The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, John Knox
J. KNOX
The Life of John Knox, who died Ano Christi 1572.
JOhn Knox was born at Gifford in Lothaine in Scotland, His Birth and Education.Anno 1505. of honest parentage: Brought up first at School, then sent to the University of Saint Andrews to study under Mr. Jo. Mair, who was famous for learning in those dayes, and under whom in a short time he profited exceedingly in Philosophy, and School-Divinity,… and tooke his Degrees, and afterwards was admitted very young into Orders: Then he betook himself to the reading of the Fathers, especially Augustines and Hieroms Works, and lastly to the earnest study of the holy Scriptures,His Conversion by which being, through Gods mercy, informed of the Truth, he willingly embraced it, and freely professed it, and imparted it to others. But the Bishops and Friers could by no means endure that light which discovered their darknesse,His zeal. and therefore presently raised up a persecution against him; especially David Beton, Archbishop and Cardinal, who caused him to be apprehended and cast into prison,Sathans malice purposing to have sacrificed him in the flames: But it pleased God by a special providence that he was delivered, and therefore presently fled to Berwick to the English, where he preached the Truth of the Gospel with great fruit,He flies to Berwick. and defended it against the Popish party, so that his fame spread abroad exceedingly. Hee preached also at Newcastle, London, and in some other places. So that K. Edw▪ the sixth taking notice of him, profered him a Bishoprick,His Humility. which he rejected, as having Aliquid commune cum Antichristo: Something in it common with Antichrist.
King Edward being dead, the persecution raised by Queen Mary made him leave England, and goe to Franckfort upon Maine, He goes to Frankfort.where for a time he preached the Gospel to the English Congregation: But meeting with opposition there, both from Papists and false brethren, he went to Geneva, And to Genevawhere also he preached to an English Congregation, and was very intimate with Master Ralvin, continuing there some years.
Anno Christi 1559, and of his Age 54,He is sent for into Scotland. the Nobility of Scotland, with some others, beginning the reformation of Religion, sent for him home; and at his coming to Edenborough he was lodged in the house of that worthy main James Sime, where he beganne privately to instruct such as resorted to him,His zeal. amongst whom was the Laird of Dun, David Forresse, and Elizabeth Adamson, the Wife of James Baranne, Burgesse of Edenborough, and some others.
After a while Master Knox perceiving that divers, who willingly entertained the Doctrine of Christ, yet made no scruple to goe to Masse, and to communicate in the abused Sacraments after the Papisticall manner, he beganne as well in private conference, as in his Ministery, to shew the impiety of the Masse, and the great danger of communicating with Idolatry, wherewith some being terrified in conscience, the businesse beganne to be agitated from one to another. Hereupon the Laird of Dun invited Master Knox to supper, where were present David Forresse, Master Kobert Lockart, John Willock, and William Matland; at which meeting the question was proposed and debated, and Mr. Knox did so fully, and learnedly answer whatsoever was objected against his Doctrine, that William Matland concluded in these words, I see very well that all our shifts will serve nothing before God, seeing they stand us in so small stead before men.
After these reasonings the Mass beganne to be abhorred,The Mass abhorred. and Mr. Knox at the request of the Laird of Dun went with him to Dun, where he remained a monethmonth, preaching every day to the people, the principall men of that country resorting to his Ministery.
At the moneths end he went to Calder, The effect of his Ministry.whether resorted to him the Lord Erskin (afterwards Earl of Argile) Lord James the Prior of St. Andrews (afterwards Earl of Murrey) where they heard, and so approved his Ministry, that they wished it had been more publick.
A while after the Earl of Glencarne sent for Master Knox to his place of Finlaston, where after he had preached to them, he administred the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to the Earl, his Lady, two of his sons, and some others, and so he went back to Calder; to which place many resorted to him from Edenborough, and the country round about, not onelyonly to hear his Doctrine, but also to partake of the holy Sacrament which before they had never received.
