E. K. WATERIWUSE. 
 
One of King 
 William's Men. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2015 
 
 https://archive.org/details/oneofkingwiIliamOOnnaxw 
 
From Portrait by Siy- Godfrey Knellcr. 
 
 COLONEL WILLIAM MAXWELL 
 
One of King 
 William's Men: 
 
 Beins Leaves from the 
 Diary of 
 
 Col. William Maxwell 
 of Cardoness : 
 
 1685 to 1697. 
 
 Edited, with Memoir and Notes, 
 
 BY THE 
 
 Rev. H. M. B. REID, B.D. 
 
 With 10 Illustrations. 
 
 JOHN MENZIES Sc CO 
 EDINBURGH. 
 
 I 
 
 1898. 
 
 ADAM RAK 
 CASTLE-DOUGLAS. 
 
PRINTED BY J. H. MAXWELL, CASTLE-DOUGLAS. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Memoir of Colonel William Maxwell . . page 7 
 
 Life of same, by M. G., anno 1776 ... 38 
 Extracts from the Diary, 1 685-1 697 : — 
 
 I. 1685: Choosing A Profession, . . 45 
 
 II. 1686: Studying Medicine IN Edinburgh 83 
 
 III. 1687 : In the Edinburgh Tolbooth . 99 
 
 IV. 1688: In Holland .... 123 
 V. 1691 : Courtship and Campaigning . 168 
 
 VI. 1692 : Active Service . . . .188 
 
 VII. 1693-7: Love AND War .... 200 
 
 Index, 221 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Note. — The following Illustrations are from Photographs or 
 Sketches by Mr R. M'Conchie, Kirkcudbright. 
 
 Portrait of Colonel William Maxwell, . Froiiiispiece. 
 Dame Nicolas Stewart, his Wife, to face page 24 
 
 Presentation Plate, . ... on page 37 
 
 Coat of Arms, on page 44 
 
 Sir David Maxwell, first Baronet, to face page 70 
 
 Old Cardoness House, . . . do. 100 
 
 William of Orange (William III.), . do. 1 40 
 
 The Princess of Orange (Queen Mary), do. 162 
 
 Earl of Leven and Melville, . . do. 198 
 
 Col. Maxwell's Summer-house, . . on page 219 
 
The Memoir. 
 
 He professed himself . . . a strong King Williarn s 
 man!' 
 
 Thackeray's Esmond^ Book. I. chap. lO. 
 
ON the 29th May, 1660, Charles II. entered 
 London amid a scene of wild popular 
 enthusiasm. His restoration was cele- 
 brated all over England and Scotland. In the 
 latter country, the rejoicings sometimes took the 
 form of a demonstration against the Covenants, 
 which the restored king had himself signed some 
 ten years before. At Linlithgow, for example, 
 the National Covenant and the Solemn League 
 were publicly burned on the second anniversary of 
 the Restoration. While the mob made bonfires 
 and kept holiday, many Scottish ministers had 
 their fears for the future of the Church ; and these 
 fears soon grew into alarming certainties. The 
 king's advisers were resolved to restore the 
 Episcopal government. The Church was soothed 
 at first by flattering promises made to the Presby- 
 tery of Edinburgh, but early in 1661 the scheme 
 
8 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 for restoring Episcopacy began to develop itself. 
 In the course of that year a number of ministers 
 received appointments to Scottish sees. In 1662, 
 they entered formally upon their offices ; and 
 incumbents were ordered to seek collation or 
 induction from the new bishops, on pain of being 
 deprived of their livings. 
 
 At this date, the minister at Minnigaff, in the 
 Synod of Galloway, was William Maxwell, a 
 Master of Arts of the University of Glasgow. He 
 had been 'Maureated" there in 1631, and began 
 his ministry in 1638, the year of the National 
 Covenant. He was a member of the Commission 
 of Assembly in 1649, when negotiations were 
 begun with the second Charles after his father's 
 tragic death. Whether he was in harmony with 
 this policy, we do not know ; but it is certain that 
 the Restoration struck his death-knell. He was 
 one of the band of Galloway ministers, including 
 nearly the whole Synod, who firmly refused to 
 conform. Accordingly, he was deprived of his 
 living in 1662, and appears to have died almost 
 immediately after. It is not recorded whether he 
 
MEMOIR. 9 
 
 retired from Minnigaff peaceably, or was expelled 
 by force. But the methods of the day in things 
 ecclesiastical were rough and ready, and it is 
 quite possible that his death was hastened by the 
 loss of home and office among his people. He 
 had ministered to them for twenty-five years, 
 and at his death be probably had not reached 
 the age of sixty. 
 
 Three weeks after his death (in 1663) the 
 widow, a Murdoch of Cumloden, became the 
 mother of William Maxwell, whose name is 
 treasured and revered as the founder of the 
 Cardoness family. In his Diary, Colonel Maxwell 
 says — " I desire to bless the Lord who has been 
 a Father unto me while wanting my natural 
 parent. . . Has He not, since He brought me 
 into the world, cared for me, has been a Father 
 unto me who never saw my father on earth. . 
 He was evidently a posthumous child. The quaint 
 sketch of his life reprinted in this volume says 
 that he "came there in the year 1663, three weeks 
 after the death of his father, who was grandson 
 
 * Diary, Oct. 8, 1 691. 
 
lo ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 of William Maxwell of Newland, a second son of 
 Sir Gavin Maxwell of Calderwood." The curious 
 expression came there must refer to the birth. 
 The coming of this child so soon after the heavy- 
 trials of leaving the manse and losing her husband, 
 must have made the boy specially dear to his 
 widowed mother. Regarding the date of birth, 
 there have been discrepancies. In the War 
 Committee MtnuteSj which were printed from a 
 manuscript in the charter-chest at Cardoness, the 
 editor states that Colonel Maxwell died in June, 
 1752 at the very advanced age of 97.''^ This 
 fixes his birth in 1655. The Scots Magazine of 
 the date gives June 16, 1752, aged 95; which 
 would mean that he was born in 1657. That the 
 correct date is 1663 appears at once from the 
 Diary, where he recalls the fact that the Lord 
 . . . has increased my desire from time to 
 time, inclining my heart at several times since 
 the year 1681 (at which time I was 18 years of 
 age) to give myself up to Christ Jesus." t 
 
 *See War Committee Minute-Book, ed. 1855, p. 214. 
 ■fPiary, Nov. 23, 1691. 
 
MEMOIR. 
 
 William Maxwell may fitly be described as a 
 child of the Covenants, for he owed his natural 
 being to a father who forsook all, rather than con- 
 form to an uncovenanted Church. And he drew 
 his first breath almost as his martyred parent 
 drew his last. The torch of covenanting testimony 
 was, in a sense, handed on from father to son. 
 Born in such circumstances, he was naturally 
 destined for the Holy Ministry. There can be 
 little doubt that his mother early set her heart 
 on seeing him become a " preacher of the gospel," 
 as the fine designation then ran. She made a 
 considerable sacrifice in order to secure for him 
 a thorough and suitable education, by leaving her 
 home and friends in the South of Scotland and 
 taking up her abode in Glasgow. There, she sent 
 him to the High School at the age of twelve or 
 thirteen, and in due time he entered his father's 
 University. He spent in all about eight years in 
 Glasgow. Revisiting his boyhood's scene in i6gi, 
 he writes of the " goodness of God to me in this 
 place (where I spent eight or nine of my young 
 years at school and college) in straits 
 
12 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 provided for, in sickness supported, from the com- 
 pany of the wicked and from being enticed with 
 their snares wonderfully preserved, with gospel 
 mercies trysted, yet in nothing that I, or the 
 family I belonged to, stood in need of, but timeous 
 supply was given. . . " This seems to hint at 
 some degree of narrow means^ the consequence 
 partly of his mother's distance from her relatives. 
 It suggests a pleasant picture of the lad and his 
 mother living together, frugally and piously, in 
 the University city, perhaps close to the old 
 College precincts. They had " straits " and 
 sickness, but they always received support and 
 timeous supply." The day came when he 
 revisited Glasgow in all the pomp and power of a 
 great military command. But his mother was not 
 there. 
 
 William Maxwell was a diligent scholar and an 
 exemplary collegian. He improved his time as 
 well as part of my condisciples (but alas, not 
 so as I ought to have done) ; but that I did not 
 so misspend my time as many others did, in that 
 I have peace." He did not confine his attention 
 
MEMOIR. 13 
 
 to "humane learning/' but gave his heart also 
 to duty as to prayer and reading the Scriptures." 
 Of his instructors he speaks as maisters who 
 made conscience of educating youths." It seems 
 probable that he took his degree in Arts in the 
 usual manner. When the critical question arose 
 as to a profession, he found himself at gentle 
 variance with his beloved mother who, as he says, 
 had taken so much pains upon me." The 
 unhappy times into which he had been born made 
 it impossible for him to enter the Church. Since 
 his father's death, the Church as established by 
 law was Episcopal in government, and its ministry 
 was hampered by terms which he could not accept. 
 
 The Diary, so far as extant, begins just 
 immediately after he had finished his college 
 course. He was then 22 years old, and the style 
 and matter of his reflections recorded from day to 
 day show that he already possessed a remarkably 
 mature mind for his age. The year 1685 seems to 
 have been spent in indecision. It is known 
 especially in the South of Scotland as the " Killing 
 Time,'' and many rough memorials in the 
 
14 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 churchyards testify how men of varying ranks, 
 from the ploughman to the laird, gave their lives 
 for conscience sake. William Maxwell noted the 
 abounding persecution, and the general decay of 
 religion and morals. He had at least one narrow 
 escape himself, riding from Haggs to Edinburgh, 
 when ''time-servers'^ interfered with him and 
 seemed likely to do him some hurt."^ These 
 " time-servers " were most probably the men who 
 traversed the country tendering oppressive oaths 
 to all and sundry. Imprisonment, fines, trans- 
 portation, and even death, were the penalties. 
 Many of his own friends suffered one or other. 
 He tells of one friend in prison who assured him 
 that he found a prison "one of the best houses to 
 him that ever he was in, for which he blessed 
 God.'^t One gains a certain idea of the deplorable 
 state of Scotland, in reading the passing references 
 of the diarist to such things, and in realising that 
 here was a young man of family and talent, 
 fully trained at college, eager for work ; and yet 
 forced to stand inactive and even to bear insult 
 
 * See p. 57. t Diary, May i, 1685. 
 
MEMOIR. IS 
 
 silently, because his Church principles were 
 distasteful to the ruling party. 
 
 As the year 1685 advanced, the sky grew 
 darker. The hopes built on the simultaneous 
 expeditions of Monmouth and Argyll were utterly 
 and quickly blasted. Maxwell frankly reveals his 
 bitter disappointment. He had regarded these 
 distinguished men as divine instruments " to 
 set the nation free. He was himself in some 
 measure a party to Argyll's ill-fated enterprise, and 
 he did not shrink from standing beside the great 
 Protestant leader on the scaffold. He records in 
 a brief abstract the Earl's last utterances, and he 
 accompanied his headless body to the Magdalen 
 Chapel. 
 
 All prospect of a change in Church and State 
 being dashed, he began to consider what his course 
 should be. For some years, he had felt a strong 
 vocation toward medicine as a profession, but 
 with characteristic caution he spent the latter 
 part of 1685 and the first weeks of 1686 in a 
 regular debate with himself on the choice of a 
 career. This private discussion is so interesting 
 
1 6 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 and gives so full a view of his mind and nature, 
 that it has been transcribed almost entire.'^ The 
 young man passes in review Law, Divinity, and 
 Medicine. Law, he rejects at once not as 
 being in itself a bad thing, but as having in it such 
 ''temptations and snares" as precluded the 
 possibility of his leading the ''quiet life'' that he 
 desired. The Holy Ministry he owns to be " the 
 most honourable employment in the world but 
 he feels no true call to it at that time, and the way 
 is closed in Scotland for those of his persuasion. 
 He could not conscientiously enter the existing 
 Church; and though he felt assured that "glorious 
 days " were coming, yet " at present, to live ane 
 idle life is not what God calls me unto." He 
 decides at last to study medicine, and that for 
 three reasons. As a doctor, he could lead a quiet 
 yet useful life, escaping the turmoil of politics. 
 Then, it was the calling he really judged himself 
 to be most fit for ; little suspeeting, as he wrote, 
 that he would yet be found a born soldier. And 
 thirdly, it was the calling he had been actually 
 
 * Diary ^ March 2-6, 1686. 
 
MEMOIR. 17 
 
 bent upon for five or six years. So, he finished 
 his careful analysis of his own abilities and tastes, 
 and put his Diary away, having finally made his 
 choice, as he supposed. Three weeks after, he 
 began to study anatomy. In three weeks more, he 
 was in Edinburgh, enrolled as a pupil under 
 one whose knowledge, experience, and good 
 employment is said undoubtedly to be the best 
 in this city." He seems to have boarded with this 
 gentleman ; at least, he says that he had settled " 
 with him. He was to receive instruction in 
 pharmacy, anatomy, and practice of chirurgery." 
 My kind correspondent, Mr Alexander Anderson, 
 of the Edinburgh University Library, thinks that 
 this eminent teacher must have been Professor 
 Robert Sibbald. A small manuscript volume, 
 still at Cardoness, contains careful notes of 
 instruction in pharmacy and materia medica, 
 beginning with May 26, 1686. 
 
 It is not to be supposed that the young student 
 neglected the private duties of religion because 
 he could not conform to the existing Church, 
 and had made choice of a secular profession. 
 
i8 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 From the age of twelve he had felt the movements 
 of grace in his soul : his mother had brought him 
 up to love the ordinances of v^^orship ; and at 
 several times since his eighteenth year he had 
 given himself up to Christ. "At length/' he 
 vi^rites,"^ ''in September, 1686, while trysted with 
 a sermon at the Haggs in the time of violent 
 persecution, by Mr John Moncrieff from Hosea ii. 
 19 — Til betroth ye unto me for ever' — I was 
 led to covenant expressly with my God. ." From 
 such entries it is clear that he was attending 
 conventicles, and he did not escape the jealous 
 observation of the authorities. On Jan. 23, 1687, 
 he was suddenly arrested, and confined in the 
 Edinburgh Tolbooth. His reflections during the 
 brief imprisonment have been given fully. He 
 was set at liberty about the end of February, 
 after two interrogations before the Committee 
 of the Privy Council. That his life was actually 
 in danger is perfectly clear from the fact that 
 one of his fellow-prisoners was condemned to 
 death and executed,t and that he himself was 
 
 * Diary, Nov. 23, 1691. \ Diary, Feb. 18, 1687. 
 
MEMOIR. 19 
 
 threatened with the Court of Justiciary. But 
 he declined steadfastly to reveal the names of 
 those who frequented Mr Moncrieff's ministry 
 along with him ; and when he and others were 
 set free, they celebrated their enlargement by 
 hearing a discourse from that hunted divine, 
 who had been successfully concealed from the 
 persecutors. While in prison he heard the news 
 of the Toleration proclaimed by James's govern- 
 ment, in consequence of which the Presbyterians 
 were enabled to meet for worship openly. But, 
 like the nation generally, he regarded this act 
 as a fresh move on the King's part toward the 
 introduction of Popery. Many of his friends, 
 however, pressed him now to enter the ministry ; 
 among those who urged him to do so were 
 " Mr Moncrieff, Mr Gavinson, and Mr Crawford, 
 ministers of the gospel." The way seemed 
 open at last, and others were eagerly seeking 
 it. Presbyteries were being formed, and meeting- 
 houses built. But he still held back. He says — 
 " If fitted and called of the Lord to such a great 
 work, how happy shall I be." But he adds — " I 
 
20 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 desire to hope it is the Lord who has called me 
 . . unto that study I have been and am now 
 (through His strength) designing to prosecute. 
 If the Lord have any further service to call me 
 unto, I shall desire by His grace to submit/'"^ 
 
 In furtherance of his chosen studies in medicine, 
 he resolved to go to Leyden. Taking leave of his 
 mother and friends, he embarked at Leith, but a 
 violent storm drove the vessel back into port. He 
 spent seven days more with his mother, who was 
 in very feeble health and much averse to his 
 leaving her. Probably, also, she wished that he 
 would now become a preacher. They parted 
 once more, on her side with touching resignation : 
 "She was pleased to express that she freely 
 parted with me." He had not been settled long 
 at Leyden when news reached him of her death ; 
 and he reproached himself for his obstinacy. But 
 he comforted his soul by reflecting that she was 
 " freed from all the troubles of this world, and 
 taken up with the joys of heaven, where there is 
 no trouble, no sorrow, no want, no more sinning, 
 
 * Diary, Nov. 2i, 1687. 
 
MEMOIR. 21 
 
 but an eternal enjoying of God." It was a fitting 
 sequel to such sad bereavement, that he for the 
 first time went to the Holy Communion a few 
 weeks later, in April, 1688. He had hitherto 
 been hindered owing to " the sad troubles of 
 persecution." Now, he put himself with his usual 
 care through a course of preparation, the minute 
 record of which stands in the Diary. In future 
 years, he repeated the same scrupulous exercise 
 on many occasions. His reflections after Com- 
 munion show a distinct element of religious 
 ecstacy. The high and mystic tones of Rutherford 
 echo in his pages. While at Leyden, he was 
 asked to undertake the education of a young 
 gentleman, " the head of an ancient family in 
 that nation to which I belong, and who was sent 
 over by his friends that he might not be educate 
 popish by his father and uncle who caused search 
 for him, but that he might be educate in this 
 country in the Protestant religion." He spent 
 nearly five months in a vain endeavour to fulfil 
 his charge, but finding his pupil both idle and 
 vicious he decided to resign the thankless office. 
 
22 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 Moreover, at this time (Oct., 1688) great events 
 were at hand. 
 
 The crisis long expected in English affairs had 
 come. The Prince of Orange had decided to 
 interfere for the maintenance of the Protestant 
 Religion. Leyden was seething with excitement, 
 and the young and earnest medical student yielded 
 to an overpowering impulse, the true call of God 
 having come to him at last. After many prayers 
 and discussions, he resolved to join the expedi- 
 tionary force of William. His services were 
 accepted, and he sailed in the fleet which landed 
 at Torbay on Monday, Nov. 5. His last entry 
 before sailing is a prayer for ''favourable wind 
 and weather ; they are in His Hand." 
 
 The months that followed were too busy for 
 keeping a diary. It is understood that William 
 Maxwell served both in Scotland and Ireland. 
 He was present both at Killiecrankie and at the 
 Boyne. At the latter, his conduct was so gallant 
 that he was promoted on the field. Starting as 
 an ensign of the Earl of Leven's Regiment, he 
 rose rapidly in rank until he became a Lieutenant- 
 
MEMOIR. 23 
 
 Colonel. The Prince of Orange, now King, 
 formed a marked attachment to him, and pre- 
 sented him with a ring containing his majesty's 
 hair. This remarkable souvenir is still preserved 
 at Cardoness. The portraits of William and Mary, 
 reproduced in this volume, were also royal gifts. 
 Colonel Maxwell saw service in Flanders, and 
 had more than one narrow escape from death. 
 At the battle of Landen he was taken prisoner 
 by the French, after a hairbreadth escape from 
 drowning.^ His diary contains few particulars of 
 his adventures, being mostly a record of religious 
 feelings and exercises. We can see, however, 
 that he fought as well as he prayed, and that in a 
 soldier's life he had found his real vocation. 
 
 An element of romance was not wanting in this 
 gallant and honourable career. In 1691, under 
 Sept. 26, he speaks of ''my present difficulty 
 which these six months has surrounded me ;" by 
 which we find, later, that he intends to convey his 
 warm attachment for the only daughter of the 
 
 * Diary, Jan. 14, 1694. For another providential escape, see his 
 notes at the Blockade of the Bass, Diary, Sept. 26, 1691. 
 
24 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 house of Castle Stewart, whose father, William 
 Stewart, was a son of the Earl of Galloway, 
 while her mother was the heiress of the lands of 
 Cardoness. What made such an attachment 
 " difficult," was the high birth and great prospects 
 of the young lady. Colonel Maxwell, though 
 already a distinguished officer, was far from being 
 a rich man. He felt the delicacy surrounding his 
 position as an aspirant, " the undesirableness of 
 my affection soaring so high (which I have all 
 this time been endeavouring to hold out to 
 myself)." But on Oct. 15 he speaks of encour- 
 agement," and on Nov. 19 he is at Castle Stewart, 
 and writes of " encouragement from a parent to 
 follow out the same. So that now, after all my 
 reasonings and debatings with myself as to the 
 unreasonableness of my affections, in attempting 
 to aspire so high as to fix them on a person both 
 for quality and natural accomplishments deserving 
 the best of offers, I must of necessity conclude 
 (considering the many remarkable circumstances 
 in it from the beginning) that the hand of Provi- 
 dence is in it." Finally, on Nov. 23, he winds up 
 
From Portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller. 
 
 DAME NICOLAS STEWART. WIFE OF COLONEL WILLIAM 
 
 MAXWELL. 
 
MEMOIR. 25 
 
 the debate by deciding that he ''dare not any 
 longer give resistance, lest I be found to tempt 
 Providence, as it has been insinuated to me by 
 one nearly concerned to that person, and v^^ho had 
 ground to suspect what way my affections were 
 running. Wherefore, I have this day expressed 
 my thoughts in write. . 
 
 The proposal was accepted, to his great joy ; 
 but a few days after, he was ordered to Flanders 
 with his regiment. This was a heavy blow, and 
 the record under Dec. 20 shows that his health 
 suffered. He set out, at length, for active service, 
 but an order of the Privy Council detained him 
 in Edinburgh to give evidence in the trial of one 
 of the daring band who surprised the Bass. After 
 all, to his sincere relief, he was not called in the 
 case. It was not till July, 1697, that he finally 
 "parted for Flanders," arriving just too late to 
 take part in the tremendous struggle near Enghien. 
 He shared the disastrous rout of Landen, and was 
 for some time a prisoner of war. After this long 
 and adventurous episode, he renewed his courtship, 
 and at length, on Feb. 13, 1696, he was married 
 
26 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 to the object of his faithful attachment. At this 
 date, he was 33 years old, and his bride had only- 
 reached her nineteenth year. If it be remembered 
 that his attachment to her dated (as he himself 
 records with characteristic exactness) from March 
 22, 1691, some notion will be gained of the 
 romantic circumstances. The match was one of 
 true and lasting affection on both sides. The 
 portraits of Colonel Maxwell and Dame Nicolas 
 Stewart show that they both possessed considerable 
 personal attractions. In the Diary will be found 
 some of his thoughts on the eve of marriage ; and 
 shortly after, on March 16, 1696, he writes 
 " If I should have sit down and thought for many 
 years how to be happy in a wife, what could I 
 have thought on that I have not got ? . . 
 
 But a soldier must ever obey the call to arms, 
 and on April 19, we find him en route for Flanders 
 once more. It was not till the end of the year 
 that he returned to his home, where he records 
 " the comfortable, surprising, satisfactory meeting 
 I had at my arrival ... by my finding . . the 
 wife of my youth, my dearest wife, safely brought 
 
MEMOIR. 27 
 
 to bed of a son, a living and perfect child, that 
 morning 'twixt twelve and one, being wonderfully- 
 preserved, but then in a tolerable condition, and 
 who recovered day from day to admiration." 
 
 Here, the extracts from the Diary given in the 
 present volume come to an end, concluding a story 
 which is full of dramatic turns, and reads almost 
 like a work of the romancer. At the age of 34, 
 Colonel Maxwell found himself in a position of 
 distinction and comfort. Through his alliance 
 with the Castle Stewart family, he became the 
 owner of a good estate, built himself a manor- 
 house, and employed his time zealously and 
 diligently in the discharge of his duties as a 
 landlord, a magistrate, and a country gentleman. 
 The Baron-Bailie's Book, which is preserved at 
 Cardoness, gives some glimpses of his activity. It 
 is a curious record of rent audits, village feuds, 
 petty crimes, and similar matters emerging in the 
 management of an estate. Some light is thrown 
 on the cause of Scotland's treelessness, of which 
 Dr. Johnson made such mockery. The peasantry 
 appear to have been in the way of cutting down 
 
28 
 
 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 young trees for firewood, and even the bark 
 gathered by the '^pillers" or peelers was not 
 always safe. The traces of the dyke-building 
 movement may also be found : a movement which, 
 as is well known, gave rise to formidable riots. 
 Colonel Maxwell's Day-books,^' or ledgers of 
 income and expenditure, are also in existence, 
 and would furnish much interesting matter for the 
 antiquarian, and student of manners. These exact 
 and full registers are occasionally interrupted by 
 the writer's personal reflections and reminiscences. 
 He never lost the early habit of keeping a 
 methodical record. 
 
 It is nearly certain that his Diary was continued 
 for many years after 1697, although no volume 
 can be found of a later date, except one belonging 
 to the year 171 1, and containing chiefly religious 
 reflections of the same cast as those now tran- 
 scribed. 
 
