgment, marked him, and as he came near said, "My friend, what would ye do?" Therewith he clapped his hand upon the priest's hand wherein the whinger was, and took this from him. The priest, abashed, fell down at his feet and openly confessed the truth. The noise coming to the ears of the sick, they cried, "Deliver the traitor to us, or else we will take him by force;" and burst in at the gate. But Master George took him in his arms and said, "Whosoever troubles him shall trouble me. He has hurt me in nothing, but has done great comfort both to you and me, he has let us understand what we may fear in times to come. We will watch better." Thus he appeased both the one part and the other, and saved the life of him that sought his.

When the plague was so ceased that there were almost none sick, Master George took his leave of the people of Dundee; saying that God had almost put end to that battle, and he found himself called to another. The gentlemen of the west had written unto him that he should meet them at Edinburgh; for they would demand disputation with the bishops, and he should be publicly heard. Thereto he willingly agreed; but first he passed to Montrose to salute the kirk there. There he remained, occupied sometimes in preaching but for the most part in secret meditation, in which he was so earnest that he would continue in it night and day.

[Sidenote: Further Treachery of the Cardinal.]

While Master George was so occupied with his God, the Cardinal drew a secret draught for his slaughter. He caused to be written unto him a letter, purporting to be from his most familiar friend, the Laird of Kynneir, desiring him to come unto him with all possible diligence, for he was stricken with a sudden sickness. In the meantime the traitor had provided threescore men, with jacks[69] and spears, to lie in wait within a mile and a half of the town of Montrose, for his despatch. The letter coming to his hand, he made haste at the first, for the boy had brought a horse; and so with some honest men, he passed forth of the town. But suddenly he stayed and, musing a space, turned back. "I will not go," he said; "I am forbidden by God. I am assured there is treason. Let some of you go to yonder place, and tell me what ye find." Diligence made, they found the treason, as it was; and this being shown with expedition to Master George, he answered, "I know that I shall finish my life in that bloodthirsty man's hands; but it will not be in this manner."

[69] Coats of mail.

[Sidenote: The Agony of Master George Wishart.]

When the time at which he had appointed to meet the gentlemen at Edinburgh approached, Master George took his leave of Montrose, and, sorely against the judgment of the Laird of Dun, entered on his journey. He returned to Dundee, but did not remain, going on to the house of a faithful brother named James Watson, who dwelt in Invergowrie, two miles distant from the said town. That night, according to information given to us by William Spadin and John Watson, both men of good credit, he passed forth into a yard, a little before day. The said William and John followed privily, and took heed what he did. When he had gone up and down in an alley for some time, with many sobs and deep groans, he platt upon his knees, and remaining thus, his groans increased. From his knees, he fell upon his face; and then the persons forenamed heard weeping, and an indistinct sound, as it were of prayers. In this agony he continued for nearly an hour, and afterwards began to be quiet, when he arose and came in to his bed.

They that had watched got in before Master George, as if they had been ignorant of his absence until he came in; and then they began to ask where he had been. But that night he would answer nothing. Upon the morrow they urged him again; and, when he dissimulated, they said, "Master George, be plain with us; we heard your groans; yea, we heard your bitter mourning, and saw you both upon your knees and upon your face." With dejected visage, he said, "I had rather ye had been in your beds. It would have been more profitable for you, for I was scarcely well employed." They insistently urged him to let them know something for their comfort, and he then said, "I will tell you that I am assured that my travail is near an end. Therefore call to God with me, that now I shrink not, when the battle waxes most hot." When they wept, and said, that was "small comfort unto them;" he answered, "God shall send you comfort after me. This realm shall be illuminated with the light of Christ's Evangel, as clearly as ever was any realm since the days of the Apostles. The house of God shall be builded in it. Yea, it shall not lack the very copestone, whatsoever the enemy imagine to the contrary." Neither shall this be long; there shall not many suffer after me, before the glory of God shall evidently appear, and shall once triumph in despite of Satan. But, alas! if the people shall thereafter be unthankful, fearful and terrible shall the plagues be that shall follow." With these words he marched forward in his journey towards Perth; and so to Fife, and then to Leith.

[Sidenote: Master George arrives in Leith.]