From thence he departed the second time to the Laird of Duns, where he preached the Gospel with more liberty and boldnesse then he had before, and many of the Gentlemen of the Country after they had heard his Doctrine, desired also to be made partakers of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and (through Gods mercy) his Min…stry had such an impression upon their hearts, that they presently refused all society with Idolatry, and bent themselves to the uttermost of their powers to maintain the truth of Christ.The Papists rage against him. This so vexed the Friers, that from all quarters they flocked to their Bishops to complain of Master Knox, so that he was summoned to appear in the black-Fryers Church in Edenborough the fifteenth of May following, and accordingly he appeared; Thither came also Iohn Erskin of Dun, with divers other Gentlemen, which the Bishops taking notice of,His great pains durst not proceed against him: Insomuch that Master Knox the same day that he should have appeared before them, preached in Edenborough in a greater Audience then ever he had before. The place where he preached was in the Bishop of Dunkellins great lodging, in which place he preached ten days together, both forenoon and afternoon. Then did the Earl of Glencarne solicit the Earl Marshall to hear Master Knox, which he with his Counsellor Drummo…d did, and so liked his Doctrine,He writes to the Queen. that he willed Master Knox to write unto the Queen Regent somewhat that might move her to hear the word of God. This M. Knox was willing to do, and wrote that which was afterwards printed, called, A Letter to the Queen Dowager, which was delivered by the Earl of Glencarne into her own hands: The Queen after she had read the Letter, delivered it to that proud Prelate Becon, She scoffs at it.Bishop of Glascow, saying, in scorne, Please you my Lord to read a Pasquill? Whilst Master Knox was thus occupied in Scotland there came a Letter to him from the English Congregation which was setled at Geneva, He is called back to Geneva.Anno Christi 1555. being separated from the contentious and superstitious company at Frankefort, requiring him in the name of God, that as he was their chosen Pastor, so he should repair to them for their comfort.
Upon this he took his leave in every Congregation where before he had preached, exhorting them to fervent prayer, frequent reading o… the Scriptures, and mutuall conference, till God should give them greater liberty; and then he sent before him to Diep his Mother in law Elizabeth Bowes, and his wife; but himselfe by the importunity of Robert Campbel stayed a while in Scotland, going to the Earl of Argile, then in Campbel Castle, where he taught certain dayes, the Laird of Glenurquaire being one of his Auditors, who intreated the Earl of Argile to retain him in Scotland: But he was resolved upon his journey, and would by no means stay at that time, yet promising, that if the Lord blessed those small beginnings, whensoever they pleased to command him, they should find him obedient to their call.
Shortly after he passed over into France, He leaves Scotland.and from thence went to Geneva, He is condemned.whereupon the Bishops of Scotland summoned him, and for non-appearance, condemned him, and burnt his effigies at the Crosse at Edenborough. From which unjust sentence, when Master Knox heard of it, he …ent an appellation,His appeal. which he directed to the Nobility and Commons of Scotland.
March the tenth, Anno Christi, 1556. certain of the Nobility of Scotland. sent this ensuing Letter to Master Knox at Geneva.
Grace,He is sent for into Scotland mercy and peace for salvation.
Dearly b…loved in the Lord the faithfull that are of your acquaintance in these parts (thanks be to God) are stedfast in the beliefe wherein you left them, and have a godly thirst and desire from day to day to injoy your presence againe, which if God so move your heart, and give you life, we desire you in the name of the Lord that you returne to us again into this place, where you shall finde all faithfull that you left behind you; who will not only be glad to hear your Doctrine, but ready to jeopard their estates for the setting forth of the glory of God, as he will permit time. And albeit the Magistrates of this Country be as yet but in the state you left them; yet at the writing hereof we have no experience of any more cruelty used then was before; but rather beleeve that God will augment his flock, because we see daily the Friers (enemies to Christs Gospel) in lesse estimation both with the Queens Grace and the rest of the Nobility of the Realme. This in few words is the mind of the faithfull here present, and of others absent. The rest of our minds this faithfull messenger wil shew you, when he comes to you. Fare you well in the Lord.