 In the year 1702, Colonel Maxwell was returned 
 as a member of the Scottish Parliament, and he 
 sat during its last days, when the question of the 
 
MEMOIR. 29 
 
 Union was hotly debated. Unlike the Castle 
 Stewart family, who supported the Union, he 
 stoutly voted against it on national grounds, and 
 appears to have been deprived of his commission 
 in consequence. But the disgrace was only tem- 
 porary. He was too noted and trusty a soldier 
 to be left in obscurity. When the crisis came in 
 1 715, he was called to the command of the militia 
 in the South of Scotland. At the same time, he 
 received the appointment of Governor of Glasgow. 
 In Rae's History of the Late Rebellion, published 
 at Dumfries in 17 18, the author says that the 
 magistrates of Glasgow ''fortified their city under 
 the direction of Mr De Bourgh, whom his Grace 
 the Duke of Argyle had sent thither for that 
 purpose, by a large and deep ditch and rampart 
 . . . with bastions and redoubts at convenient 
 distance. . . And within these lines, they 
 fortified their several avenues and mounted a 
 good number of great guns at the most proper 
 places ; by advice of Colonel William Maxwell of 
 Cardoness, whom, about the first of October, they 
 
 had sent for to take the command of the city, at 
 
 B 
 
30 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 that critical juncture, and who managed that place 
 to the full satisfaction of all the inhabitants."^ 
 
 This satisfaction is reflected in a minute of the 
 Town Council of Glasgow, dated 6th Dec, 17 15, 
 admitting Col. Maxwell a '^burges and gildbrother 
 of this burgh." Col. Blackader, of Stirling, whom 
 they had chosen to command the Glasgow con- 
 tingent in the Royal army, was made a burgess 
 at the same meeting.t Still further to express 
 their gratitude, the Council presented Col. Maxwell 
 with a service of plate, consisting of a silver 
 tankard, a "sett of suggar boxes," and a " server" 
 or salver. The total sum paid out of the town's 
 exchequer was ;£35, is 8d, equal to a much larger 
 amount at the present time. This handsome gift 
 is carefully treasured at Cardoness, and, according 
 to a minute of the Town Council, was bestowed "as 
 a mark of the town's favour and respect towards 
 him for his good service in taking upon him the 
 regulation and management of all the Guards that 
 
 * See Rae, p. 314; cf. p. 204. Rae, however, mentions the Earl 
 of Stair as commander of the Galloway militia. See p. 206. 
 t For an interesting letter of Blackader, see Rae, p. 312. 
 
MEMOIR. 31 
 
 were kept in the city, quhich, during the rebellion 
 and confusions in the neighbourhood, were judged 
 necessary to be kept for the security thairof, 
 and of the circumjacent country, both by the 
 inhabitants and by the voluntiers fencible men and 
 militia." It is added that Colonel Maxwell had 
 left his own family and countrey above seventy 
 miles distant from this place at the desire of the 
 Magistrates and Chiefs of the inhabitants . 
 and continued here undergoing the said tryall 
 and trouble from the second of October, at which 
 time he came here, to the nynt of February last, 
 that the rebellion was in part supprest and the 
 rebells scatered and chased. "t 
 
 It is stated, also, that the city of Edinburgh made 
 him a presentation of silver plate at this time ; but 
 no record of such an incident can be found in 
 the city's registers. It does not appear that he 
 took part in the military preparations there. Still, 
 it is evident from the action taken by the Glasgow 
 
 t Minutes of Town Council of Glasgow, March 12, 1716, extracted 
 by the kindness of Sir James D. Marwick, LL.D., to whom 
 thanks are due. 
 
32 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 Corporation, that he was a distinguished and 
 well-known figure in the events of the '15. As an 
 old soldier of the Revolution, he may well have 
 been serviceable at Edinburgh too, and at all 
 events he must have been a noted personage in the 
 Scottish capital. For, he had stood beside 
 Argyll on the scaffold : he had been the pupil of a 
 famous physician in the city : he had suffered 
 durance in the Tolbooth ; and he had been a 
 favourite soldier of King William. 
 
 After the commotions of 1715 had subsided, Col. 
 Maxw^ell resumed his quiet country life. As we 
 have seen, quietness and retiredness " were his 
 dearest aspiration. The Providence whose ways 
 he noted so devoutly had chosen to lead him 
 through battle and storm ; but now, as he passed 
 his grand climacteric,'^ he gained the peaceful 
 course for which he had sighed as a young man. 
 Not even the renewed troubles of the '45 appear to 
 have disturbed him. Indeed, at eighty-two, it 
 was hardly likely that he should take the field. 
 He was now the ''grand old man" of Scotland^ 
 It is recorded that when the Revolution Club was 
 
MEMOIR. 33 
 
 instituted at Edinburgh about the year 1746, his 
 health became a standing toast at its meetings, as 
 " the only man then living in Scotland who came 
 over from Holland with King William in the 
 glorious year 1688. ""^ 
 
 He was not spared long to enjoy this unique 
 designation, dying in 1752 at the age of 8g. His 
 wife survived him 13 years, and died therefore in 
 1765 at the age of 88. t Their family had 
 numbered five sons and nine daughters. 
 
 The carefully composed sketch of Colonel 
 Maxwell's life, J which will be found appended 
 to this brief notice, gives a full, and on the whole 
 very true, description of his character. Its wealth 
 of language, in doing so, is worthy of remark. 
 " Exemplary piety, constant benevolence, and true 
 patriotism " zeal, activity, and fidelity " highly 
 respected and much beloved, in the most perfect 
 health by the strictest temperance such are some 
 
 * See sketch of Col. Maxwell's life appended, 
 t So Dr Gartshore ; but M'Kerlie {Lands and their Owners^ III.» 
 28) says that she " died at Dumfries, 30th September, i']66> 
 having survived her husband upwards of fourteen years." 
 J Written by Dr Maxwell Gartshore, a nephew of Col. Maxwell, 
 whose father was minister of Anwoth from 1714 to 1723. 
 
34 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 of the phrases that occur. The most frequent 
 attribute, however, is ''fervent piety," and undoubt- 
 edly the journals give ample proof. It was a 
 diary-keeping age, as the publications of the 
 Scottish Text and Scottish History Societies show. 
 And there was a narrower line then between the 
 secular and the sacred. Colonel Maxwell uses 
 the language of his time, and reflects the current 
 modes of thought among people of his school. 
 But his piety was no mere fashion of speech or 
 pen ; it influenced him in every important step. 
 He sought divine guidance continually, and he 
 firmly believed that it was granted. Prayer 
 was a great feature of his life. The tradition is 
 that he retired daily to a summer-house in his 
 grounds for the purpose of devout exercise, and a 
 small fragment of that pious retreat is still pointed 
 out. Like all who were trained in the school of 
 Rutherford and Guthrie, he repeatedly gave him- 
 self up by solemn covenant to Christ. One of 
 these remarkable acts of self-dedication is recorded 
 at length in the Diary For the rest, that record 
 
 * Diary, Oct. 27, 1695. 
 
MEMOIR. 3S 
 
 furnishes a very full induction as to his entire 
 character. He was a typical Scotsman of the 
 seventeenth century, in that important section of 
 the people which clung to the Presbyterian polity, 
 and regarded the National Covenants as the 
 charter of their religion. A son of the manse, 
 he inherited the memories of the Golden Age 
 of Presbytery. He was bred up in his father's 
 unflinching adherence to the covenanting Kirk. 
 His relations and associates were of the Presby- 
 terian opposition, which Middleton, Lauderdale, 
 and their like strove in vain to crush by persecu- 
 tion. The strong hand of the old violent Privy 
 Council was laid on him. He had no prospects, 
 no career, in his native land. The path of 
 preferment was closed against men who refused 
 to own the King's supreme prerogative in Church 
 and State. So, he took refuge, like so many of 
 Scotland's best sons, in Holland, and there he 
 found his work at last. His time came, and he 
 showed his valour and promptitude in discerning 
 it. The campaigns which ensued proved him to 
 be no dreamy religionist, but a stout and daring 
 
36 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 soldier. If any single proof of his unusual merit 
 were required, we might find it in the fact that 
 William of Orange delighted to honour him. That 
 Prince had an eagle eye for men. We may believe 
 that he saw in William Maxwell what he saw in 
 Carstairs — " an honest man." 
 
 The publication of extracts from the Diary 
 seems to need no justification. It speaks for itself. 
 Doubtless, the record is meagre in historical and 
 social details ; but, on the other hand, it is rich in 
 Scottish devotional feeHng, and it gives the 
 outlines of a career unusually interesting and 
 even romantic. It brings before us the figure of 
 a notable Revolution worthy. It shows us how 
 men in 1685 were being trained by adversity and 
 self-discipline to take their share in the coming 
 settlement of Church and State. Perhaps, at the 
 present juncture in Scotland, its special use may 
 be to remind us that the Nonconformists of the 
 reigns of Charles II. and James were not the 
 ignorant and blinded fanatics sometimes pictured 
 in partisan histories and pamphlets, but men both 
 of birth and of parts, men of high views and 
 
MEMOIR. 37 
 
 tender conscience, such as the writer of this 
 Diary. Charles II. is reported to have said that 
 Episcopacy was the only religion fit for a 
 gentleman. The ensuing pages go far to prove 
 that Presbytery had its gentlemen too. 
 
 It remains to be added, that only extracts are 
 here given, the entire manuscript being much too 
 bulky for the purpose in view. But a connected 
 narrative is revealed, and no important or 
 noteworthy passage has been omitted. The 
 spelling has been modernised, except in cases 
 where the older mode gave interest or value to 
 the passage. 
 
 PKESENTATION PLATE. 
 
38 
 
 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 Life of Colonel WM. MAXWELL of Capdoness. 
 
 iBy Dr MAXWELL GARTSHORE, 1776?^ 
 
 Colonel William Maxwell of Cardoness, in the 
 Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, North Brittain, was the 
 only son of William Maxwell, minister of Minnigaff 
 in that county, and came there in the year 1663, 
 three weeks after the death of his father, who was 
 grandson of William Maxwell of Newland, a 
 second son of Sir Gavin Maxwell of Calderwood. 
 
 He was educated in his earliest years under a 
 very pious mother, who was daughter to Murdoch 
 of Cumloden, Esquire, and she carried him, when 
 of a proper age, to the city of Glasgow, where 
 he was educated at the High School and 
 University, when, choosing to study Physick, he 
 was removed to Edinburgh, and after some years 
 to Leyden to finish his education in that science. 
 
MEMOIR. 39 
 
 Whilst he 'studied there, the glorious Revolution 
 was in agitation, and when that expedition v,'as 
 on foot he, being then 25 years of age, and bred 
 up in strict Revolution principles, and a warm 
 friend to the cause of Protestant liberty, offered 
 voluntarily his service to the Prince of Orange, 
 and was immediately appointed an ensign in a 
 Scotch Regiment commanded by the then Earl 
 of Leven, with which coming over to England and 
 becoming a great favourite with his Colonel, his 
 promotion was rapid, serving but seven months 
 as an ensign, and by a series of honourable 
 services in King William's wars in Ireland and 
 Flanders arrived at the rank of Lieut. -Colonel in 
 the army. 
 
 In the year 1696, his thirty-third year, he 
 married Nicolas, the only daughter of William 
 Stewart of Castle Stewart, son to John Earl of 
 Galloway, with whom he lived in the utmost 
 harmony and happiness for 56 years to his death, 
 in his 89th year, A.D. 1752, she bringing him 5 
 sons and 9 daughters, and surviving him 13 
 years. 
 
40 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 In the year 1703"^ he was chosen member of the 
 Scotch Parliament for the Stewartry of Kirkcud- 
 bright, where, from principle joining the party 
 which at that time violently opposed the Union 
 between the two kingdoms, the terms of which 
 he thought neither honourable nor advantageous 
 for Scotland, he had his commission taken from 
 him by the then Duke of Argyle, who stood up 
 in open Parliament and said there was a 
 commission for somebody as soon as he has 
 given his vote. After this dismission, he built 
 the house of Bardarroch in which he resided, 
 much respected by his neighbours and friends for 
 his exemplary piety, extensive benevolence, and 
 true patriotism. Thus he lived a blessing to that 
 country till the year 1715, when he was again 
 called out in the service of his country upon that 
 rebellion breaking out soon after the accession of 
 the House of Hanover, and was invested with 
 the command of the whole Militia of the South of 
 
 * The election actually took place in 1702, but the Queen's Letter 
 accounts for delay in meeting by the " Great and Weighty 
 Affairs wherein We have been engaged this Winter." — 
 See p. 28. 
 
MEMOIR. 41 
 
 Scotland. He acted also, during that period, 
 as Governor of the City of Glasgow ; and after 
 that rebellion was quashed, received the most 
 honourable testimonies of his zeal, activity, and 
 fidelity from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, 
 which yet remain in the possession of his grand- 
 son and representative. 
 
 He retired again to his seat at Bardarroch, 
 where he devoted himself entirely for the re- 
 mainder of his life to the duties of domestic life, 
 and to those of a country magistrate, taking an 
 active part in everything that could serve his 
 friends, neighbours, and native country, living 
 highly respected and much beloved, in the most 
 perfect health, by the strictest temperance, to the 
 year 1752, when he died of old age, universally 
 regretted. 
 
 If a life of exemplary piety, inflexible integrity, 
 true patriotism and active benevolence, deserves 
 to be recorded, his certainly has an undoubted 
 title. By the journals written in his own hand 
 during both the active and retired periods of his 
 life, it appears that his mind was early under the 
 
42 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 most powerful influence of religious principles, 
 that he was a strict observer of his own conduct 
 and of the ways of Providence, and warmly 
 interested in everything that concerned the religi- 
 ous liberties and prosperity of his country, and 
 that he was an early sufferer by the tyranny that 
 then prevailed, being imprisoned for some time, 
 and examined before the Privy Council at Edin- 
 burgh for attending religious conventicles. In his 
 other journals, many excellent observations appear 
 on the conduct of the army, and his own shone in 
 all King William's sieges and battles in Ireland 
 and Flanders during that active period, and gave 
 the strongest proofs of loyalty, courage, piety, and 
 a constant equanimity and preparedness for death. 
 
 In his later journals, composed amidst the enjoy- 
 ments and trials of domestic life, there appears a 
 happy mixture of fervent piety with the warmest 
 social affections for his wife, his children, and 
 friends, and few publications have ever discovered 
 higher or more animated strains of devotion, love, 
 gratitude, and entire resignation to the divine 
 Being. In short, the whole discovers a sound 
 
MEMOIR. 43 
 
 head, and a heart glowing with the best and purest 
 affections. 
 
 P.S. — It may be worth mentioning that, at the 
 meetings of the great Revolution Club, instituted 
 at Edinburgh soon after the year 1746, his health 
 was always one of the standing toasts, as an 
 honourable supporter of that cause, and the only 
 man then living in Scotland who came over from 
 Holland with King William in the glorious 1688. 
 This, the writer of the above account has himself 
 been witness to. 
 
 M. G., 
 
 [Maxwell Gartshore]. 
 
 St, Mart.'s Lane, 
 
 28th Sept., 1776. 
 
 * A celebrated physician in London, a nephew of Col. Maxwell. 
 See Mackenzie's History of Galloway, \\. Appendix, p. 35, 
 note. 
 
COAT OF ARMS. 
 
The Diary. 
 
1. 
 
 1685. 
 
 Persecution abounding — Thoughts on prayer, temptation, 
 religious experience — Virtues needed in time of revolution 
 — The terrors of Satan — Questions for self-examination — 
 Demoralised state of Scotland — Baptism — Sabbath 
 observance — Argyle's arrest — Rumbold's execution — Argyle 
 on the scaffold — Duty of praise — God independent of 
 instruments — Prayer for the martyrs — Value of a godly 
 magistracy — His plans for a profession — Soliloquy on 
 death. 
 
 April 5, 1685. j^e great subject of the gospel 
 insisted on to-day in the forenoon 
 from Job xiv. 14 was death, asserting that to stop 
 our going on in sin it were good to remember our 
 mortahty — how near death may be, and how 
 terrible it is to die in sin (Job. xvii. 17). He 
 minded death, and made ready for it. . . . 
 
 April 6, 1685. should be my work in this sad 
 
 day never to give myself rest until 
 
 I have assurance of my interest secured in Christ ; 
 
 C 
 
46 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 and then (I judge) I should be satisfied to commit 
 myself to the guidance of so expert ane guide 
 as Christ, who one day shall be able to give this 
 account to the Father: "Behold, I and the children 
 thou hast given me ; of them all not one is lost 
 whom I have not raised up at this last day." . . 
 
 Resolved on some more diligence in rising 
 betimes, and employing myself actively. As to 
 the regulating my course of life more exactly, I 
 cannot say but I have somewhat discovered the 
 heart under indisposition and hardness as formerly. 
 
 "AlfiViTTes'f.^' ^^^^^ "^v^^ to be forgotten, but 
 daily to be preparing and waiting 
 for it. . . O, that the Lord would smite my 
 heart, and help me to pour forth my spirit in His 
 bosom, that so I may mourn for the sins of my 
 youth, and those particularly thought upon this 
 day. But I cannot but bless the Lord — as I desire 
 ever to do — (i) that has keeped me from many 
 gross abominations that are incident to youth, 
 and palpably seen in this country, though, alas, 
 many heinous sins I am guilty of, the least 
 
IN POLLOCK WOOD. 47 
 
 whereof merits wrath. But the Lord, who out of 
 free love sent a Saviour to perfect the work of 
 redemption, can alone pardon ; and on Him and 
 His merits I desire to rely : (2) that He made 
 me these many years in any measure to make 
 conscience of duty, though, alas, attended with 
 too much formality. 
 
 April 8, 1685. Ycstemight grief by tears prevailing 
 occasioned (I judge) a moderate 
 distemper in my head. O that, when mourning 
 for the loss of my dear relation now in glory, I 
 might think on my hard heart, and, mourning over 
 it, be grieved for sin, which is the cause of our 
 misery. 
 
 This forenoon, being in the north wood of 
 Pollock, after reading a little in Mr Guthrie's 
 " Great Interest,""^ I was assisted in prayer to 
 renew my former engagements and resolutions to 
 be the Lord's ; for the performance of which I beg 
 strength from the Lord (for, if I rely on my own 
 strength, how soon may I deny Him, which should 
 
 * By Rev. William Guthrie of Fenwick. 
 
48 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 be to my eternal shame and dishonour), that I may- 
 walk on in ane covenant with God, acquiescing 
 in Him who is the blessed party contractor, who 
 asks but our consent, and He will set the seal 
 to it. . . 
 
 April 9. 1685. . . . Also, a great part of the 
 Christian religion is in moderating 
 cares and restraining affections about the things 
 of this life : to be careful in nothing, yet not 
 slothful in business, using the world, yet not 
 abusing It — painful, yet wained^ from the world. 
 
 April 10. 1685. \^ ^11 things I do, I have no satis- 
 faction or clearness to think that 
 any of them is done for God when the heart is 
 not straight with Him ; for I found prayer this 
 day, both in private and when I joined in public, 
 a work I cannot fold unto. 
 
 I would know what is the most effectual remedy 
 of indisposition to prayer. Is not prayer ane 
 
 * Weaned. 
 
SABBATH THOUGHTS. 49 
 
 help to prayer? If God give the Holy Spirit to 
 them that ask Him, importunate prayer is the 
 most helpful mean to fervent prayer 
 
 # # # 
 
 '^^S^'.less!"* Great has my offences been by my 
 misspending the Sabbaths of the 
 Lord ; which makes me to be at such a distance 
 from God. For what comfort do I find at any 
 time from the ordinary appointed means — prayer, 
 and reading the Word ; which may make me 
 condemn myself so quickly. For how formally is 
 it gone about — little seriousness, zeal, and fervency 
 in it, so that I may surely conclude myself under 
 no very good condition. But what says my soul — 
 Shall I leave off such holy duties and go back to 
 the puddle of sin, and cast myself in hazard of 
 eternal wrath and displeasure of God for ever? 
 God forbid that I ever give way to the divell and 
 my own lusts, to suggest these wicked devices 
 to put me off the right way. But stay, my soul, 
 though I be in a sad position at present, not 
 
 * Die dominico, on the Lord's Day. Mane, at early morning. 
 
50 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 assisted sensibly oftentimes in duty, yet I must 
 hold on and wait and expect until it be His time. 
 
 \_Eodem die, ante mer.'] I have been at prayer, 
 entreating God that He would discover unto me 
 my heart-evils, and that He would make me to 
 mourn and lament the distance betwixt God and 
 my soul, and to mourn over these heart-alienations 
 that I am so much taken up with. I have also 
 entreated the Lord that He would make me mourn 
 for the sad case that the Church and people of 
 God are in ; for now persecution abounds on every 
 hand. Antichrist and his vassals doing what they 
 can to ruin the Protestant interest, that so he may 
 get his deadly wound cured again. And, alas, how 
 many are conniving at this horrid wickedness, so 
 that we have reason to be afraid that idolatry shall 
 be our judgment, and that wherewith the Lord will 
 chastise us for our breach of vows and contempt 
 of the gospel salvation ; for, as we were once 
 famous for godliness and the work of Reformation, 
 so now are we infamous for wickedness and 
 apostacy 
 
PRAYER. 51 
 
 April 13, 1685. J f^^d it by experience very difficult 
 to get my heart settled on good, where there is a 
 bensell^ of spirit towards vain and sinful thoughts ; 
 it were to my advantage to spend much time in 
 prayer. . . Prayer is a thing few are acquainted 
 with, and requires a huge composure of spirit. 
 Ought a person's fancy to be roving (as, alas, too 
 often mine is) while he is petitioning and speaking 
 to the King of kings ? O for a heart prepared to 
 speak to Him about my soul's concernment ; O for 
 a humble heart to be weaned from all vanities 
 here, and to take a loose grip of the comforts in 
 the world. . . . 
 
 * * * 
 
 April 18, 1635. ^ ^ xhc act of prayer is one 
 thing, and the spirit of prayer is a 
 far other thing. The first stands in a fitting and 
 orderly disposal of words, sentences, and petitions; 
 the other lies in the inward frame of the heart. 
 The first is a very transient thing; though it 
 remain as to the habit, it is not of a mortifying 
 
 * Bensle, a bleak, cold place. Betisell of spirit, a cold spot 
 in the heart, lying exposed to vain thoughts. 
 
52 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN, 
 
 quality. The other regulates the after-conver- 
 sation, and acts before and after, sanctifying, 
 mortifying, quieting, softening the heart. If I 
 reckon myself only to pray where these effects 
 are manifest, I shall hardly challenge the name of 
 prayer at all. 
 
 ^,-^r'l™' ™; I confident there is no other 
 
 dies dom., mane. 
 
 way to make up my peace with 
 God at all times, but by Christ. It were not ane 
 covenant sure and well-ordered, Christ were not 
 ane advocate sufficient, if, when any man sins, we 
 should not be preserved by His power. If it be 
 in ourselves to destroy ourselves, Christ doth wash 
 at first, and continues still ane open fountain ; He 
 renews repentance, as well as first infuses it, and 
 repentance is not only for sins before conversion, 
 but for the converted sinner's sins. I would 
 therefore desire to sit dovvn and wonder at that 
 grace which angels find ane sufficient subject of 
 eternal wonder, and which shall be the everlasting 
 subject of the wonder of the glorified. 
 
ANSWERS TO PRAYER. S3 
 
 O that I could reflect (for many things give me 
 warning to it) on my resolutions and engagements 
 in this place and elsewhere, formerly and of late, 
 that I might set forward to stir up my spirit to 
 shake off negligence, and go on cheerfully in the 
 progress of religion ; and seriously to consider 
 that the Sabbath of the Lord has been and is a 
 day of much sin. I did not reach delight in it, 
 neither did I reach preparation, nor attention, nor 
 meditation. Some interrogators I have proposed 
 to my own heart — What was my preparation ? 
 With what ear did I hear what the Spirit spoke ? 
 How I sufi'ered the word of exhortation ? How I 
 received the word of conviction ? How I enter- 
 tained Christ, and the precious things spoken of 
 Him ? In all which, I find myself defective. . 
 
 \_Eodem die, post ?ner.'] I read that ane 
 eminent Christian for piety and parts, in discourse 
 with his own minister (a great man in the Church 
 within these few years — now both in glory) what 
 is the very return of prayer, from that which is 
 only the result of God's common workings ? — his 
 answer was that, whatever be the prayer, when 
 
54 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 accordingly the thing prayed for follows in the 
 issue, it is to be held as the return of prayer, 
 whether the person praying be a believer or not. 
 Yea, he judged that God did by promise answer 
 the prayer of wicked men, for encouragement to 
 prayer, adducing the example of Ahab ; though 
 this hearing of prayer be not to ane ungodly man 
 the evidence of acceptation of prayer. Further, 
 he added the consideration that, if the grant be in 
 a spiritual thing — as mortification, increase of 
 grace, &c. — it is very confirming experience ; if 
 otherwise it be in a matter separable from grace, 
 as delivery from affliction and the Hke, the less 
 weight is to be laid thereon. 
 
 Prayer is a reviving thing, and not only main- 
 tains but increases the least beginnings of grace. 
 
 Prayer would season the current of actions, and 
 make unspiritual things become spiritual. 
 
 ApTSoi 1685.^^* ^ mortification in any 
 
 progress, the root and stem of 
 sin always fresh and vigorous. And if sin have 
 
THE WAY OF SAINTS. 55 
 
 not had so gross outbreakings, yet grace is but 
 upon the defensive hand. Corruption, when it 
 can do no more, doth give a full charge with 
 troops of vain, carnal, profane thoughts that are 
 enough to move distempers and make preparation 
 for more wounding assaults. Prayer suffers 
 exceedingly in these conflicts, to the heightening 
 of the iniquity of holy things. 
 
 O that I could be led to meditate (from Ps. 57) 
 that admirable convey"^ of divine wisdom that 
 leads all pilgrims to the same port of happiness, 
 and yet in so various a manner that albeit all the 
 flock go in the same way, yet few go in the same 
 path ; so much there is of unity and so much of 
 difference, that all saints may be said to be led in 
 one way, and yet not the same way : some whose 
 way is strewed with roses, others with thorns. 
 What a variety of experiences are among the 
 saints militant ! And, if in the general assembly 
 of the firstborn ane report were made on this 
 subject, one should say — " My way through the 
 wilderness was in famine, in perils, in nakedness, 
 
 * i.e. conveyance. 
 
S6 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 in reproach." Another would say — ''And mine 
 was as in a bed of delights and ease." Another 
 would report the terrors of his spirit ; another, the 
 quick dispelling of these, with the succession of 
 joy unspeakably in their room. 
 
 ^^^^Voctu"^^'^' untender frame of mind doth 
 
 iduHng the night), ^^-jj i-^main, SO that great is its 
 
 dulness about spiritual matters, and great indis- 
 position in waiting on God. Oh, when will Christ 
 help this, and how ? 
 
 "^egs^^Ap*"'" 22. I desire to commit myself unto 
 God's guiding this day, to be 
 counselled and directed of him, wherever I go 
 and in all I go about. There is no affair of this 
 life that does not require to be raised to a higher 
 strain and pitch of sobriety, humility, wisdom, and 
 discretion, than flesh and blood can reach ; for so 
 is the promise Prov. ii. lo. . . . O that I 
 could take my light from the lamp of the Word, 
 and resolve to stand to all that which truth and 
 righteousness obliges the man to, that swears to 
 his own hurt. 
 