Arrived in Leith, and hearing no word of those that had appointed to meet him, to wit, the Earl of Cassillis and the gentlemen of Kyle and Cunningham, Master George kept himself secret for a day or two. But beginning to wax sorrowful in spirit, and being asked the cause, he said, "What differ I from a dead man, except that I eat and drink? Unto this time, God has used my labours for the instruction of others, and for the disclosing of darkness; and now I lurk as a man that is ashamed, and dare not show himself before men." From these and like words, they that heard him understood that his desire was to preach; and therefore said they, "Most comfortable it were unto us to hear you; but, because we know the danger wherein ye stand, we dare not desire you." "Only dare ye and others hear," said he, "and then let my God provide for me, as best pleaseth Him." Finally, it was concluded that he should preach in Leith on the next Sunday. This he did, taking the text, "The parable of the sower that went forth to sow seed." (Matthew xiii.) This was fifteen days before Yule.

[Sidenote: For Safety he is removed to the Lothians; preaches at Inveresk.]

The sermon ended, the gentlemen of Lothian, who then were earnest professors of Christ Jesus, thought it not expedient that Master George should remain in Leith, as the Governor and Cardinal were shortly to come to Edinburgh. Therefore they took him with them, and kept him sometimes in Brunstone, sometimes in Longniddry, and sometimes in Ormiston; for those three Lairds diligently waited upon him. On the Sunday following, he preached in the kirk of Inveresk, beside Musselburgh, both before and after noon. There was a great congregation of people, amongst them being Sir George Douglas, who said publicly after the sermon, "I know that my Lord Governor and my Lord Cardinal shall hear that I have been at this preaching. Say unto them that I will avow it, and will not only maintain the doctrine that I have heard, but also the person of the teacher, to the uttermost of my power." These words greatly rejoiced the people and the gentlemen then present.

We cannot pass by one notable thing in that sermon. Amongst others, there came two Grey Friars, who, standing in the entry of the kirk door, made some whispering to such as came in. This perceived, the preacher said to the people that stood nigh them, "I heartily pray you to make room for those two men. It may be that they be come to learn." Unto them he said, "Come near,"--they stood in the very entry of the door,--"for I assure you ye shall hear the Word of truth, which shall this same day seal unto you your salvation, or your condemnation." He then proceeded with his sermon, supposing that they would have been quiet. But, when he perceived that they still troubled the people that stood nigh them (for vehement was he against the false worshipping of God), he turned unto them the second time, and with an awful countenance said, "O sergeants of Satan and deceivers of the souls of men, will ye neither hear God's truth, nor suffer others to hear it? Depart, and take this for your portion,--God shall shortly confound and disclose your hypocrisy. Within this realm ye shall be abominable unto men, and your places and habitations shall be desolate." This sentence he pronounced with great vehemence, in the midst of the sermon; and, turning to the people, he said, "Yon wicked men have provoked the Spirit of God to anger." Then he returned to his matter, and proceeded to the end.

That day's travail ended, he came to Longniddry; and on the two next Sundays he preached in Tranent, with the like grace and like confluence of people. In all his sermons, after his departure from Angus, he forespake the shortness of the time that he had to travail, and of his death, the day whereof, he said, approached nigher than any would believe.

[Sidenote: Master George goes to Haddington.]

Towards the close of those days that are called the holy days of Yule, he passed, by the consent of the gentlemen, to Haddington, where it was supposed the greatest confluence of people might be found, both by reason of the town and of the country adjacent. On the first day, before noon, the audience was reasonable, and yet nothing in comparison with that which used to be in that kirk. But, in the afternoon and on the next forenoon, the audience was so slender that many wondered. The reason was thought to have been that the Earl Bothwell, who in these bounds had great credit and obedience, had, by procurement of the Cardinal, given inhibition to the town, as well as to the country, that they should not hear Master George, under the pain of his displeasure. On the first night he lay within the town with David Forrest, now called the general, a man that long has professed the truth, and upon whom many in that time depended. On the second night he lay in Lethington, the Laird whereof was ever civil, albeit not persuaded in religion.

[Sidenote: John Knox's first Appearance.]

On the day following, before the said Master George passed to the sermon, a boy came to him with a letter from the west land. This read, he called for John Knox, who had waited upon him carefully from the time he came to Lothian. With him he began to enter into purpose,[70] saying that he wearied of the world, for he perceived that men began to weary of God. The cause of his complaint was that the gentlemen of the west had written to him that they could not keep diet at Edinburgh. The said John Knox, wondering that he desired to keep any purpose before sermon, for that was never his custom, said, "Sir, the time of sermon approaches: I will leave you for the present to your meditation;" and so left him. The said Master George paced up and down behind the high altar for more than half an hour; his very countenance and visage declared the grief and alteration of his mind. At last he passed to the pulpit, but the audience was small.

[70] Conversation.

[Sidenote: The last Sermon of Master George Wishart: his Arrest.]

