Читать книгу The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland - John Armoy Knox - Страница 8

The Earl of Arran is proclaimed Regent.

In despite of the Cardinal and his suborned faction, the Earl of Arran was declared Governor, and with public proclamation so announced to the people. The King's Palace, treasure, jewels, garments, horse, and plate were delivered unto him by the officers that had the former charge; and he was honoured, feared, and obeyed more heartily than ever any king was before, so long as he abode in God. Great favour was borne unto him, because it was bruited that he favoured God's Word; and because it was well known that he was one appointed to have been persecuted, as the scroll, found in the King's pocket after his death, did witness. These two things, together with an opinion that men had of his simplicity, did, in the beginning, bow unto him the hearts of many who afterwards, with dolour of heart, were compelled to change their opinions. We omit a variety of matters, such as the order taken for keeping the young Queen; the provision for the mother; and the home-calling of the Douglases. These appertain to a universal history of the time. We seek only to follow the progress of religion, and of the matters that cannot be dissevered from the same.

Thomas Williams and John Rough preach, in despite of the Friars.

The Governor being established in government, godly men repaired unto him, and exhorted him to call to mind for what end God had exalted him; out of what danger He had delivered him; and what expectation all men of honesty had of him. At their suit, more than of his own motion, Thomas Williams, a Black Friar, was called to be preacher. The man was of solid judgment, reasonable letters for that age, and of a prompt and good utterance: his doctrine was wholesome, without great vehemence against superstition. John Rough, who after, for the truth of Christ Jesus, suffered in England, in the days of Mary of cursed memory, preached also sometimes, not so learnedly, yet more simply, and more vehemently against all impiety. The doctrine of these two provoked against them and against the Governor the hatred of all that favoured darkness more than light, and their own bellies more than God. These slaves of Satan, the Grey Friars (and amongst the rest Friar Scott, who before had given himself forth for the greatest professor of Christ Jesus within Scotland, and under that colour had disclosed and so endangered many) croaked like ravens, yea, rather they yelled and roared like devils in hell, "Heresy! heresy! Williams and Rough will carry the Governor to the devil."

Edinburgh drowned in Superstition.

The town of Edinburgh was, for the most part, drowned in superstition: Edward Hope, young William Adamson, Sibella Lindsay, Patrick Lindsay, Francis Aikman; and in the Canongate, John Mackay, Ryngzean Brown, with a few others, had the bruit[48] of knowledge in those days. One Wilson, servant to the Bishop of Dunkeld, who neither knew the New Testament nor the Old, made a despiteful railing ballad against the preachers and against the Governor, and for this he narrowly escaped hanging. The Cardinal moved both heaven and hell to trouble the Governor and to stay the preaching; but the battle was stoutly fought for a season. He was taken prisoner, and was confined first in Dalkeith, and after that in Seton. But, in the end, by means of bribes given to Lord Seton and to the old Laird of Lethington, he was restored to St. Andrews. Thence he wrought all mischief, as we shall afterwards hear.

Liberty to read the Scriptures is demanded.

At the approach of Parliament before Easter, there began to be question of abolishing certain tyrannical acts, formerly made at the instance of the prelates, for maintaining of their kingdom of darkness; to wit, the Act "that under pain of heresy, no man should read any part of the Scriptures in the English tongue, nor yet any tractate or exposition of any place of Scripture." Such articles began to come into question, we say, and men began to inquire if it was not as lawful to men that understood no Latin to use the Word of their salvation in the tongue they understood, as it was for Latin men to have it in Latin, and for Greeks or Hebrews to have it in their tongues. It was answered that the first Kirk had forbidden all tongues but these three. But men demanded when that inhibition was given; and what Council had ordained that, considering that Chrysostom complained that the people used not the Psalms, and other holy books, in their own tongues? If it be said that these were Greeks, and understood the Greek tongue, we answer that Christ Jesus commanded His Word to be preached to all nations. Now, if it ought to be preached to all nations, it must be preached in the tongue they understand. If it be lawful to preach it and to hear it preached in all tongues, why should it not be lawful to read it, and to hear it read in all tongues, to the end that the people may try the spirits, according to the commandment of the Apostle.