TIMES OF REVOLUTION. 57 
 
 ^^Mdem^^* I desire to bless my God vvha 
 preserved from apparent hazard 
 this day in my way here, of being called in question 
 by time-servers of things that might have tended 
 to my outward disadvantage. But I desire to eye 
 the Lord in it, and to take it as a favour out of 
 His hand, begging strength to be thankful for this 
 and other mercies, and wishing mercy to those 
 that go on in a course of wickedness and pro- 
 fanity. . . . 
 
 # * # 
 
 April 25. 1685. J ^^ve dcsircd of the Lord this 
 day, that he would preserve me 
 from the temptations of the time, and that no 
 worldly honour or advantage may prevail with 
 me to do anything against light, begging also a 
 well-informed conscience, for which I desire to 
 wait upon His time. 
 
 There be so many sins this week as that I 
 cannot draw them up in a roll. 
 
 April 26, dies dom. \^ times of revolution, 5 virtues 
 to be studied: — (i) Fixedness in 
 religion ; (2) faith in God, Ps. cxii. 7 — he is not 
 
58 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 afraid of evil tidijigs"; (3) humility; (4) zeal, 
 Gal. iv. 19, Rom. x. 4; (5) wisdom — "walk wisely 
 to them that are without (i) that the gospel be 
 not ill spoken of, i Tim. vi. i ; (2) to keep faith 
 and a good conscience ; (3) to endure rather things 
 grievous than unlawful. 
 
 * * # 
 
 Ap;*27"i685. Resolved in H[aggs] [Kirk] yard 
 to more seriousness and frequency 
 in minding death. 
 
 How, alas, is it that my heart is nothing taken 
 with Christ's loveliness who is altogether lovely? 
 Love is a passion that may be attracted by the 
 excellency of the object, but it cannot be com- 
 manded. Indeed it may be sweetly bound and 
 incHned by the delight of ane attractive object. 
 And is there such a one as Christ, fair and ruddy, 
 the chief among ten thousand ; the pearl of price, 
 the Father's love, and the love and wonder of 
 angels and saints? Surely, He hath a title of 
 purchase to my affections ; If He'll but add con- 
 quest to purchase, then shall there be constraint. 
 
SATAN. 59 
 
 but it is a constraint of love. And that shall be a 
 gentle violence, that shall so draw that I shall 
 also run, and so command with power as that I 
 also shall be willing. O when shall He so exalt 
 His excellency as that I shall cast my idols to the 
 moles and to the bats ! It is not I that can first 
 love Him ; His love is without beginning, and so, 
 like to Himself. . . If He love me, I shall be 
 made to love Him ; and if I love Him, He will 
 delight in me. O to rouse up my heart and move 
 toward the sight of His comely face ! It may be 
 the Master will call me, and bid me be of good 
 cheer. 
 
 Apru 30, post mer. ... If I could meditate how 
 terrible the representation of Satan 
 is even to some of the godly, how might I be led 
 to think — If one divell be so terrible as that very 
 representation thereof, what will myriads and 
 thousands of them be, and what shall we judge to 
 be the thoughts of the despisers and neglecters of 
 this great salvation amidst the torments of that 
 terrible fellowship? 
 
6o ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 If believers were under the domination of this 
 prince of darkness, how stand they engaged to 
 their Redeemer ? 
 
 If believers shall one day judge angels, i.e. 
 divells, what a change shall that be, when divells 
 at whose remembrance or appearance we now 
 tremble, shall then tremble before Christ the Judge 
 of all, and before the holy patriarchs and apostles, 
 and all the saints, assessors, witnesses, and 
 approvers of the righteous sentence ! 
 
 Prayer to be made to be delivered from his 
 wiles, whom masked with specious colours we 
 receive and embrace, when in his naked appear- 
 ance we would hate. 
 
 To have the Word made effectual — the God of 
 peace to bruise him under our feet. 
 
 Edinburgh May 1.1685. , ^ ^ And although with 
 mane. o 
 
 outward loss to be trysted be 
 my lot, not only of some of my dear relations 
 (whose holy life and conversation I desire never 
 to forget), but also of means formerly, and more 
 by appearance now in hazard, yet I desire to trust 
 
A FRIEND IN PRISON. 6i 
 
 in God He will provide for me and the family 
 wherein I am concerned (as He hath hitherto 
 undeservedly, praise to His great name), and that 
 He will keep me from using any unlawful way to 
 preserve it ; for it shall be seen what will become 
 of the oppressors of the poor, of the widow and 
 the fatherless, who raise their estates on the ruins 
 
 of others 
 
 To-day, asking a friend in prison if he w:is 
 heart-wearied — answer — No, never wearied, for 
 it had been one of the best houses to him that 
 ever he was in, for which he blessed God." And 
 have not I great reason to bless His glorious name 
 who supports those that suffer for righteousness' 
 sake even amidst all the threatenings of enemies, 
 and who gives them new supply under all their 
 afflictions, and makes them to wait patiently till 
 the time of relief come ? 
 
 ■^^y 2- ... Great hath the unequalness 
 
 and unevenness of my Christian 
 
 walk been hitherto. O how doth these frequent 
 
 baitings of ours give sinful opportunities of the 
 
 D 
 
62 
 
 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 knowledge of the wonderful paths of God's love, 
 the depths of His wisdom, the perfection of His 
 soul-hatred to sin — that if there be a detestable 
 disorder in the sinful changes of our estate, yet 
 is there a wise series and contexture of love in 
 all the various accesses and recesses, ebbings and 
 flowings of the love of Christ, keeping correspond- 
 ence with our necessity and wants. How should it 
 be also known what compassion and pity are in His 
 rebukes, what tenderness in the restoring our feet 
 from falling, what the loosing of bands, what the 
 opening of the prison-door, what the raising of 
 the lambs in His bosom and gently leading those 
 that are with young, nor what the leaving ninety- 
 nine sheep and seeking one straying in the 
 mountains. 
 
 * * * 
 
 ■^^y ^- ... How can my heart but 
 tremble when taking ane com- 
 plexed look of the present juncture of affairs, as 
 they stand in all aspects; it being such ane 
 dangerous and critical hour and power of dark- 
 
" DEAREST comrade:' 63 
 
 ness : every day almost producing more and more 
 cause of mourning, and when hearing of such 
 wicked acts established by law, who should not 
 be concerned? And blessed be the Lord they 
 are some that is so, as I find by D: Com:"^ in his 
 line, shewing his heart to tremble in looking on 
 this juncture of affairs. ... 
 
 "^^y . • . The sad case of the Lord's 
 
 people not seriously laid to heart, 
 notwithstanding of the daily evidences of ruin 
 intended, if the Lord prevent not. ... As 
 it has been my request to God to fit me for trial 
 (that I might choose to part with all earthly 
 pleasures rather than a good conscience), death, 
 and judgment — so I desire not to forget to renew 
 my requests, being willing to put a blank in His 
 hand concerning my lot in time — only that I may 
 have my soul for a prey in the close of the day. 
 
 ■^^y ^- ... Resolved this day to be 
 one of the daily interrogators (to 
 which, alas, I am a great stranger) — What grace is 
 
 * Dearest comrade : see infra, p. 65. 
 
64 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 in exercise ? What hath been faith's work to-day ? 
 
 What of repentance ? What of meekness ? What 
 
 hath been the outgoings of God to my spirit 
 
 to-day? Hath He commended Himself above all 
 
 diligence, above prayer and all exercises of 
 
 v^^orship? Christ is more excellent than all His 
 
 garments, than His own spices and perfumes — 
 
 more excellent than the Word that testifies of 
 
 Him, than all the soul's motions and breathings 
 
 after Him. He is better than the kisses of His 
 
 own lips. Wherefore this is the great design to 
 
 be set on foot, to be my beloved's, and He to 
 
 be mine. Whether hath God shewed Himself 
 
 reconciled and friendly to-day ? This depends 
 
 on the resolution of that fundamental of my 
 
 salvation, whether I be in a reconciled state or 
 
 not? I cannot but assent to the gospel tender 
 
 offer, but do but faintly lean over on Christ. And 
 
 may be much puzzled as to evidences, the most 
 
 being probabilities and not certainties. 
 
 What of the turbulent lusts have been mortified 
 
 and heart-evils subdued, to-day? . . . 
 * * * 
 
NEGLECT OF HOLY DAYS. 6$ 
 
 May 12. Daily more and more cause of 
 mourning when all things look 
 with a most formidable and portentuous aspect. 
 But this sure foundation of comfort may and 
 ought to comfort our hearts (as my D.C.,"^ J.G., 
 in his line), that God lives and reigns, and blessed 
 be our rock. 
 
 May 13. Qn reflecting on what has passed 
 at this present Parliament, how 
 may I tremble and fear some sad judgment to 
 come on this desolate land, once famous for 
 godliness and for the gospel. But where is our 
 piety and our zeal now gone, our fast-days, 
 and preaching days, our Communion days and 
 meetings amongst the godly — how are we 
 deprived of them ! Sin is the cause of all our 
 misery, of our slavery, bondage we are reduced 
 unto, and are like to be more if God prevent 
 not, and allay not the fury of enemies which 
 rages greatly, as may be seen by being the 
 
 * See above, p. 63. 
 
66 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 instruments of such perjury as has abounded 
 these many years, and now Hke more to abound, 
 by enjoining heritors, wadsetters, &c., to take 
 that dreadful oath that has been pressed in this 
 kingdom these many years.^ Being witness to 
 this yesterday, and to the imposing of such a 
 dreadful sum of money (viz., 200,060 lib. yearly)t 
 on this poor harassed and oppressed kingdom, as 
 also the ratification of Murthland, Jerviswood, 
 Argyle, their forfaulture, to impoverish a poor 
 persecuted land, how may it make me to mourn 
 and sorrow. But I trust in God He will send 
 a delivery to His Church and people ; though 
 enemies be at a great height of villany, yet God 
 can give strength to His own to endure patiently. 
 
 • • ■ • How shall I get my 
 heart duly affected with the rich 
 privileges of Baptism ? May I believe that I am 
 in the Church of Christ as a baptised member^ 
 
 * The " Test." 
 t Equal to about £ij,ooo sterling. 
 
THE LORD'S DAY PROFANED. 67 
 
 and all the rest of the world that are not of this 
 society to be under the deluge of the wrath of 
 God? Oh, what ground of praise to free grace, 
 what hope and comfort beyond doubting, of being 
 safely carried to the last end and mark of our 
 hope. We have for our guide that grand and 
 first preacher of righteousness, nay He who is 
 the Lord our righteousness, and for our fellow- 
 companion all the blessed society of them whose 
 garments are washed in the blood of the Lamb. 
 
 Eodemdie,veBp. .... It was once Comfortable 
 to see Lord's Day keeped in 
 Scotland, but alas, how is it now prophaned by 
 old and young, little vice being suppressed, and 
 much encouraged, even by these that are called 
 our teachers : being time-servers and temporisers. 
 O that the Lord would now (when many are 
 fainting and dying for food to their souls) root 
 them out, and give us godly ministers, labourers 
 to His vineyard, that may teach His people 
 wisdom and knowledge ! It is He that can do 
 
68 
 
 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 this, and that can bring down the power of the 
 wicked and send delivery even by a little handful, 
 as well as by many. But alas, we are living at a 
 distance from God, and are not fitted for it ; but 
 it were our wisdom to be at our duty, and to be 
 frequently and seriously entreating God that, if it 
 may consist with His holy purposes and design. 
 He v/ould countenance this little handful now 
 appearing for His cause"^, whom we trust has 
 nothing before their eyes but God's glory, the 
 good and advantage of His persecuted people. 
 O that the Lord would be pleased to make their 
 undertakings successful, that their enemies may 
 flee before them ! For if it be not, vs e may 
 expect nothing but utter ruin and destruction to 
 the Protestant interest here, and to these His 
 poor remnant. . . 
 
 '^^y22. Alas, how far short am I of the 
 frame of spirit that this time 
 calls for, and this day in particular, when being 
 
 * Referring to the ill-fated expeditions of Monmouth and Argyle. 
 
ARGVLE'S EXPEDITION. 6g 
 
 witness to such horrible acts as certifying all 
 subjects that refuse the oath of allegiance and 
 to assert the prerogative, that they shall be 
 imprisoned, banished, or what the Council pleases, 
 except as to life and limb. As also, seeing 
 Ochiltree forfaulted both as to life and fortune, 
 accepting of Mr Carstairs' deposition as relevant 
 against him, notwithstanding of his absence, of 
 his being cruelly tortured, and of his having it 
 under their hand, on their faith and honour, that 
 what he deponed should not militate against 
 any. . . . 
 
 ***** 
 
 '3- ... Much cast down this day, 
 hearing a report of Argyle's being 
 apprehended, which I hear to be false, blessed be 
 the Lord, who is the rock of His people. O that 
 it might please God to send us comfortable news 
 from them, being as we hear this day joined with 
 the enemy, whom we desire to trust in the Lord 
 he has or shall defeat. . . 
 
 * * * 
 
70 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 June 22. J cannot but bless the Lord, who 
 trysted me this last day with such 
 a great mercy (for which I longed)"^, as hearing 
 His Word preached in purity, and for such a 
 seasonable word in this day of fainting and sad- 
 ness, when God in His wisdom has been pleased 
 to tryst us with such ane astonishing dispensation, 
 even the scattering for the most part that poor 
 handful who did appear for the work of God and 
 Protestant interest, and delivering up to enemies 
 him who we thought the Lord had made use of as 
 
 His instrument in the present undertaking. 
 
 * * * 
 
 June 25. sorrowful and surprising news 
 
 I heard this night, of the Lord 
 removing by death Craignell, my dear brother-in- 
 law, does so seize upon me that I may say . 
 I have a load above a burden." .... 
 
 June 26. ThdX \s daily made out to be true, 
 that some has their path here 
 through a bed of roses as it were, and some 
 
 * He had on the previous day attended a conventicle by- 
 
 Rev. John Moncrieff. 
 
Frovt Portrait by Sir George Chnllin**-. 
 
 SIR DAVID MAXWELL, ist Baronet. 
 
RUMBOLD'S DYING SPEECH. 71 
 
 through thorns and briars, even through great 
 troubles and sorrow. I cannot say I have cause 
 to complain of my lot, but from my heart I desire 
 to bless the Lord for it, and hopes he will 
 strengthen me so to do, whatever it may be. 
 But I must say, many causes of grief and sorrow 
 renewed to me, as yesterday hearing of the death 
 of my dear relation, to-day being witness of the 
 sufferings of [General] Rumbold, who was used 
 as a heathen, and not as a Christian, for appearing 
 for the Protestant interest with those who here 
 lately appeared. Truly this cannot, on the one 
 hand, but be ground of grief and sorrow, to see 
 such a valiant and courageous man so used, but 
 on the other, ground of comfort that the Lord did 
 so wonderfully carry him through from fainting 
 (notwithstanding of the sad sentence), giving him 
 courage and cheerfulness in the cause : declaring 
 he did not neither durst repent for it, but on the 
 contrair that if all the hair of his head were men, 
 he would venture them all for the cause ; saying 
 also that Christ would appear shortly (yea, some 
 of us there should see it) against His enemies^ 
 
72 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 and rule the nations with a rod of iron. At which 
 these cruel time-servers caused beat the drums : 
 a thing abominable, not to suffer one who was on 
 the brink of eternity to speak their mind. Then 
 praying (being once stopped by the drums beating) 
 with great assurance, forgiving all men, he was 
 barbarously used according to his unjust sentence 
 this same day, which also evidences their cruelty."^ 
 
 * * * * 
 
 ju^rfJtaTj'ss. This day spent with much grief, 
 not wanting reason when the 
 people of God has been trysted with so great a 
 loss this day by the sufferings of Archibald Earl 
 of Argyle (to which I was a witness, being with 
 him all the time on the scaffold, thereafter accom- 
 panying his corpse to Madline cheapaldf), one 
 of the best, yea soundest, Protestants in Europe : 
 being imprisoned in the year 1682, and sentenced 
 to death for declaring that he took the Test Oath 
 
 * Ruir.bold was hanged and quartered near the City Cross, 
 in the High Street, 
 
 t Magdalen Chapel. 
 
ARGYLE ON THE SCAFFOLD. 73. 
 
 with the reservation of liberty to propose or agree 
 to Reformation in Church or State — a most unjust 
 sentence indeed, which did appear to three of the 
 Lords of Justiciary declining the relevancy after 
 it was debated ; which to any experience might 
 have appeared if there had not been inveterate 
 malice and some cruel spirit in them, stirring 
 them up to murther. Afterwards, the Lord 
 wonderfully delivered him, and also preserved 
 -him in other nations until his appearing here 
 (with others of quality) for the interest and cause 
 of Christ so much persecuted and borne down by 
 the great ones of these nations ; and was strangely 
 apprehended. So, abiding to what he had by 
 public declaration made known and continuing 
 resolutely and firmly in the cause, yesterday has 
 his former unjust sentence only intimat to him, and 
 so this afternoon suffered publicly, Christianly and 
 with courage (leaving his latter words in write) ; 
 which may be great comfort to God's people 
 (though their loss be sad and lamentable), that 
 there has such ane one so cheerfully given his 
 testimony for that cause of Christ which is so 
 
74 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 vilipended and reproached by bloody enemies. 
 But he is now beyond their reach, and what they 
 have done to him is great gain, he giving great 
 assurance of his peace with God, and an interest 
 secured in a Redeemer. 
 
 Lamentable to hear of the sad usage the West 
 has and is meeting with by that wicked crew now 
 amongst them, by plundering, killing, and oppress- 
 ing. O when will the Lord deliver this poor land 
 from such cruelty ? 
 
 j^uiy"?"685 ^ g^^^t, yea wonderful is the love 
 of God to His poor people, who 
 gives them so much sunshine amidst these dark 
 clouds and great storms that is now on His 
 Church : that with cheerfulness and great assur- 
 ance they offer up their lives for His work and 
 interest, dying in the faith that Christ will have 
 a glorious Church yet in Scotland, and Antichrist 
 shall fall, and all his underlings that are so much 
 borne up by the great ones in Europe. 
 
 * * * * 
 
•' COUNTRY CYMBALS." 75 
 Edinburgh, .D^g^iJom., ^he observation of the Lord's 
 Day is pressed, Ps. 92, with 
 the special work thereof, which is praise to God. 
 And a copy and example drawn for the observation 
 of the works of God (not neglecting these general, 
 of the creation and redemption), and to prepare 
 as it were a collection and compend of His works 
 throughout the week against the Sabbath. And 
 .seeing the eternal Sabbath differs from this present 
 but only in the degrees of its perfection, it were 
 well to take ane essay of these divine praises. 
 Before, we have the same matter and subject of 
 praise as the glorified angels and spirits of men 
 have, but not the same hearts nor harps ; and our 
 country cymbals sound not so high the Lord's 
 praise as when they are tuned in that upper 
 land. . 
 
 ?uVi^Q^\QQ5. ^^^^ ^^y> some thoughts reflecting 
 on my misspending this time by- 
 past at Edinburgh ; so much the more to be 
 lamented and mourned for, that it was a time 
 
76 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 that required more than ordinar seriousness upon 
 several considerations : which grace was not so 
 gone about, which we may be afraid is one of the 
 causes of God's displeasure against His people, 
 that they are now brought to such distress in this 
 nation, by scattering and delivering many of them 
 up to cruel enemies. But although things have 
 ane formidable aspect, yet our God lives, and will 
 bring all about to His own glory. And what do 
 we know but the Lord minds to work a delivery to 
 His people in their greatest strait as He did to His 
 disciples on the sea? 
 
 # * # * 
 
 '^^juij^ 15^1685?' Every day yields new ground of 
 sorrow, so that things have now a 
 very formidable aspect — not the least ground of 
 hope at present left by any outward means we can 
 behold; so that now if our relief come, it must only 
 be from God. For He has made us to see (at this 
 time) that there is no trust to be put in the arm of 
 flesh ; for what greater instruments could have 
 been desired to appear against popery and arbi- 
 
MONMOUTH'S EXPEDITION. 77 
 
 trary government, and for the interest and work of 
 Christ, so much despised and borne down by 
 wicked persecutors, than has appeared at this time 
 in this island of Britain, truly and Christianly 
 declaring at large the cause and design of their 
 appearing, a cause one of the most just that man 
 could own. Notwithstanding we may now see 
 how the Lord has delivered some of the chief 
 instruments in this nation who appeared, some 
 of whom has suffered already, and scattered the 
 rest, and now I hear that some of these in the 
 neighbouring nation are fallen among their hands, 
 sc.^ D. Monmouth and Lord Gray ; the rest fallen 
 and scattered. . . . 
 
 ''ru'i7i6:il8l'' Helped somewhat in 
 
 prayer, renewing my resolutions to 
 embrace Christ through weal and through woe upon 
 whatsomever hazard, choosing to quit with all in 
 the world rather than to quit with Him. He is 
 all-sufficient rock to His own in a day of distress 
 such as this. . . . 
 
 Scilicet, namely. 
 
 E 
 
78 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 ♦ * * # 
 
 'juiyll^iSsiy* • • • (0 Orandum de publico 
 reipublicae statu^. (2) The dis- 
 tresses that the poor people of God are now under, 
 especially in thir lands, who has jeoparded their 
 lives for the work and interest of Christ, and who 
 are now (at least some of them who hitherto has 
 endured fatigue, cruel and barbarous torture and 
 sufferings) near the broken waters, even near to 
 death and eternity, that God would give unto them 
 for His Son's sake a double measure of support, 
 that with courage they may cheerfully lay down 
 their lives. (3) Unseasonable weather. (4) That 
 God would pardon the sins of the week, and 
 prepare me to serve Him in His own day. 
 
 # # * 
 
 " jJXy 2r'685. • • • Trysted with more sad 
 news . . . both relating to the 
 immediate danger the Church of God is now in at 
 this day, and to the sad sufferings of His poor 
 people, of whom some are to suffer to-morrow ; 
 whom that the Lord may encourage, strengthen, 
 
 * Prayer to be made regarding public affairs. 
 
PRAYER FOR SUFFERERS. 79 
 
 grant the light of His reconciled countenance by- 
 carrying them through these short steps of time, 
 and even through the valley of the shadow, to the 
 terrifying of enemies and encouraging Christ's 
 poor remnant their fellow-sufferers — shall be my 
 earnest request with the Lord (who never leaves 
 His own when in greatest strait), as I hope it is 
 the desire of many of God's people the night. 
 
 ♦ * ♦ * 
 
 "^ful^^lrVess?' ^^^^ ^^X' coming from Dairy to 
 Paisley, somewhat sorrowful and 
 afflicted in considering the sad condition of God's 
 interest and people ; especially about Elistone, 
 where I viewed that place where the Lord 
 delivered a poor handful of His own that jeo- 
 parded their lives for His interest, killing some 
 of His avowed enemies, and causing them to 
 retire, of which I received certain information. 
 
 * * * 
 
 AuViy'iels O the great blessing of 
 
 {mane). Lord, whcn a land is trysted 
 
 with a godly magistracy, in the ordering whereof 
 
8o ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 He exerciseth a most adorable providence. I judge 
 it may be applied as a token of God's displeasure 
 the removal of many of the godly who that wrest- 
 ling with God may be said to have holden up the 
 pillars of the land. So there being few now to 
 stand in the way, the Lord's anger is hot, so that 
 for the punishment of our sins we are like to be 
 ruined or long, and scarce to have the name of a 
 Protestant Church ; which amongst all nations in 
 the world was never any more reformed from 
 idolatry, and none more famous and glorious for 
 the light of the gospel than once Scotland was, 
 but now it may be said we are degenerate. 
 
 * * * ♦ 
 
 '^^sept^S?^^' Every week and every day yields 
 more ground of sorrow and sym- 
 pathy with God's distressed people. This day, 
 these that are in opposition to His work and 
 people are now gone forth to hunt His poor people 
 and harass a distressed land. But though it be 
 so, satis est presidium in uno DeOj refuge enough 
 
CHOOSING A CALLING. 8i 
 
 in God alone. He is that stronghold to which all 
 may freely come, He offering safety. Pr. 4 tm.* 
 
 * * ♦ ♦ * 
 
 ^oic^fe.Tess.^' employ myself in my 
 
 youth for being useful in my 
 generation, is a matter of great concernment 
 which ought not to be rashly but deliberately 
 gone about . . . that I may venture to do 
 nothing but what shall be unto Him well-pleasing 
 — even not to aim any more at that which my 
 inclination has led me to these several years, if 
 it be not according to His divine will and pleasure. 
 . . . At present, if the Lord prosper my way 
 in receiving somewhat of my own in order to 
 the falling about this science, I'll desire to take it 
 as that He is favouring me in the same. But 
 however, I'll commit all to Him who is the wise 
 physician, not desiring to be too peremptor in 
 any thing. . . 
 
 * This entry, now frequent, means Prayed 4 times." Often it 
 is — " Prayed 3 times alone, and twice in company or 
 fellowship,'' 
 
82 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 * * * * 
 
 Dec. ^6*"i685! Lord is at great pains, warn- 
 
 ing me I must flit and remove 
 from this pilgrimage. Does not His dispensations 
 cry — O vain world ! O bitter sin ! O short and 
 uncertain time ! O fair eternity that is above 
 sickness and death ! O kingly and princely bride- 
 groom, hasten glorious marriage, shorten time's 
 short-spun and soon-broken thread, and conquer 
 sin ! O happy and blessed death, that blessed 
 bridge laid by Christ for passage to glory ! . . . 
 
CHOOSING A CALLING. 
 
 83 
 
 II. 
 
 1686. 
 
 Tired of inaction — Choosing a calling — He reviews Law, 
 Divinity, and Medicine — Decides to study Medicine — 
 Begins Anatomy — Finds a teacher in Edinburgh — Contrasts 
 of life — Unseasonable weather — Eternity. 
 
