The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland: With Which Are Included Knox's Confession and The Book of DisciplineKnox, John
History
The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland: With Which Are Included Knox's Confession and The Book of Discipline
Knox, John
Reformation -- Scotland; Scotland -- Church history
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.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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