Beaten with these and other reasons, it was admitted that the Word might be read in the vulgar tongue, provided that the translation were true. It was demanded, what could be reprehended in the translation used? Much searching was made, but nothing could be found, except that "love," said they, was put in the place of "charity." When they were asked what difference was betwixt the one and the other, and whether they understood the nature of the Greek term Agape, they were dumb. The Lord Ruthven, father to him that prudently gave counsel to take just punishment upon that knave Davie,[49] a stout and discreet man in the cause of God, and Mr. Henry Balnaves, an old professor, reasoned for the party of the seculars. For the Clergy, Hay, Dean of Restalrig, and certain old bosses[50] with him.

An open Bible is secured.

The conclusion was that the Commissioners of Burghs and a part of the nobility required of the Parliament that it might be enacted, "That it should be lawful to every man to use the benefit of the translation which then they had of the Bible and New Testament, together with the benefit of other tracts containing wholesome doctrine, until such time as the prelates and kirkmen should give and set forth unto them a translation more correct." The clergy hereto long repugned; but, in the end, convicted by reason and by multitude of contrary votes, they also acquiesced. So, by Act of Parliament, it was made free to all men and women to read the Scriptures in their own tongue, or in the English tongue; and all Acts of contrary effect were abolished.

The Bible becomes fashionable.

This was no small victory of Christ Jesus, fighting against the conjured enemies of His truth; no small comfort to such as before were so holden in bondage that they durst not have read the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, or the Articles of their faith in the English tongue, without being accused of heresy. Then might have been seen the Bible lying upon almost every gentleman's table. The New Testament was borne about in many men's hands. We grant that some, alas! profaned that blessed Word; for some that, perchance, had never read ten sentences in it had it most commonly in their hands. They would chop their familiars on the cheek with it, and say, "This has lain hid under my bed-foot these ten years." Others would glory, "Oh! how often have I been in danger for this book. How secretly have I stolen from my wife at midnight to read upon it." Many did this to make court; for all men esteemed the Governor the most fervent Protestant in Europe. Albeit many abused that liberty granted by God miraculously, the knowledge of God wondrously increased, and God gave His Holy Spirit to simple men in great abundance. Then were set forth works in our own tongue, besides those that came from England, disclosing the pride, the craft, the tyranny, and the abuses of that Roman Antichrist.

King Harry suggests the Betrothal of Queen Mary to Prince Edward.

The fame of our Governor was spread in divers countries, and many praised God for him. King Harry sent unto him his Ambassador, Mr. Sadler, and he lay in Edinburgh a great part of the summer. His commission and negotiation was to contract a perpetual amity betwixt England and Scotland. God seemed to have offered the occasion, and to many men it appeared that from heaven He had declared His good pleasure in that proposal. For, to King Harry, Jane Seymour (after the death of Queen Katherine, and of all others that might have made his marriage suspect) had borne a son, Edward the Sixth of blessed memory, older some years than our Mistress, and unto us was left a Queen. This wonderful providence of God caused men of greatest judgment to enter into disputation with themselves, whether, with good conscience, any man might repugn to the desires of the King of England, considering that thereby all occasion of war might be cut off, and great commodity might ensue to his realm. The offers of King Harry were so large and his demands were so reasonable that all that loved quietness were content therewith. There were sent from the Parliament to King Harry, in commission, Sir William Hamilton, Sir James Learmonth, and Mr. Henry Balnaves. These remained long in England, and so travailed that all things concerning the marriage betwixt Edward the Sixth and Mary Queen of Scots were agreed upon, except the time of her deliverance to the custody of Englishmen.

The Contract of Marriage is adjusted and ratified.

