The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

but rather, that he plainly declareth, That evil should not be done, that good might come of it. Evil it was for Paul to confirm those obstinate Jews in their Superstition by his example;¹ worse it was to him to expose himself and the Doctrine which before he had taught to slander and mockage. And therefore concluded the said John, That the fact of Paul, and the sequel that thereof followed, appeared rather to fight against them that would go to the Mass, then to give unto them any assurance to follow his example; unless that they would that the like trouble should instantly apprehend them, that apprehended him for obeying worldly-wise counsel. After these, and like reasonings,² the Mass began to be abhorred of such as before used it for the fashion and avoiding of slander (as then they termed it) John Knox, at request of the Laird of Dun, followed him to his place of Dun, where he remained a month, daily exercised in Preaching, whereunto resorted the principal men of that country. After this returning, his residence was most in Calder, whither repaired unto him, the Lord Erskine, the Earle of Argyle, then Lord of Lorn, and Lord James, then Prior of S. Andrews, and after Earle of Moray, where they heard, and so approved his Doctrine, that they wished it to have been public. That same Winter he taught commonly in Edinburgh, and after Christmas, by the conduct of the Laird of Bar, and Robert Campbell of Kingieancleuch, he came to Kyle, and taught in the Bar, in the house of the Ca•nell, in the Kingieancleuch, in the Town of Air, and in the houses of Uchiltrie and Gathgirth, and in some of them he ministered the Lords Table. Before Easter the Earl of Glencarne sent for him to his place of Fynlaston, where after Sermon, he also ministered the Lords Table. Whereof besides himself, were partakers, his Lady, two of his sons, and certain of his friends. And so returned he to Calder, where divers from Edinburgh, and from the Country about, assembled, as well for the Doctrine, as for the right use of the Lords Table, which before they had never practised.

but rather, that he plainely declareth, That evil should not be done, that good might come of it. Evil it was for Paul to confirme those obstinate Jewes in their Superstition by his example;¹