Chapter XXIX: Front Matter (29)

Another he had who was heir to his father's graces and blessings, and this was Mr. Josias Welch minister at Temple patrick in the north of Ireland, commonly called the Cock of the conscience by the people of that country, because of his extraordinary awakening and rouzing gift: He was one of that blest society of ministers, which wrought that unparallelled work in the north of Ireland, about the year 1636 but was himself a man most sadly exercised with doubts about his own salvation all his time, and would ordinarily say, That minister was much to be pitied, who was called to comfort weak saints, and had no comfort himself. He died in his youth, and left for his successor, Mr. John Welch minister in Irongray in Galloway, the place of his grandfather's nativity. What business this made in Scotland, in the time of the late episcopal persecution, for the space of twenty years, is known to all Scotland. He maintained his dangerous post of preaching the gospel upon the mountains of Scotland notwithstanding of the threatenings of the state, the hatred of the bishops, the price set upon his head, and all the fierce industry of his cruel enemies. It is well known that bloody Claverhouse upon secret information from his spies, that Mr. John Welch was to be found in some lurking place at forty miles distance, would make all that long journey in one winter's night, that he might catch him, but when he came he missed always his prey. I never heard of a man that endured more toil, adventured upon more, or escaped to much hazard, not in the world. He used to tell his friends who counselled him to be more cautious, and not to hazard himself so much, That he firmly believed dangerous undertakings would be his security, and that whenever he should give over that course and retire himself, his ministry should come to an end; which accordingly came to pass, for when, after the battle of Bothwel bridge, he retired to London, the Lord called him by death, and there he was honourably interred, not far from the king's palace.

[51] With Mr. Welch other five godly ministers was banished for the same cause, viz. John Forbes, who went to Middleburgh, to the English staple there, Robert Dury, who went to Holland, and was minister to the Scots congregation in Lyden, John Sharp, who became minister and professor of divinity at Die in the Delphinate, where he wrote Carlus Theologeous, &c. and Andrew Duncan and Alexander Strachan, who in about a year got liberty to return into their former places. Calderwood's history, page ult.

[52] Fulfilling of the scripture, part 1st, page 450.

[53] This was the famous Leighton doctor of divinity in the two universities of St. Andrews and Leyden, who, for writing of Zion's plea against prelacy, was apprehended at London by two ruffians, and brought before arch bishop Laud, who sentenced him (besides a fine of 10,000 pounds) to be tied to a stake, and receive thirty-six stripes with a triple cord, and then to stand two hours in the pillory (which he did in a cold winter night), and then to have his ear cut, his face fired and his nose slit; and the same to be repeated that day seven night, and his other ear cut off, with the slitting of the other side of his nose and burning his other cheek; all which was done with the utmost rigour, and then he was sent prisoner to the fleet, where he continued, till upon a petition to the parliament in 1640, he was released, and got for his reparation a vote of 6000 pounds, which it is said was never paid, and made warden of that prison wherein he had been so long confined, but through infirmity and bad treatment he did not long survive, being then seventy two years of age. See this more at length in Stevenson's history, vol. 30, page 948.

[54] Livingston's memorable characters, page 74.

[55] By the calculation of Mr. Livingston's account he behoved to be only 75 years of age; but Mr Calderwood makes him 77; and says he had an honourable burial, being accompanied with four or five thousand people to the grave. Vide his history, page 818.

[56] Mr. Blair says, that he told him, that for three years he durst not say, my God, and that his conscience smote him for the same.--Blair's memoirs, page 39.

[57] About this time the king created one marquis, ten earls, two viscounts and eight lords, and while he was in Scotland he dubbed fifty-four knights on different occasions. See Crawford's peerage, &c.

[58] This minister is supposed to have been Mr. Rutherford, who was by some said to be the author of that pamphlet, intitled, The last and heavenly speech, &c. of John Viscount of Kenmuir.

[59] It would appear from the date of the last of Mr. Rutherford's letters to this noble lady, that she lived till or a little after the restoration.

[60] Mr. Livingston in his memorable Characteristicks, last edition.

[61] See Stevenson's history of church and state, vol. II. page 234.

[62] Bailey's letters, &c. page 587.

[63] See these articles in the history of church and state, vol. II. p. 745. and the civil wars of Great Britain, p. 20, &c.

[64] At that time the assembly sat in king Henry VIII's chapel, and when the weather grew cooler, in Jerusalem chamber, a spacious room in Westminster abbey. The prolocutor, Dr. Twisse, had a chair set at the upper hand, a foot higher than the earth; before it stood two chairs for Dr. Burgess and Mr. White assessors: before these stood a table where Mr. Byfield and Mr. Roborough, the two scribes sat; upon the prolocutor's right hand sat the Scots commissioners; on the left hand the English divines to the number of about 118, whereof about two thirds only attended close. They met every day of the week, except Saturday, six or seven hours at a time, and began and ended with prayer.

[65] Such as the author of the appendix to Spotswood's history, and others.

[66] Mr. Henderson's monument was afterwards repaired, as it now stands intire a little to the westward of the church. On one side the inscription begins with these words,

_Hanc quisquis urnam transiens, &c._

On another side it begins,

_Qui contra grassantes per fraudem et tyrannidem._

And the English inscription on a third side--

Reader, bedew thine eyes
Not for the dust here lies,
It quicken shall again,
And aye in joy remain:
But for thyself, the church and state
Whose woe this dust prognosticates.

