The History of the Reformation of Religion in Scotland. John Armoy Knox
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