Master George should have begun to have treated of the second table of the Law; but thereof in that sermon he spake very little, and began in this manner: "O Lord, how long shall it be that Thy holy Word shall be despised, and men shall not regard their own salvation. I have heard of thee, Haddington, that in thee two or three thousand people would have been at a vain clerk play;[71] and now, to hear the messenger of the Eternal God, of all thy town or parish there cannot be numbered a hundred persons. Sore and fearful shall the plague be that shall ensue this thy contempt: with fire and sword thou shalt be plagued; yea, thou Haddington, in special, strangers shall possess thee, and you, the present inhabitants, shall either in bondage serve your enemies, or else ye shall be chased from your own habitations; and that because ye have not known, and will not know, the time of God's merciful visitation." That servant of God continued for nearly an hour and a half in such vehemency and threatening, and during this he foretold all the plagues that ensued, as plainly as afterwards our eyes saw them performed. In the end he said, "I have forgotten myself and the matter that I should have entreated; but let these my last words as concerning public preaching remain in your minds, until God send you new comfort." Thereafter he made a short paraphrase upon the second table, with an exhortation to patience, to the fear of God, and unto His works of mercy; and so ended, as it were making his last testament that the spirit of truth and of true judgment was both in his heart and mouth. Before midnight he was apprehended in the house of Ormiston, by the Earl Bothwell, who for money was become butcher to the Cardinal....

[71] Dramatic entertainment founded on a passage of Scripture: a
"mystery."

[Sidenote: Master George is betrayed into the Hands of the Cardinal.]

The servant of God, Master George Wishart, was carried first to Edinburgh; thereafter brought back to the House of Hailes, which was the principal place that then the Earl of Bothwell had in Lothian. As gold and women have corrupted all worldly and fleshly men from the beginning, so did they him. For the Cardinal gave gold, and that largely; and the Queen, with whom the said Earl was then in the glondours,[72] promised favours in all his lawful suits to women, if he would deliver the said Master George to be kept in the Castle of Edinburgh. He made some resistance at the first, by reason of his promise:[73] but an effeminate man cannot long withstand the assaults of a gracious Queen. And so the servant of God was transported to Edinburgh Castle, where he remained not many days. For that bloody wolf, the Cardinal, ever thirsting for the blood of the servant of God, so travailed with the abused Governor, that he was content that God's servant should be delivered to the power of that tyrant.

[72] A state of ill humour.

[73] Promise made at the arrest of Wishart, that he should not be
delivered to the Governor or the Cardinal.

Thus, small inversion being made, Pilate obeyed the petition of Caiaphas and of his fellows, and adjudged Christ to be crucified. The servant of God being delivered into the hand of that proud and merciless tyrant, triumph was made by the priests. The godly lamented, and accused the foolishness of the Governor; for, by retaining the said Master George, he might have caused Protestants and Papists to have served: the one to the end that the life of their preacher might have been saved; the other, for fear that he should have set him at liberty again, to the confusion of the bishops. But, where God is forsaken, what can counsel or judgment avail?

[Sidenote: The Bishops and Clergy are convoked to the Trial of Wishart.]

How the servant of God was treated, and what he did from the day that he entered within the Sea-Tower of St. Andrews, which was in the end of January, in the year of God 1546, until the first of March in the same year, when he suffered, we cannot certainly tell. We understand that he wrote something when in prison; but that was suppressed by the enemies. The Cardinal delayed no time, but caused all bishops, yea all the clergy that had any pre-eminence, to be convocated to St. Andrews against the penult[74] of February, for consultation. The question was no less resolved in his own mind than was Christ's death in the mind of Caiaphas; but, that the rest should bear the burden with him, he desired that, before the world, they should subscribe to whatsoever he did.

[74] Second last day.

In that day was wrought no less a wonder than that at the accusation and death of Jesus Christ, when Pilate and Herod, who before were enemies, were made friends, by both of them consenting to Christ's condemnation. There was no difference between the two cases, except that Pilate and Herod were brethren under their father the Devil in the estate called temporal, and these two of whom we are to speak were brethren, sons of the same father the Devil, in the estate ecclesiastical. If we interlace merriness with earnest matters, pardon us, good reader. The fact is so notable that it deserveth long memory.

[Sidenote: A merry Tale of the Cardinal and Archbishop Dunbar.]