Subscribed
Glencarne.
Erskin.
Argile
James Steward.
Master Knox upon the receipt of this Letter advised with Master Calvin, and other Ministers, who upon mature deliberation, told him that he could not refuse this call, unlesse he would shew himselfe rebellious against God, and unmercifull to his Country: Whereupon he returned answer, that he would come to them so soon as he could settle the affairs of that dear flock that was committed to his charge.
Shortly after he began his journy, and arrived in Scotland that very day whereon the Bishops ended their Provinciall Councill; and hearing that the brethren were met at Dundee, he went to them,His return into Scotland. and earnestly requested that he and his brethren might joyne together to make a confession of their faith; which being assented to, he went to St. Johnstons to them, where also he preached to the people; But presently came a summons that the Preachers should appear before the Queen Regent at Striveling, The Ministers summon…d.which being known abroad, the Protestants repaired in a peaceable manner to St. Johnstons to accompany their Preachers to the Queen;The peoples zeal. and least such a multitude should affright her, the Laird of Dun, a zealous godly and prudent man, went before to Striveling, to acquaint the Queen that the cause of their meeting was onelyonly with their Preachers to give in a confession of their faith, and to assist them in their just defence.
The Queen very craftily solicited him to stay the multitude,They are proscribed. and the preachers also, promising to take some good order about their affairs: Yet when the Preachers appeared not upon the day appointed, she put them to the Horne, prohibiting all men upon pain of Rebellion, to assist, comfort, relieve or receive any of them; which treacherous dealing of hers so inflamed the multitude, that neither the exhortation of the Preachers, nor the command of the Magistrates could restraine them, but that they pulled down the Images, and all other monuments of Idolatry in St. Johnstons. This being told to the Queen,Im…ges demolished. she was so much enraged at it, that she vowed to destroy man,The Queens malice. woman, and child in that place, then utterly to burn the Towne,The Protestants write to the Queen. and to sow it with salt for a perpetuall desolation.
The Protestant Congregation hearing hereof, presently wrote a Letter to the Queen, and caused it to be laid on her Cushion where she sat at Mass, wherein they declared, that except she moderated her wrath, and stayed her intended cruelty, they should be compelled to take the Sword in their just defence against all that should pursue them for matters of Religion, and for their Conscience sake, which ought not to be subject to any mortal creature, farther then Gods Word doth command, &c. They further requested that she would permit them to live in that peace and liberty which Christ had purchased for them by his blood; that they might have his Word truly preached,Their zeal. and the holy Sacraments rightly administred to them, for that they had rather expose their bodies to a thousand deaths, then to hazard their soules to perpetuall damnation by denying Christ, and his manifest Truth, &c.
They wrote also another Letter to the Nobility of Scotland, which coming abroad, the brethren in Cunningam and Kile met together at the Church of Craggy, where Alexander Earl of Glencarne, said to them,The Earl of Glencarns courage and zeale. Let every man doe as his conscience shall direct him, I will by Gods grace see my b…ethren at St. Johnstons, yea though never a man will goe along with me though I have but a pike on my shoulder; for I had rather die with that company, then live after them. This speech so encouraged the rest, that they all resolved to go forward.
In the meane time the Queen sent her French Forces, and the Bishops and Priests their bands against Saint Johnstones; whereupon the brethren repaired thither from all quarters for their relief; which the Queen hearing of, sent the Earle of Argile, and the Prior of Saint Andrews to them to know the cause of that great meeting? They answered, that it was onelyonly to resist the cruell Tyranny decreed against them, and to protect the Town from ruin.
The Lords answered, that they were farre otherwise informed.
