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.