The fourth side of the urn has no inscription.

[67] Mr. Bailey in his speech to the general assembly, 1647.

[68] It appears that he was also chaplain to the viscount Kenmuir about the year 1634.

[69] Such as our catechisms, directory for worship, form of church-government, and when the confession of faith was about to be compiled, they added to our Scots commissioners Dr. Gouge, D. Hoyt, Mr. Herle the prolocutor, (Dr. Twisse being then dead), Mr. Gataker, Mr. Tuckney, Mr Reynold's and Mr. Reeves, who prepared materials for that purpose.

[70] Mr. Bailey in his letters.

[71] See the preface to Stevenson's history.

[72] Although patronage be a yoke upon the neck of the church, which neither we nor our fathers were able to bear, contrary to Acts i. 13, &c. vi. 6. xiv. 23. 2. Cor. viii. 19. the practice of the primitive church, reason and the natural rights of mankind, yet in the beginning of our reformation from popery, it was somewhat more tolerable (not to say necessary) than now, when there were few ministers, the people but just emerging out of gross darkness, and our noblemen and gentlemen then being generally not only pious religious men, but also promoters of our reformation (the quite contrary of which is the case at present); and yet our wise reformers, while in an advancing state, made several acts both in church and state as barriers against this increasing evil, and never rested until by an Act of Parliament 1649, they got it utterly abolished. Soon after the restoration this act among others was declared null, and patronage in its full force restored, which continued till the revolution, when its form was changed, by taking that power from patrons and lodging it in the hands of such heritors and elders as were qualified by law. But as if this had not been enough, to denude the people of that right purchased to them by the blood of Christ, patronage was, in its extent, by act of parliament 1712, restored, and is now universally practiced with as bad circumstances as ever.----And yet it is to be feared after all, that there are many now-a-days, more irritated and chagrined at this evil, because it more sensibly crosses their own inclination, then because it is an usurpation upon the church of Christ, else they would give a more ample testimony against the other branches of those incroachments made upon Christ's crown and royal dignity. These who would see more of the evil consequences of patronage, and popular elections vindicated, may consult _Rectius instruendum_; Park upon patronage; the suffrages of the people; the full vindication of the people's right, &c. a plea for the church of Scotland against patronage; the candid inquiry; and an attempt to prove every species of patronage foreign to the nature of the church, &c.

[73] And may we not tremble and be afraid of the same judgments? for how applicable is this to out case in Scotland at present, wherein these our national vows and covenants are not only slighted and neglected, yea flouted at by many in this profane generation, but even some having a more seeming zeal for religion, stand not to argue and say, "That although these covenants were binding on our forefathers who made and took them, yet they can be no way obligatory on us who were never personally engaged therein." But let such for certainty know, that as these solemn vows have their foundation in scripture, Numb. xxx. 7. Deut. v. 3. Josh. xxiv. 25. Psal. lxxvi. 11. Isa. xix. 18. Jer l. 5. Gal. iii. 15. The duties engaged to therein being purely theological and moral, they must have respect unto all circumstances and periods of time, and besides their form being _formalis ratio_, _i.e._ formal reason, and the action solemn, the majesty of heaven being both a party and witness therein, the obligation must be perpetual, which no mortal on earth can lawfully dispense with, and so shall bind and oblige all Scotsmen under penalty of breach of God's covenant while sun and moon endure.

[74] See the forementioned letter and note in a pamphlet intitled, Some predictions or prophecies of our Scots Worthies, &c., from page 20 &c.

[75] This protestation had been given in a little before this, to a meeting of ministers in the little kirk of Edinburgh. See Calderwood's history, page 675.

[76] See his own history, page {illegible}32.

[77] Mr. Calderwood gave in a protest against the assembly 1649, for enabling the directory for election of ministers, which protest was not given in, so favours of patronage, as the author of the modest inquiry would insinuate, for Mr. Calderwood in his _Altare Damascenum_ hath affirmed once and again, in the strongest terms, the people's right to choose their own pastor.

[78] This gentleman entered advocate in the year 1648, and was, by the Protector, made one of the judges of the session in the year 1657, and became president in the year 1681. In the year 1682, he had to retire to Holland: in 1689, he was restored to his office, and in 1690, was created a viscount. He wrote the institutions of the law of Scotland, and also published a system of physic greatly valued at that time, with a book intitled, a vindication of the divine attributes, in which there is discovered great force of argument and sound knowledge.

[79] It is said that the presbyterians and independents being on a certain time to dispute before Cromwell, while he was in Scotland, in or about Glasgow, whereat Mr. Binning being present, managed the points controverted, that he not only non plussed Cromwell's ministers, but even put them to shame, which, after the dispute, made Oliver ask the name of that learned and bold young man, and being told his name was Mr. Hugh Binning, he said, He hath bound well indeed, but clapping his hand on his sword, said, This will loose all again.

[80] According to the date of his exhortations at Kirkliston, June 11th. 1653, and his letter to lord Warriston, when on his death-bed affixed to his select sermons, dated Feb. 7, 1656, it should appear, if both be authentic, that he was at least two years and a half in the ministry.

[81] It appears that Mr Gray was some short time married to that worthy young gentlewoman, who afterward was married to Mr. George Hutcheson sometime minister of the gospel at Irvine.

[82] See these overtures at large in the account of his life prefixed in his commentary on the Revelation.