For the final conclusion of this head, William, Earl of Glencairn, and Sir George Douglas, were added to the former commissioners, and to them were given ample commission and good instructions. Mr. Sadler remained in Scotland. Communications passed frequently, yea, the hands of our Lords were liberally anointed. Other commodities were promised, and by some received; for divers persons taken at Solway Moss were sent home, ransom free, upon promise of their fidelity—how this was kept, the issue will witness. In the end, all were well content (the Cardinal, the Queen, and the faction of France ever excepted), and solemnly, in the Abbey of Holyroodhouse, the contract of marriage betwixt the persons foresaid, together with all the clauses and conditions requisite for the faithful observation thereof, was read in public audience, subscribed, sealed, approved, and allowed by the Governor for his part, and the Nobility and Lords for their part. That nothing should lack that might fortify the matter, Christ's sacred body, as Papists term it, was broken betwixt the said Governor and Master Sadler, Ambassador, and received by them both as a sign and token of the unity of their minds, inviolably to keep that contract, in all points, as they looked to Christ Jesus to be saved, and to be reputed men worthy of credit before the world in after time.

The Papists refuse to acknowledge the Contract.

The Papists raged against the Governor and against the Lords that consented, and abode sweir[51] at the contract. They made a brag that they would depose the Governor, and confound all. Without delay, they raised their forces and came to Linlithgow, where the young Queen was kept. But, upon the return of the Ambassadors from England, pacification was made for that time. By the judgment of eight persons for either party, chosen to judge whether anything had been done by the Ambassadors, in contracting that marriage, for which they had not sufficient power from the Council and Parliament, it was found that all things had been done by them according to their commission, and that these should stand. So the Seals of England and Scotland were interchanged. Master James Foulis, then Clerk of Register, received the Great Seal of England; and Master Sadler received the Great Seal of Scotland. The heads of the contract we pass by.

As soon as these things were ratified, the merchants made frack[52] to sail, and to resume the traffic which had for some years been hindered by the trouble of wars. From Edinburgh were freighted twelve ships richly laden with the wares of Scotland. From other towns and ports departed others. All arrived in Yarmouth; and entered not only within roads, but also within ports and places where ships might be arrested. Because of the lately contracted amity and the gentle entertainment that they received at first, they made no great expedition. Being, as they supposed, in security, they spent the time in merriness, abiding upon the wind.

The Papists turn the Tables.

In the meantime there arrived from France to Scotland the Abbot of Paisley, called bastard brother to the Governor, but by many esteemed son to Crichton, the old Bishop of Dunkeld, and with him Master David Panter, afterwards Bishop of Ross. The bruit of the learning and honest life of these two, and of their fervency and uprightness in religion, was such that there was great hope that their presence should have been comfortable to the Kirk of God. It was constantly affirmed that, without delay, the one and the other would occupy the pulpit, and truly preach Jesus Christ. Few days disclosed their hypocrisy. What terrors, what promises, or what enchanting boxes they brought from France, the common people knew not, but shortly after it was seen that Friar Williams was inhibited from preaching, and so departed to England. John Rough retired to Kyle, a receptacle of God's servants of old.

The men of counsel, judgment, and godliness that had travailed to promote the Governor, and that gave him faithful counsel in all doubtful matters, were either craftily conveyed from him, or else, by threats of hanging, were compelled to leave him. Of the former number were the Laird of Grange, Master Henry Balnaves, Master Thomas Bellenden, and Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount; men by whose labours the Governor was promoted to honour, and by whose counsel he so used himself at the beginning that the obedience given to him was nothing inferior to that possessed by any king of Scotland for many years before. Yea, it did surmount the common obedience, in that it proceeded from love of those virtues that were supposed to have been in him. Of the number of those that were threatened were Master Michael Durham, Master David Borthwick, David Forrest, and David Bothwell. These had counselled the Governor to have in his company God-fearing men, and not to foster wicked men in their iniquity, albeit they were called his friends and were of his surname. When this counsel came to the ears of the foresaid Abbot and the Hamiltons, who then repaired to the Court as ravens to the carrion, it was said in plain words, "My Lord Governor and his friends will never be in quietness, until a dozen of these knaves that abuse his Grace be hanged."

These words were spoken in his own presence, and in the presence of some of them that had better deserved than so to have been entreated. The speaker was allowed his bold and plain speaking, and the wicked counsel being tolerated, honest and godly men left the Court and the Governor in the hands of such as led him so far from God that he falsified his promise, dipped his hands in the blood of the saints of God, and brought this commonwealth to the very point of utter ruin. These were the first-fruits of the godliness and learning of the Abbot of Paisley: hereafter we will hear more.