Then Master Knox spake thus unto them: Mr. Knox his speech to the Lord…The present troubles (honourable Lords) ought to move the hearts of all the true servants of God, and of such as bear any true love to their country, and country men, deeply to consider what will be the end of this intended Tyranny. The rage of Sathan seeks the destruction of all those in this Realm that professe the Name of Christ. Therefore I most humbly require you, my Lords, in my name to tell the Queen, that we, whom she in her blind rage doth thus persecute, are faithfull servants to God, and obedient subjects to the authority of the Realm, whereas that Religion which she maintains by fire, & sword, is not the religion of Jesus Christ, but expresly contrary to the same, a superstition devised by mans brain, which I offer my self to prove against all men in Scotland which will maintain the contrary, Gods word being admitted for Judge. Tell her also from me that this her enterprise shall not prosperously succeed in the end, and that herein she fights against God.
The Lords promised to deliver his message; yet did the Queen straitway send her Herauld to them,The Queens subtilty. to command them presently to depart the Towne upon pain of Treason. But when she perceived their number to increase, and their resolutions, fearing the event of a Battel, she upon a parley and large promises, prevailed with them to depart home.Her perfidiousnesse. But before their departure Master Knox preached a Sermon wherin he exhorted them to constancy, adding, I am perswaded that this promise shall be no longer kept, then till the Queen and her Frenchmen can get the upper hand. Which shortly after sell out accordingly; for when she, was entred. St. Johnstons, she, contrary to promise, garrisoned it, saying, That she was not bound to keep promise with Hereticks. This was so distastefull to the Earl of Argile and the Prior of St. Andrews, that they forsook the Queen, and went toward St. Andrews, sending to the Laird of Dun and some others to meet him there, which accordingly they performed, taking Master Knox along with them, who in the way preached in Carrel one day, in Anstruddor the second, intending the third day to preach at St. …ndrews.
The Bishop of St. …ndrews hearing hereof, presently raised a 100 spearmen, The Bisho… opposed K…oxand went thither on the Saturday, whereas the Lords had none but their houshold servants about them; and at the same time the Queen and her Frenchmen lay at Faikland 12 miles from St. Andrews. The Bishop sent word to the Lords, that if John Knox offered to preach the next day, he should be saluted with a dozen of Calivers, whereof the most part should light on his nose. The Lords after long deliberation sent for M. Knox, to hear his opinion herein; … with…ll advised him to forbear for his owne safety, …and not to … that day in contempt of the Bishop; To which … Knox answered, God is my witnesse that I never preached Christ Jesus in contempt of any man, neither doe I now intend to present my self in that place with respect to my own commodity, or for the hurt of any creature: but to forbear preaching to morrow, except I be violently withholden, I cannot out of conscience consent to it: For in this Town and Church God was pleased first to call me to the honour and office of a Preacher, from which I was driven by the tyranny of the French, and procurement of the Bishop, as ye all know well enough. How long I continued prisoner, what torments I sustained in the French Gallies, and what were the sobs of my heart is now no time to relate: This onelyonly I cannot conceal, which many heard me speak when my body was far from Scotland, A Pre…iction.that I certainly hoped in open audience to preach in St. Andrews before I departed this life. And therefore, my Lords, (saith he) seeing God above the expectation of many hath brought me to this place where first I was called to the office of a Preacher, and from which I was most unjustly removed, I beseech your honours not to hinder me from presenting my self to my brethren: And as for the fear of danger that may come to me thereby,His Courage. let no man bee sollicitous; for my life is in the custody of him whose glory I seek, and therefore I cannot so fear their boasts and tyranny, as thereby to be deterred from d…ing my duty when God of his mercy offereth me such an occasion. I desire the hand and weapon of no man to defend me, onelyonly I crave audience; which if it be denied me here at this time, I must seek further where I may have it.