[83] See his letters, part iii. letter 27.

[84] See Stevenson's history, vol. 1. page 149. Rowe's history, page 295.

[85] It is reported, that when King Charles saw _lex rex_ he said, it would scarcely ever get an answer; nor did it ever get any, except what the parliament in 1661 gave it, when they caused to be burnt at the cross of Edinburgh, by the hands of the hangman.

[86] See his letter to Col. Gib, Ker, part II. letter 59.

[87] Betwixt this toleration and that of the duke of York there was this difference; in this all sects and religions were tolerated, except popery and prelacy; but in that of York these two were only tolerated, and all others except those who professed true presbyterian covenanted principles; and as for Queen Ann's toleration, it was nothing else than a reduplication upon this to restore their beloved {illegible} prelacy again.

[88] It is commonly said, that when the summons came he spoke out of his bed and said, Tell them I have got summons already before a superior judge and judicatory, and I behove to answer my last summons, and ere your day come I will be where few kings and great folks come. When they returned and told he was a-dying, the parliament put to a vote, Whether or not to let him die in the college. It carried, Put him out, only a few dissenting. My lord Burleigh said, Ye have voted that honest man out of the college, but ye cannot vote him out of heaven. Some said, He would never win there, hell was too good for him. Burleigh said, I wish I were as sure of heaven as he is, I would think myself happy to get a grip of his sleeve to hawl me in. See Walker's Rem. page 171.

[89] See this testimony and some of his last words published in 1711.

[90] This appears to be these papers bearing the name of representations, propositions, protestations, &c. given in by him, and Messrs. Cant and Livingston to the ministers and elders met at Edinburgh, July 24th 1652.

[91] It appears that he married a second wife by whom he had only one child alive. See his letters part III. letter 55.

[92] Part I. letter 4, and part III. letter 37.

[93] See this discourse at large in Stevenson's history, page 674.

[94] See a more full account of these transactions in Stevenson's history, vol. III. page 176.

[95] Some accounts bear that this was a rape committed by him.

[96] See the national covenant.

[97] See the coronation of Charles II. page 38, &c.

[98] See these articles at large and his answers in Wodrow's church history, vol. 1. page 43,----52.

[99] See the appendix to Wodrow's history, No. 18.

[100] The historian Burnet in the introduction to his history page 30. &c. is pleased to say, "This Argyle was a pretender to high degrees of piety. Warriston went to very high notions of lengthened devotions, and whatsoever struck his fancy during these effusions he looked on it as an answer of prayer." But perhaps the bishop was much a stranger both to high degrees of piety and lengthened devotions, and also to such returns of prayer, for these two gallant noblemen faced the bloody ax and gibbet rather than forgo their profession, with more courage, and (I may say) upon better principles or grounds of suffering than what any diocesan bishop in Scotland at least, or even the doctor himself was honoured to do.

[101] Or the wrestling of the church of Scotland, page 166.

[102] Wodrow in his history, vol. I. page 56.

[103] It surely was a piece of ill advised conduct (as many of themselves afterward acknowledged), that ever they elected or admitted any of that family of Ahab, after the Almighty had so remarkably driven them forth of these kingdoms, unto the regal dignity, upon any terms whatsoever; particularly Charles II. after he had given such recent proofs of his dissimulation and dissaffection unto the cause and people of God in these nations. After which they never had a day to prosper; for by contending against malignants, and yet at the same time vowing and praying for the head of malignants they not only had malignants and sectaries to fight with, but also made a desuetude unto their former attainments, and so came to contend with one another, until prelacy proved their utter ruin at last. It is objected that king Charles was a good natured man, and that the extermination of our excellent constitution, was from evil counsellors. It is but too true, that evil counsellors have many times proved the ruin of kingdoms and commonwealths, else the wise man would not have said. _Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established_, Prov. xxv. 5. But take the matter as it is, he was still the head of that constitution and (not to speak of his other immoralities), a most perfidious, treacherous and wicked man, and could engage to day and break to-morrow, and all to obtain an earthly crown. For a further illustration of this, see a letter shewing the defection of both addressers and protestors, &c; Dr. Owen's sermon before the protector in Scotland; the history of the Stuarts; and Bennet's memorial of Britain's deliverances, &c.

[104] Apologetical relation, § v. page 83.

[105] See these protestations in Wodrow's church-history, vol. I. p. 58 & 59.

[106] This unjust sentence was pronounced in the high church of Glasgow by Mr. John Carstairs, who prefaced Mr. Durham's posthumous works some of which are supposed to be vitiated by him especially his treatise on scandal.

[107] See this paper called the humble petition in Crookshank's history, vol. I. p. 64.

[108] Wodrow's history, vol. I. p. 61.

[109] History of his own times, page 127.

[110] Mr. Alexander Hamilton, when a student at the college of Edinburgh, at the hazard of his life, took down Mr. Guthrie's head and buried it, after it had stood a spectacle for twenty seven years; and it is observable that the very same person afterward succeeded him at Stirling, where he was minister for twelve years.

[111] He was crowned on the 8th of June by Spotswood arch-bishop of St. Andrews, assisted by the bishops of Rose and Murray, Laud then bishop of London had the direction of the ceremony. He preached in the chapel royal, and insisted upon the benefit of conformity, and the reverence due to the ceremonies of the church &c. But this discourse was far from being to the gust of the people. See Stevenson's history, Vol. I. Bennet's memorial, page 178.

