Page:History of the Cathedral, or High Church of Glasgow (1).pdf/17

 17 close an unrivalled landscape. About the year 1524, and while Gavin Dnnbar held possession of the See. the City of Glasgow was witness to one of these shock- ing executions on account of religion which at that time disgraced the country. Two persons here fell victims of the persecution of the priests, Viz: J. Russell a Grey Friar, seemingly more enlightened than his brethern, and John Kennedy, from the County of Ayr, scarcely exceeding 13 years of age. After a mock trial, they were found guilty of being enemies to the Church, and delivered over to the secular power, to see the dreadful sentence of the flames put in execution ! — When near the stake, Russell a man of un- common fortitude, addressed his fellow- sufferer bidding him not to fear; for though the pain they were about to suffer was acute yet it was of short duration, and led the way to everlasting happiness. They suffered at the East end of the Cathedral Church, but fortunately were the only persons sacrificed at that time here through the huminity of Archbishop Dunbar who was averse to their execution but was at last forced to acquiesce. being himself threatened by the other Judges who sat on the trial.