The Cardinal was known to be proud; and Dunbar, Archbishop of Glasgow, was known for a glorious fool; and yet, because for some time he had been called the King's Master,[75] he was Chancellor of Scotland. The Cardinal had come to Glasgow this same year, in the end of harvest, upon what purpose we omit. But while they remained together, the one in the town, the other in the Castle, question arose as to precedence in the bearing of their croziers. The Cardinal alleged that, by reason of his cardinalship and of his office of _Legatus Natus_ and primate within Scotland in the kingdom of Antichrist, he should have the pre-eminence, and that his crozier should not only go before, but should alone be borne, wheresoever he was. Good Gukstoun Glaikstour,[76] the foresaid Archbishop, lacked no reasons, as he thought, for maintenance of his glory. He was an Archbishop, and, within his own diocese and in his own Cathedral seat and Church, ought to give place to no man. The power of the Cardinal was but begged from Rome, and appertained but to his own person, and not to his bishopric; for it might be that his successor should not be Cardinal. But his dignity was annexed to his office, and did appertain to all that ever should be archbishops of Glasgow.

[75] He had been tutor to James V.

[76] _See_ Glossary.

Howsoever these doubts were resolved by the doctors of divinity of both the prelates, the decision was as we shall hear. Coming forth, or going in, at the choir door of Glasgow Kirk there began a strife for position betwixt the two cross-bearers. From glooming they came to shouldering; from shouldering they went on to buffets, and from dry blows, by neifs and neifeling;[77] and then for charity's sake they cried, "_Dispersit, dedit pauperibus_," and assayed which of the croziers was finest metal, which staff was strongest, and which bearer could best defend his master's pre-eminence; and, that there should be no superiority in that behalf, to the ground went both the croziers.

[77] Fists and fisticuffs.

And then began no little fray, but yet a merry game, for rochets were rent, tippets were torn, crowns were knapped,[78] and side gowns might have been seen wantonly wag from the one wall to the other. Many of them lacked beards, and that was the more pity, for they could not buckle each other by the birse,[79] as bold men would have done. But fie on the jackmen that did not their duty; for had the one part of them rencountered the other then had all gone right. The sanctuary, we suppose, saved the lives of many. However merrily this be written, it was bitter bourding[80] to the Cardinal and his court. It was more than irregularity. Yea, it might well have been judged lese-Majesty to the son of perdition, the Pope's own person; and yet the other in his folly, as proud as a peacock, would let the Cardinal know that he was a bishop when the other was but Beaton, before he got Arbroath!

[78] Struck; "cracked."

[79] Bristle, _i.e._ beard.

[80] Jesting.

[Sidenote: Pilate and Herod patch the Quarrel.]

This enmity was judged mortal, and without all hope of reconciliation. But the blood of the innocent servant of God buried in oblivion all that bragging and boasting; for the Archbishop of Glasgow was the first unto whom the Cardinal wrote, signifying unto him what was done, and earnestly craving of him that he would assist with his presence and counsel, that such an enemy unto their estate might be suppressed. Thereto the other was not slow, but kept time appointed, sat next to the Cardinal, voted and subscribed first in the rank, and lay over the east block-house with the said Cardinal, until the martyr of God was consumed by fire. For we must note that as all these beasts consented in heart to the slaughter of that innocent, so did they approve it with their presence, having the whole ordnance of the Castle of St. Andrews bent towards the place of execution, ready to have shot if any would have made defence or rescue to God's servant.

Upon the last day of February,[81] by the commandment of the Cardinal and his wicked Council, the Dean of the town was sent to the prison where lay the servant of God, the said Master George Wishart. Him he summoned to appear before the judge upon the following morning, then and there to give account of his seditious and heretical doctrine. The said Master George answered: "What needeth my Lord Cardinal to summon me to answer for my doctrine openly before him under whose power and dominion I am thus straitly bound in irons? May not my Lord compel me to answer to his extortionate power; or believeth he that I am not prepared to render account of my doctrine? To manifest what kind of men ye are, it is well that ye keep your old ceremonies and constitutions made by men."

[81] Knox acknowledges that he has here incorporated John Foxe's
account of the trial of Wishart.

[Sidenote: Master George Wishart before the Cardinal's Tribunal.]

Upon the next morn, my Lord Cardinal caused his servants to dress themselves in their most warlike array, with jack, knapscall,[82] splent,[83] spear, and axe, more seemly for war than for the preaching of the true Word of God. And when these armed champions, marching in warlike order, had conveyed the Archbishops into the Abbey Church, incontinently they sent for Master George, who was conveyed unto the said church by the captain of the Castle and a hundred men dressed in manner foresaid. Like a lamb led they him to sacrifice. As he entered the Abbey Church door, a poor man, vexed with great infirmities, asked his alms. To him he flung his purse. When he had come before the Cardinal, the sub-prior of the Abbey, Dean John Winram, stood up in the pulpit and made a sermon to all the congregation there assembled, taking his matter out of the thirteenth chapter of Matthew.

[82] Head-piece.

[83] Armour for the legs.

[Sidenote: The Sub-prior preaches on Heresy.]