Upon this speech the Lords were fully content that hee should supply the place, which accordingly he did without interruption; and his Sermon so wrought upon the Magistrates and people,… destroyed. that presently after Sermon they removed all the monuments of superstition and Idolatry out of that Church. The Bishop advertised hereof, presently departed to the Queen, who with her French Souldiers lay within twelve miles; and by his grievous complaints did so farre incense her, that it was resolved without delay to assault S. Andrews and the two Lords, who were but slenderly accompanied: and accordingly order was given immediately to provide quarters for the Queen and her Army at Cowper, six miles from St. Andrews.
The Lords being informed hereof, resolved to meet them before they came to Cowper, and withall gave spe…dy advertisement to all the brethren to repair towards them with all possible expedition; which also they did with such diligence,The peoples zeal. that Gods wonderfull work appeared therein: For when at night the Lords came to Cowper, there were not a hundred horse, and some few foot; and before the next day at noon, their number was above three thousand; and that number did so continually encrease, as if men had rained from the clouds: But the enemies being not informed hereof, assured themselves of the Victory, and therefore hasted away in the night; yet when by their Scouts they were informed of the number and order of the Protestants, who were ready to receive them, their hearts failed, and intercessors were sent to make an agreement, and a truce was taken for eight daies, till an agreement might be finished.
But all this was done but in policy by the Queen,The Queens policy. that she might gaine time to draw off her Ordnance, and to make a handsome retreat over the water of Forth. The Protestants finding themselves thus deluded, tooke counsell now they were together, to free St. Johnstons from the French Garrison,St Johnstons rescued. that their exiled brethren might return home, and accordingly they sent a Trumpet to summon the Towne; but the Captaines answered, that they would keep and defend it according to their promise made to the Queen; yet as soon as they were besieged, they required a Truce for twelve houres, at the end whereof they delivered it up to the Lords; and the same day being Sabbath, thankes were publickly returned unto God, and presently the Monuments of Idolatry were demolished, and the rude multitude set fire to the Abbey,Idols destroyed though Master Knox would have prevented it. A poor old woman seeing the five rage so furiously, and run so swiftly,No…e. said, I see that …ods Judgements are just, and no man is able to save where he will destroy; ever since my remembrance this place hath been nothing but a den of Whoremongers: It is incredible to beleeve how many Wives have been adulterated, Popish unc…eannesse.and Virgins deflowred by those filthy beasts, and especially by that wicked man called the Bishop. If all men knew as much as I, they would praise God for this destruction.
The Queen hearing of these proceedings, fearing what might follow, resolved to send some French bands to Striveling, to hinder their coming over the Forth; which the Lords having intelligence of, privately in the night with great expedition possessed themselves of the Town before the French came,The Qu. flies. whereupon the Queen and her party presently left Edenborough, and went to Dunbar. Then did the Protestants march to Edenborough, where also the Monuments of Idolatry were demolished by the rude multitude. Coming thither they wrote to the Q desiring that they might enjoy libertie of their Consciences;They write to the Queen. That Jesus Christ might be truly preached, and the Sacraments duly administered, and that scandalous, and unable Ministers might be removed: But shee returning no answer, the Protestants returned home, the Lords onelyonly staying, who were now called, The Lords of the Congregation.
In the meane time the French being informed hereof,The French match to Ed…nborough. and presuming that they should meet with no resistance, hastened to Edenborough; which the Lords hearing of, called upon God for assistance in that strait. It is true, they might have retired themselves, but then they had exposed the brethren of Edenborough to danger, and therefore they rather resolved to hazard the uttermost extremity.
The French first marched to Leith, and as the Lords were advancing for their assistance, the Townsmen surrendered the Town to the French, without making any resistance; whereupon the Lords retreated to Cragingate, there to oppose the enemy.