The Abbot and the Cardinal next threaten the Regent.

All honest and godly men once banished from the Court, the Abbot and his council began to lay before the inconstant Governor the dangers that might ensue the alteration and change of religion; the power of the King of France; and the commodity that might come to him and his house by retaining the ancient league with France. He was also called on to consider the great danger that he brought upon himself if, in any jot, he suffered the authority of the Pope to be violated or called in question within this realm; for thereon alone stood the security of his right to the succession of the Crown of this realm. By God's Word, the divorcement of his father from Elizabeth Home, his first wife, would not be found lawful, his second marriage would be judged null, and he himself declared bastard. Caiaphas spake prophecy, and wist not what he spake; for at that time there were no men that truly feared God that minded any such thing. With their whole force they would have fortified the title that God had given unto him, and things done in time of darkness would never have been called in question.

Another practice was used. The Cardinal, being now at liberty, ceased not to traffic with such of the nobility as he might draw to his faction or corrupt by any means, seeking thereby to raise a party against the said Governor, and against such as stood fast for the contract of marriage and peace with England. The said Cardinal, the Earls Argyll, Huntly, and Bothwell, and the bishops and their bands, assembled at Linlithgow: thereafter they passed to Stirling, and took with them both the Queens, the mother and the daughter, and threatened the deposition of the said Governor, as inobedient to their Holy Mother the Kirk, as they term the harlot of Babylon, Rome.

The Regent breaks Faith with England, and receives Absolution.

The inconstant man, not thoroughly grounded upon God, was left destitute of all good counsel by his own default, and had the wicked ever blowing in his ears, "What will ye do! Ye will destroy yourself and your house for ever." Beaten with these temptations, the unhappy man surrendered himself to the appetites of the wicked. Quietly stealing away from the Lords that were with him in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, he passed to Stirling, subjected himself to the Cardinal and to his council, received absolution, renounced the profession of the holy Evangel of Christ Jesus, and violated the oath that he had made for observation of the contract and league with England.

King Harry remonstrates without avail.

At that time our Queen was crowned, and new promise was made to France. The certainty hereof coming to King Harry, our Scottish ships were stayed, the sails taken from their rays,[53] and the merchants and mariners were commanded to sure custody. New commission was sent to Master Sadler, who still remained in Scotland, to demand the reason for that sudden alteration, and to travail by all means possible that the Governor might be called back to his former godly purpose, and that he would not do so foolishly and inhonestly, yea so cruelly and unmercifully, to the realm of Scotland. He was assured that he would not only lose the commodities offered and presently to be received, but that he would also expose Scotland to the hazard of fire and sword, and other inconveniences that might arise from the war that would follow upon the violation of his faith: but nothing could avail. The Devil kept fast the grip that he had got, yea, even all the days of his government. The Cardinal got his eldest son in pledge, and kept him in the Castle of St. Andrews until the day that God punished his pride.

War is declared by King Harry.

King Harry, perceiving that all hope of the Governor's repentance was lost, called back his ambassador, and that with fearful threatenings, as Edinburgh afterwards felt. He proclaimed war, made our ships prizes, and our merchants and mariners lawful prisoners, and this alone was no small hardship to the burghs of Scotland. But the Cardinal and priests did laugh, and jestingly said, "When we shall conquer England, the merchants shall be recompensed." The summer and the harvest passed over without any notable thing. The Cardinal and Abbot of Paisley parted the prey betwixt them: the abused Governor bare the name only.

The revolt of the Earl of Lennox.

In the beginning of the winter the Earl of Lennox came to Scotland, sent from France in hatred of the Governor, whom the King, by the Cardinal's advice, promised to pronounce bastard, and so make the said Earl Governor. The Cardinal further put the Earl in vain hope that the Queen Dowager would marry him. He brought with him some money, and more he afterwards received from the hands of La Broche. But, at length, perceiving himself frustrated of all expectation that he had either from the King of France, or yet from the promise of the Cardinal, he concluded to seek the favour of England, and began to draw a faction against the Governor.

