George Wishart
Today is the anniversary of the martyrdom of George Wishart. Burnt at the stake in St Andrews on this day 1546. George Wishart was a mentor and close friend of John Knox, who actually became his bodyguard and carried a two handed sword for Wishart’s protection. Wishart preached throughout Scotland before finally being arrested and taken to St Andrews castle where he was held in the notorious Bottle Dungeon. Put on trial he was found guilty of heresy and sentenced to death by fire. These are some of his last words from the stake:
“For preaching that Gospel, I am now to suffer, and I suffer gladly for the Redeemer’s sake. Should any of you be called on to endure persecution, fear not them who can destroy the body, for they cannot slay the soul. Most falsely have I been accused of teaching that the soul shall sleep after death till the last day; I believe my soul shall sup with my Saviour this night. I beseech you, brethren and sisters, exhort your prelates to acquaint themselves with the Word of God, so that they may be ashamed to do evil and learn to do good; for if they will not turn from their sinful way, the wrath of God shall fall upon them suddenly, and they shall not escape.”
Learn more about his life, and the lives of other reformers on a Scottish Reformation Tour.