Divers Mediators passed to and fro in the meane time to have setled peace, and at last sundry Article were agreed upon, and the Duke of Castleherald, and the Earl of Huntley promised the Lords, that if the Queen brake any one of her Articles, they would forsake her party, and joyn with them. The next day the Lords left Edenborough, and when it was judged dangerous for Master Knox still to abide Minister at Edenborough, Mr. Willock Minister of Edenborough.the brethren requested Mr. Jo. Willock to remain with them, to which hee gladly assented, desiring to make it appear, that he preferred the comfort of the brethren before his own life.
Shortly after open Warre brake forth between the QueenCivil Wars about Religion. Regent, and the Protestants; and the Queen having more French Forces, with Money, and Ordnance sent her, the Scottish Nobility were faigne to send to Queen Elizabeth for aid, and till it came, to retire themselves towards the Highlands for their safety. In the mean time the Queen Regent with her French men went from place to place, plundering, spoyling, and making havock of all without resistance; which so puffed her up with pride, that she boastingly said? Where is now John Knox his God? My God is now stronger then his, The Queens blasphemy.yea even in Fife. But her brags lasted not long: For the Earle of Arrane, and the Lord James, went to Desert, having not above five hundred Horse, and a hundred Foot; whereas the French were above four thousand, besides such Scots as adhered to them; and yet the Protestants skirmished daily with them, sometimes from morning till night, and ever went away with the better, killing four for one; which continued for one and twenty dayes together, during all which time they never put off either clothes or boots: And at the end of that time came into Edenborough Frith a Fleet of the English to assist the Protestants,Qu. Eliz. assists the Protestants. which filled their hearts with joy, and the French with rage and madnesse. Thither came also some Forces by land under the command of the Lord Grey: And after an agreement made with the Scottish Lords, some of the English and Scots attempted to take Leith by storm, and in a cruell conflict some of them gat upon the walls, but the scaling-ladders proving too short, they were not seconded by their fellows, and so after divers hours sight were forced to retire; which the Queen Regent beholding from Edenborough Castle walls, burst out into a great laughter, saying, Now wil I go to Masse and praise God for that which mine eyes have seen. And when the French had stripped the slaine,The Queens pride & cruelty and layd their naked bodyes along their walls, the Queen looking on them said, Yonder are the fairest Tapestries that ever mine eyes beheld; I would that the whole fields which are betwixt Leith and this place were all strewed with the same stuffe. But this joy lasted not long; for a fire kindling in Leith, A speciall providence.many houses, and much of their provision was consumed thereby; and the Queen Regent falling sick,The Qu. dies. shortly after died; whereupon the King of France sent Ambassadors to Queen Eliz. to conclude a peace,Peace concluded. which was effected, and the English and French Armies were drawn out of Scotland, to the great joy of that Nation, insomuch that Thanksgivings for their great deliverance by the help of the English were inserted into their Liturgie. And presently after some Commissioners of the Scottish Nobility were appointed to settle Ministers in their places, by whom Master Knox was setled at Edenborough, M. Knox setled at Edneb.where he preached many excellent Sermons.
Anno Christi 1566 the Earl of Murray being slaine on the Saturday,Earl of Murray slain. Knox preaching at Edenborough the next day, amongst the papers given in of those that desired the prayers of the Church, he found one with these words, Take up the man whom ye accounted another God. His losse bewailed.At the end of his Sermon he bemoaned the losse which the Church and State had by the death of that virtuous man, adding further,A Prophesie. There is one in this companie that makes this horrible murther the subject of his mirth, for which all good men should be sorry, but I tell him hee shall dye where there shall be none to lament him: The man that had written those words was one Thomas Metellan, a young Gentleman of excellent parts, but bearing small affection to the Earle of Murray: He hearing this commination of John Knox, went home to his Sister and said, That John Knox was raving, to speak of he knew not whom. His Sister replyed with tears, If you had taken my advice, you had not written those words; saying further, That none of John Knox his threatnings fell to the ground without effect; and so indeed this came to passe; for shortly after this Gentleman going to travel,Gods judgment on a scoffer. died in Italy, having none to assist, much lesse to lament him.
