t
a shadow, as thy prophets and apostles have shewed us, but yet we desire
thee, merciful Father, that thou wouldst preserve, defend and help thy
congregation, which thou hast chosen from before the foundation of the
world, and give them thy grace to hear thy word, and to be thy true
servants in this present life."

After this, the common people were removed until their definitive
sentence should be pronounced, which being so similar to Mr. Hamilton's,
need not be here inserted. This being done, he was re-committed to the
castle for that night; in his way thither, two friars came to him
requesting him to make his confession to them, which he refused, but
desired them to bring Mr. Wirnam who had preached that day, to him; who
being come, after some discourse with Mr. Wishart, he asked him, If he
would receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper? Mr. Wishart answered,
"Most willingly, if I may have it administered according to Christ's
institution, under both kinds, of bread and wine." Hereupon the
sub-prior went to the bishops, and asked, If they would permit the
sacrament to be given to the prisoner? But the cardinal, in all their
names, answered, That it was not reasonable to give any spiritual
benefit to an obstinate heretic condemned by the church.

All this night Mr. Wishart spent in prayer, and next morning the captain
of the castle gave him notice that they had denied him the sacrament,
and at the same time invited him to breakfast with him, which Mr.
Wishart accepted, saying, "I will do that very willingly, and so much
the rather, because I perceive you to be a good Christian, and a man
fearing God." All things being ready, and the family assembled to
breakfast, Mr. Wishart turning himself to the captain, said, "I beseech
you, in the name of God, and for the love ye bear to our Saviour Jesus
Christ, to be silent a little while, till I have made a short
exhortation, and blessed this bread which we are to eat, so that I may
bid you farewel." The table being covered and bread let upon it, he
spake about the space of half an hour, of the institution of the supper,
and of our Saviour's death and passion, exhorting those who were present
to mutual love and holiness of life. Then, giving thanks, he brake the
bread, distributing a part to those about him, who were disposed to
communicate, intreating them to remember that Christ died for them, and
to feed on it spiritually; then taking the cup, he bade them remember
that