[112] Vide Bailie's Letters, Vol. I. page 69.

[113] History of the Stuarts, Vol. I. page 140.

[114] History of the Stuarts, vol. I. p. 140.

[115] Memoirs of the duke of Hamilton, p. 163.

[116] Rushworth's history, vol. I. Oldmixon, vol. I. p. 14{illegible}.

[117] See Dr. Welwood's memoirs, p. {illegible}0.

[118] See these speeches in the history of church and state, vol. III. pages 1215-25.

[119] His son James earl of Loudon suffered much after his father's death, during the persecuting period; and at last was obliged to leave his native country, and died an exile at Leyden, after having endured a series of hardships. And there are recent instances of the truly noble and independent spirit for liberty this worthy family have all along retained, which, we doubt not, will be transmitted to their posterity.

[120] Of his life prefixed to his letters.

[121] See this and another of his letters to Lauderdale, Wodrow's history, Vol. I. page 129.

[122] See the first discourse in Stevenson's history page 562.; and the last in the assembly-journal.

[123] See Mr. Livingston's memorable characteristics, page 81.

[124] See further of these declarations and protests in Stevenson's history of church and state, page 361.

[125] See a more full account of these affairs in the history of church and state, vol. III. page 1009.

[126] See the said reasons, &c. page 50.

[127] Blair's memoirs, page 121.

[128] Wodrow's history, Vol. I. page 164.

[129] Wodrow's history, Vol. I. page 175.

[130] See his history, page 203.

[131] Preface to the apologetical relation.

[132] Crookshank's history, Vol. I. page 248.

[133] The reader will find this speech in Naphtali, and in the appendix to Wodrow's history.

[134] About the time of Middleton's parliament 1661, or 1662, Mr. Wood in company of Mr. Vetch, went into one Glen's shop in Edinburgh to see Sharp, whom he had not seen since he turned bishop.--Sharp discoverning his head to receive the commissioner they had a full view of his face to whom Mr. Wood looked very seriously, and then with much affection uttered these words, "O thou Judas, apostate, traitor, that has betrayed the famous presbyterian church of Scotland to its utter ruin as far as thou canst, if I knew any thing of the mind of God, thou shall not die the ordinary and common death of men." And though this was spoken eighteen years before it was exactly accomplished, _anno_ 1679. See Vetch's large life biography, prior edition, page 471.

[135] Wodrow's history, vol. I. page 208.

[136] See Wodrow's and Crookshank's histories.

[137] Rutherford's letters, part III. let. 66.

[138] After the rest of his brethren were cast out, people so flocked to his sacramental occasions, that the church was so thronged, that each communicant (it is said), had to shew their tokens to the keepers of the door before they got entrance, to prevent disorder and confusion.

[139] Wodrow's history, Vol. I. page 111.

[140] In the form of a crooked boy who laughed in his face, _&c_, fulfilling of the scriptures, Vol. I. page 357.

[141] His own memoirs, page 11, and 13.

[142] Fulfilling of the scriptures, Vol. I. page 375.

[143] It seems to have been about this time, that Mr. Blair married his first wife Beatrix Hamilton, a very gracious woman, of the house of {illegible}.

[144] See the {illegible} of Mr. {illegible}

[145] See his testimony in Naphtali and Samson's riddle.

[146] Mr. Crookshanks. This was about the Nov. 1662, when the council commenced a process against Sir James Stuart for entertaining him in that family. See his history, vol, II, page 134.

[147] Bishop Guthrie says, That the chief managers here were Mess. William Ardir, William Guthrie, and John Nevay; and that the covenanters were of foot 2000 and horse 500 strong (but this is more than probable). See his memoirs, page 177. Bailie's letters adds Mssrs. Mowet, Thomas Wylie, Gabriel Maxwel, and Alexander Blair, and says they were some 800 foot and 12 horse strong, Vol. II. page 295,--299.

[148] See the fulfilling of the scriptures, part I. page 434. Wodrow's history, vol. I. page 143.

[149] See the process and his answers at large in Wodrow's history, vol. 1. page 144.

[150] Wodrow's history, vol. I. page 113.

[151] See Stevenson's History, vol. III. page 223.

[152] It is generally told, that when his mother was ready to be delivered of him, his father, being in the next room, intreated the midwife, if possible, to stop the birth a few minutes, but she answered, She could not. Afterwards, being asked the reason of it, he answered, He would not die an ordinary death.

[153] Wodrow's history, vol. I. page {illegible}92.

[154] Mr. Wodrow thinks he was at Pentland; but in his answers before the committee he says otherwise.

[155] Crookshank's history, vol. 1. page 343.

[156] The author of the narration of his torture, which is inserted at large in Naphtali.

[157] Wodrow's history, vol. I. appendix, No. 93.

[158] In his history, page 415.

[159] See this petition inserted in Naphtali.

[160] See this testimony at large in the same book.

[161] Wodrow's history, Vol. I. page 443.

[162] Mr. Crookshanks, in his history page 419, calls him Mr. James Welwood, which alteration proceeds probably from a mistake in P. Walker's remarkable passages of the lives of Semple, Welwood, &c. page 26. edit. 1728.

[163] Vid. Rutherford's letters, epist. 139.

