Part 7

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.]