than was Master Overton. Scarcely
even did John Foxe surpass him. I have said little of that good
minister. He had now obtained, we heard, a church in Wiltshire; and
frequently Master Gresham used to send him money wherewith he might help
his poorer neighbours. When Master Overton heard of the proposed
preaching, he seconded Aveline's wish to be allowed to go and hear it.

"I will accompany her myself," he said.

Sir Thomas no longer objected; and it was arranged that we should set
out the following morning, in time to secure a place near the preacher
in the cathedral. Although Margery could not understand what was said,
she also begged leave to accompany her mistress. We thus formed a
considerable party when we entered the cathedral. We found Herman Modet
ready to ascend the pulpit, round which were piled up the various
articles which had been broken off the images. Already a considerable
number of people had collected within the building, and soon after we
entered, vast numbers kept pouring in, till the whole edifice was
crowded. Just then a body of magistrates appeared in their official
garments, headed by Vesembeck, who again appealed to the preacher to
abandon his intentions. Earnestly as he pleaded, warning the minister
of the danger which might occur, he did so without effect. All Herman
Modet would agree to was to shorten his address, and, supported by the
people, he refused to agree to any other arrangement.

At length, completely discomfited, those of the magistrates who were
Roman Catholics withdrew, while the remainder stopped to listen to the
preacher. Ascending the pulpit, in a sonorous voice he gave forth a
psalm, the words and air of which were well-known to the vast assemblage
below. Hitherto a low murmur had alone been heard throughout the
building. But now, many thousand voices swelled up together to the
praise of Him who came on earth to die for man--the just for the unjust,
that all, by trusting in Him, might have everlasting life. I have not
space to give all the sermon, though I made notes of it at the time. It
was eloquent, fervent, and convincing. I cannot fancy that any
right-minded Romanists, inquiring for the truth, could have heard it and
yet not have yielded to its arguments. I should rather say, that it is
surprising that they could resist them. Yet there were, I know, many
Romanists there who, though perhaps moved at the moment, went away
retaining their former opini