[164] Here observe that though this worthy gentleman mentions the right of patronage, yet it is with this proviso and limitation, the choice or consent of the people; otherwise says he it would wrong the majesty of God, take away the Christian liberty of the people, and invalidate his own right; and how unlike is this to the species of patronage and claim of patrons at the time, when nothing but absolute power and arbitrary measures will satisfy them.

[165] His son Alexander Gordon here narrowly escaped being taken, by means of one of his tenants, who knowing him as he rode thro' Hamilton, made him dismount, put on woman's cloaths, and rock the cradle. After this he went over to his brother in law Mr. Hamilton, to represent the low case of the united societies to the churches of the Netherlands; he was by them called home, and when returning back a second time, he was apprehended by the enemy and put to the torture, but by means of his friend the duke of Gordon, his life was spared. However, he was sent to the Bass, and from thence (I suppose) to Blackness, where from 1683, he continued till he was liberated at the Revolution.--It is to be lamented, that neither he, after this, nor his son Sir Thomas, fully followed the steps of their ancestors.

[166] Since the publication of the above, I received the following account of the taking of Mr. King in a letter from a correspondent.

Mr King having come to pay his respects to the Laird of Blair, (in Dalry parish near Kilwinning to whom formerly he had been some time chaplain) one Bryce Blair, a farmer, who had been groom there while Mr. King was about that house, getting notice, came and desired Mr King to pay him a visit, to which he consented. Accordingly, he went where he preached a short word on the Saturday night following. But on the Sabbath morning, a party of the enemy (according to some, Crighton's dragoons) being in quest of him, and getting the scent, two of them in disguise came to an old man feeding cattle near Bryce Blair's house, and asked him, whether he knew where that godly minister Mr. King was; for they were afraid he would be taken, as the enemy were in pursuit of him; and if they knew where he was, they would secure him from them. The old man having more honesty than policy, cried out, I'll run and tell him. Whereupon they rode full speed after him to the house. Finding a servant of the house waiting on Mr King's and his servant's horses, they immediately dismounted, and having driven their own horses into the standing corn, threatening him not to stir from the spot on pain of death, one of them took his saddle, and putting it on Mr. King's horse said, Many a mile have I rode after thee, but I shall ride upon thee now.

By this time the rest had surrounded the house, and Mr. King and his servant being in bed they immediately commanded them to rise and put on their cloaths. While his servant was putting on his spurs, one of the soldiers damned him, saying, was he putting a spur on a prisoner? To whom he replied, He would put on what he pleased: For which he received from him a blow: then another gave that soldier a blow, saying, Damn you, sir, are you striking a prisoner, while making no resistance. In the hurry, Mr. King's servant threw his master's wallees into a peat loft. Thus they were both carried off. They hired one David Cumming in the same parish to be their guide to Glasgow, who willingly consented. They pressed a horse for him to ride upon; but they had not gone far, when the horse ran stark mad, and, jumping and striking all around him with such violence as affrighted the beholders, they were obliged to let him go; but no sooner was he returned home, than he became as calm as ever. Cumming had to go on foot to Glasgow. From thence Mr. King was sent to Edinburgh. After which his servant was set at liberty. For what afterward became of Cumming see the Appendix.

[167] See a short hint of their advocates pleadings and petition in behalf of Mr. King, Crookshank's history, vol. II. page 27.

[168] Crookshank's history, vol. I. page 255.

[169] M'Ward, in his earnest contendings, page 541.

[170] The Rev. Mr. George Barclay, who was very public at this time, and had his hand at many a good turn, and was a blessed instrument to the edification of many souls, but got a waft of that murthering east wind, in the year 1679--said, The best days that ever he had in preaching of the gospel was in the bounds belonging to the laird of Haugh-head, worthy Henry Hull, &c.

[171] Those who dispensed the sacrament of the Lord's supper here, were Messrs. Archibald Riddel, John Welch, Andrew Morton, Patrick Warner, George Barclay and others.

[172] Probably this was Mr. Henry Erskine, the late Mr. Erskine's grandfather.

[173] King James II. never took the coronation oath of Scotland.

[174] Another account bears, that his last sermon was preached at the water of Renan in Galloway, and that it was a very prophetical one. But though he might have preached there, yet, according to the order of time and place as above specified, it does not appear to have been the last sermon that he preached.

[175] It was said, Earshall got 500 l. and Ochiltree 10,000 merks. However some time after, one morning about break of day, a fiery pillar of a bloody colour seemingly about two yards long, was seen hanging above that house. The same day about two o'clock after noon the castle took fire, and was with charters, plate and all, burnt down to the ground. The son said to the father while it was burning, "This is the vengeance of Cameron's blood." That house was never built. For the new house, estate and all, they are gone from that race to others.

[176] See Wilson's impartial relation of Bothwel-bridge, p. 67.

[177] Some of these bloody enemies said, That that handful were men of the greatest courage that ever they set their faces to fight against, although they had been at battles abroad; and that if they had been as well trained, horsed and armed as they were, they would surely have been put to flight. And few of them escaped, for their shots and strokes were deadly, of which few recovered; for though there were but nine of the covenanters killed, yet there were twenty-eight of the enemy killed or died of their wounds in a few days.

Walker's memoirs, p. 56.

[178] See his letters and answers in the cloud of witnesses.

[179] See more of this laird of Blackstoun, in the appendix.

[180] For a particular account of this gift, see Samson's Riddle, &c. page 139, 144.

[181] See more of Murray in the Appendix.