His sermon was divided into four principal parts. The first was a short and brief declaration concerning the evangelist. The second was of the interpretation of the good seed; and because he called the Word of God the good seed, and heresy the evil seed, he declared what heresy was and how it should be known. He defined in this manner: "Heresy is a false opinion, defended with pertinacity, clearly repugning to the Word of God." The third part of his sermon was concerning the cause of heresy within that realm and all other realms. "The cause of heresy," quoth he, "is the ignorance of those who have the cure of men's souls. To them it necessarily belongeth to have the true understanding of the Word of God, that they may be able to win again the false doctors of heresies, with the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God; and not only to win again, but also to overcome, as saith Paul, 'a bishop must be faultless, as becometh the minister of God, not stubborn, nor angry; no drunkard, no fighter, not given to filthy lucre; but harberous,[84] one that loveth goodness, sober minded, righteous, holy, temperate, and such as cleaveth unto the true word of the doctrine, that he may be able to exhort with wholesome learning, and to improve that which they say against him.'"

[84] Hospitable.

The fourth part of his sermon was as to how heresies should be known. "Heresies be known on this manner. As the goldsmith knoweth the fine gold from the imperfect, by use of the touchstone, so likewise may we know heresy by the undoubted touchstone, that is, the true, sincere, and undefiled Word of God." At the last, he added that "heretics should be put down in this present life. The Gospel appeared to repugn this proposition--'let them both grow unto the harvest.' The harvest is the end of the world: nevertheless, he affirmed, they should be put down by the civil magistrate and law."

[Sidenote: A fed Sow accuses and curses Master George.]

When the Sub-prior ended his sermon, incontinently they caused Master George to ascend into the pulpit, there to hear his accusation and articles. Right against him stood up one of the fed flock, a monster, John Lauder, laden full of cursing written on paper. Of these he took out a roll both long and full of cursings, threatenings, maledictions, and words of devilish spite and malice, saying to the innocent Master George so many cruel and abominable words, and hitting him so spitefully with the Pope's thunder, that the ignorant people dreaded lest the earth then would have swallowed him up quick. Notwithstanding, he stood still with great patience hearing these sayings, not once moving or changing his countenance. When this fed sow had read throughout all his lying menaces, his face running down with sweat and he frothing at the mouth like a bear, he spat at Mr. George's face, saying "What answerest thou, thou runagate, traitor, and thief, to these sayings, which we have duly proved by sufficient witness against thee?" Master George, hearing this, sat down upon his knees in the pulpit, making his prayer to God. When he had ended his prayer, sweetly and Christianly he answered to them all in this manner.

[Sidenote: His Oration in Reply to his Accusers.]

"Many and horrible sayings, many words abominable to hear, ye have spoken here unto me a Christian man this day, words which, not only to teach but also to think, I thought it ever great abomination. Wherefore, I pray you quietly to hear me, that ye may know what were my sayings, and the manner of my doctrine. This my petition, my Lords, I desire to be heard for three causes. The first is that through preaching of the Word of God, His glory is made manifest. It is reasonable, therefore, for the advancement of the glory of God, that ye hear me preaching truly the pure and sincere Word of God, without any dissimulation. The second reason is that your health springeth of the Word of God, for He worketh all things by His Word. It were therefore an unrighteous thing, if ye should stop your ears when I am teaching truly the Word of God. The third reason is that your doctrine speaketh forth many pestilentious, blasphemous, and abominable words, coming by the inspiration not of God, but of the Devil, on no less peril than my life. It is just, therefore, and reasonable, that you should know what my words and doctrine are, and what I have ever taught in my time in this realm, so that I perish not unjustly, to the great peril of your souls. Wherefore, both for the glory and honour of God, your own health, and the safeguard of my life, I beseech your discretions to hear me, and in the meantime I shall recite my doctrine without any choler.

"First, and chiefly, since the time I came into this realm, I have taught nothing but the ten commandments of God, the twelve articles of the faith, and the prayer of the Lord, in the mother tongue. Moreover, in Dundee, I taught the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans; and I shall show faithfully what fashion and manner I used when I taught, without any human dread, so that your discretions give me your ears benevolent and attent."

Suddenly then, with a high voice, cried the accuser, the fed sow, "Thou heretic, runagate, traitor, and thief, it was not lawful for thee to preach. Thou hast taken the power at thine own hand, without any authority of the Church. We forethink[85] that thou hast been a preacher so long." Then said the whole congregation of the prelates, with their accomplices, "If we give him licence to preach, he is so crafty and in Holy Scripture so exercised that he will persuade the people to his opinion, and raise them against us."

[85] Repent.