PATRICK HAMILTON, 1504-1528
The Stephen of Scotland
The First Preacher and Martyr of the Scottish Reformation
By Joe Carvalho
AD Publications. 204 pages. £10.77
Available from http://www.patrick-hamilton.co.uk
To stand near the very spot where Patrick Hamilton was martyred outside St. Salvator’s Chapel in St. Andrews, Scotland, is a moving experience. But to learn from the pages of this book of his steadfast courage and uncompromised testimony at the stake despite appalling pain is both challenging and humbling.
Hamilton was born into a privileged family in 1504 and we learn much in these pages of the history of Scotland. More importantly, Joe Carvalho traces his subject’s gradual spiritual enlightenment as he studied first in Paris and later in Germany, where he met some of the great heroes of the Reformation, including Luther, Melanchthon and Tyndale.
Still only 23, Hamilton returned to Scotland in 1527, his heart aflame with zeal to bring Reformation light to his own country, steeped as it was in darkness and religious superstition. The forceful young reformer was soon arrested, subjected to a farcical trial and condemned. His martyrdom in 1528 illustrates the ferocity of Satanic opposition to the truth, the hatred of religious leaders towards anyone prepared to challenge error, but also the unstoppable repercussions springing from such a death, which would lead to a radical reformation of the Scottish church.
Originally written in Portuguese, this present work is somewhat stilted in style, suggesting that it has suffered in translation. It is also marred by a streak of Scottish nationalism. Some historical errors are worrying: Henry VIII’s sister Margaret was not the mother of Queen Mary Tudor as stated (p.23). She was the daughter of Henry’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
Despite these defects, this work reminds us forcefully of the cost of loyalty to the truth of Scripture and its ultimate rewards. May it fortify us in our own testimony to remain firm, even if it involves suffering for Christ.