[182] It would appear, he was retaken about the end of that year, by the acts of council; and liberate without any conditions: which was a thing uncommon at this time. Vid. Wodrow's history, Vol. {illegible}, page 146.

N. B. It has been thought somewhat strange, that the posterity of such ancient and religious families as this and Earlstoun should be now extinct in their houses and estates. But this needs be no paradox; for the condition of the covenant or promise of property and dignity is,--_if thy children will keep my covenant and testimony, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for ever, and shall return unto the Lord thy God, and obey his voice; thy God will bring them unto the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shall possess it._ Now the contrary practices must produce the contrary effects: and upon none more remarkable than those who apostatize from the profession, principles and piety of their ancestors. It is said, that Sir Thomas Gordon of Earlstoun fell into a profligate and irreligious life. And for Donald Ker, he fell in with king William, and was killed at the battle of Steinkirk in Flanders, 1692. And for John Crawford (alias Ker) who married his sister, and with her the estate of Kersland, he got a patent to be a rogue, _patrem sequitur sua proles_, from Queen Ann and her ministry, by virtue of which, he feigned himself sometimes a Jacobite, and sometimes an old dissenter, or Cameronian, (as he calls them) unto whom he gives high encomiums. What correspondences he might have with some of these who had been officers in the Angus regiment I know not; but it is evident from the minute of the general meeting that he was never admitted into the community, or secrets of the genuine old dissenters: for, though he attended one or more of their meetings, yet he was refused, and so could never influence them to publish any of their declarations. But more of this, if the Lord will, elsewhere on another occasion.

The reader will find the above mentioned patent on the frontispiece of his memoirs: And what satisfaction he himself had in this dirty work and wicked courses in the courts interest, as he himself calls it, and how he was by them repaid as he deserved, in these memoirs, from page 31 to 81, &c.

[183] It appears that it was about this time, that he resolved to go over to Holland, but we have no certain account where or what time he stayed there; but from the sequel of the following account it could not be long.

[184] See Walker's remarkable passages of the life of Mr. Cargil, &c. page 8.

[185] The first of these was clearly verified in the case of lord Rothes, and the second was verified in the remembrance of many yet alive. (1.) Every person knoweth that Charles II. was poisoned. (2.) His brother the duke of York died at St Germains in France. (3.) The duke of Monmouth was executed at London. (4.) The duke of Lauderdale turned a belly god, and died on the chamber-box. (5.) The duke of Rothes died raving under the dreadful terror of that sentence, &c. (6.) Bloody Sir George MacKenzie died at London, and all the passages of his body running blood. (7.) General Dalziel died with a glass of wine at his mouth in perfect health. See Walker's remarks, page 10.

[186] About this time the Gibbites were all taken and imprisoned in the tolbooth and correction house of Edinburgh, but, by the duke of York and his faction, were soon liberated; after which the four men and two women went west to the Frost moss, betwixt Airth and Stirling, where they burnt the Holy Bible, every one of them using expressions at that horrid action which are fearful to utter.

[187] To these two men he said, If I be not under a delusion, (for that was his ordinary way of speaking of things to come) the French and other foreigners with some unhappy men in this land, will be your stroke: it will come at such a nick of time when one of these nations will not be in a capacity to help another. For me, I am to die shortly by the hand of those murderers, and shall not see it, I know not how the Lord's people will endure it that have to meet with it; but the foresight and forethought of it make me tremble. And then, as if it had been to himself, he said, Short but very sharp.

[188] Sometimes he ran on foot, having lost several horses in his remarkable escapes, one of which was shot under him at Linlithgow-bridge.

[189] The week before he was taken, he married two persons; and being in the Leewood, John Weir and his wife brought him his dinner. Being pressed to eat, he said, Let me alone, I cannot be pressed: for I took not that meal of meat these 30 years but I could have taken as much when I rose up as when I sat down. Vide Walk. Relation, page 45.

[190] See his examination and answers at large in Wodrow's history Vol. II. page 184.

[191] Vid Walker in his remarkable passages, &c.

[192] See a more full account of this in Wilton's impartial relation of Bothwel-bridge, page 13. &c.

[193] The reader will find an account of these their transactions in their own register now published of late, under the title of Faithful Contendings displayed, &c.

[194] What relates to this worthy, I have extracted from the account of his life wrote by himself when in prison yet in manuscript; what concerns his trial and martyrdom, I have collected from history and other writings.

[195] {illegible} he says they saw a remarkable flash of fire the elements seeming as it were to open and then to close again.

[196] In his narrative he condescends upon four different times he apprehended he heard or saw the enemy; the last of which he was in company with another returning from a sermon. But I forbear to relate these as I did with a late instance in the life of Mr. Cargil lest they should seem incredible in this sceptical age.

[197] I have been more full in relating the way and manner of this skirmish, as it is omitted, so far as I can learn, in the histories of the sufferings of the church of Scotland.

[198] This seems to have been the skirmish at Bewly bog only mentioned in history.

[199] Whether this was Mr Law after the revolution minister at Edinburgh, Mr. Hutcheson or another, I can not say.

[200] Probably this was R. Garnock, who though a private man, was honoured of the Lord to be a public witness, which was most galling to them.