 Mrr'cJT?688 " ' ^^is moming, after minding 
 {mane). ^hat petitions I did put up to the 
 Lord yesterday (in some measure renewing them, 
 desiring to renew my engagements to the Lord in 
 covenant, viz., betrothed unto Him, taking Him for 
 my portion, my husband and head, my leader and 
 counsellor, my provider and preserver, desiring to 
 give myself wholly to Him, and to take up the 
 cross and follow Him), I did make it my work a 
 little to mind my temporal condition. And being, 
 as it were in equilibrio, willing to be at God's 
 disposal in whatever He shall determine my heart, 
 
84 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 did (as I have at some times done these several 
 years) beg God's counsel and determination to that 
 state of life which should be most for His glory 
 and my soul's comfort, even to take myself to some 
 employment wherein I might serve the Lord (and 
 O that still I might eye that as my greatest 
 business !) and be useful in my generation ; for 
 certainly the Lord calls that I should not live ane 
 idle life, but work wherein He calls me. 
 
 It's the Lord's call I desire chiefly to look to ; for 
 though I have had an inclination these several 
 years to one science beyond all other, yea I may 
 say to none other, yet if the Lord call me not to it, 
 by inclining and determining my heart, by giving 
 His counsel and direction, I shall not adventure to 
 pursue it. . . 
 
 Let the Lord dispose upon me as He pleases, so 
 as that I may be most serviceable to Him. For it 
 has been a quiet and private life wherein I might 
 have access (and not such divertisements as many 
 choice to themselves in time) to serve the Lord ; 
 for certainly to have such public employ in the 
 world as many take delight in (even though lawful 
 
LOOKING BACK. 85 
 
 in itself), proves hurtful to many, having many 
 snares and temptations attending it which brings 
 much guilt upon the soul. I say, it is a quiet life 
 (and some edifying science) I have still desired, 
 and which I think most agreeable to my nature. 
 Wherefore it's the Lord's counsel I have been and 
 do now beg, and that He may give light if that 
 science, to which I have these 5 or 6 years inclined, 
 be that which He is calling me to, or not. . . . 
 
 ^'''^'^(mar^.)^^^^' • • • I ^avc this moming con- 
 sidered somewhat more seriously 
 what I was formerly minding about the right 
 choosing of a calling here, hoping in the Lord 
 that what my inclination leads me to be that to 
 which the Lord calls me, and that for these 
 considerations following (however, I have been 
 further calling that the Lord would give light), 
 which I shall reduce to these : — 
 
 L That seeing by the providence and fatherly 
 care of God I was educate at the School and 
 
86 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 University of Glasgow about 8 years (for which I 
 desire to bless the Lord who has been a father unto 
 me while wanting my natural parent ; and did 
 make my other parent inclined that I should be so 
 educate, giving a good testimony of it by coming 
 so far from her relations and what little interest we 
 had, upon the same design, to whom I am obliged 
 to be thankful) — there improving my time as well 
 as part of my condisciples (but alas, not so as I 
 ought to have done) ; but that I did not so mis- 
 spend my time as many others then did, in that I 
 have peace. Blessed be the Lord who made me 
 not only to make some conscience in spending my 
 time as to my humane learning, but also did incline 
 my heart to duty as to prayer, and reading the 
 Scriptures, though alas, neither as seriously or 
 frequently as I ought to have done. I say, seeing 
 I did so long spend my time (even under maisters 
 who made conscience of educating youths, certainly 
 as we expected), and seeing there was so much 
 pains by my parent taken upon me, and seeing 
 the Lord was pleased (who mindeth the widow 
 and fatherless) to take such care of me, providing 
 
THE THREE SCIENCES. 87 
 
 for me wonderfully, and keeping me from many 
 pollutions and gross outbreakings (though, alas, 
 aggravations of sins within always abounds) that 
 others were addicted unto — for all these and 
 other reasons, I cannot but (as I have formerly) 
 think that the Lord calls me to the study of some 
 science which is proper for one so educate (though 
 it is lamentable there is little encouragement for 
 learning, Zion's distress being so great, the 
 gospel so banished, and such horrid oaths so 
 abounding, which stoppeth many for having 
 access to be useful in their generation, at least 
 of those who desire to look to God in what they 
 go about, not to go over light and the belly of 
 conscience, as alas, many do, to whom the Lord 
 shew mercy) since I have always had ane 
 inclination to learning. 
 
 Of which Sciences, there are but three prin- 
 cipally. Divinity, Physick, Law. 
 
 To speak of Law first, I desire to recollect 
 what I have formerly said, that it has been a 
 quiet life (free from such temptations and snares 
 
88 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 with which many employments are attended), 
 wherein I might live retiredly, serving God and 
 being useful also in my generation, in what station 
 the Lord should place me in. But Law, though 
 in itself lawful, and many good men has and are 
 therein employed, yet there are such temptations 
 and snares attending it, I could never have 
 thoughts of following that study, though by 
 some desired. Wherefore as to this, I find no 
 difficulty. 
 
 As for the other two, hie labor, hoc opus est. 
 The first certainly is the most honourable employ- 
 ment in the world, to be ane ambassador for 
 Jesus Christ. O how desirable, no honour in the 
 world to be compared to this, no service or work 
 like this, to be a servant, even if it were one of 
 the meanest servants, of His house, is far beyond 
 what I can speak or think of. But it is not 
 every one, even of the learned, that has a call 
 to such work, which is a great and difficult work 
 and many things requisite (as in Paul's Epistle 
 to Timothy) which are found wanting in many 
 who, without a call, rush forward to this so 
 
DIVINITY. 89 
 
 great a work, and to whom it shall be said 
 one day, Who gave you commission to treat for 
 Christ ? 
 
 There are some things that in some measure 
 demonstrateth such a call to this so great and 
 honourable work. (i.) One's gift is the great 
 differencing character of a call ; for whom the 
 Lord designs for ane employment in His house, 
 He someway fits them and makes them suitable 
 to it; not that every one that hath a gift are 
 called of the Lord, but certainly a gift is requisite. 
 (2.) Ane authoritative mission and impulse of the 
 Spirit to such a work, which is indeed hard to 
 decide, the operations of the Lord's Spirit being 
 mysterious. (3.) For a man's peace, singleness 
 in himself is necessary, having a testimony in 
 himself that conscience to duty, and obedience 
 to God's call, made him yield. Where these 
 are, there may be great peace, with a waiting 
 for what God may further reveal. But where 
 they are not, what peace can there be ? And 
 surely, those who without the same attempts to 
 so great a work, they may be reckoned amongst 
 
90 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 those in Jer. xxiii. 21, who do run, whereas the 
 Lord does not send them. 
 
 Having considered these and committed all to 
 God by prayer, I cannot find anything in myself 
 that looks like a call to that so blessed work 
 now at this time. Let the Lord work afterwards 
 when a door (which these many years has been 
 shut) shall be opened to His poor servants who 
 are longing to labour in the Lord's vineyard, 
 in which there are so many time-servers at this 
 time ; which though it be so, yet I desire (as I 
 have often said) now to say it, that if I thought 
 the Lord were calling me to this work, the 
 gospel's being banished to the public altogether 
 from this land, and very little of it to be had 
 in private, and intruders endured, and now 
 Antichrist's vassals like to overflow both, yet 
 I say that should not (by the Lord's assistance) 
 be a hindrance to me ; for the earth is the 
 Lord's and the fulness thereof;" though access 
 to His work could not be had here, yet if He 
 thought fit He could make me useful in some 
 other place of the world. But to this, I have 
 
MEDICINE. 91 
 
 not neither do think the Lord is calling me at 
 present (or else for the world I should not resist) ; 
 what He may do with me afterwards, He knows. 
 If He think me fit for any service in His house, 
 let Him call when He pleases; for surely there 
 shall be glorious days yet in these lands. O the 
 glory that shall yet shine in these lands, let 
 enemies do what they please ! However, at 
 present, to live ane idle life is not that which 
 God calls me unto. Wherefore, seeing that to 
 these of which I have been considering nothing 
 can be found to be a proper call, there remains 
 now to consider what call I have to the other. 
 Pr. 8 tm. 
 
 ^Zc^TA Seeing that after often entreating 
 and calling for counsel and direc- 
 tion from the Lord what calling to exercise 
 myself in here, that might be for His glory, 
 that I being useful in my generation might 
 serve the Lord, and having considered these 
 sciences of which most properly I esteemed 
 myself to have a call to one ; and having 
 
92 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 found nothing in myself that could truly evince 
 a call to that so honourable, so excellent and 
 great work, to be a servant in the Lord's 
 house — I do therefore turn to consider the other, 
 that is Medicine, and what I have to evince a 
 call thereto. To which, after many and reiterated 
 requests, I would gladly think that it's to that work 
 the Lord is calling me at present (having as I 
 hope great clearness to go about that work, 
 whatever I may meet with in it and however the 
 Lord may dispose upon me in it. I leave that 
 wholly to His blessed and holy will, waiting 
 always for His blessing thereto), because (i) a 
 calling wherein I might live quietly, serving the 
 Lord, has been hitherto my chief desire, but in this 
 it's that which I expect, and it's that which I 
 desire in my choosing of it to look to as the chief 
 end, even God's glory, then my soul's eternal 
 advantage, and the good and advantage of others. 
 (2) It's that to which I think myself upon rational 
 grounds most fit, considering the parts I have, 
 and considering my inclinations, which leads me 
 to the (3), that it's that science to which my 
 
HE CHOOSES MEDICINE. 93 
 
 inclinations these five or six years has led me 
 and to no other; which I confess too much stress 
 is not to be laid upon, for many do more 
 affectionately incline to what they should not 
 than to what they should. But where it's found to 
 flow from or go along with rational grounds, may 
 have its own weight. . . . (4), that I might 
 be useful in my generation has been my desire, 
 but here in this land I cannot see how any other 
 way I can be so, for all doors for other callings 
 are shut upon me, considering what horrid and 
 cruel oaths are attending them. From which I 
 hope by the Lord's strength to be wholly keeped, 
 and not to bov/ the knee to the Baals of this 
 generation and to sacrifice my conscience to the 
 will of men for any worldly advantage. . . . 
 
 These reasons therefore giving me clearness to 
 this work, I'll desire to embrace it, hoping that 
 the Lord will give His assistance, for it's His 
 glory I desire to aim at. . . 
 * * # * 
 
 M'a'rcrstilsl!' ' ' " In Order to the prosecuting 
 of this study, I desire next to 
 
 F 
 
94 ONE OF KING WILLAIM'S MEN. 
 
 ask that the Lord would sanctify my memory 
 which hitherto has been always slippery, especially 
 as to that which was good, either as to divine or 
 humane learning. 
 
 %vi\^^"?687: ^ ^^^^ seeking the Lord's 
 
 mane. blessing to this study in which I 
 am now determined to employ myself, and of 
 which this morning (through God's assistance) I 
 design to make ane essay, by reading some 
 Anatomy, in order to a preparative to a further 
 study in this science. 
 
 # * * * 
 
 ^X^riMs; 1686.^^' ' • ' ^^at the Lord may also 
 assist me with His counsel and 
 blessing (providing also ane outgate for the 
 prosecuting of it) to that which has occasioned my 
 coming to this place, shall be my request this 
 night. 
 
 * * * 
 
 day?Ap?n' 2^^686^^^ • ' Whatever be my condition, 
 mane. j ^^g-j.^ distrust God, but 
 
 beg, yea to hope, for His blessing, and that He 
 
SETTLED IN EDINBURGH. 9$ 
 
 will Open a door at present to what I am now to 
 follow. 
 
 [Vesp.] ^ ^ Has not the love of God 
 also evidently been seen this day in my settlement 
 to this study, to which I have been seeking His 
 blessing formerly, and also at this time ; for 
 amongst some discouragements, I have this day 
 met with encouragement, the Lord of His goodness 
 and free love being pleased so to order it that 
 I have now settled with one whose discretion 
 I have found already, and whose knowledge, 
 experience, and good employment is said un- 
 doubtedly to be the best in this city. This (with 
 what promises of kindness and pains of instruction 
 in pharmacy, anatomy, and practice of chirurgery) 
 yields me some comfort. 
 
 ♦ * * * 
 
 "'dun?S4yi6"8^^ Lord's way of dealing with 
 
 His own is wonderful. Some He 
 makes to lead their life with pleasure, enjoying 
 much of the comforts of this world. Others He 
 
§6 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 makes to lead their life through many difficulties 
 and troubles, with many tossings and wanderings 
 here and there in their pilgrimage, giving them 
 much of His presence ; and although they be 
 deprived of many comforts others have, such as 
 their estates and fortunes, the company of their 
 relations, and many other things, yet does the 
 Lord wonderfully provide for and preserve them. 
 And though I have never been trysted with such 
 wanderings and heavy troubles, yet this I may say 
 from the knowledge of some who are thus trysted, 
 and particularly my dear relation whom the 
 Lord (blessed be His name) who is the guide of 
 His own, has been pleased in His providence to 
 tryst me with seeing him. O that I could praise 
 the Lord for His love towards him these several 
 years bypast and towards his family : that, 
 though deprived of what they had in this world 
 (even of ancient estate), and that for adhering 
 to the interest of Christ, and though some relations 
 has inhumanly forsaken them, yet blessed be 
 the Lord who has been their provider and 
 preserver. . . 
 
ETERNITY. 97 
 
 * * * * 
 
 ^*^AuguTtV"686?' sad, when the Lord strikes, no 
 to be mourning; when He is 
 angry, no to tremble. And is not this one of our 
 plagues, that we are so stupid and secure, that 
 even at this time when the Lord is threatening 
 wrath we are lying slumbering and not awakened ? 
 Amongst other signs of His hot displeasure, does 
 not this sad judgment-like weather evidence it 
 also? O that all could mourn and humble 
 themselves in His presence, and who knows but 
 He might visit us with love, and give fair weather 
 for ripening and inbringing the fruits of the ground 
 without which we cannot subsist. 
 
 • » * * * 
 
 "Derii'i'iese!^^' Notwithstanding of all the warnings 
 that I am receiving of my frailty, 
 yet alas, how unmindful I am of it, not preparing 
 (as I ought to do) for that time when this thread 
 of life shall be cut off, when I must go out of time 
 into eternity. O to think of entering into eternity, 
 
98 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 even endless eternity ! How may it make me to 
 tremble, to think of my unpreparedness to meet 
 with the Lord, in that day of the dissolution 
 of all things ! . . . . 
 
IN THE TOLBOOTH. 
 
 99 
 
 III. 
 1687. 
 
 Apprehended Jan. 23. — In the Edinburgh Tolbooth — Appears 
 before the Council — Questions put to him — He declines to 
 answer — A night in the condemned cell — The Toleration 
 proclaimed — Re-examined and discharged — Meeting with 
 his fellow-prisoners for thanksgiving — Further Indulgence 
 from King James — " A glorious day of the gospel " — Two 
 narrow escapes — The ministers press him to become a 
 preacher — Decides to continue his present " study." 
 
 laita?JfF'eIti°68?: did please the Lord, of His holy 
 and wise providence, to cast my 
 lot here this day fifteen days, and that for adhering 
 to a persecuted gospel : for which I desire to 
 bless His holy name. O for strength to praise 
 Him that ever He was pleased to draw such a poor 
 undeserving sinner to seek after that way (even 
 a preached gospel, though sadly broken down by 
 men) these many years, wherein the Lord's 
 presence was to be seen shining upon the spirits 
 
lob ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 of His poor people, giving their souls food, even 
 light and direction how to walk as His redeemed 
 children, and whereby I have profited sometimes 
 (blessed be His name), yea my soul has been 
 constrained to pant after God. And that now, 
 for adhering to such a preached gospel, the Lord 
 should be pleased to call me to suffer in any 
 measure, how shall I be enabled to praise Him for 
 this, that ever of His free love He should have 
 thought upon such ane unworthy sinner as I am, 
 to call me to such ane honour as in the least to 
 give testimony for His truth. O how shall I 
 bless Him ! O that my soul and all that is within 
 me were magnifying His holy name for this great 
 token of His love He has carved out unto me ! 
 
 How ought I to bless and praise the Lord, who 
 ever since I was by cruel and raging men 
 apprehended, has been pleased of His free love 
 to beat down all slavish fear by giving me courage 
 to own His truth, even while coming here, and 
 ever since I came has been bearing up my spirit, 
 not suffering me in the least to faint or weary 
 iinder ane imprisoned lot ; yea, when called before 
 
BEFORE THE COUNCIL. loi 
 
 a Committee of the Council the day after I was 
 taken, that even the love and favour of God was 
 much to be seen in strengthening me with courage 
 not to yield to their sinful proposals, but to abide 
 by that which was my duty, choosing suffering 
 rather than in the least to offend God or give 
 offence to any of His people. And shall I not, for 
 all these expressions of love, praise the Lord ; 
 shall I not make it my work to be thankful while I 
 breathe ? But it is from Him alone that strength 
 must come to the performance of both, as also of 
 all other duties. 
 
 Surely then, seeing the Lord has dealt so kindly 
 with me, shewing unto me so much love far beyond 
 my deservings, it becomes me then to eye His 
 providence not only in this my present lot (and 
 surely many remarkable steps of His providence 
 are seen in it), and with patience humbly to 
 submit. For it is the Lord alone who has done it, 
 a holy, just, and wise God who can do no wrong. 
 What may be the event of it, He alone knows. I 
 desire to hope that all shall terminate in His glory 
 and my soul's comfort, seeing that while I have a 
 
102 ONE OF KING WILLIAA'rS MEN. 
 
 being in time I shall be constrained to bless Him 
 that ever He trysted me with my present lot. 
 
 EdinburghToibooth, the love of God has been 
 unspeakably great towards me 
 throughout the whole course of my time, so it is 
 not wanting in this my present lot every way : 
 which if seriously pondered might constrain me to 
 give up myself and all my concerns unto the Lord, 
 to be at His disposal, who certainly will order all 
 things well whatever be the event of the present 
 trial — which will yield inward peace of conscience 
 in all my straits through this pilgrimage. And 
 the blessed fruit thereof I shall reap in the close, 
 while beyond the power and cruelty of men. 
 
 ^ThSrldryTpib^'io^ When men is threatening very 
 furiously, it is comfortable that I 
 have One to look to who overrules all, even the 
 Lord God of Hosts who is infinite in power and 
 wisdom, and who is my covenanted God. Blessed 
 be His glorious name who ever was pleased to 
 own such a poor unworthy sinner as I am. O 
 
SEEKING STRENGTH. , 103. 
 
 what comfort does this yield unto me under my 
 present lot while threatened oy men, that the Lord 
 has owned and is owning me by the intimation of 
 His free love. O how shall I win to a right frame 
 to praise Him ? O shall I not still be more willing 
 to suffer for Him, that, do what He pleases, I may 
 cheerfully submit, not doubting but all shall 
 terminate in His glory and my soul's eternal 
 comfort. 
 
 To be exercising myself fervently in seeking 
 strength from God for my support and through- 
 bearing in my present trial, is certainly my duty. 
 And O that I were about this work, and then I 
 might expect ane comfortable issue out of all 
 difficulties I am and may be trysted with in this 
 perishing world. I might also expect to get the 
 graces of the Spirit in a more lively exercise than 
 ever they have been formerly with me, which 
 would be very supporting and encouraging,, 
 especially in such a lot as this is. 
 
 I desire through the Lord's strength not to be 
 discouraged this day, though men, yea our great 
 ones have threatened to devolve me and others 
 
I04 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 upon the Justice Court ;^ for surely, without the 
 Lord's absolute permission, that cannot be accom- 
 plished ; and if the Lord has so determined my 
 trial, I desire, throughout, strength to submit 
 patiently, and bless His name for it, and that it is 
 for adhering unto His truth, even for adhering to a 
 persecuted gospel, and not for any evil. 
 
 ^F^Pday^Feb^lue^S^ ^^^^ ""^^ ^tepS of God's 
 
 Providence since the very first 
 hour of my being apprehended, might stir me up 
 to wonder and admiration at so great love. Has 
 not the Lord been wonderfully supporting me, 
 giving me zeal and courage to suffer for His 
 persecuted truths that is so much borne down by 
 the cruel ones of these lands, that have been and 
 are endeavouring to raze to the foundation the 
 Church of God which was once glorious in these 
 lands, but now sadly ruined. O that God would 
 appear against their cruel proceedings, and yet 
 appear and make His Church again glorious, that 
 
 * Court of Justiciary. 
 
TAKING UP THE CROSS. 105 
 
 His poor people may be delighting to go into the 
 sanctuary, there to praise Him. 
 
 I desire to commit myself wholly to the Lord 
 for strength and direction in this present dis- 
 pensation, whatever may be the event of it. 
 
 "sabb7th7Feb.T3?' comfortablc at all times to 
 
 have the presence of God, but 
 most comfortable in a day of distress. O what 
 more refreshing than God's countenance, what 
 more refreshing than a blink of His love to a poor 
 soul, what more satisfying than to be drawn with 
 draughts of love towards matchless Christ, who 
 is the fountain of all love, the well-spring of all 
 blessedness, who is willing to distribute the same 
 plentifully to all His followers. 
 
 To take up the cross and follow Christ is that 
 which He himself has commanded all believers to 
 do. And surely it is that which He has been 
 desiring me to do, but more especially now 
 while I am called to suffer for following His 
 persecuted gospel. O for strength to do this so 
 great a work, which is one of the terms of the 
 
io6 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 everlasting Covenant, and to v^hich (through His 
 strength) I have engaged myself again and again, 
 praise be to His holy name. 
 
 ^^^Tuesdl^^Fe'K,^' ^^"^^ ^^^^ tOV^ards 
 
 me since I cime to this place has 
 been very great. O how^ has He been pleased 
 to give me health and strength, keeping me from 
 fainting or w^earying, or being in the least cast 
 down : all which are tokens of God's fatherly love 
 much to be admired. And O that I could walk 
 thankful of such great mercies while I have a 
 being in time, that so I may be always blessing 
 and praising His holy name who has esteemed me 
 worthy of such ane honour as to suffer for Him, 
 and that he has not left me to myself under my 
 sufferings. O praise, praise, be unto Him ! 
 
 If the Lord had left me to trust in my own 
 strength, O how should I have fallen backward 
 offending God, and proven a scandal to His blessed 
 gospel. But blessed be His name who has not 
 been absent from me even while called before 
 
READY TO BE MARTYRED. 107 
 
 great ones ; so that though I may have given 
 them offence (but without any just ground), yet 
 I desire to hope in that I did not offend God, 
 which is refreshing to me under my suffering lot. 
 Now, as God has not been absent from me while 
 called to give a testimony for His persecuted 
 interest, so I desire to beg of Him, for His dear 
 Son His sake, that He may not be absent from me 
 in time coming (for I may lay my account to 
 be again called before them ;) that so I may be 
 directed by His holy Spirit how to answer and 
 give a further testimony for His truth (not yielding 
 to their sinful desires). And then let the Lord 
 dispose of me as He please, whether to liberty or 
 further trial. I desire strength to submit, and 
 then let Him call for what He pleases, even if it 
 were for the natural life ; I should heartily think 
 myself willing to render it up, through His strength 
 bearing me up. I desire to commit myself wholly, 
 and those that are suffering with me, on His care, 
 and desires to hope that He will work for us, that 
 all may be for His glory and good of our souls 
 and the comfort of His followers. 
 
io8 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 wld'ne^ajt^^^^ There can be nothing so comfort- 
 able to a believer as to have 
 communion and fellowship at all times, but 
 especially in a time of suffering. O if I could 
 come at this through the Lord's strength, then 
 happy should I be ; a prison should rather prove 
 a palace to me. Surely I have great reason to 
 bless His holy name, that now He is not with- 
 drawing Himself so as to leave me to myself, but 
 is still continuing His free love towards me, giving 
 me support under my present lot, yea such 
 manifestations of His love that I can scarce call 
 it a prison. Yea, I dare not call it a prison ; for 
 surely where the Lord gives His presence to any 
 of His followers, in whatever place it be, even 
 though it were a dungeon, that is more comfortable 
 to the follower of Christ, yea he will find more real 
 solace, joy, and satisfaction than in the best palaces 
 of the world, however so gorgeously adorned. 
 
 Edinburgh Toibooth, J dcsire to blcss the Lord, who 
 
 Friday, Feb. 18, 1687. ' 
 
 moved me to spend all this last 
 night with a poor condemned man that is now 
 
THE TOLERATION. 109 
 
 gone to eternity. I have much peace in this, as all 
 those who were with me, seeing by what we could 
 apprehend the Lord was pleased to work upon 
 him sensibly, he being greatly obdurate and grossly 
 ignorant ; yet I desire to hope that it's now well 
 with him. 
 
 This day may be said to be one of the most 
 remarkable days that has been in Scotland these 
 many years, seeing this day has been openly 
 by proclamation ane Toleration declared to several 
 sorts of people ; and whatever of it may be 
 granted to the poor persecuted people of God in 
 this nation, yet it's to be feared that it's only for a 
 snare to them (but God can disappoint them if 
 He think fit, and that may be comfort), that so 
 they may get Popery more and more advanced, 
 seeing that by this also it is declared that the 
 King, by virtue of his royal prerogative (as they 
 call it) has suspended all the penal laws of the 
 nation made by his predecessors against Popery, 
 which the late Parliament would not consent unto, 
 seeing it is contrair to all law, yea a destroying 
 of the laudable laws of the land. 
 
 G 
 
no ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 O lamentable to think that ever such a day 
 should have been seen in Scotland, wherein the 
 work of Reformation was so glorious, yea the 
 blessed gospel in so great purity that it might have 
 been said to have surpassed all nations in the 
 world. O sad day of desolation, wherein the 
 Lord seems to be depairting, and that for our 
 great sins, such as despising of the gospel, breach 
 of vows, and innumerable other sins which are 
 abounding even to this day as a plague from the 
 Lord. 
 
 "sabbalh/peb.^So/ spcnd a Sabbath aright unto 
 the Lord is that which should be 
 my great study, but alas, I have little exercised 
 myself thereunto, otherwise Sabbath-days' breaches 
 would have been more few, gospel-mercies would 
 have been more refreshing and more improven, 
 which would be satisfying now to think of when 
 deprived of these blessed mercies by being shut 
 up within bolted doors. O then that I could feed 
 upon these blessed offers that has been many times 
 offered unto me. 
 
