274i THE PORTRAITS OF JOHN KNOX. (quondam Papist) Cliurcli conceded him ; where for about three years, not continuous, but twice or oftener interrupted by journeys to Dieppe, and, almost one whole year, by a visit to Scotland, he, loyally aided by one Goodman, an English colleague or assistant, preached and administered to his pious and otherwise forlorn Exiles, greatly to their comfort, as is still evident. In Scotland (November 1555 — July 1556) he laboured incessantly, kindhng the general Pro- testant mind into new zeal and new clearness of resolve for action, when the time should come. He had many private conferences in Edinburgh ; much preaching, publicly in various towns, offcener privately, in well-affected mansions of the aristocracy ; and saw plainly the incipient filaments of what by and by became so famous and so all-important, as the National
- Covenant ' and its ' Lords of the Congregation.' His
Marjory Bowes, in the meanwhile, he had wedded. Marjory's pious mother and self were to be with him henceforth, — over seas at Geneva, first of all. For summons, in an earnest and even solemn tone, coming to him from his congregation there, he at once pre- pared to return ; quitted Scotland, he and his ; leaving