[201] N. B. The faithful and pious Mr. Renwick was present, and much affected at this execution: after which he assembled some friends, and lifted their bodies in the night, and buried them in the West Kirk. They also got their heads down; but, day approaching, they could not make the same place but were obliged to turn aside to Lauriston's Yards (to whom one Alexander Tweedie then in company with them, was gardener) where they in a box interred them. The said gardener, it is said, planted a white rose-bush above them, and a red one below them a little; which proved more fruitful than any bushes in all the garden. This place being uncultivated for a considerable time, they lay till October 7th, 1728, that another gardener trenching the ground found them. They were lifted and by direction were laid on a table in the summer house of the proprietor; and a fair linen cloth cut out and laid upon them, where all had access to come and see them; where they beheld a hole in each head which the hangman broke with his hammer when he drove them on the pikes. On the 19th, they were put in a full coffin covered with black, and by some friends, carried unto Gray-Friars church-yard, and interred near the martyr's tomb (being near forty-five years since their separation from their bodies) they were re-buried on the same day Wednesday, and about four o'clock afternoon the same time that at first they went to their resting place: and attended, says one present, "with the greatest multitude of people old and young men and women, ministers and others, that ever I saw together." And there they ly awaiting a glorious resurrection on the morning of the last day, when they shall be raised up with more honour, than at their death they were treated with reproach and ignominy.

[202] Some accounts bear that Naphtali was wrote by him, but Wodrow says otherwise.

[203] So says the history of the civil wars, page 186. The history of Montrose's wars, or memoirs of his life, page 12{illegible}.; and his letters to the covenanters, appendix, page 49.

[204] Although Montrose got off at this time, yet when he made another insurrection _anno_ 1650, he was fought and routed by a few troops under the command of the forementioned colonels Strahan, Hacket and Ker, and he himself taken afterwards in the land of Assen's, bound and brought to Edinburgh, where he was by the parliament condemned to be hanged May 21st, on a gallows thirty feet high, three hours space, his head to be cut off and placed on the tolbooth, and his legs and arms to be hanged up in other public towns of the kingdom, which was executed accordingly. See the history of the civil wars, page 30. Montrose's memoirs, page {illegible}, &c.

[205] Blair's memoirs, page 113.

[206] See this engagement in Cromwel's life.

[207] See a more full account of the battle in Wodrow's history, vol. 1. page 250, &c.

[208] Their sword or short shabble yet remains, and may now be seen in the hands of the publisher of this collection. It was then by his progenitors, counted to have twenty eight gaps in its edge, which made them afterwards observe that there were just as many years in the time of the persecution, as there were steps or broken pieces in the edge thereof.

[209] Hebrews xi. 57, 58.

[210] Wilson's history of Bothwel-bridge, page 41.

[211] This house and family was always a harbour and succour to our late sufferers both gentlemen, ministers and private Christians; for which, after this and their non conformity to prelacy, they were not only harrassed, pilaged and plundered to the number of ten or twelve times during that period, but also both the said James Howie the possessor, and John Howie his son, was by virtue of a proclamation, May 5th, 1689, declared rebels, their names inserted in the fugitive roll, and put up on the parish church-doors, whereby they were exposed to close hiding, in which they escaped many imminent dangers, and yet were so happy as to survive the revolution at last, yet never acceded to the revolution church, &c. But the said James Howie, when dying, Nov. 1691, emitted a latter will or testimony, wherein he not only gave good and satisfying evidence of his own well being, and having interest in Jesus Christ, but also gave a most faithful testimony to Scotland's covenanted work of reformation, and that in all the parts and periods thereof.

[212] In the time of this, or another plunder shortly after this, some of the soldiers burnt the Bible in the fire in a most audacious manner.

[213] This seems to have been when he made a tour through Ayr-shire to Galloway: a little after they were surprized by the enemy on a fast day, near Loudon hill, upon May 5th 1681.

[214] Mr. Wodrow's history, Vol. II.

[215] The reader may consult his last speech, which is at full in the cloud of witnesses.

[216] Here it was commonly said, that after the enemy went off at the first, they met with two persons one of whom told them, They were good seekers but ill finders; or somewhat to that purpose, which made them return. It has also been said, that one of their men confessed this at his death. However this be, people could not help observing that not many years ago three of the offspring of the other person blamed lost their lives by fire near the same place where these three gallant martyrs were killed. Whether it had any reference to that, God knoweth, I shall not, can not determine. Only we may say, _The Lord is known by the judgment he executeth_, Psal. ix. 16.

[217] This John Gemmel was brother to the martyr, and being lying of a fever in a house in the same parish, called Derwholling, he was that day apprehended by some of the same party, together with the goodman of the house Thomas Wylie, and his son William Wylie for reset. They were all taken to Ayr, where the said Thomas Wylie died. While in Ayr, it is said, this John Gemmel dreamed one night that he should be banished, and his fellow-sufferer Hardhill should be hanged: which accordingly came to pass.--They were taken to Edinburgh and examined, and the foresaid William Wylie was required to take the oath of allegiance, but refused. They ordered him to take the test. This he refused also. They asked his reasons. He said, He had taken more oaths already than he had well kept, and if there should come a change of government, where stood he then? Bishop Paterson's brother came, and clapping his hands on his shoulder said, Thomas, as sure as God is in the heavens, you'll never see a change of government. But in this he proved a false prophet. However, he and John Gemmel were, with eleven more banished to Barbadoes, and sold for slaves there, where they continued for about three years, and at last purchased their liberty and returned home at the Revolution. The first known person they saw, after their landing at Irvine, was lieutenant Nisbet, by whom they had been apprehended; and of whom see more in the appendix.

