The next morning he was conducted to the Castle-hill at Edinburgh, when,
being chained to the stake, and the fagots lighted, he cheerfully
resigned up his soul into the hands of him who gave it, in full
assurance of receiving a crown of glory in the heavenly mansions.

The last who suffered martyrdom in Scotland, for the cause of Christ,
was one Walter Mill, who was burnt at Edinburgh in the year 1558.

This person, in his younger years, had travelled into Germany, and on
his return was installed a priest of the church of Lunan in Angus, but,
on an information of heresy, in the time of cardinal Beaton, he was
forced to abandon his charge and abscond. But he was soon apprehended,
and committed to prison.

Being interrogated by Sir Andrew Oliphant, whether he would recant his
opinions, he answered in the negative, saying, He would sooner forfeit
ten thousand lives, than relinquish a particle of those heavenly
principles he had received from the suffrages of his blessed Redeemer.

In consequence of this, sentence of condemnation was immediately passed
on him, and he was conducted to prison in order for execution the
following day.

This steadfast believer in Christ was eighty-two years of age, and
exceedingly infirm; from whence it was supposed, that he could scarcely
be heard. However, when he was taken to the place of execution, he
expressed his religious sentiments with such courage, and at the same
time composure of mind, as astonished even his enemies. As soon as he
was fastened to the stake, and the fagots lighted, he addressed the
spectators as follows:

The cause why I suffer this day is not for any crime, (though I
acknowledge myself a miserable sinner) but only for the defence of the
truth as it is in Jesus Christ; and I praise God who hath called me, by
his mercy, to seal the truth with my life; which, as I received it from
him, so I willingly and joyfully offer it up to his glory. Therefore, as
you would escape eternal death, be no longer seduced by the lies of the
seat of Antichrist: but depend solely on Jesus Christ, and his mercy,
that you may be delivered from condemnation. And then added, "That he
trusted he should be the last who would suffer death in Scotland upon a
religious account."

Thus did this pious christian cheerfully give up his life, in defence of
the truth of Christ's gospel, not doubting but he should be made a
partaker of his heavenly kingdom.

CHAPTER XII.

PERSECUTIONS I