A BLEEDING CHURCH. ill 
 
 I desire to bless the Lord who does not withdraw 
 Himself from me in my present lot, but is 
 bestowing upon me many tokens of His love 
 beyond what I can express. O that I were 
 enough sensible of such great and free love that is 
 bestowed upon me. 
 
 WedSa^y7Flb°°23^^ would not be concemed, 
 
 ^^^^* yea mourn and weep, to think of 
 
 the desolate condition of this persecuted and 
 bleeding Church — a Church which was once 
 glorious, the Lord taking delight in her, blessing 
 her with as many blessings as any Church in the 
 world, even with many eminently faithful pastors, 
 making their labours to prosper, so that godliness 
 increased and was cherished, and sin and wicked- 
 ness was borne down. But now what is to be 
 seen but profanity and horrid abominations 
 ch<=irished these many years bypast, and those 
 that seem to fear the Lord, by adhering to His 
 truth and forsaking the abominations of the time, 
 how are they broken down and persecuted ; so 
 that it's now to be seen what they have been 
 
112 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 driving on and making way for, even the advance- 
 ment of Antichrist's interest, which we would not 
 believe (so as to return unto the Lord by repent- 
 ance, and crying and wrestling with Him), though 
 often told us by the faithful servants of the Lord. 
 
 What the enemies of the Lord has been secretly 
 contriving these years bypast against His people 
 (in this poor nation), that has been so many years 
 under sad persecution, is now come to light ; they 
 having by open proclamation given a full liberty 
 to papists, and indemnifying them for all their 
 former faults whatsomever, by cancelling and 
 disabling all former wholesome laws of this nation 
 made against such a bloody crew, as by cancelling 
 and disabling all those horrid and cruel oaths 
 (though not as to them) which have been made 
 these 26 years bypast which stand in the way by 
 hindering them to be employed in any public office 
 in the kingdom. And now, instead of all these 
 oaths, what a horrid, detestable and unheard of 
 is invented (and to be pressed upon all whom 
 the Council pleases), declaring it to be unlawful 
 for subjects on any pretence, or for any cause 
 
THE NEW OATH. 113 
 
 whatever, to rise in arms against the present 
 King, or any commissionated by him, and that 
 never to assist any who shall so do, nor never 
 to resist his power or authority, nor ever oppose 
 his authority to his person, but to the utmost 
 power assist, defend, maintain him, his heirs and 
 lawful successors, in the exercise of their absolute 
 power and authority against all, deadly. Which 
 oath, alas is to be feared (if the holy and wise 
 God, of His free love and mercy and of His infinite 
 power, do not disappoint, yea restrain the hands 
 of furious men from imposing it) will bring a sad 
 destruction on this poor land, I mean upon the 
 consciences of men. But O that the Lord would 
 be pleased to prevent this sad snare that is now 
 laid in the way for debauching men's consciences, 
 and rendering them unfit by binding up their 
 hands from the least appearing for Christ and 
 His interest. 
 
 O sad and lamentable to think that now such 
 doors are opened to idolatry and superstition 
 which has been so long shut, notwithstanding of 
 all the cruel designs that has been set against 
 
114 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 it. O that I had strength to mourn and weep for 
 the distressed condition of this poor persecuted 
 land, and seriously to mourn for sin that is the 
 cause of all this anger and wrath from the Lord 
 which we have justly deserved for our manifold 
 backslidings, such as despising of the gospel, 
 breach of vows, misimproving of means, and many 
 other iniquities, which all the people of God ought 
 to be regretting and mourning over this day. 
 And O that it were their work so to be seriously 
 and fervently employed, and then there might be 
 some hope that the Lord would yet appear and 
 work deliverance for His poor Church and people, 
 by breaking down the strength and power of cruel 
 and wicked men that are ruining His work and 
 interest. 
 
 As I have formerly, so this day I desire to give 
 up myself entirely unto the Lord (through His 
 strength, for without it I can do nothing that is 
 acceptable), to be guided and directed by Him 
 not only in my present lot, but throughout all the 
 steps of my time. It is He alone who knows my 
 need at present, and this is my comfort that He 
 
HIS SECOND EXAMINATION. 115 
 
 can, and I desire to hope He will own me 
 accordingly. For I cannot, yea dare not, say that 
 He has been wanting to me throughout all the 
 steps of my time unto this very day (praise, praise 
 be to His glorious name), notwithstanding of my 
 manifold offences, for which I desire to beg and 
 cry for pardon this morning, that so they may not 
 stand in the way of a blessing from heaven this 
 day. 
 
 It is strength from the Lord to stand out in the 
 present trial, which I desire earnestly to cry for 
 this day, for never more need nor"*^ now, when it 
 would seem I must be again called before great 
 ones, to give further testimony for Christ and 
 His truth. But this is my comfort, that the 
 preparation of the heart and the answer of the 
 tongue is of the Lord, and that Christ has promised 
 that when His followers shall be called before 
 great ones for His sake, that then it should be 
 given them what to speak. I desire to rely wholly 
 on the Lord for this (and not on any strength of 
 my own), that so I may be helped cleanly through 
 
 * i.e. than. 
 
Il6 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 (that so I may not offend God nor be a scandal 
 to the people by giving offence to the generation 
 of the godly, or by giving occasion to the enemies 
 of the Lord to blaspheme). Whatever the event 
 may be, it's only strength I desire, and then let the 
 Lord call for what He in His holy wisdom shall 
 think fit, whether liberty, further imprisonment, 
 banishment, yea if it were even the natural life 
 itself, I shall desire through His strength to be 
 willing to embrace any of them with cheerfulness. 
 
 FHdayrFeb!^25!?6& more rcason to bless 
 
 and praise the Lord for all His 
 wonderful mercies and free love than I have this 
 day ? O that I could praise Him ! O that my 
 soul and all that is within me could bless and 
 magnify His holy name. And O that I could 
 invite others to bless and praise Him and to fall 
 in love with Him, whose love is wonderful to all 
 His followers. O how does He encourage them 
 from time to time to draw near unto Him, for is 
 
 *i.e. prayed 8 times. 
 
SET AT LIBERTY. 117 
 
 He not with them in peace and in trouble, yea 
 even in the furnace ? And surely I have reason 
 to say this, that He has done so with me a poor 
 undeserving sinner. Has not He been comfort- 
 able and supporting unto me while at liberty ; 
 and O blessed be His name who has been 
 refreshing and supporting unto me while under 
 the present trial — yea throughout all the steps of 
 it, His wonderful providence has been seen in 
 carrying me through. And O has He not been 
 with me wonderfully this day by supporting me 
 even while before great ones, and who has been 
 pleased to restrain them from their former malice. 
 
 Edinburgh iEodemi jg unto the Lord only I desire 
 to give praise, yea as I am able 
 I desire to bless His holy name for what he has 
 been pleased to tryst me with this day, by 
 bringing me cleanly through my trial, so that I 
 desire to hope that the Lord is not offended 
 thereby, and that I have given no offence to 
 His people, nor enemies occasion to blaspheme ; 
 the Lord even binding up their tongues as it 
 
li8 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 were from asking any of those questions which I 
 expected and which I declined to answer when 
 I was last before them, such as these : — Whether 
 or not there was a preaching, and who was 
 minister (which I refused to them to prove) ; 
 and if Bothwell Bridge was rebellion ; and if it 
 be lawful to rise in arms against the King upon 
 any pretext whatsomever: which I refused to 
 answer, and for which I have been threatened 
 these weeks bypast to be tried for my life. But 
 blessed be the Lord who has restrained enemies' 
 fury, and has made them to deal favourably 
 with me this day, and with those that were with 
 me upon the same account, excepting one whom I 
 hope the Lord will fairly carry through and deliver. 
 
 0 how shall I praise the Lord for all His mercies 
 and wonderful love-tokens since I came to the 
 world, but especially for all the favourable steps 
 of His providence under my late suffering lot. 
 
 1 desire to bless His name for it, hoping that I 
 shall have reason to bless Him for it while I 
 live. /. 6. 
 
 * >|E f 
 
HIS THANKSGIVING. ii^ 
 
 Ma%hVt687!'*^' • • • This moming I met with 
 those who were fellow-prisoners 
 with mC; suffering upon the same account, ta 
 return thanks unto the Lord for His signal 
 deliverance He wrought for us throughout all the 
 steps of our trial, trysting us with many greater 
 marks of His free love to us, if all seriously 
 pondered ; and surely, this was none of the least 
 that the Lord in His holy and wise providence was 
 pleased to be a hiding-place to His faithful servant 
 (who was preaching the gospel to us then, and 
 whom the Lord has in His providence assisted to 
 preach to us this day a comfortable and upstirring 
 word, yea a word of instruction and direction, 
 how to walk upon the back of such ane eminent 
 deliverance). ^ . . 
 
 "ay^Tu1^7ri687?''' Lord's dealings with His 
 
 poor Church and people has been 
 very wonderful in all ages ; sometimes trysting 
 them with trials, suffering enemies to persecute 
 
 * This was Mr John Moncrieff. 
 
I20 
 
 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 them severely, and when they have been at the 
 greatest extremity of distress, how has the Lord 
 wonderfully appeared for them, sending them 
 deliverance from airthsf they could never have 
 thought upon. His ways with His poor Church 
 is also this day very wonderful. What He may 
 bring out of the present calm and liberty, that 
 is shewn by men, He alone knows. Our enemies 
 may be designing by this liberty, that is this 
 day published, to ruin the Protestant interest 
 in Scotland, but it is the Lord who has 
 often disappointed men and outshot them in their 
 own bow. I desire to trust in the Lord that it 
 shall be so now, and that this shall be the 
 beginning of a door opened for the enlargement 
 of a persecuted gospel. . . . 
 
 ^'^'"X^i7,?687!^**'' the Lord is, out of His free 
 love, trysting His people in this 
 land with unexpected and undeserved mercies, 
 in having the gospel to be preached in public 
 
 *Airts, quarters. 
 
TWO DELIVERANCES. 121 
 
 this day, O that He would also tryst His people 
 with ane unexpected meeting with their souls. 
 
 [Eodemdie]. What shall I render to the Lord 
 that ever made me witness to such 
 a glorious day of the gospel as this, wherein so 
 many full offers of a crucified Saviour has been 
 powerfully held out, invitations to come to Him 
 and receive Him upon His own terms, all so held 
 out by the servant of the Lord that His power in 
 assisting him was evidently seen. . . 
 
 ♦ ♦ * ♦ 
 
 "day"oc*;: ^2^e8?.' ^^^^ ^hall I render unto the Lord 
 who has been preserving me in 
 my late journeyings to the west and south of this 
 nation and to the west of England, and has been 
 pleased to return me here in safety ? O for a 
 heart, a broken and tender heart fitted for praising 
 of the Lord for such a mercy, but especially for 
 the remarkable deliverances I met with by the 
 way — such as I met with going through the water 
 at Gallowsands, where the Lord preserved me 
 
122 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 from being destroyed. And upon my return, how 
 was He pleased to manifest His love when almost 
 swallowed up in quicksands at Cuple beyond 
 Drumfries. . . 
 
 * ♦ * * 
 
 ^*""Nov?2i, Iqqi^^^' ... I desire to wait on God 
 for being rightly determined in all 
 that I go about, and that He would be with me 
 where I am designing, and prosper my way . . . 
 I desire not to be unmindful of what advice and 
 counsel I have had from several these few months, 
 but more pressingly from Mr Moncrieff, Mr 
 Gavinson, and Mr Crawford, ministers of the 
 gospel ; if fitted and called of the Lord to such a 
 great work (as they have been pressing, at least 
 earnestly desiring, me to follow), how happy 
 should I be. I desire to hope it is the Lord who 
 has called me (and whose counsel I have formerly 
 sought) unto that study I have been and am now 
 (through His strength) designing to prosecute. If 
 the Lord have any further service to call me 
 unto, I shall desire by His grace to submit. 
 
STARTING FOR HOLLAND. 
 
 123 
 
 IV. 
 
 1688. 
 
 Leaves for Holland — Driven back by storm — Leyden his 
 "desired port" — Hears Carstairs preach — Death of his 
 mother — A retrospect — First Communion — At Targoos 
 with a pupil — Loss of his "dearest comrade "—Prayer 
 before Holy Communion — Resigns his tutorship — Preparing 
 for invasion of England — Thoughts before embarking. 
 
 STARTING FOR HOLLAND. 
 
 V^ti^mQiVmane. would be Very comfortable and 
 soul-refreshing to have that pro- 
 mise made out, that the Lord made to Jacob at 
 Haran, when he was going to Padan-aram : and 
 behold I am with thee, and will keep thee in all 
 places whither thou goest, and will bring thee 
 again into this land." There is nothing can be 
 more desirable than to have this promise fulfilled 
 to one's experience: O that I had strength to rely- 
 on God; O for faith to trust in Him ; O for love, 
 
124 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN, 
 
 that my heart may be as it were burning within 
 me with love to God, that my affections and the 
 desires of my soul may go out after Him ! And 
 then I need not doubt but the Lord will make 
 out that promise to my experience. 
 
 It is the making out of this promise I have been 
 this morning seeking from God, though in great 
 weakness. It's that which I desire yet to seek, 
 even that He would be with me where I am 
 going, upon the water and upon the land He 
 would not withdraw Himself, but give His 
 comfortable presence, that He would keep me 
 from sin at all times, but especially in the 
 company of the wicked, that He would provide 
 for me and bless all my endeavours. 
 
 I have this morning been resigning myself again 
 to the Lord, resolving to serve Him wherever I 
 go, to be one of His children and servants, and 
 have been taking the Lord to be my God and 
 Guide, yea my all-in-all. O for strength to 
 perform all such engagements and resolutions ! 
 
 I desire to leave the Church and people of God 
 everywhere, and even persecuted, upon the Lord, 
 
IN LEITH ROAD. 125 
 
 that He would work deliverance for them ; and 
 particularly the poor churches which were often 
 engaged unto God, but more especially the Church 
 of Scotland. And I desire to bless the Lord that 
 made me to be born in this land and a member 
 of this Church. 
 
 I leave all my relations on God that He would 
 direct them and provide for them, and all my 
 acquaintance and well-wishers and to whom I 
 stand much obliged. And I desire to wait for 
 the presence of the Lord to be with me. 
 
 dIc's.^ss?''^^^' ^ desire to bless the Lord who has 
 
 brought me this length in safety. 
 
 It's He alone that can take me to my desired 
 
 port, and it's in Him I desire only to trust, not 
 
 doubting but He will be with me upon the deep 
 
 waters, and seeing His wonderful works will make 
 
 to ble" and praise Him more and more. 
 
 I leave all that I am concerned into on God 
 
 alone, who can, and I hope will, preserve them 
 
 and provide for them ; my near and dear relations 
 
 be upon Him, His Church and people be upon 
 
 H 
 
126 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 Him, but especially poor ruined Scotland ! Til 
 wait on the Lord and commit myself and all that 
 is with me unto His care and conduct. 
 
 ^'''"Dec.^5;i687.*^^^' ^^^^ ^hall I render unto the 
 Lord for all His mercies, but 
 especially for the last day's preservation whilst 
 in the deep waters and in so great a storm ? 
 Surely I may say by experience that " wonderful 
 are His works and goodness to the children of 
 men." O how shall I praise Him and magnify 
 His name for all the expressions of His love, and 
 for this in particular ? O for strength to perform 
 former engagements and resolutions to serve the 
 Lord, and to perform late resolutions even while 
 in the deep waters ! O that all the Lord's dealings 
 with me may, by His strength, have this effect 
 with me as to bring me more and more nearer 
 Himself — even to such a nearness that nothing 
 I may meet with in the world may terrify or in 
 the least discompose me, so as to quit hopes of 
 heaven and eternal happiness. 
 
PRAYER ON SAILING. 127 
 
 Shall I ever but praise the Lord and bless 
 His holy name, who is pleased from time to time 
 to tryst me with so great love ? O for strength 
 to engage again and again to His service, that 
 I may come to be fully and entirely giving up 
 myself to the Lord ! 
 
 ^6^^,D^c,'T^t6Qi^' ^" ^ spiritual frame is that 
 
 which is acceptable to God. And 
 surely, to be seriously minding that I must give 
 an account unto God how I spend every moment 
 of my time, could not but be a great help to 
 come at such a frame. O to be earnest then with 
 God, that He may put me in mind how I should 
 spend my time, that I may never be out of a frame 
 fitted for serving God ! And then I may at all 
 times make my supplication to Him with assurance 
 of being heard. 
 
 Sin ought always to be minded so as to mourn 
 for it, and make application for pardoning mercy 
 through the blood of sprinkling. 
 
 That the Lord may yet go with me even through 
 the deep waters preserving me, and may bring 
 
128 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 me to my desired port, may provide for me and 
 prosper my ways with a blessing upon all my 
 endeavours, is that [for which] I desire to make 
 my request unto the Lord, in whom only I desire 
 to trust for the accomplishment of all this, and 
 of every other thing I stand in need of in time, 
 either as to my spiritual or bodily condition. 
 
 ^An6^Dll\b!\lQT. s^^^^ ^ ^ver be able to bless 
 
 and praise the Lord, the great 
 preserver of men, who has been pleased in His 
 holy and wise providence to bring me through 
 the boisterous and raging sea to this place in 
 safety. O for strength to praise His name while 
 I live for this great deliverance ! Is not this a 
 new tie and engagement upon me to serve the 
 Lord? O for grace to improve it, that it may 
 appear in my life and conversation that I am one 
 of His children and servants ! 
 
 ^^Tenvfies?;**^' The Lord's goodness in His 
 wonderful preserving me hitherto, 
 not to be forgotten. But alas, how unfit am I to 
 
 * Campvere. 
 
CAMPVERE. 129 
 
 render thanks as I ought to do, and how straitened 
 for a retired part to go about that duty, as the 
 Lord should enable me. How may I recollect 
 with grief upon former times, when I have had 
 both time and retiredness, and yet have neglected 
 that necessary duty as well as other duties. That 
 God has brought me here in safety is no small 
 mercy, especially considering that many who 
 were also upon the deep waters at that time 
 were nigh to have been swallowed, escaping only 
 with their lives. 
 
 As the Lord has been pleased to bring me safe 
 here, though not the place for which I designed 
 (but I desire to reverence Providence in it), so I 
 desire to hope that He will conduct me to my 
 desired port, even to the end of my voyage, that 
 He will provide for me, preserve me, and bless 
 all my endeavours, keep me from the society of 
 the wicked, and from being entangled in their 
 snares. 
 
 I desire to beg of the Lord that he would prepare 
 my heart for meeting with Him on His own day 
 that is now approaching; and seeing that He has 
 
130 ONE OF KING WILL AIM'S MEN. 
 
 been pleased to cast my lot in a corner where the 
 gospel is preached in purity (as I am informed), 
 O that He would for His own name sake dispose 
 my heart aright for His service, that so I may 
 profit, my heart may be touched so as to melt 
 within me : which will further engage me to bless 
 His name, that ever He was pleased to bring me 
 hither to this corner of the world. 
 
 ^^"Dec!^\Q%B7^^^' What an unspeakable mercy is it 
 to have the gospel in purity, as I 
 have had this day ! O for strength to improve 
 such a mercy, that so it may not prove a curse 
 but a blessing unto me, that I may be profiting 
 thereby. 
 
 Sermon heard, by Mr Gordon"^ (a Scottish man 
 and Presbyterian) from 2 Tim. iv. 2 : insisted most 
 on the duty of ministers, their preaching in season 
 and out of season, and of their reproving or 
 convincing people of ignorance^ impenitence, or 
 error. 
 
 * Rev. Chas. Gordon, M.A., was minister at Campvere from i686 
 to 1690 ; see " Steven's Scottish Church, Rotterdam," p. 294. 
 
LEY DEN. 131 
 
 ''°"Dec^24,l687'''^^' '^he Lofd's mcrcies towards me 
 continue yet to be wonderful; O 
 how shall I praise Him who has preserved me 
 hitherto through the steps of my sojourning! 
 Are there not still more engagements upon me 
 to serve Him^ trusting in Him wholly? 
 
 "■^^dIc! zSISI?^^^' O ^o^v s^^^^^ ^ P^^^se the Lord for 
 His continued love to such an 
 unworthy sinner as I am : O what am I that I 
 should be trysted with so great love from time 
 to time ? I am now brought in safety to my 
 desired port; and does not this call for thank- 
 fulness ? O for strength to praise the Lord, and 
 serve Him in sincerity while I live ! As I am 
 able, I desire to cast myself entirely upon Him, 
 and embrace Him to be my God, my guide, and 
 all-in-all ; desiring to wait for strength, direction, 
 and understanding, to perform everything that may 
 be for His glory and my soul's well-being, in time 
 and through eternity. 
 
 That the Lord would give me His presence and 
 blessing in a strange land, is that which I desire 
 
132 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 to entreat so to hope for, that so my life may not 
 prove a burden to me, but that in all I do I may 
 have an eye to the glory of God. And then, I 
 may the more expect and wait for His blessing. 
 
 I desire to seek direction from the Lord anent 
 my study, and that all my endeavours may be 
 attended with a blessing. 
 
 ^*Dec"3?Y687!*^' distressed case of the Pro- 
 
 testants in France, Savoy, and 
 Hungary, not to be forgotten. O how sad is 
 it to hear of the persecution that is in Hungary at 
 present, managed by the bloody Papists : O who 
 will not be concerned for it ? Surely, all that 
 seek the Lord ought to mind it, and to be serious 
 with God in their behalf. O that I could be more 
 concerned for them than I have hitherto been ; 
 for besides that it is my duty so to be exercised, 
 I know not when I may be trysted with the like 
 trial. O to be preparing for it ! 
 
 Preparation for the Sabbath I desire to entreat, 
 that so I may lament misspending of the last 
 Sabbaths, and entreat for a blessing that so I may 
 
NEW YEAR'S DAY. 133 
 
 come to get more nearness with God, even the 
 assurance of pardoning mercy. 
 
 ^^jln"'i®r688**^' What shall I render to the Lord 
 for all His mercies which are 
 wonderful and many ? And surely this is none of 
 the least, that my life is continued, and one day 
 and month after another are given, yea year after 
 year, so that I shall be inexcusable if I spend not 
 time in serving the Lord. 
 
 I desire to beg strength from God to begin this 
 year with His service, yea to serve Him with 
 earnestness and fervency of spirit throughout all 
 the years and days He shall be pleased to spare 
 me in time ; that so in the close (how soon 
 soever it may be) I may win to enjoy Him for 
 ever, to sing and praise Him without interruption 
 through all the ages of eternity. 
 
 That I may spend this day in the fear of the 
 Lord, is that which I desire to entreat, that so I 
 may get a blessing from heaven, even a blink of 
 the Lord's presence, which will be more desirable, 
 
134 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 more comforting, and soul-refreshing than can be 
 expressed. O for a tryst at heaven this day, that 
 darkness and deadness may be removed, and 
 distance betwixt God and my soul may be done 
 avv^ay, that so I may win to fellowship and com- 
 munion again after so long an absence. 
 
 Sermon heard, by Mr Wm. Carstairs from Gal. 
 iii. 6, etc. — holding out faith to be that which is 
 absolutely requisite in order to salvation : what 
 faith is : and how to know if we have it ; and 
 that by coming unto Christ, looking unto Him, 
 esteeming Him precious, and loving Him : with 
 exhortations to this. And further, holding out 
 what Christ has done for us by His satisfying 
 divine justice. 
 
 '"*jln"3^ii'688^^' Seeing time can never be recalled, 
 how ought I to be earnest with the 
 Lord for strength to spend every minute thereof 
 aright, especially seeing it is uncertain when it 
 may be at an end, and to all who make conscienee 
 in spending it their reward shall be great. 
 
SERMON BY CARSTAIRS. 135 
 
 ""dan* 6, "1688^' spend time never so diligently, 
 
 even in performing that which is 
 lawful in itself, yet if God be not eyed in all that 
 I do, if His service be neglected, I cannot expect 
 to prosper. O that I could mind this seriously 
 and spend more time in the Lord's service ! It's 
 He alone must help me to this, and it's on Him I 
 desire to rely for the performance of it, and for 
 everything I stand in need of in time. 
 
 ♦ ♦ * * 
 
 '"^j'an/is'tess!"'^ mercies I meet with in the 
 
 Lord's taking me out and bringing 
 in, in safety, ought not to be forgotten. 
 
 To have the gospel preached in purity is a 
 singular mercy, but to have a conversation suitable 
 thereunto is difficult and rare. 
 
 Sermon by Mr Wm. Carstairs from Eph. vi. 10 — 
 " be strong in the Lord and in the power of His 
 might.'' 
 
 *" Every day provides new matter for 
 
 blessing and praising God, and 
 sure I am this day's mercy is so great that I cannot 
 
136 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 express, yea not think, enough of it — even that 
 which may be matter of praise while I live, that 
 after being so much cast down through a heavy fit 
 of sickness, that the Lord should again so suddenly 
 raise me up to health and strength far beyond my 
 expectation. O what great love is this ! what 
 undeserved love is this ! Did I not deserve not 
 only to be cast upon the bed of sickness, but to 
 have been cast down into hell in the midst of 
 my iniquities? O what wonderful love is this! 
 Shall I ever be able to admire and wonder enough, 
 that such a miserable wretch as I should have been 
 trysted with such a dispensation ? 
 
 '"*dln"'29!l688"'" • • • • Aftemoon by Mr Wm. 
 
 vesp. Carstairs from Eccles. vii. 14 — 
 
 ''In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the 
 day of adversity consider." Observation i, that 
 thankfulness of heart for mercies is that which is 
 called for : holding out what those mercies are 
 which make days prosperous, such as the joyful 
 
 * i.e. vesperi, in the evening. 
 
CARSTAIRS ON THE TIMES. 137 
 
 sound of the gospel, and that in purity, not mixed 
 with the traditions of men, etc. 
 