[218] According to Mr. Wodrow he was sometime also precentor at Finwick. See the History, Vol. I. page 443.

[219] Wodrow's History, Vol. I. page 235.

[220] Walker, in his eighth additional passage, &c. says, That he was in Ireland in the year 1670.; but of this we have no farther ac-{footnote truncated}

[221] In an old copy there are these words. "In the hands of a few who shall have neither magistrate nor minister among them, who shall be sore despised and undervalued of all, &c." Whether this alteration proceeds from different informations or from partiality is hard to determine, only it is affirmed that the author of these passages was then amongst that party who had neither magistrate nor minister at that time; Or at least was not in full communication with any party, if it was not those adhering to Mr. Hepburn.

[222] The foresaid old copy says, This was within two hours of his death.

[223] Renwick's life wrote by Mr. Shields, page 99.

[224] Some have doubted of the certainty of this interview; however, there is no seeming improbability in it, nor does it make any thing to the disparagement of either Mr. Peden, or Mr. Renwick.

[225] After this (says Patrick Walker) that troop of dragoons came to quarter in Cambusnethen, two of them were quartered in the house of James Gray (one of his acquaintance) and being frighted in their sleep, they started up and clapped their hands, crying, Peden, Peden. These two dragoons affirmed, That out of their curiosity they opened his coffin to see his corps, and yet they had no smell, though he had been forty days dead.

[226] John Ker of Kersland, in his memoirs, page 8 where he adds, that when some people were going to join Argyle in 1685, Mr. Peden after a short ejaculation, bid them stop, for Argyle was fallen a sacrifice that minute. Some taking out their watches marked the time, which accordingly answered his being taken.

[227] Amongst the branches of this numerous family, were Mr. Adam Blackadder, who was first imprisoned in Stirling at seventeen years of age, and afterwards in Blackness, in the year 1684, for waiting on his father John Blackadder, who came over with Argyle 1685, and was apprehended, but afterwards set at liberty; and that religious gentleman Colonel Blackadder sometime governor of Stirling castle since the revolution. Whither that Dr. William Blackadder mentioned in history was that Mr Blackadder who was at Bothwel, or if he was son to Mr John Blackadder and brother to the above mentioned, I cannot say at present.

[228] It was one Mr. William Blackadder that was at Bothwel.

[229] A historian says, that Mr. Blackadder was as free to have declared his disapprobation of what was done there, as he was of his not being there--But whether it be not a slur thrown upon the memory of this worthy man, to insinuate that he should suffer such hardships and so many years imprisonment merely out of ill nature, when he was free to have declared what would have satisfied them, must be left with the reader.

[230] See this in his testimonials from the classes, which are inserted in his life at large, pag. 25, &c.

[231] This seems to have been when he made a hasty journey thither in the year 1684 and 1686. See his letters page 98, and 136.

[232] See his letters and the answers, with the reasoning on Cathcart's affair at large from page 84 to 97.

[233] Mr. Peden on his death-bed sent for him, and after some conference owned he had been misinformed anent him; exhorted him to go forward, and he would be carried honestly through; asked his forgiveness, and desired him to pray with him before he departed: all which Mr. Renwick did with great cheerfulness. See Walker's remarks of the life of Mr. Peden.

[234] See his letter to Earlston, page 163.

[235] Mr. Hugh Kennedy then moderator.

[236] This testimony was again of late republished by some friends to the same cause.

[237] For besides these reproaches already noticed, with many others, he and his followers were charged as men of anarchical, murdering and bloody principles, which makes it the less wonder that their successors should be still charged with the same.

[238] And it is to be remarked, that many of the Jury were professors, and eminent in the tolerated meetings; while others, even of the malignants, chose rather to run the hazard of the penalty, as the laird of Torrence, who compeared not, and Somerville chamberlain of Douglas, who, though when he appeared, yet when he saw Mr Renwick turn about, and direct his speech to them, he ran away, saying, He trembled to think to take away the life of such a pious like man, though they should take his whole estate. The list of the Assizers is as follows:

James Hume of Kimmergen. John Hume of Nine wells. John Martin clerk to the manufactory. Alexander Martin sometimes clerk of ---- Robert Halyburton merchant. Thomas Laurie merchant. Archibald Johnston merchant. Thomas Wylie merchant. James Hamilton vintner. William Cockburn merchant. James Hamilton jun. stationer. Robert Currie stationer. Joseph Young merchant. John Cuningham merchant in Glasgow. Ninian Banantine of Kaims, chancellor.

[239] Wodrow's history, Vol. I. page 71, &c.

[240] In this testimony among other things they say, "We do profess our dissatisfaction that the civil powers should take upon them to prescribe public humiliation and thanksgiving, with the causes and diets thereof, to all the ministers and members of this church, as being contrary to the well warranted privileges and constant practice of the church itself, and in its own nature introductory to greater encroachments, and putting into the hands of the civil powers the modelling of the public worship of God, a thing most properly ecclesiastic, &c."

[241] This relation was attested by William Bulloch, who was his faithful servant near thirty years who was eye and ear witness, and was inclined to think he was an angel.

[242] It must, of necessity, here be observed, That any who are acquainted with the historical accounts of these times, will find that Mr. Hog was not so explicit upon point of public testimony, as the more faithful part of our sufferers at that time; otherwise he was, for parts and attainments, a very remarkable and extraordinary man, as this narrative in part discovers.