Towards Master Knox his latter end, his body became very infirm; and his voice so weak that people could not hear him in the ordinary place, wherefore he chose another place wherein he preached upon the history of Christs Passion, with which, he said, It was his desire to close his Ministry. Finding his end near,Preachers pattern. he importuned the Council of the City to provide themselves a worthy man to succeed in his place: Master Iames Lawson Professor in Aberdene was the man pitched upon, and Commissioners were sent from the Church of Edenborough, M. Lawson chosen to succeed him.to request him to accept of the place. Iohn Knox also subscribed that request, adding, Accelera mifrater, alioqui sero venies: Hast my brother, otherwise you will come too late: This made Master Lawson to hasten his journey, and when he was come, he preached twice to the good liking of the people, whereupon order was taken by the Rulers of the Church for his admission, at which time Iohn Knox would needs preach, though very we…k, which also he performed with such servency of spirit, that he was never before heard to preach with such great power, or more content to the hearers. In the end of his Sermon he called God to witnesse, That he had walked in a good conscience with them, His last Sarmon.not seeking to please men, nor serving either his own, or other mens affections, but in all sincerity and truth had preached the Gospel of Christ. He exhorted them in most grave and pithy words to stand fast in the faith they had received;His sincerity. and so having prayed zealously for Gods blessing upon them, and the multiplying of Gods spirit upon their new Pastor, hee gave them his last farewell.
Being conveyed to his lodging, that afternoone he was forced to betake himself to his bed;His last sicknes and was visited by all sorts of persons in his sickness, to whom he spake most comfortably: Amongst others the Earl of Morton came to see him, to whom hee said, My Lord, God hath given you many blessings, Wisdom, Honour, Nobility, Riches, many good and great Friends, His speech to the Lord of Morton.and he is now about to prefer you to the government of of the Realm (the Earl of Marr, the late Regent, being newly dead). In his name I charge you, use these blessings better then formerly you have done, seeking first the glory of God, the furtherance of his Gospel, the maintenance of his Church, and Ministry, and then be carefull of the King to procure his good, and the welfare of the Realm. If you doe thus, God will be with you, and honour you: If otherwise he will deprive you of all these benefits, and your end shall be shame, and ignominy. These speeches the Earl called to mind about nine years after, at the time of his execution,A Prophecy. saying, That he had found John Knox to be a Prophet.
A day or two before Knox's death, he sent for Master David Lindsey, Mr. Lawson, and the Elders and Deacons of the Church, to whom he said, His speech to the Ministers and Elders. Death desired.The time is approaching, which I have long thirsted for, wherein I shall be released from all my cares, and be with my Saviour Christ for ever. And now God is my witnesse whom I have served with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son, that I have taught nothing but the true, and sincere word of God; and that the end that I proposed in my Ministry was, To instruct the ignorant, to confirm the weak, to comfort their consciences who were humbled under the sense of their sins, and born down with the threatings of Gods judgements. I am not ignorant that many have, and doe blame my too great rigour, and severity; but God knoweth that in my heart I never hated those against whom I thundered Gods judgements; I did onelyonly hate their sins, and laboured according to my power to gain them to Christ. That I did forbear none of what condition soever, I did it out of the fear of my God, who hath placed me in the function of his Ministry, and I know will bring me to an account. Now brethren for your selves, I have no more to say, but to warn you that you take heed of the Flock over which God hath placed you Over-seers, which he hath redeemed by the blood of his onelyonly begotten Son. And you Mr. Lawson sight a good fight, do the worke of the Lord with courage, and with a willing mind, and God from Heaven blesse you, and the Church whereof you have the Charge Against it (so long as it continues in the Doctrine of the Truth) the gates of hell shall not prevail. Having thus spoken, and the Elders and Deacons being dismissed, he called the two Preachers to him, and said, His Message to the Laird of Crang.There is one thing that grieveth me exceedingly, you have sometimes seen the courage, and constancy of the Laird of Grang in the cause of God; and now that unhappy man is casting himselfe away; I pray you goe to him from me, and tell him, That unlesse he forsake that wicked course that he is in, the rock wherein he confideth shall not defend him, nor the carnall wisdom of that man whom he counteth halfe a god [which was young Leshington] shall yeeld him help; but he shall be shamefully pulled out of that nest, and his carcass hung before the Sun (meaning the Castle, A Prophesy.which he kept against the Kings Authority) for his soul it is dear to me, and if it were possible, I would faine have him saved. Accordingly they went to him, conferred with him, but could by no means divert him from his course; but as Knox had foretold, so the year after his Castle was taken, and his body was publickly there hanged before the Sun:His preparation for death. Yet at his death he did express serious repentance.