 Obs. 2, that days even when prosperous may be 
 days of adversity, as they are now at this present 
 time ; and that in respect of the affliction of our 
 brethren about us, they may be called days of 
 adversity. Is not that glorious Church of France 
 now ruined, which was established upon a sure 
 foundation, even the blood of many martyrs ? 
 Are they not scattered and made to wander, such 
 of them as are left ? Then, the deplorable state 
 of the churches in the Valleys of Piedmont, who 
 are thought to have retained the true doctrine of 
 the gospel since the days of the Apostles ; as 
 also the sad case of other churches — which all 
 makes the day to be a day of adversity. . . . 
 
 L«vden, The case of the 
 
 Protestant churches this day con- 
 tinues to be so deplorable, that all who have any 
 love to God and His interest ought to be concerned 
 for them by a frequent and serious wrestling with 
 God in their behalf. O how sad is the present 
 
138 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 state of the Church of France, that even while it 
 seems there are a few left undestroyed there, 
 yet those they are persecuting with the same 
 severeness of wrath, as they have done these 
 several years bygone. O that the Lord would 
 arise for their help, and in the meantime give 
 inward support that they may resist all the 
 temptations of men, and give a cheerful testimony 
 for Christ and His interest. 
 
 The ruined case of the churches in the Valleys 
 of Piedmont ought not to be forgotten. How 
 are they also destroyed, and some of them, even 
 of their ministers, are under the servitude of the 
 Algerines even unto this day, being taken by 
 them while flying their native country through 
 the raging persecution there ! O that the Lord 
 would appear and hasten salvation for them and 
 for all His poor people everywhere ; for the 
 combination of the Popish Princes seems to be 
 great for the ruin of the Protestant interest. 
 But this is comfortable that our King rules for 
 ever in Zion, and it's He that can bring about 
 deliverance for all His churches. . . O that 
 
CHARACTER OF CARSTAIRS. 139 
 
 the Lord would give strength to all Protestant 
 Princes to unite themselves together for the 
 extirpating and ruining Popery. 
 
 I desire that God would be pleased to direct 
 the States of thir"^ United Provinces how to 
 behave in the present affair with the King of 
 Britain in his demanding the English and Scots 
 regiments that are here, that so nothing may- 
 be done that may be hurtful to themselves or 
 to the Protestant interest in Britain. 
 
 I desire to bless God who is pleased to make 
 my lot so comfortable here as to give me the 
 gospel preached in purity not only by one of 
 the English nation, t but by adding this day one 
 of our own countrymen, a worthy and pious man, a 
 great and good man as is in our nation, to preach 
 the gospel in this place. O for strength to be 
 thankful for this choice mercy, which many that 
 are more worthy are deprived of. I desire to 
 entreat that the Lord may strengthen him more 
 
 * Thity old Scottish for these. 
 
 fThis refers to Rev. Henry Hickman, M.A., first minister of the 
 Scots Church at Leyden, 1675-1691. See Steven, p. 315. 
 
I40 ONE OF KING WILLIAATS MEN. 
 
 and more to this great work of preaching the 
 gospel — even that utterance may be given him, 
 that he may open his mouth boldly to make 
 known the mystery of the gospel. 
 
 Sermon heard forenoon by Mr Hickman. . . 
 Afternoon by Mr Carstairs from Eph. xix. 20. 
 Obs., that it was the duty of people to be 
 earnest with God in behalf of ministers (and 
 more especially those to whom they have a more 
 particular relation), that a door of utterance may 
 be given them, etc. 
 
 '"*Feb"'i2?^i6^'!"*'' Every day produces new matter 
 of mourning, what from without, 
 even the deplorable aspect that all the Protestant 
 Churches have this day, and the great fears of 
 some heavier stroke to fall upon them than hitherto 
 have been ; which if seriously thought upon by 
 me could not but raise up within me a lively 
 sympathy with a bleeding Church. 
 
 Then what is from within is no less deplorable — 
 a hardened heart. . . 
 
 * This was probably the day of Carstairs' admission as colleague 
 to Hickman. 
 
From Portrait by Sir Godfrey KnelUr. 
 
 WILLIAM OF ORANGE. 
 
RETROSPECT. 141 
 
 '■*Feb"i6^688.^^' Lord's dealings with me 
 
 throughout all the steps of my 
 pilgrimage have been such as, if seriously 
 pondered, might by the Lord's assistance prove 
 mercies for stirring me up to my duty. . . 
 
 Has not the Lord, out of His free love and 
 for no worth in me, trysted me with a continued 
 tract of mercies, even mercies innumerable, 
 mercies unexpected? Has He not, since He 
 brought me into the world, cared for me, has 
 been a Father unto me who never saw my father 
 on earth, providing for me and the family in which 
 I was most concerned, and that wonderfully : when 
 in straits, the relief was at hand. . .? Has He 
 not preserved me at all times? Even while in 
 greatest hazard. He was ready to help me through- 
 out every step of my pilgrimage, both upon the 
 deep waters and upon dry land. And above all, 
 did cast my lot in such a place of the world, where 
 His gospel has brightly shined, and yet does shine 
 though not of so great a measure : has made me to 
 
 come of parents of the Reformed religion and 
 
 I 
 
142 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 servants of the Lord ; and did not leave me 
 altogether to myself to be led by the carnal 
 thoughts of a hardened heart, but was pleased, out 
 of free love only, to make me in my younger years 
 to fall in love with Him and His ways in some 
 measure, and more and more has hitherto been 
 educating me in these ways. . . 
 
 Has not the Lord also bestowed upon me this 
 mercy (for which, as for all other mercies, I desire 
 to bless His holy name) in not leaving me 
 altogether without chastisements, sometimes out- 
 wardly as to the things of this world, sometimes 
 by the death of near and dear relations who were 
 very comfortable to me in time, sometimes by 
 outward troubles from men"^ (from which he was 
 pleased wonderfully to deliver me, and support me 
 while under it), and then His dispensations of 
 a long time which have been very afflicting to His 
 churches everywhere, so that part of them are 
 ruined, others of them near to ruin — ^yea, all the 
 Protestant Churches in such a bleeding condition 
 
 * Probably referring to his brief imprisonment, terminated by the 
 Indulgence. See p. 99. 
 
HIS MOTHER'S DEATH. 143 
 
 at present, that if the Lord Himself prevent it 
 not, it may be feared the event will be sad. 
 
 And what shall I say of the Lord's dispensation 
 to me at present, which is one of the saddest I 
 have been trysted with, even the sad news of the 
 death of my nearest and dearest relation on earth, 
 the death of my only parent?"^ Is not this afflicting 
 and very heavy upon many accounts ? Yet I dare 
 not grudge or repine, for it is the Lord, the holy 
 and wise God, that hath done it, who does all 
 things well and for the advantage of His own, 
 who gives life and takes it again. And why 
 should I not bless His name for all that He 
 does ? The dispensation is indeed very sad, but 
 O shall I quarrel with God and say, Why hast 
 thou dealt so with me? Is not this to provoke 
 Him to anger, and not to answer His call by 
 the present rod? 
 
 "-F^b'^V.^esl.'' There be many things in my 
 present trial which make it heavy ; 
 as (i) the death of my nearest relation, the loss of 
 
 * His mother. 
 
144 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 whom natural affection calls for sorrowfulness. 
 But I desire to hope what is to my loss is her 
 unspeakable gain. (2) The consideration of the 
 great care she had of me from my infancy, 
 especially as to my education. (3) My great 
 unanswerableness to such kindness, yea my 
 unanswerable walk to the duty of obedience that 
 God enjoins children to exercise towards their 
 parents ; which, if seriously reflected upon, how 
 afflicting may it be, that at any time I should 
 have displeased a parent whose love and affection 
 towards me and the rest of her children was so 
 very great. How astonishing may it be, yea 
 may it not be cause of mourning to us all, while 
 we live, and ought we not to be serious with 
 the Lord to get this sin am.ongst many others 
 purged away? (4) That immediately after my 
 parting with her, even within very few days, the 
 Lord was pleased to call for her (not that I desire 
 to repine at the Lord's dispensation ; I desire 
 rather to be helped to submit wholly unto Him 
 who does all things well) ; but it may make me 
 to question my seriousness as to my requests 
 
MOTHER AND SON. 145 
 
 relating to my coming from Scotland at that 
 time, especially considering the season of the 
 year,"^ and her former and continued unwellness, 
 and the averseness of some to my voyage, even 
 of those who were my constant well-wishers, 
 and also the seeming averseness in some measure 
 that she formerly had to my going abroad, though 
 at parting she was pleased to express that she 
 freely parted with me, which yields to me some 
 satisfaction, though alas, there be many circum- 
 stances in it that may be afflicting unto me. 
 (5) My being preserved wonderfully by the Lord 
 while in the deep waters in a terrible storm after 
 my first coming to sea, being safely put in again 
 to Leith. And yet at our meeting in Edinburgh 
 and the seven days I stayed there, her unwellness 
 was rather increased than diminished. But (6) 
 above all, that clearness as to peace with God 
 she had not won to so as she desired ; but I desire 
 to hope that the Lord, for His dear Son's sake, 
 has pardoned all her manifold and great sins, 
 
 *He sailed on Dec. 2, 1687, encountered a severe storm, 
 and put back to Leith, Dec. 5 : see p. 123 sqq. 
 
146 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 has given her assurance of peace with Himself 
 or"^ she went out of this world, and has taken 
 her unto Himself to glory, there to sing praises 
 of Hallelujah for ever, where she is freed from 
 all the troubles of this world, and taken up with 
 the joys of heaven, where there is no trouble, 
 no sorrow, no want, no more sinning, but an 
 eternal enjoying of God. 
 
 '■^''eb.'ilrissa^' M^^y things there be in my lot 
 which may occasion sadness, not 
 only the present outward trial that the Lord has 
 thought fit to tryst me with, which when I consider 
 I cannot but be grieved ; but also His afflicting 
 hand is upon me inwardly. . . . 
 
 '"^^^19' 1688. Dies ... I desire to entreat that 
 the Lord would assist His servants 
 everywhere to preach His word this day, that there 
 may be many souls brought in, that the harvest of 
 the Lord may be great, and that Britain and 
 
 * Or, ere. 
 
VANITY OF THE WORLD. 147 
 
 Scotland may share of such blessing ; and that 
 His servants that are to preach His word here 
 to a poor handful of these nations may be assisted 
 by His Holy Spirit. . . 
 
 Antemerid. ^ ^ J ^^^^ heard this day that 
 when sin abounds in the heart, 
 there is no other way to get it done away but 
 by the Holy Spirit — that who will forsake sin, 
 they must not only forsake the least, but every 
 sin 
 
 »♦♦*** 
 
 ^*Feb"'25?*i688^^' 'They that trust in the Lord are 
 most happy, they that trust in 
 the world and rely on the vanities of it for their 
 support are most miserable. It will fail them when 
 they most rely on it ; but the Lord is that merciful 
 one who will not be wanting to those that trust 
 in Him; when they have most to do, then He 
 is not far off from helping them. Who would 
 not fall in love with this Glorious God, whose 
 mercies and love to such as will fear Him, are 
 
148 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 wonderful? Yea, that has been the wonder of 
 the blessed Angels unto all eternity. 
 
 '-M'a^^h.artllir' • ■ • It ought not to be forgotten 
 
 what the Lord Stair was pleased to advise me 
 anent my study, which several others had formerly 
 done. Surely it is that study which is most 
 desirable. I desire to depend on God for 
 direction in everything I do. If He be calling 
 me to such a work, I hope He will also give 
 strength to embrace it. In the meantime, I 
 desire that the Lord may bless my present study, 
 that so I may profit and be made in some measure 
 fit for serving God by being useful in my 
 generation. 
 
 ^*March^4fV688.^^' ^he news I have again had from 
 Scotland this night, of my mother's 
 death, cannot but yield matter of sorrow upon 
 many considerations, she being so very affec- 
 tionate a parent, whose care of me from my 
 infancy, both as to my education and otherwise, 
 
CONTRASTS OF LIFE. 149 
 
 was very great. But as her death cannot but 
 l)e matter of sorrow unto me, yet how refreshing 
 and comfortable is it to me to hear of the great 
 and comfortable evidences she gave of her dying 
 in the Lord, which was very refreshing to all 
 present. I desire to bless the Lord for such 
 comfortable tidings, and that ever He was pleased 
 to make me to be of the seed of the faithful, even 
 of such parents, who I desire to hope are singing 
 praises of Hallelujah in glory. 
 
 The sad dispensation the Lord was pleased to 
 tryst me with this day of the year 1685, not to 
 be forgotten. 
 
 '■Xrc"hl5:,68t'' • • • • Some he leads through 
 their pilgrimage as it were in a 
 bed of roses, making them to see good days, giving 
 them the blessed gospel together with refreshing 
 blinks of His countenance, so that they know not 
 what rods and chastisements are as others do, 
 iDut enjoy much peace and quietness and outward 
 comforts of the world as they would desire. 
 Others He leads as it were through briers and 
 
150 ONE OF KING WJLLIAAfS MEN, 
 
 thorns, trysting them with many heavy and 
 afflicting dispensations, as sad and lamentable 
 days when the gospel is borne down, Christ's 
 interest low upon earth, and His enemies very 
 mighty and insulting ; sometimes he trysts them 
 with His absence, which is most afflicting, even 
 withdrawing His comfortable presence from their 
 souls, sometimes with the death of relations and 
 dear friends who were very comfortable in tyme, 
 sometimes with one rod, sometimes with another, 
 so that all their days are mixed with sorrow. But 
 yet they want not some matter of joy at some 
 times intermixed ; otherwise how couM they 
 subsist ? ^ . . . . 
 
 ***** 
 
 ''Aprn'sl^iesa^' ^he more I think upon this holy 
 ordinancet that is approaching^ 
 and of the want of preparation of which I think ia 
 
 * Compare p. 55,96. 
 
 t The Holy Communion, " ane solemn and most necessar 
 ordinance," he writes under Ap. 2, " 0/ which I have never 
 yet been a partaker, occasioned by the sad troubles of 
 persecution that have been for several years in that nation 
 to which I belong." 
 
FIRST COMMUNION. 151 
 
 some measure I am sensible, it seems the more 
 terrible unto me of thinking to approach it. . . . 
 
 [Here follows a careful abstract of catechetical 
 instructions, founded upon the Shorter Cate- 
 chism, Question 96, 97. The preparation 
 required is either (a) habitual, or (b) actual. 
 Habitual preparation includes such graces as 
 knowledge, faith, repentance, charity, new 
 obedience. Actual preparation is compassed 
 thro' "a solemn sequestration of oneself," self- 
 examination, &c.] 
 
 ***** 4> 
 
 Leyden, Saturday, 
 April 8, 1688. 
 
 . . . O to get all the graces 
 of the Spirit awakened and put in exercise to 
 attend this great work : faith in exercise, laying 
 hold on some of the promises, feeding on the 
 promises, and going on hand in hand with the 
 promises, pleading for the accomplishment of 
 them to my soul's eternal comfort 
 
152 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 ^^tp^\Q%ir'' ... My soul desires to bless 
 the Lord for what I have met 
 with by being at His table. O magnify and 
 adore Him, O my soul and all that is within 
 me! O praise, praise, praise Him! . . . Have 
 not I reason upon good grounds to say that this 
 place has been a Bethel unto me ? 
 
 Monday. Ap. 10/1688. , ^ ^he VOWS of God are now 
 upon me. It becomes me to be 
 humble, to have a watch over my heart, that 
 so I may walk suitable to so great love and to 
 such solemn engagements. Furniture from the 
 Lord for this work, I desire to beg. 
 
 ''""MayTiJesa'^^^' may be the Lord's voice in 
 the present dispensation of His 
 providence. It's what I ought to be enquiring 
 
 *The date in the MS. is Ap. 9, but the previous dates shew this 
 to be an error, the writer having used Ap. 8 twice. Similar 
 errors occur here and there. 
 
NEW DUTIES. 153 
 
 for. I desire to hope that I am called upon to 
 embrace the present offer, being held out as a 
 service done to the Protestant religion, which 
 if it shall be the Lord's will to make the event 
 so to be, is all I desire, that interest being more 
 dear to me than all the interests of the world. 
 I desire to entreat for conduct and direction from 
 God, committing myself wholly to His disposal. 
 
 "^^May IsTieSs!^^' ^^^^^ ^ "g^^ ^^^^^ 
 
 at any time is no small condition, 
 but especially while in a wandering position. I 
 desire to bless the Lord who has brought me 
 here in safety and those who are with me. I 
 desire that the end of my coming may be blessed 
 of Him in every way, both as to spiritual and to 
 moral comfort : that the charge I have undertaken 
 may tend to the glory of God, even of spiritual 
 and temporal advantage to him with whom I am 
 come here. I'll leave the event to the Lord only, 
 that we may be disposed of by Him as He thinks 
 fit, begging direction in the present circumstance 
 
154 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 whether residing here or removing somewhere 
 else may be most convenient."^ 
 
 '^^Mar23^i688?*^" • • • O for Strength to feed 
 upon the many gospel mercies 
 I have been trysted with ! And seeing my lot 
 is at present cast in a retired corner of the world 
 where the gospel is not in my native language, O 
 that it would please the Lord to help to understand 
 the gospel as it is here preached in purity, that 
 so I may be always profiting. . . . 
 
 Targoes Sabbath. . . . . Q that the Lord would 
 
 June b, iboo. 
 
 give His gracious assistance to 
 serve Him in this corner of the world, in that 
 station wherein I am, and to which I would hope 
 He has called me. It's His glory and the good 
 of the Protestant interest that I would think I 
 have chiefly aimed at in embracing it, as also 
 the being useful of gaining a soul to Christ in 
 
 * Col. Maxwell had been asked to undertake the guardianship of 
 a young Scottish gentleman of family, who had been sent 
 over to Holland to escape the influence of R. Catholic rela- 
 tives. For the "event," see infra, Sept. 27, 1688. 
 
HIS PUPIL. 155 
 
 his younger years, if it please the Lord so to 
 assist me. . . 
 
 '^"''jCfy'iifless.'^' • • • That the Lord would 
 make the end of my being in 
 this corner blessed, that I may have comfort and 
 other unspeakable advantages. It is the Lord 
 Himself that can work. There is nothing im- 
 possible with Him ; it is He that can break down 
 the hardest of hearts, can bring out of a natural 
 state, a state of sin, and make His ways known 
 unto the soul of this youth with whom I am here. 
 O that the Lord would have pity and compassion 
 upon him, and bring him out of a natural state 
 in unto Himself, that he may see his own iniquities 
 and the need that he has of Christ, and so be 
 made to flee for relief unto the blessed foundation 
 of all consolation. 
 
 "^du?y r688?' • • • All outward means fail; 
 
 but this is comfortable, that God 
 lives and is a present help in time of need ; when 
 
156 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 His time is come, there will not be instruments 
 wanting. O to wait patiently ! 
 
 "■^slpt: qXss.^^' 'The Lord's dispensations towards 
 me through the steps of mj 
 pilgrimage are such as call to walk always 
 humbly before the Lord. And what dispensation 
 doth speak more aloud than the present dispen- 
 sation, when the Lord has been pleased in His 
 holy and wise providence to remove from me by 
 death one in whom I promised myself great 
 satisfaction, we being joined together by sa 
 long continued affection that I think nothing in 
 time could have broke it. . . O for strength 
 to walk humbly under the present [rod], that I 
 may now be setting about in earnest with due 
 preparation for death, that I may go out of time 
 with well-grounded hopes of going to glory (where 
 I have not reason to doubt but he who is separated 
 from me is gone), that so there may be a blessed 
 meeting there with those who have gone before. 
 
DEATH OF "DEAREST COMRADE:' 157 
 
 While going to the grave with ane so nearly 
 tied unto me, it would be my wisdom to be 
 minding my own frailty. 
 
 ^%%t:^,%lT'' When the Lord smites, ought not 
 I to tremble, especially when He 
 sends His rod so near as to remove a friend, 
 my dearest comrade,"^ yea who can I say was 
 more dear unto me ; in whom I had great 
 satisfaction, and promised myself much more 
 while in this place, and elsewhere, where it 
 should have pleased the Lord to order our lot. 
 
 But now my expectations are cut off ; and why 
 should I promise myself any more satisfaction 
 in any creature-comforts whatsoever? Are they 
 not all vanity, and fadeth away daily ? O to be 
 weaned from all created enjoyments, never to be 
 resting upon them, trusting in them, or promising 
 myself so much comfort by them : but to forsake 
 all, and flee to Christ Jesus only for true and 
 real satisfaction that can never fade away. This 
 
 * See supra, p. 63, 65. 
 
 K 
 
158 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 is that which surely I am called unto after so 
 many afflicting dispensations of this sort these 
 four years past. ... I would desire that 
 nothing that I am trysted with in the world, 
 how sad and afflicting soever it may be, might 
 divert me from a serious concern for the Church 
 of God. The Protestant interest, which seems 
 now to be very low and at a sad pass, calls 
 for more than ordinary concern for it. O for 
 strength to wrestle with God, crying out night 
 and day that He may appear at this present time 
 (when there is nothing but confusion promised 
 in this part of the world) in defence of His own 
 people against a company of bloodthirsty Papists 
 who are doing what they can to root out the 
 Protestant interest. . 
 
 * * * * Hf * 
 
 *"^Sept"'26'7688"'' [before Holy Communion]. . 
 
 O holy Lord Jesus, who 
 suffered on the cross for sinners, command my 
 heart and thoughts this day, forgive all my 
 iniquities, and give me strength to lay hold on 
 
PRAYER BEFORE THE COMMUNION. 159 
 
 Thee by faith accompanied with unfeigned love, 
 that so I may approach with confidence to Thy 
 holy table, to eat of Thy body and drink of Thy 
 precious blood, which were broken and shed for 
 sinners ; that so I may have Thy blessed purchase 
 applied to my soul, I may feed spiritually upon 
 Thee, getting the seal put to the everlasting 
 Covenant, that all my sins may be done away 
 and I may be made [ready] for enjoying of Thee 
 for ever. In Thy strength I desire to go to Thy 
 house, hear Thy Word, and sit down at Thy 
 table. Thou art my God in Covenant ; I'll wait 
 for and expect Thy presence with me, that all 
 may be performed aright to Thy glory and to my 
 soul's advantage for ever. 
 
 [^After Communion, same day']. . . Amongst 
 •other resolutions that I have engaged to this day, 
 this was one — to be zealous for Christ and His 
 interest, and more especially at such a time as 
 this is, when great ones are setting themselves 
 in opposition to Him and His interest, endeavour- 
 ing to thrust out the Protestant interest even 
 
i6o ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 in this part of the world, where it has been so 
 glorious. . . . 
 
 L|yden^Monday, .... I desire to think that 
 I am called no longer to embrace 
 this station wherein I have been near these five 
 months, and that for several reasons. It is true 
 that it was upon the account of the Protestant 
 interest that is now so low, that I was moved at 
 first chiefly to embrace it ; the young gentleman 
 being the head of an ancient family in that nation 
 to which I belong, and who was sent over by 
 his friends that he might not be educate popish 
 by his father and uncle who caused search for 
 him, but that he might be educate in this country 
 in the Protestant religion. All which did much 
 move to embrace the offer. But now, seeing 
 that after I have tried all methods that I, or others 
 concerned in him, could (for persuading him to 
 follow schools, yea to instruct him in the principles 
 of his religion^ to give him reproof in season for 
 his manifold gross enormities, and seasonable 
 advice to follow the ways of the Lord, by seeking 
 
A GREAT WORK. i6i 
 
 Him and forsaking the company of the wicked) — 
 and all has proven ineffectual ; therefore, I judge 
 it rational to part with him, recommending him 
 to the Lord (as I have endeavoured to do 
 hitherto), that He would work a change upon 
 his heart, and make him one of His. I must 
 say also, that many times I have had a grieved 
 spirit for him, and did endeavour to wrestle with 
 the Lord in some measure in his behalf, Whose 
 time it seems is not yet come. O if it were His 
 will to hasten it, how comfortable would it be 
 unto me to hear it ! 
 
 But though these reasons were not, yet I think 
 the present juncture of affairs^ gives me a 
 sufficient call. 
 
 ^^^oVi: 3,\%88!^'' ^v^^^ ^^"^ certainly 
 
 very great. Some of the princes 
 of this part of the world are now setting them- 
 selves in opposition to the designs of these two 
 
 * The preparations for the invasion of Britain were complete, and 
 the Prince of Orange only awaited the sanction of the States 
 General. This was given on Oct. 14. 
 
i62 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 Kings, of England and France, brethren of the 
 Jesuits' Society, who are confederate together 
 for to ruin the Protestant interest in this part 
 of the world. What the last has done already 
 in extirpating (contrair to the most solemn 
 engagements) the many hundreds and thousands 
 of Protestants that were in France, and was 
 likewise the instrument of extirpating all that 
 were in the Valleys of Piedmont (a Church 
 which has continued since Christ Jesus was in 
 the world and the holy Apostles) — is known to the 
 whole world. What the first has done is likewise 
 evident — how by degrees he has introduced 
 Popery into Britain, advanced Papists,^ both 
 contrair to all law : endeavoured and is yet still 
 endeavouring to have all laws dissolved that 
 stand for the security of the Protestant interest ; 
 and then, how he, wanting children of his own 
 that would advance Popery, has, contrair to 
 natural affection and all the principles of 
 humanity, exposed himself to the shame of the 
 world by bringing in a suppositious child to be 
 
 * Scil.f to offices of trust. 
 
From Portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller. 
 
 QUEEN MARY, WIFE OF WILLIAM OF ORANGE. 
 
CHOOSING SIDES. 163 
 
 heir to so great a crown, and deprive his own 
 lawful children, who are zealous Protestants. 
 After all these endeavours and many more, if 
 an appearing for the Protestant interest that is 
 now so very low, and an endeavouring through 
 the assistance of the Lord (without which nothing 
 can be done, or nothing ought to be aimed at 
 without the serious seeking after) to crush these 
 designs, that are evident to the world, to ruin 
 Protestants and set up Antichrist's throne in all 
 the Protestant Church ; if such an appearance 
 upon so noble grounds be not lawful, what can 
 be lawful ? I desire to think that no sound and 
 serious Protestant can, upon serious examination, 
 think it to be otherwise. . . 
 
