The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

The Prayer of Master George Wischarde. O Immortal God, how long shalt thou suffer the rage and great crudelitie of the ungodly, to exercise their fury upon thy servants which do further thy Word in this world, seeing they desire to do the contrary; That is, to choke and destroy thy true Doctrine and Verity, by the which thou hast showed thee unto the world which was all drowned in blindness and misknowledge of thy Name. O Lord, we know surely that thy true servants must needs suffer for thy Names sake, persecution, affliction, and troubles in this present life, which is but a shadow, as thou hast showed to us by thy Prophets and Apostles. But yet we desire thee (merciful Father) that thou wouldst conserve, defend, and help thy congregation, which thou hast chosen before the beginning of the world, and give them thy grace to hear thy Word, and to be thy true servants in this present life.

The Prayer of Master George Wischarde. O Immortall God, how long shalt thou suffer the rage and great crudelitie of the ungodly, to exercise their fury upon thy servants which doe further thy Word in this world, seeing they desire to do the contrary; That is, to choke and destroy thy true Doctrine and Veritie, by the which thou hast shewed thee unto the world which was all drowned in blindnesse and misknowledge of thy Name. O Lord, we know surely that thy true servants must needs suffer for thy Names sake, persecution, affliction, and troubles in this present life, which is but a shadow, as thou hast shewed to us by thy Prophets and Apostles. But yet we desire thee (mercifull Father) that thou wouldst conserve, defend, and help thy congregation, which thou hast chosen before the beginning of the world, and give them thy grace to heare thy Word, and to be thy true servants in this present life.

Then by and by they caused the common people to remove, whose desire was always to hear that Innocent man speak. Then the sons of darkness pronounced their sentence definitive, not having respect to the Judgement of God. When all this was done and said, the Cardinal causeth his tormentors to pass again with the meek Lamb unto the Castle, until such time as the fire was made ready. When he was come into the Castle, then there came two fiends, two grey-Friars, Friar Scot and his mate, saying, Sir, you must make your confession unto us. He answered, I will make no confession: Go fetch me yonder man that preached unto us this day, and I will confer with him. Then they sent for the Sub-prior of the Abbey, who came to him with all diligence. And conferred with him a pretty while, at last burst forth in tears, but so soon as he was able to speak, he asked him, If he would receive the Communion; Master Wischarde answered, He would most willingly, if he could have it according to Christs institution under both kinds. The Sub-prior went to the Cardinal and his Prelates, he told them, That Master Wischarde was an innocent man; which he said, not to intercede for his life; but to make known the innocency of the man unto all men, as it was known to God. At these words the Cardinal was angry, and said to the Sub-Prior, Long ago we knew what you were; Then the Sub-Prior demanded, Whether they would suffer M. Wischarde to receive the Communion or no; They answered, No. A while after M. Wischarde had ended with the Sub-Prior, the Captain of the Castle, with some other friends, came to him, and asked him; If he would break fast with them; He answered, Most willingly, for I know you to be most honest and godly men; So all being ready, he desired them to sit down, and hear him a while with patience; Then he discoursed to them about half an hour concerning the Lords Supper, his Sufferings and Death for us; He exhorteth them to love one another, laying aside all rancour, envy, and vengeance as perfect members of Christ, who intercedes continually for us to God the Father. After this he gave thanks, and blessing the Bread and Wine, he took the Bread and brake it, and gave to every one of it, bidding each of them, Remember that Christ had died for them, and feed on it spiritually So taking the Cup, he bade them, Remember that Christs blood was