In hatred of the other's inconstancy, many favoured him in the beginning. At Yule there assembled in the town of Ayr, the Earls of Angus, Glencairn, and Cassillis, the Lords Maxwell and Somerville, the Laird of Drumlanrig, and the Sheriff of Ayr, with all the force that they and the Lords that remained constant to England might make. After Yule they came to Leith. The Governor and Cardinal, with their forces, kept Edinburgh, for they were slackly pursued. Men excused the Earl of Lennox in this matter, and laid the blame upon some that had no good will towards the regiment of the Stuarts. However it was, the said Earl of Lennox was disappointed of his purpose, and narrowly escaped; and first got himself to Glasgow, and after that to Dumbarton. Sir George Douglas was delivered to be kept as pledge. The Earl his brother was taken at the siege of Glasgow in the following Lent. It was bruited that both the brethren and others with them would have lost their heads if, by the providence of God, the English army had not arrived sooner.

Cardinal Beaton stirs up Strife betwixt his Enemies.

After the Cardinal had got the Governor wholly under his control, and had obtained his desires concerning a part of his enemies, he began to practise that such as he feared and therefore hated should be set by the ears, one against another. In that, thought the carnal man, stood his greatest security. The Lord Ruthven he hated, by reason of his knowledge of God's Word: the Lord Gray he feared, because at that time he sought the company of such as professed godliness, and bare small favour to the Cardinal. Now the worldly-wise man reasoned thus: "If I can put enmity betwixt those two, I shall be quit of a great number of unfriends; for the most part of the country will either assist the one or the other; and, otherwise occupied, they will not watch for my displeasure." Without long process, he found the necessary means; for he laboured with John Charteris, a man of stout courage and many friends, to accept the provostship of Perth, which he purchased[54] to him by donation of the Governor, with a charge to the said town to obey him as their lawful provost. Thereat, not only the said Lord Ruthven, but also the town was offended. These gave a negative answer, alleging that such intrusion of men into office was hurtful to their privilege and freedom. This granted unto them free election of their provost from year to year, at a certain time appointed, and this they could not or would not prevent.[55]

The said John, offended hereat, said that he would occupy that office by force, if they would not give it unto him of benevolence; and so departed, and communicated the matter with the Lord Gray, with Norman Leslie, and with other friends. These he easily persuaded to assist him in that pursuit, because he appeared to have the Governor's right, and had not only a charge to the town, but also had purchased letters empowering him to besiege it and to take it by strong hand, if any resistance were made unto him. These letters made many favour his action. The other party made for defence, and the Master of Ruthven (the Lord that afterwards departed to England) undertook the maintenance of the town, having in his company the Laird of Moncrieffe, and other neighbouring friends.

The Fight for the Provostship of Perth.

The said John made frack for the pursuit; and upon the Magdalene's day, in the morning, anno 1543, approached with his forces, the Lord Gray taking upon him the principal charge. Norman Leslie, with his friends, should have come by ship, with munition and ordnance, and they were in readiness. But because the tide served not soon, the other, thinking himself of sufficient force for all that were in the town, entered by the bridge. They found no resistance until the foremost were well within the Fish Gate, when the Master of Ruthven, with his company, stoutly rencountered them, and so rudely repulsed them that such as were behind gave back. The place of the retreat was so strait, that men durst not fight, and could not flee at their pleasure, for Lord Gray and his friends were upon the bridge. The slaughter was great; for there fell by the edge of the sword threescore men. The Cardinal had rather that the unhap had fallen on the other side; but, howsoever it was, he thought that such trouble was for his comfort and advantage. The knowledge of this came unto the ears of the party that had received the discomfiture, and was unto them no small grief. Many of them had entered into that action for his pleasure, and thought they should have had his fortification and assistance. Finding themselves frustrated, they began to look more narrowly to themselves, and did not so much attend upon the Cardinal's devotion, as they had been wont to do. Thus was a new jealousy engendered amongst them; for whosoever would not play to him the good valet was reputed amongst his enemies.

Treachery of the Cardinal.

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.

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."

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]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.