hing of the Gospel. He finished
his work, a great work, while he was yet a young man. His enemies burned
him at the stake, in 1546, for his faith in Jesus Christ.]
George Wishart arose at this time in the spirit and majesty of the Lord
Jesus Christ, and displayed the banner of truth with an invincible
faith. His heart was true, pure, fresh, and fragrant as the heart of a
rosebud, through the indwelling Spirit of God. His life was wonderfully
attractive. His eloquence was seraphic; his lips had been touched with a
live coal from the altar of God; his soul was aflame with the Gospel. He
was animated with transfiguring revelations of Christ and His redeeming
truth. He was a burning and shining light. The light he shed was too
bright to last long in those dangerous times. The cardinal, prelates,
and priests consulted for his overthrow. He fell suddenly into their
hands and his death was decreed. To the stake he was hurried where the
flames once more did their work, and another faithful soul appeared
before the Throne, washed in the blood of the Lamb, and arrayed in a
white robe, rejoicing in the victory won through Jesus Christ. At the
stake his executioner begged forgiveness. Wishart kissed his cheek,
saying, "Go, here is a token that I forgive thee; do thine office." One
standing near said to him, "Be of good courage." He replied, "This fire
torments my body, but in no way abates my spirit." This execution was in
1546.
The success of life is not measured by the years we live, but by
loyalty to Jesus Christ and service in the Gospel; the might of our
faith, the healthiness of the soul, the greatness of the heart, and the
intensity of the light shining from a character radiant with the
presence and glory of Jesus Christ.
Are we every day trying to make our lives rich, radiant, successful, and
certain of reward, through earnest effort to bring others into the
possession of the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
* * * * *
POINTS FOR THE CLASS.
1. What was Scotland's condition when over-ridden by the Roman religion?
2. How was the true Church kept alive?
3. Describe the sufferings endured by the witnesses of Jesus.
4. Give the death scene of John Resby, Paul Craw, Patrick Hamilton,
Helen Stark, George Wishart.
5. How may the study of the martyrs' lives purify, strengthen, and
ennoble our lives?
IV.
KNOX IN THE FIELD OF CONFLICT.--A.D. 1547.
"The blood o
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