 '"*Oct.\'^i68a^' ^ desire to think thib present 
 resolution of the Prince of 
 Orange, as to his appearing for the Protestant 
 interest, is of the Lord, and that the event shall 
 be comfortable. It is true the Lord may call His 
 people to appear for His interest, and let them 
 fall before His enemies, yet the call ought to 
 
i64 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 be embraced. What may be the event of this, 
 the Lord only knows. I desire to hope it is 
 of Him, and to entreat His blessing thereunto, 
 assisting and directing great and small how to 
 behave themselves as Protestants, casting them- 
 selves and the whole affair entirely on the Lord, 
 not putting trust in the arm of flesh. 
 
 The call seems to be such that all Protestants 
 have this day to appear for the Protestant religion 
 in so great distress, that I dare not but embrace 
 it, I esteeming myself engaged thereto by manifold 
 engagements. Should I now neglect this oppor- 
 tunity, what peace could I have ? What should 
 I say? Would it not be a turning my back on 
 the interest of Christ that seems now to be so 
 as it were at the stake? For the world I could 
 not adventure to do it, it being that which I am 
 fully convinced in my conscience is duty and that 
 which is called for from me. O to be helped of 
 the Lord to be earnest with Him that all doubts 
 of an interest in Himself may be cleared, that 
 so I may go with courage, adventuring my life 
 for His interest. . . 
 
LEAVING HOLLAND. 165 
 '■*Oct!'9^*688?^^' ^^^^ ^^^^ S^^^^ ' ^ ^^^^ 
 
 my walk were suitable thereto ! 
 A serious wrestling with God is that which is 
 called for. There is much lying at the stake — 
 no less than the advancing or ruining of the 
 Protestant interest. 
 
 LEAVING HOLLAND. 
 
 ""^olt^^J^esa.^^' ^ (lesire to bless God for what 
 kindness He has showed unto me 
 in this place, who has not only preserved me 
 and provided for me, but showed unto me 
 comfortable blinks of His ordinances. 
 
 I'll go from this place rejoicing that ever I have 
 met with so great love, desiring to hope that the 
 Lord is my God in Covenant, and that whatever 
 may be His pleasure concerning me in the world, 
 that the event will be comfortable to my soul. I 
 go to venture my life for the relief of His broken- 
 down interest, and not for any worldly advantage. 
 I desire to entreat His presence with me and all 
 others so resolved, that with zeal and courage we 
 
1 66 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 may appear tor the Lord. I desire to beg counser 
 and direction to the Prince of Orange, and others 
 chiefly concerned in this great work, and that the 
 Lord may favour us all with desirable wind and 
 weather, and that all things may be ordered that 
 the Lord may have the glory, and comfort may 
 redound to a broken-down Church. 
 
 ^^'iTtiTftesa ^' To trust in the arm of flesh is a 
 vain thing; to trust in the Lord 
 is the duty of every Christian, and O that it were 
 the serious exercise of all God's people so to da 
 at this time : committing the event of the present 
 design wholly unto Him, entreating His favourable 
 countenance in all the steps of His providence ; 
 that whatever aspect they may seem to have, it 
 may be the work of all to wait upon Him, who I 
 desire to hope will appear for His own name's, 
 sake, and look to the cruel designs of men, and 
 send relief to His, that are in a most lamentable 
 condition. 
 
 I desire to hope that the Lord will give- 
 favourable wind and weather ; they are in His 
 
ON THE EVE. 
 
 167 
 
 hand. O that all were looking only to Him for 
 these, and for direction and conduct through all 
 the steps of this noble design ; and wherein they 
 have hitherto been defective, that the Lord may 
 pardon and give strength to be more in duty.^ 
 
 * The diary abruptly stops here. William of Orange embarked 
 at Helvoetsluys on Oct. 16. On Oct. 19, he set sail, but 
 was driven back by a storm, reaching Helvoetsluys once 
 more on Oct. 21. On Thursday, Nov. i, the Prince's fleet 
 again ventured out, and running before the wind, he reached 
 the Straits on Nov. 3, and landed at Torbay on Monday, 
 Nov. 5. Col. Maxwell had evidently penned the above 
 reflections just before going on board, and probably the busy 
 life into which he plunged forbade his keeping the record. 
 At all events, the existing MS. has no entries from this date 
 till May 23, 1691. The reader will again note the dis- 
 crepancy in Col. Maxwell's dates. According to him, 
 Nov. 5 was a Friday. 
 
i68 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 V. 
 
 1691. 
 
 Sermon by Fraser of Brea — At the blockade of the Bass — His 
 " difficulty" (attachment to Miss Stewart of Castle Stewart) 
 — Revisits Glasgow — At Castle Stewart — "Encouragement*' 
 — Retrospect: his conversion at Haggs, 1686 — Ordered to 
 Flanders — Thoughts on leaving. 
 
 ^dLtMlybLieSr • • • Sermon heard this day 
 (being a national fast appointed 
 for humiliation for national sins, and for pouring 
 out desire to the Lord for success to the armies 
 and fleets employed for the defence of the 
 Reformed Religion abroad and at home, for a 
 blessing to our King who is appearing at the 
 head of one of them abroad, that he may be 
 preserved and have success — the fast is to be 
 observed the last Wednesday of every month 
 v^^hile the armies are in the fields) — by Mr J. 
 Wilkie from Zephan. ii. i, 2, 3. His main 
 
STATE OF THE REFORMED CHURCHES. 169 
 
 subject was repentance, which he pressed home 
 with earnest desires. 
 
 ***** 
 
 "du'JielS' 169?*^' • • • • The present state of 
 the Reformed Churches surely 
 ought to affect my heart this day. Now is much 
 at the stake ; that tyrant of France, that scourge 
 of the Reformed Churches, is this day powerful 
 in Flanders, Germany, and in Savoy, endeavouring 
 to ruin these parts. And now are the confederate 
 armies in the fields to oppose him : now is our 
 Protestant king in Flanders ready to give him 
 battle, to venture his life and all that is dear to 
 him for the promoting of Christ's interest there 
 and in other parts of the world. Now is our 
 Protestant army taken the fields in Ireland, to 
 oppose the cruel and bloodthirsty Irish and those 
 of the perfidious French nation that are lately 
 come to their assistance. Yea, now is the time 
 when those that are for Christ and those that are 
 for Antichrist are opposing themselves one to 
 another. Alas, how sad it is to think of the 
 
1 70 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 mixed multitude, yea the abounding sins that 
 are raging in these armies that are for advancing 
 the Protestant interest. O that it were my earnest 
 work, and of all that desire to be concerned this 
 day for advancing of Christ's bleeding Church, 
 to be wrestling with God for all of them, both 
 officers and soldiers, that he might purge and 
 pardon their vile abominations, and give them 
 zeal, courage, and resolution to appear as lovers 
 of the truths of God in the day of battle ; and 
 that the Lord would not deal with them and His 
 Church according to their sins, but according to 
 the equity and justice of His own cause for 
 which they appear ; and that the Lord would 
 own our King with His countenance, and conduct 
 with His counsel from heaven in all that he goes 
 about, that he may aim at nothing but what may 
 be for the glory of God and well-being of His 
 Church, and his soul's everlasting satisfaction, 
 and that he may be preserved in the day of 
 battle for a further blessing to these islands and 
 to all the Reformed Churches : that if it be the 
 Lord's will he may be yet an instrument of 
 
SERMON FROM FRASER OF BREA. 171 
 
 •carrying on this begun deliverance to a further 
 perfection. But how sad is it, and what ground 
 of sorrow doth it yield, to think upon the sins 
 and horrid apostacies of the Reformed Churches 
 both at home and abroad. How doth iniquity 
 prevail on every hand and amongst all ranks, 
 even to such a degree that, if the Lord out of 
 His infinite mercy and compassion do appear at 
 this time with further salvation to His Churches, 
 how wonderful and astonishing may it be even 
 to enemies as well as to His own ! 
 
 ^*''"5unf ViS?'""*' ^^^^ lord's Day sermon heard 
 in the Castle of Edinburgh by 
 ane Mr Boyd"^ from Gal. v. 6 — ''For in Christ 
 Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything nor 
 uncircumcision, but a new creature." 
 
 This day, sermon heard before noon by Mr 
 Eraser of Brea from Jer. ii. 19 — "Know there- 
 fore and see, that it is an evil thing and bitter 
 
 * Perhaps William Boyd, minister of Dairy, Galloway, who was 
 the first to proclaim the Prince of Orange as King, at 
 Glasgow Cross. 
 
172 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God/^ 
 holding out sin to be the worst of evils, which 
 appears afterwards by its effects, and in nothing 
 more than in the unparalleled sufferings of Christ, 
 and all for sin. 
 
 Afternoon, by Mr Archibald Riddell (who in 
 the late persecution went to America, and in his 
 return, when the late revolutions in thir islands 
 did begin, was taken by the French and there 
 detained in prison, until of late that he was 
 ransomed), from Psalm cxix. 59 — '■''/ thought on 
 my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testi- 
 monies/^ from which words he delivered a most 
 searching sermon, anent turning unto the Lord, 
 pressing it much home in respect to the public 
 interest of Christ, which calls for it everywhere 
 at this time when all seems now to be at the 
 stake. . . . 
 
 AT THE BLOCKADE OF THE BASS. 
 
 of Sept. spent at the blockade of 
 the Bass (since, to yesterday, at Leith and 
 
ADVENTURES AT THE BASS. 173 
 
 Edinburgh) where new proofs of divine love, 
 new experiences of the goodness of my God I 
 met with in a great measure which ought never 
 to be forgotten by me. From the raging and 
 tempestuous waves of the sea, to which I was 
 frequently exposed, I have been wonderfully pre- 
 served ; when to most apparent danger ordered, 
 wonderfully preserved ; yea when landing on that 
 Rock and assisting to bring off a boat from under 
 the enemies' cannon, yet so ordered by many 
 remarkable circumstances that none of us received 
 damage, which could not rationally have been 
 thought if the enemy had perceived us : when 
 a bark with provisions and ten armed men 
 got in, no less remarkable providence in my 
 not having timeous notice that I could have 
 reached them with a small boat, otherwise in all 
 probability we could not have escaped being 
 sunk : when exposed through the foolishness of 
 a comrade and lightness of my own spirit to 
 duelling, yet that the Lord (I desire to think) 
 heard my request, by preventing the same with 
 
 no less honour than if it had been done. All 
 
 L 
 
174 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 these and many other expressions of love call 
 for thankfulness. . . . 
 
 I desire to acknowledge the goodness of God 
 to the Protestant army in Ireland this summer in 
 their taking Athlone by storm, their fighting 
 valiantly on the 12th of July at the battle of 
 Aghrim and giving the Irish an entire defeat, their 
 taking of Galloway^ and other forts, and now 
 being before Limerick, the only place of con- 
 sideration that helds out for a popish party. . . 
 
 The preservation of our king in Flanders this 
 campaign no small blessing to the Reformed 
 Churches, and though a battle has not offered, yet 
 this seems to prognostic good that the French 
 army has fled and retired before him, and would 
 not adventure it. . . 
 
 When I consider what the holy and wise God 
 has done for me from my infancy until this very 
 day, how I have been provided for, preserved not 
 only from hazard but in the time of greatest 
 danger, not only from many snares and tempta- 
 tions, but when in the company of the wicked 
 
 * i.e. Galway. 
 
REVISITING GLASGOW. 175 
 
 from being enticed to consent to their folly, and 
 supported under difficulties, so that I may say no 
 trouble, no difficulty sooner came my way but the 
 Lord was at hand to give me an outgate one 
 way or other, either by removing, or making me 
 depend upon Himself; Have not I reason then 
 to rely upon Him (who continues the same for 
 ever to all who call upon Him) that He will do 
 so relating to my present difficulty which these 
 six months has surrounded me : that He will either 
 remove it by convincing me of the great undesir- 
 ableness of my affection soaring so high (of which 
 I have all this time been endeavouring to hold out 
 to myself), or that if it be His holy pleasure and 
 what is appointed, He may accomplish it in His 
 holy wisdom, when and in what way may seem 
 most fit for His own glory and our souls' eternal 
 comfort. . . . 
 
 * * * ♦ 
 
 °'**oct sTS."*^^' reflect on the goodness of 
 
 God to me in this place (where 
 I spent eight or nine of my young years at school 
 
176 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 and college) could not but raise up thankfulness 
 in me, even to praise Him with my whole heart 
 for His wonderful love — in straits provided for, in 
 sickness supported, from the company of the 
 wicked and from being enticed with their snares 
 wonderfully preserved, with gospel mercies trysted, 
 yea in nothing that I or the family I belonged to 
 stood in need of but timeous supply was given. . . 
 
 caiderwood, Oct. 15, ^ ^ What encouragcmcnt I 
 have received this day for pro- 
 secuting this my affection as it has been 
 surrounding me these several months, I desire 
 not to rely on, but to commit to the Most High 
 as formerly. . . I desire to commit this affair 
 wholly unto Him, to be accomplished or inter- 
 rupted as in His holy wisdom shall seem fit. . . 
 
 Caiderwood, sa^bbath, ^ ^ ^ difficulties occasioncd by 
 the violence of my passion, which 
 has and doth surround me at all times ; I desire to 
 cast myself wholly on the Lord. . . . 
 
COURTSHIP. 177 
 
 * * * * 
 
 "oct. 29"i69f/' proofs every day of the 
 
 matchless love of precious Christ 
 to all such as look after His kingdom. O that I 
 could win to a frame of spirit fitted to join in 
 praises to Him for merciful love to ane friend 
 (whose company I am trysted with this night) 
 in his sufferings for adhering to the cause of 
 Christ these 24 years, in his banishment to 
 America, in his falling amongst the French and 
 cruel Irish in his return. . . 
 
 "^dlJ^Nov. 4^^691"* thoughts in some measure 
 employed this morning in con- 
 sidering my present difficulty to which I am led 
 by the force of my affection, the unreasonableness 
 of which I have again proposed to myself, what 
 inconveniences may attend it, and what hindrances 
 may in all probability fall in the way ; but chiefly, 
 how unsuitable it is considering my present 
 circumstances. But as in all my former difficulties, 
 
 * Ravenstone. 
 
178 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 I have in some measure endeavoured to depend 
 on God for ane outgate, so in this I desire to rely 
 on Him, to commit all wholly to Him, to be 
 disposed of as He sees most for His glory and 
 our mutual comfort here, and eternal comfort vv^hen 
 time shall be no more. Helped to this in prayer. 
 
 ^' Nov?6/i69i*?^^' As the goodness of God to me in 
 many things, yea I may say in all 
 the steps of my pilgrimage, calls for serious 
 thankfulness ; so in this — that my credit and 
 reputation everywhere is such as respect is not 
 only shewn me by the mean, but also by those of 
 the greatest quality both of the nobility and 
 gentry, either where my business calls me or where 
 my acquaintance is otherwise. . . . 
 
 Remstone^ Sabbath, jj^is (j^y, scrmon heard at Whit- 
 horn by Mr Sam. Kelso from Eph. 
 ii. 14 — ''for He is our peace.^^ 
 
 t Glasserton. 
 
PROSPERITY. 179 
 ***** 
 
 "'^Nov^fi^ill?.*^' Outward favour and respect is a 
 blessing in itself to be prized, but 
 how ready is vain man to be too much taken ! 
 As the Lord has helped me to walk in ane equal 
 posture hitherto under such blessings, I desire to 
 wait on Him for His continuing that same aid, 
 whatever I be trysted with in time of that nature. 
 What singular and undeserved expressions of 
 favour I had yesterday from a person of good 
 quality and great merit, I desire to look upon it 
 as of the Lord, to whom I have made my request 
 as to His providing ane comfortable outgate under 
 my present difficulties. 
 
 * * ♦ 
 
 ^^itl^ilT^lmsT' ^ desire to look to God under 
 every difficulty He trysts me with 
 in the world, and to acknowledge Him in all His 
 dispensations to be love and mercy. Let Him do 
 with me as He pleases in this or any other 
 difficulty. This is my comfort — I know in whom 
 I have believed and on whom I have laid hold for 
 
i8o 
 
 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 my guide, yea for my all in all ; and under my 
 greatest disquietness and discomposure of mind to 
 content myself in this, that the Lord, in His holy 
 and wise providence, has determined whatever 
 shall come to pass as to my lot in the world. 
 
 Risk, Friday, Nov. 20. w^^t encouragement I have met 
 with this day as to the prosecuting 
 my affections, I desire to acknowledge God in it 
 and to take it as the return of some of my desires 
 to that effect, that if He had in His holy deter- 
 mination appointed the accomplishment of this for 
 His glory and our mutual happiness. He would 
 find out ways for effecting the same. And surely, 
 what I can discern, this must be one — to have 
 encouragement from a parent to follow out the 
 same. So that now, after all my reasonings and 
 debatings with myself as to the unreasonableness 
 of my affections, in attempting to aspire so high 
 as to fix them on a person both for quality and 
 natural accomplishments deserving the best of 
 offers, I must of necessity conclude (considering 
 the many remarkable circumstances in it from the 
 
RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE. ' i8i 
 
 beginning) that the hand of Providence is in it. 
 Whatever the event may be, I shall not take it 
 upon me to determine, but continue to leave the 
 matter before the Lord who orders all for the 
 advantage of those who seek His face. 
 
 * * * 
 
 NoJ;23r"69i!' • • • • How many great ones 
 for birth, great for pairts, great 
 for riches are left to continue in their wickedness, 
 and yet that the Lord out of His free love should 
 have looked upon poor me, miserable and sinful 
 me, and in the days of my young years inclined 
 my heart to look after Him in some measure since 
 I was 12, 13 or 14 years of age (though I shall 
 not say but much consisted then in ane outward 
 appearance, but must say that love to the ordin- 
 ances and to the godly was then in some 
 measure) ; and has increased my desire from 
 time to time, inclining my heart at several times 
 since the year 1681 (at which time I was 18 
 years of age"^) to give up myself to Christ Jesus, 
 
 * Therefore born in 1663. 
 
1 82 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 engaging and resolving to be His and for Him 
 (particularly at Calderwood), and taking Him for 
 my portion. At length, in September 1686, while 
 trysted with a sermon at the Haggs in the time 
 of violent persecution, by Mr John Moncrieff from 
 Hosea ii. 19 — '' 77/ betroth ye unto me for ever 
 — I was led to covenant expressly with my God, 
 which I have by His help at several times, both 
 abroad and at home, renewed ; and had the 
 blessed seal put to it at that soul-comforting 
 ordinance, the table of the Lord — yea, His 
 presence so wonderfully manifested to me there, 
 both in and out of the nation, that the time of my 
 dissolution I desire to think would not have been 
 undesirable. 
 
 O what love is this — and yet not all. My 
 desires in the days of persecution that I might 
 be trysted with ane opportunity to appear and 
 venture my all for His cause, He in His holy 
 wisdom accomplished in the year 1688, giving 
 me fall clearness to join with our King, then 
 Prince of Orange, to come from Holland ta 
 Britain to venture myself in a Protestant quarrel^ 
 
KILLIECRANKIE. 183 
 
 to be freed from popery, slavery, and arbitrary 
 power, and to have the liberties of the nation 
 restored, and that, since, He has wonderfully 
 preserved me in the day of battle July 27th 1689,"^ 
 when much blood was shed on both sides. . . . 
 
 Led to consider what God may be 
 calling me to by this my affection, which has 
 continued without intermission since the 22nd of 
 March last, being eight months, notwithstanding 
 of all the reasonings and debatings with myself 
 as to its unreasonableness, considering the quality 
 and singular merit of the object to deserve far 
 greater things than what my station in the world 
 calls for — yea notwithstanding the frequent reiter- 
 ated desires that the Lord might put a stop to my 
 inclinations, or if He called me thereto that He 
 might accomplish it in His own time and way for 
 our mutual comfort. And now, considering the 
 many circumstances that have concurred, formerly 
 and of late, that to the outward aspect seem to 
 favour this my design, I dare not any longer give 
 resistance, lest I be found to tempt Providence, 
 
 * Battle of Killiecrankie. 
 
1 84 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 as it has been insinuated to me by one nearly- 
 concerned to that person, and who had ground to 
 suspect what way my affections were running. 
 Wherefore I have this day expressed my thoughts 
 in write, and shall desire that the holy and wise 
 God, who orders everything of that nature for 
 mutual comfort and for His own glory, may give 
 direction and counsel to that person how to receive 
 such an offer, that she may commit all to Him, 
 seek and wait for His conduct, seeing our greatest 
 happiness or greatest misery in time depends 
 on it if it shall be accomplished. Let the Lord 
 do as He thinks fit either by forwarding or putting 
 a stop to it ; I'll commit all to Him, and wait for 
 His answer in mercy and love to our souls, . . . 
 
 ***** 
 
 ''^'^Dec.Vi69i.^'*^^' • • • • It cannot but yield to 
 me matter of admiration to think 
 on what I have met with here as to singular and 
 unexpected condescendency of a tender parent as 
 to my prosecuting my present affection towards 
 her beloved child. . . . 
 
A SUDDEN CALL. 185 
 Remsu>ne, Fnday, J desirc to recommend this family 
 wholly to the protection of the 
 Almighty, that He who has raised them up to 
 honour in the world may preserve the same to 
 future generations, as a token of His love, to 
 engage the hearts of parents, children, and all the 
 concerns of it to be more and more embracing 
 Christ Jesus for their souls' everlasting portion, 
 and to be for Him and His interests so much 
 as their station in the world calls for, and what 
 favour and love has been shown by any of them, 
 in the days of cruel persecution amongst us, to 
 any of the afflicted, be rewarded from heaven 
 with the choicest blessings. 
 
 Risk, vesp. J Jesire to acknowledge God in 
 all His providences I meet with in 
 time, and what I have again met with this day, 
 as to my being advertised to return for Edinburgh 
 in order to go for Flanders (that regiment to 
 which I belong being called there). . . I 
 dare not question my call to go, seeing not 
 without serious deliberation I engaged to appear 
 
i86 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 in a Protestast quarrel ; and that now, there being 
 present quiet in these islands (for which I thought 
 myself first obliged to venture my all), and that 
 the power of France is that which chiefly stands in 
 opposition to the advancing of Christ's kingdom 
 in these parts of the world — I'll therefore go 
 with cheerfulness to jeopard my life for His 
 interest. . . . 
 
 ^Dec"2o"'i69t.^' These bygone days being under 
 indisposition of body, what a 
 mercy is it to be restored to any measure of 
 health, and that I have not been taken away in 
 a sudden to eternity. My soul desires to bless 
 the Lord for it, who has these lo or ii years 
 
 given me a great plenty of health 
 
 Threatenings from the wicked, as they are not to 
 be altogether contemned, so they are not to be 
 overmuch noticed, but by removing of the tempta- 
 tion, to leave the event to God. . . However, 
 experience shews that the wicked are ready many 
 times to imbrue their hands in the blood of the 
 godly, if divine mercy prevented it not. Whatever 
 
A WICKED SERVANT. 187 
 
 threatenings I may be under by a wicked wretch, 
 my own servant, for my not countenancing him 
 in his wickedness, and to whom I have showed 
 singular kindness these. 18 or 20 months, I desire 
 to look to God that He will prevent any cursed 
 design may be in his head, and desiring that he 
 may be reached with tender mercy, and his heart 
 engaged to embrace Christ if possible. Whatever 
 be in this, I desire to take it as a punishment 
 for having entertained him so long when much 
 of his wickedness was known unto me. 
 
1 88 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 VI. 
 
 1692. 
 
 At Edinburgh, waiting for the route — Meeting of General 
 Assembly — Detained as a witness in trial for treason — An 
 incident at Leith Races — Thoughts on starting for Flanders 
 — Itinerary to London — London to the camp near Halle — 
 Arrives two days late for battle — Details of engagement — 
 Carstairs preaches in the camp. 
 
 ^dk"y'?Ta^n^'6yi69T' ^ ^^^sire to look to God as to what 
 I am, or may be, trysted with in 
 time. I cannot expect but to meet with dis- 
 appointments in time ; Til wait for direction how 
 to carry under them. And whatever I meet with 
 as to my long-continued affection, I'll desire to 
 take as from the Lord who knows what is most fit 
 for me. In this I have peace, that in some 
 measure (ever since I was engaged) I have aimed 
 at seeking His counsel, and begged that if it was 
 not for His glory and for our soul's comfort, a stop 
 
EPISCOPAL TACTICS. 189 
 
 might be put to it, which might evidence that it 
 was not His pleasure. And if it be effectuate, I 
 desire (notwithstanding of the many providences 
 that concurred in it, and in which I must be silent, 
 since dark they must be) to take it as the answer 
 of my desires, to submit patiently, entreating that 
 all happiness may attend that person both as to 
 soul and body, and that my affections may be 
 more and more weaned from the things of this 
 world, even the most desirable objects, and fixed 
 upon Himself. . . 
 
 ♦ * ♦ 
 
 EdinburgK Tuesday. present difficulties that this 
 Assembly is brought to through the 
 desires that are made by the importunity of the 
 Episcopal clergy for receiving of a part of them to 
 a share of the government of this Churchy is such 
 as calls for the fervent prayers of all Zion's well- 
 wishers for conduct and direction unto them, so to 
 acquit themselves that they may do nothing that 
 may be displeasing unto Him who is the great 
 
 Maister of His own house, and on the other hand 
 
 M 
 
igo ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 may be led to give such solid reasons for what 
 they do that there be no just cause of offence to 
 those who have the supreme rule over us. 
 
 * * * * 
 
 Edinburg^ j^tes i)orn., Blessed be His name for it that 
 ever He has held out offers of 
 Himself to me, and made me in any measure 
 embrace them. As this has yielded me real 
 comfort both abroad and in my native land, so 
 at present it yields me no small comfort while 
 going to a foreign land, to venture my all in 
 defence of the Protestant interest against the 
 power of ane Antichristian Party, who has rooted 
 out glorious Churches, and yet continues the great 
 enemy of the Reformed religion. 
 
