Scotland/Scots > Life of John Knox ; and, The life of Alexander Henderson

134
LIFE OF JOHN KNOX.
occasion to expose the enormous corruptions which had
been introduced into the church, under the papacy, and
to point out what was incumbent upon Christians, in
their different spheres, for removing them. On the three
following days he preached in the same place; and such
was the influence of his doctrine, that the provost,
bailies, and inhabitants, harmoniously agreed to set up
the reformed worship in the town: the church was
stripped of images and pictures, and the monasteries pul¬
led down.
The example of St. Andrews was quickly followed in
other parts of the kingdom; and, in the course of a few
weeks, at Crail, at Cupar, at Lindores, at Stirling, at
Linlithgow, and at Edinburgh, the houses of the monks
were overthrown, and all the instruments which had
been employed to foster idolatry and image-worship were
destroyed.
These proceedings were celebrated in the singular
lays which were at that time circulated among the re¬
formers.
His cardinalles hes cause to mourne.
His bishops are borne a backe;
His abbots gat an uncouth turne.
When shavellinges went to sacke.
With burges wifes they led their lives.
And fare better than wee.
Hay trix, trim goe trix, under the greene wod-tree.
His Carmelites and Jacobinis,
His Dominikes had great adoe;
His Cordeilier and Augustines,
Sanct Francis’s ordour to;
The siilie friers, mony yeiris
With babiing bleerit our ee.
Hay trix, &c.
Had not your self began theweiris,
Your stepillis had bene standand yit j
11 was the flattering of your friers
That ever gart Sanct Francis flit.
Ye grew sa superstitious
In wickednesse.
11 gart us grow malicious
Contrair your messe.