He was among those who had fallen under the spell of George Wishart’s words.
It’s clear to see that Knox seems to have never had any inclination to be a leader in the Reformation. As he arrives onto the scene, he seems to be quite content being Wishart’s bodyguard. Soon enough, Cardinal David Beaton gave arrest orders for his hero in 1546. Knox still followed Wishart wherever he went. Before his arrest, Wishart told Knox to depart form his presence, and to save himself. Knox unwillingly gave up his position as Wishart’s bodyguard, hanging Wishart the sword that Knox, himself, once carried. Wishart was found guilty of heresy, and punished by strangulation and burning. Shortly after Cardinal Beaton killed Wishart, a group of about sixteen of his supporters assassinated him. Jones notes, “Knox was not privy to the murder, but he approved of it wholeheartedly on the principle that God often allows evil men to mediate punishment.” The motley cru grew, as others came to join their forces in defending the castle of St. Andrews. Some those who came were: Sir James Kirkcandy along with his sons and retainers, Sir John Melville of Raith, and John Rough. Rough assumed the position of