The next day M. Knox gave order for the making of his coffin, Continuing all the day (as he did also through all his sicknesse) in fervent prayer, crying, Come Lord Jesus, Sweet Jesus into thy hands I commend my spirit. Being asked whether his pains were great? he answered, That he did not esteem that a pain which would be to him the end of all troubles, and the beginning of eternall joys. Oft after some deep meditation he used to say,His sayings. Oh serve the Lord in fear, and death shall not be trouble some to you; blessed is the death of those that have part in the death of Jesus.
The night before his death, he slept some hours with great unquietnesse, often sighing and groaning, whereupon when he awakened, the standers by asked him how he did, and what it was that made him mourn so heavily? to whom he answered, In my life time I have been assulted with Temptations from Sathan,His tentations. and he hath oft cast my sins into my teeth to drive me to despair, yet God gave me strength to overcome all his Temptations: But now the subtill serpent takes another course, and seeks to perswade me, that all my labours in the Ministry, and the fidelity that I have shewed in that service hath merited heaven and immortality:His faith. But blessed be God that brought to my minde these Scriptures, What hast thou that thou hast not received? And, Not I, but the grace of God in me; with which he is gone away ashamed, and shall no more return: And now I am sure that my battel is at an end, and that without pain of body, or trouble of spirit, I shall shortly change this mortall, and miserable life, with that happy and immortall life that shall never have an end. After which one praying by his bed, having made an end, asked him, if he heard the prayer? Yea, said he, and would to God that all present had heard it with such an ear and heart as I have done: Adding, Lord Jesus receive my spirit: With which words, without any motion of hands or feet, His death.as one falling asleep rather then dying, he ended his life.
Never was man more observant of the ture and just authority of Church-Rulers according to the word of God,His care for Church-Discipline. and the practise of the purest Primitive times: He alwayes pressed due Obedience from the People to the faithfull Pastors, and Elders of the Church. He died Anno Christi 1572. and of his age 62. Men of all ranks were present at his Buriall: The Earl of Murray, when the Corps was put into the ground, said,Murrays speech. Here lies the body of him who in his life time never feared the face of any man.
Script a reliquit, ad Londinenses, & alios.His works. Ad Evangeli… professores. Qualiter sit Orandum. In Psalmum ad matrem. Contra missam Papisticam. Doctrinale Missaticum. De fide Eucharistiae. Ad Ecclesias afflictas. Ad Scotiae Reginam Mariam. Consilium in Angustiis. Buccinae afflatum primum. Appellationem a sententia Cleri. Ad populares Scotiae, In Genesin consciones, et alia quaedam.
He was a man not lesse learned then endued with vertue;His character. a constant Preacher of the Truth, and a valiant defendor of the same through his whole life. His zeal▪ learning and courage did notably appeare in this example. Anno Christi 1550 he was called before Tonstal Bishop of Durham, and his Doctors to give an account of his opinion about the Masse, where preaching before them,His courage. he did so sharply taxe their Idolatries, and Blasphemies, and by such solid arguments confute the same, that his adversaries were silenced, and had not wherewithall to reply against him.