Page:Life of John Knox (2).pdf/4

4. Hugh Douglas of Langniddrie, and John Cockburn of Ormiston, whom he instructed in the principles of the Reformed religion, as well as the different branches of ordinary education. He catechised them publicly, and regularly read and explained a chapter of the bible, so that not only the families who employed him, but the people in the neighbourhood, had the advantage of his instruction. He was not long suffered to continue his lectures in this way, for Cardinal Beatoun, and the clergy of the Romish Church, alarmed lest he should draw others after him, were anxious to get rid of such an adversary, and employed every means in their power to destroy him; but in the midst of his cruelties, the Cardinal himself was suddenly cut off. A small but determined band, animated by a desire to deliver their country from oppression, formed a conspiracy against his life, and on the 29th of May, 1546, seized St. Andrews Castle, in which he then resided, and put him to death.

The death of Beatoun, however, did not free Knox from persecution, for he was frequently obliged to conceal himself, and to fly from place to place, to avoid falling into the hands of his enemies. At last, wearied of persecution, he determined to leave Scotland and visit Germany; but the lairds of Langniddrie and Ormiston prevailed on him to take refuge, along with their sons, in the castle of St. Andrews, which was still held by the conspirators. He accordingly entered the castle, and conducted the education of his pupils in his usual way. In the chapel within the castle, he read to them his lectures on the scriptures, and catechised them in the parish church.

During the few months he preached at St. Andrews, his labours were so successful, that, besides those in the castle, many of the inhabitants of the town renounced Popery, professed the Protestant faith, and