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13 trial where a man is judged by his enemies, and those of the most bigetted and merciless kind, war conducted, though with little justice, with a vast deal of ceremony, with the view of impressing the beholders with awe, and of shrouding in splendid forms and solemn etiquette the presence of iniquity and malice.

On the morning of the trial the Cardinal's men at arms were ordered to attend in their most war-like array, armed with spears, and clothed in armour. They escorted ihe bishops and priests who went in procession to the Abbey Church, the place appointed for Wishart's trial. When these dignitaries had taken their places, Wishart was sent for, and conveyed to the church by the Captain of the Castle in which he had been confined. As he entered the door, a poor decrepid old man solicited him for alms. Wishart paused a moment, flung him his purse, and passed on. The proceedings of the council were opened by a long sermon from John Windram, dean of St. Andrews; who, amongst other things, enforced the necessity of putting down heretics with the "sword of the spirit;" that they ought not to be permitted to live, but should be delivered over when ever they were found to the arm of the civil law. When Windram had concluded, a miscreant of the name of John Lather stood forward, and read from a long roll the different points of accusation against Wishart. When these were ended, he dropped upon his knees, addressed a short and silent prayer to the Almighty, then rising he modestly but firmly entered in the discussion of his doctrines, and of the charges brought against him: a privilege which his judges were at first for denying him, saying amongst themselves, “If we give him leave to preach, he is so exercised in the