 I desire to go in peace and quietness of mind 
 and with all imaginable freedom, committing 
 myself and all in whom I am concerned to the 
 protection of the Almighty, who has and I desire 
 to hope will care for us. If it shall be His pleasure 
 to make me in the least instrumental in advancing 
 
THE ASSEMBLY DISSOLVED. 191 
 
 His work, that is all I desire. Let Him do with 
 me what He pleases, either as to calling for me 
 abroad or returning me to my native land. 
 A blessing from heaven on that person in whom 
 I esteem myself most interested Til entreat; let 
 that holy and wise God do with us as seemeth 
 most for His own glory and our soul's comfort, 
 either by uniting us in His own time and way, 
 or keeping us separate. . . 
 
 The present dispensations as to this Church 
 somewhat gloomy. The King's dissolving yester- 
 day the National Assembly, since they could not 
 comply with his desire as to receiving the 
 Episcopal clergy upon such terms as they 
 desired ; and the Moderator and whole Assembly 
 protesting for encroaching on the intrinsic power 
 of the Church and appointing ane other Assembly 
 in August, 1693, gives matter of mourning to all 
 who are Zion's true wellwishers. It is the Lord 
 who has raised up our King ane instrument for 
 delivering this nation from the bondage we 
 were under, and O that he may never be left to 
 himself to give ear to the counsel of the wicked, 
 
192 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 for to undo what he has been honoured to do 
 for us. 
 
 Edinbujgh^^^ies i)om., ^ ^ being stopped for some 
 weeks from going along with 
 that part of the army that has this day sailed for 
 Flanders, contrair to my expectation, I desire 
 likewise to observe ; what the Lord may bring 
 out of it is known only to Himself. ... I 
 dare not be peremptor as to any outward thing 
 in time. Do with me, O Lord, as thou pleases, 
 as to everything concerns me, either as to ane 
 other state of life or as to promotion in this present 
 state ; what shall be most for Thy glory shall be to 
 me most acceptable. Thou, O Lord, has done 
 great things for me ; Til wait hoping that Thou 
 wdll yet do for me, passing by my iniquities and 
 transgressions which are of a deep dye, and come 
 in a way of love and free mercy to my soul. . . . 
 
 ^"''Mar^Sefilsl!"'""' .... If it were His will 
 to prevent my being adduced as 
 a witness to-morrow (for which I am by ane order 
 
TRIAL OF A BASS PRISONER, 193 
 
 of Their Majesties' Privy Council detained from 
 going to Flanders) against one who helped to 
 surprise the Bass, and with whom I conversed 
 there when ordered to go in to treat with them, 
 it should be to me matter of praise. For though I 
 dare not say it is in the least sinful, I being called 
 thereto by the Civil Magistrate, and he^ being ane 
 declared enemy to our religion and liberty, yet I 
 desire to be tender in matters of blood, and in so 
 solemn work as that of giving ane oath ; having 
 never sworn in any cause nor to any prince, butf 
 a promise given to be faithful to their present 
 Majesties, which I esteem so binding upon me as 
 if I had solemnly sworn. . . 
 
 dirMa?c'h9;i692^^ ' " ^ ^csire to blcss the Lord, 
 who has ordered it so as it was my 
 earnest desire, not to be adduced as a witness 
 against him who was yesterday in the panel tried 
 for his life, and this day to receive sentence. In 
 this I have peace, not wishing to be further 
 concerned in blood than in the open field. 
 
 * i.e. the accused person. f i.e. except. 
 
194 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 * * * 
 
 ^'^March 2i.'^692.^^' • • • The goodness of God to 
 me on the 15th instant at Leith 
 Race in preserving a man (who was accidentally 
 trodden down by me while riding) from being 
 destroyed or dangerously hurt, not to be for- 
 gotten. . . . 
 
 ***** 
 
 Edinburgh Castle, What COllId bp morp 
 
 Wednesday, July 6, 1692. * ' * VV nat COUIQ DC more 
 
 desirable than the manifestations 
 of God's love this day to my soul, now while about 
 to depart from my native land to join myself with 
 that powerful army that is appearing against the 
 tyranny of France (who no doubt are taking to 
 themselves courage by their late gaining the town 
 and fortress of Namur) ; there to venture my all 
 for the interest of Christ's kingdom ? Should I 
 not then go rejoicing (reverencing the hand of 
 Providence in the various steps of my being 
 detained), and waiting for the presence of God to 
 accompany me ? . . . Let Him in His holy 
 wisdom dispose of me as He will, and of those in 
 whom I esteem myself most interested by the 
 
JOURNEY TO LONDON. 195 
 
 strictest tie of affection. I desire to hope He will 
 give strength to submit to His holy will and 
 pleasure, that though a separation now should be 
 attended with no more meeting together in time, 
 each of us may have ground to solace himself in 
 this, that reflecting upon the many dispensations 
 of Providence which did as it were concur together 
 to incite to a discovery of our affection to each 
 other, we may have no ground of disquiet, but 
 patiently submit to the Most High. 
 
 [A note follows here : " This manual it appears 
 was left at Edinburgh when I parted for 
 Flanders two days after what is last writ in 
 it, viz. the 8th July, i6g2. A new one begun 
 at London lyth of the months and continued 
 in Flanders. And this one filled up after- 
 wards."^ 
 
 ^^^tyTro^a^fe^Sf'' Edinburgh, Friday 8th July, 
 1692: at night at Haddington. 
 Morpeth 9th. Darntone loth, having spent a 
 good part of the day at Newcastle, where I heard 
 preach Dr Gilpin and Mr Gill. Batry nth. 
 Stiltone 12th. Wednesday 13th, London, 
 
196 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 Juiy^yt 26?W London, Monday i8th. Colches- 
 ter, Tuesday 19th. Harwich, 
 Wednesday 20th. Thursday 21st embarked at 
 Harwich after midday, that night anchored off 
 the coast of Sussex : Friday 22 sailed to Goree 
 on the coast of Holland, and landed at Halfords- 
 luce at 3 this morning. In our voyage hitherto 
 the goodness of God manifested, that though 
 pirates rage on this coast, and the day before one 
 vessel fell into their hands, yet no trouble that 
 way did attend us. . . Peter's Hook, 3 miles 
 from Dort, Satur. 23 July, 10 at night. Journeyed 
 hither this day from Halfordsluce to the Brill, 
 thence to Maidlensluce, Scidam, and Delphs- 
 haven, Rotterdam, by land. . . Antwerp, Dies 
 Dom.y 24 July. Brussels, Tuesday at 5 in the 
 morning, thence to the camp near Halle that 
 evening. 
 
 "*ju%^?f';il2^^' ... The engagement^ last 
 Lord's Day near Enghien, 2 hours 
 from this, with these of the French army, or 
 
 *Known as the Battle of Steinkirk, 
 
BATTLE OF STEIN KIRK. 197 
 
 rather the attack made on their camp by a part 
 of this confederate army, principally by the Scots 
 and English (there being 7 Scots regiments 
 engaged) merits serious observation both as to 
 the public and as to myself. The design was 
 very honourable, to force them to battle, but 
 through the strength of the ground in which they 
 were encamped, it being surrounded with many 
 hedges, that could not be effectuate, which calls 
 for this meditation, that whatever man may consult 
 and propose even as to the great concerns of His 
 Church, it's the Lord who disposeth as He pleaseth 
 and as He sees most for His glory — even though 
 it were by the shedding the blood of many who 
 owned and adhered to His way. Also, the 
 bravery and resolution of those who did attack 
 them at the greatest disadvantage, they being 
 posted behind the hedges, affords this thought, 
 that a wicked army may fight valiantly for their 
 king and country, and that to those who are lovers 
 of the kingdom of Christ and long for the 
 advancing of His interest, do desire to signalize 
 themselves against His enemies, and when 
 
1 98 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 occasion offers are often wonderfully trysted 
 with courage and conduct. This in a singular 
 manner was seen in the late engagement, and 
 though many of them have left their carcase in 
 the fields, yet that is no ground of discouragement 
 to those spared, but rather should prove a motive 
 to incite others to appear valiantly for that 
 interest. As to myself, calls it not for serious 
 observation of Providence to think how, contrair 
 to my inclination, I was detained in Scotland, so 
 that only 2 days or I came hither action should 
 have been ; yea that if the captain of the packet- 
 boat had not detained the Earl of Leven, myself, 
 and others at Harwich 20 hours beyond the time 
 we should have sailed, all which time the wind 
 was good, in all possibility we had arrived in the 
 camp the night before the attack, or that morning. 
 
 Halle or Limbeck,* observe God's dealinp^s with 
 
 Dies Dom., July 31, 1692, ^ " ODbCrve Vjruu b UCdUllgb wiLii 
 
 this army last Lord's Day ought 
 to be my work — how that 20 or 24 battalions of 
 
 * Lambeque, 
 
From Portrait by Sir Godfrey Knelier. 
 
 DAVID, EARL OF LEVEN 
 
CARSTAIRS IN THE CAMP. igg 
 
 infantry did with great courage and resolution 
 attack the enemy's camp the space of 5 hours, 
 once gaining 6 piece of cannon, and though 
 repulsed with the loss of a great many brave 
 officers and soldiers, yet retired in order to this 
 camp, the enemy not daring to pursue, being in 
 great consternation, and though posted on most 
 advantageous ground, hedges abounding on every 
 side, yet the number of their slain and wounded 
 is acknowledged by themselves to be by far a 
 greater number than those of ours. . . 
 
 The number and quality of the slain amongst 
 us calls for observation, and it may be feared that 
 a holy and wise God contends for the crying 
 abominations of this great army, but alas, a pro- 
 phane and wicked army as is upon the earth. 
 
 Sermon heard in forenoon by Mr Wm. Carstairs^ 
 one of the King's chaplains for Scotland, from 
 Heb. ix. 27 — "And as it is appointed unto men 
 once to die. . . 
 
ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN, 
 
 VII. 
 
 1694 to 1697. 
 
 Stationed at Bruges — Wickedness of army — A murderer confesses 
 to Alexander Shields — Battle of Landen — Narrow escape 
 from death — Taken prisoner — Prayer before Communion at 
 Edinburgh — His signed Covenant with God — Courtship 
 renewed — The marriage arranged — Description of his 
 intended wife — Thoughts on the eve of marriage — After 
 honeymoon — Returns home: brawl on the road — Prayer 
 before returning to Flanders — Retrospect — A son born. 
 
 Bruges. Wednesday, ... It is nO WOnder OUF 
 Jan. 4, 1o9o. 
 
 enemies prevail against us and 
 have their design and enterprise accomplished 
 since our iniquities who appear against 
 them are come to such a height that they call 
 aloud for destruction and wrath to be poured forth 
 upon us. And amongst other our wickedness, how 
 do we spoil and rob the country, yea allow our 
 violence to end in blood, even in crying murder; 
 
A MURDERER'S CONFESS ION. 201 
 
 which was committed by some who lay with me 
 at Sudenburgh, who out of their fury killed a 
 bower,"*^ whose body I see'd while dead, and his 
 poor wife and family mourning over it. . . 
 
 ^'"Jfn^22^'l693!"■' * " * terrible is it to think 
 
 of that terrible guilt which a poor 
 ignorant one in this place has been tempted to 
 commit, what by the temptations of Satan and 
 persuasions of his master, even to join with him 
 in his drunkenness at Ghent, to be guilty of blood 
 by a private murder in the night-time upon the 
 streets : which was never made known to any, 
 until now that God, who hears the cry of blood, 
 has brought that poor thing, what by some con- 
 victions of the same, and what by the Devil's 
 appearing to him in his master's likeness dis- 
 charging him to discover the same, to open his 
 mind to Mr Shields,t whom I spoke to see 
 him. . 
 
 * Bauer, i.e. peasant, 
 
 t Alexander Shields, chaplain to the Cameronian Regiment at 
 this date : afterwards minister at St. Andrews, then with the 
 Scots Colony at Darien ; died at Jamaica in 17CO. 
 
202 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 S''"|PiWedne|day. , , Every day produceth new 
 experiences of His love, some of 
 which singularly remarkable, and surely that with 
 which I was trysted the 25th of last month is none 
 of the least. . . Whether this be the answer of 
 prayer or not I shall not determine, but as I did 
 plead my innocency before a holy and just God, 
 with a desire that He might bring the same to ane 
 comfortable issue, even with the preservation of my 
 honour and reputation in the world, so out of His 
 infinite love He has perfected the same, with ane 
 conviction to the malicious offender of his maHce, 
 and all satisfaction that could be desired to be 
 given by him, even while in the fields ready to 
 determine the same by blood. 
 
 [A blank from April 30 to the date following]. 
 
 '■°jln"'i4!'?694!"*" • . • For though I had 
 
 no 
 
 mercies, no favours, no love, to 
 reckon over but what I have met with since I 
 parted from Bruges the 3rd of May until my return 
 the 9th Octr., in my being preserved from many 
 
BATTLE OF LAN DEN. 203 
 
 temptations and snares that attend ane army, in 
 my protection, provision, and other comforts of 
 life, but especially for what I met with the 19th 
 July in that famous battle of Landen in Brabant, 
 famous for the number of the armies (the enemy's 
 notwithstanding being 30,000 above ours), the 
 renownedness of both generals, the length of the 
 dispute before the victory was gained, the great 
 number of the killed and wounded on the enemy's 
 side (as I had from a particular list at Namur), 
 and the smallness of ours in a proportion to theirs, 
 the wonderful preservation of our King amidst 
 many dangers, and the wonderful retreat of our 
 army and their sudden gathering together at 
 Mechlin with so small loss ... I say, what I 
 met with in being signally preserved not only in 
 the heat of the action when our brigade was forced 
 from their ground, where in our retreat I could not 
 in all probability have escaped being thrust 
 through by one of the Greder Suisse with his 
 bayonet fixed upon his fusee, if it had not been so 
 ordered that I had a small fusee in my hand, which 
 I would not have had if I had not made my pike 
 
204 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 useless the night before upon ane occasion which 
 I have reason to regret, though I can freely say 
 I gave no ground for it, but it was extorted from 
 me so that I could not evite it for the preservation 
 of my own honour and reputation ; but also in our 
 attacking the Swiss afterwards and regaining our 
 ground, but especially in my preservation in our 
 retreat to the water twixt 2 and 3 in the afternoon 
 (we with other two Scots regiments being the last 
 of the infantry that came off the field), where not 
 only of my own comrades but many others were 
 hewn down by the enemy's surrounding us, my 
 being preserved in the water where I was for 
 some minutes, and wherein I had nigh sunk, the 
 number being great that was there (of which 
 many perished), and the way out of it inaccessible ; 
 my being taken there (while destitute of all help 
 and out of all hopes of escape) by a major of the 
 enemy's horse with the greatest calmness that 
 ever ane enemy in blood could show towards his 
 prisoner : my being kept that night in the field of 
 battle, and the following 4 nights in ane orchard 
 at St. Gertrude in the middle of their army, amidst 
 
BEFORE THE HOLY COMMUNION. 205 
 
 all our prisoners both heal and wounded, extending 
 to 140 officers with 11 70 soldiers of foot and horse, 
 where the heavens was our covert and the earth 
 our pavilion ; then at some times bread and water 
 were very acceptable — yet preserved in health, 
 and strangely provided for as to money : my being 
 transported to Haye, then to Namur, where I was 
 detained until the 28th August, and where I had 
 the freedom of the town and other comforts of life 
 — even these and other remarkable circumstances 
 of my lot during that time (particularly slavish 
 fear wholly removed, and courage and resolution 
 given) call for a constant frame of heart fit for 
 thanksgiving. . . 
 
 [A blank here from Jan. 21, 1694, to Oct. 26, 
 1695]- 
 
 Edinburgh, satu^rday. [Before Holy Communion']. . . 
 
 I look to Thee, O Lord Jesus, 
 
 come Thou with a glorious appearance to the souls 
 
 of men in this place, prepare hearts to tryst with 
 
 Thee, bring in souls from sin and guilt to see the 
 
 way of salvation, beautify Thy house with salva- 
 
 N 
 
206 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 tion, pour forth of Thy Spirit on Thy servants 
 who are to dispense Thy ordinance, and let the 
 work be crowned with the salvation of souls. I 
 look to Thee for a rich supply of grace, even of 
 repentance, faith, love, and obedience. I flee to 
 Thy precious blood for pardon and acceptance, for 
 the purchase of Thy death and sufferings to be 
 applied to my ioul. Let the blessed seal of the 
 everlasting Covenant be again engraven on my 
 soul. I flee to Thy merits and righteousness, 
 which is that only can save me. . . 
 
 [After Holy Communion.'] 
 
 l^om:oo;*27f,695. ■ • • Has not Christ Jesus the 
 [In the evening.] bj^ssed Master of the feast ap- 
 peared gloriously this day in His sanctuary ? Has 
 He not moved the hearts of His people in this 
 Church, where I was with ane more than ordinar 
 commotion, to pant out after Him, both before and 
 at the tables? O what a feast of love is this I 
 have been partaker of, a feast of fat things, of 
 wines on the lees well refined !" . . . Engaging 
 
AFTER THE HOLY COMMUNION. 207 
 
 solemnly with Him in the terms of the blessed 
 Covenant, apprehending and taking hold of Him 
 by faith to be my portion, my God and guide, my 
 husband and head, yea my all in all, engaged and 
 vowing to be His and for Him, to give up with 
 the devil, the world, and the flesh, sorrowing for 
 my sins, detesting and forsaking them, resolving 
 against all temptations and snares whatsomever, 
 yea giving up the heart to Him and its affections, 
 promising to study holiness in heart, speech, and 
 behaviour, and to take up the Cross and follow 
 Him. These are the blessed terms of the ever- 
 lasting Covenant I have been engaging to, and 
 to which Christ Jesus has come in a glorious 
 manner, displaying a banner of love, engaging 
 me of new unto Himself, and setting to a new seal 
 of the pardon of sin and guilt. So that on solid 
 ground I may call this a Bethel, and as it were set 
 up a stone of remembrance, that in this day of this 
 year and month, and in the College Church of this 
 city, Christ Jesus was pleased to meet with me, 
 breathe on me wonderful love, draw forth my soul 
 to covenant with Him on His own terms ; and to 
 
2o8 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 this blessed covenant I subscribe and set to my 
 name, which shall be a witness against me if I 
 forget His great goodness, and go on to break 
 such solemn vows. 
 
 [Signed] W. Maxuell. 
 
 My former covenanting with God since my 
 young years, but especially these ten years bygone, 
 is to me a matter of no small comfort this day. 
 God has wonderfully owned me in that great work 
 hitherto, both in private, at sermons, and at the 
 Holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, both in 
 Holland, England, and this land ; but O how has 
 He come this day with a fraught of love ! . . 
 
 '^Nov^o^eisf*' ^^^^ wandering on the face 
 
 of this earth, how can it but affect 
 my heart, considering what diversion it produceth 
 from serving my God either by prayer, reading, or 
 meditation. O when shall it please the Lord to 
 give me rest and quiet even outwardly as to the 
 body, by a retired life from the noise, confusion, 
 snares, and temptations of this world, and inward 
 
A PRAYER. 209 
 
 rest and quiet of mind from being surrounded with 
 disturbing thoughts, anxiety and disquiet which 
 has attended me these four years and near eight 
 months bygone, for which I am afraid God may 
 contend. But my eyes are towards Him for ease 
 and ane comfortable outgate. I would gladly hope 
 that I have looked unto Him in some measure 
 through all the steps of this affair on which my 
 future peace and comfort in the world depends. 
 
 . O Lord, bring it to a comfortable issue 
 by what means Thou pleaseth, and let the glory 
 and praise redound to Thy holy name ! This 
 is the day of my straits and distress ; O Lord 
 hear, O Lord help ! and give comfort, and let 
 not the excess of my affection, and my anxiety 
 and distrust provoke Thee to forsake and punish ; 
 but take glory to Thyself in doing us good. 
 
 BorX*:i5,St1. " I co^ld begin this night to 
 wonder and admire that which 
 God has done for me — praise and magnify His 
 holy name for what He has done, and continue 
 in so doing so long as I breathe, even without 
 
210 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 intermission — surely all should be too little, con-^ 
 sidering His wonderful and inexpressible love. 
 O the depth of this love, how unfathomable is it 
 — love beyond what can be aright comprehended, 
 love that cannot be measured, love that is 
 wonderful in its beginning, in its continuance 
 and end ! O what am I, poor miserable ill- 
 deserving creature, that I should meet with such 
 love — I, who has walked unsuitable to all the 
 mercies and goodness that I have received, 
 unsuitable to all the vows and engagements 
 that I have come under, unsuitable to gospel 
 mercies and to these solemn seals that God has 
 put to the Covenant ? And yet, I am still 
 pursued with love, not only in returning to do 
 me good by renewing the Covenant, in trysting 
 with Himself in these glorious blinks of His 
 appearance in the everlasting gospel which is 
 the chief of all blessings ; but also in hearing 
 and answering my long-continued requests and 
 the requests of others put up to heaven in my 
 behalf these four years bygone. Is not the 
 return of these in a great measure to be seen 
 
PRAYERS OF FRIENDS. 
 
 211 
 
 this bygone week, in inclining the hearts of 
 those to be friends who I had great reason to 
 expect should have been my enemies ? O what 
 wonderful condescension is this they have shewed 
 me ; is not the hand of God in it ? . . . The 
 prayers of several Christian friends have been 
 put up of a long time in our behalf ; who knows 
 but God has heard and begins to answer ? O if 
 it be so, what comfort shall we have in a married 
 state ; how shall our souls be refreshed, and hearts 
 be pouring forth praises ! . . . 
 
 ^'^o^iil'Sii^' • • • Last evening, helped to 
 praise Him on this account in the 
 fields where I was helped to hold out my supplica- 
 tions unto Him on the of Dec, 1692. . . 
 
 * * ♦ 
 
 ^'^^ D^ec'f 22f'l695'"' ' " * * ^^^^ S^^^ ^ 
 
 blessing to the Assembly of His 
 servants here, in giving them the spirit of the 
 gospel mixed with moderation and zeal, ought also 
 to be my work. . . 
 
212 
 
 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 m * * * * 
 
 ^^Jan^he^ie""'' O must I still admire and 
 
 wonder at what God has done for 
 me in this matter ; has He not given me the desires 
 of my heart in as full and free a measure as if I had 
 racked my wits and continued my thoughts for 
 many years to propose and set down what could 
 be convenient for me for my further comfort and 
 happiness in a married state ? Yea, the wit of 
 man could not have done it ; the matter must be of 
 God : glory, glory, glory and praise be to His 
 name, who has given me all I could have wished 
 for, and has made me eye Him in some measure in 
 this matter from the beginning of my affection, as 
 I have ground to hope she has done. O what 
 comfort is it, that I can be joined to one not only 
 of good quality as to birth, to one whose portion of 
 this world is not mean, to one who is I hope of the 
 seed of the faithful, and for whom many a prayer 
 has been put up from her infancy, and especially of 
 late, but to one who from her young years has 
 aimed at walking in the ways of God and is in 
 covenant with Him, and, though but 19 years, yet 
 
ON THE EVE OF MARRIAGE. 213 
 
 lias several times ratified that covenant by getting 
 the seal put to it at the table of the Lord ; yea, to 
 one whose natural humour and temper is not only 
 most desirable to all her acquaintances, but most 
 agreeable unto my own. . . . 
 
 ***** 
 
 '^Feb.Tulgsr the matter which most con- 
 
 cerns me in the world draws nigh 
 to be accomplished (the 13th), and which has been 
 these years bygone the subject of my consideration 
 at all times, minded by me in my addresses to 
 God by prayer, so now it cannot but be my 
 continued consideration. . . O what shall I say, 
 or what can I say on this subject? Has not 
 a holy and merciful God given me all that 
 my heart could desire? Yea, if I had con- 
 trived and premeditated these twenty years 
 how and what way to be most happy, could my 
 ways ever have been directed and my affections 
 fixed on one every way so desirable ? O is not 
 this the rejoicing of my soul, that from her infancy 
 she has sought the Lord, that now but 19 years of 
 
214 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 age yet has engaged with the Lord in covenant 
 and got the seal put to it at His holy table. Her 
 quality, knowledge, education, and means is also tO' 
 be prized as blessings from the Lord, but 
 especially her natnral wisdom and management of 
 herself. . . 
 
 Edinburgh, i>iesDom., Have I not p-ot all that 
 
 March 16, 1696. * * * "«iVC 1 IIUL gUL dH LlldL 
 
 my heart could desire on eartk 
 to make my life comfortable in time? Yea, if I 
 should have sit down and thought for many 
 years how to be happy in a wife, what could I 
 have thought on that I have not got? . . . 
 
 My not marking down some steps of God's 
 goodness these weeks bygone, much occasioned 
 through diversion by the society of that family 
 to which I am now joined, and the desirable 
 company that I have had there. . . 
 
 DolTM^TiHt^B. Every day produceth new marks- 
 and expressions of love. O the 
 infinite goodness of God that I am constantly 
 
LEAVING FOR FLANDERS. 215 
 
 meeting with ! I have not only been preserved 
 since I v^^ent from this, and returned in safety ta 
 the comfort of my friends and of her w^ho is 
 unite and most dear to me ; but O how was I 
 preserved the 25th in my return hither, from 
 being guilty of blood, when my passion, incensed 
 against one notoriously lying, moved to strokes, 
 the consequence of which seemed to incur death 
 itself ! Was not that a day much to be remem- 
 bered to the Lord ? Ought I not to set up a 
 stone of remembrance and say, There the Lord 
 helped yea, even in the wilderness He heard 
 and answered, saving from crying guilt which 
 might have drawn down eternal wrath, and from 
 having my reputation ruined in the world, which 
 is no small curse — yea, from having my conscience 
 to tear me in the world, which could not but have 
 followed. . . 
 
 "'"ApriM9j696^''"*'' Toute to Flanders']. . Da 
 
 with us what Thou pleaseth, O 
 holy Lord God. Let all be for Thy glory. If 
 Thou preserve us in our wanderings and hazards 
 
:2i6 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 that any of us may be exposed to, let it be for 
 Thy glory and our soul's comfort. If thou give 
 us a meeting again on earth, let it be for Thy 
 glory. If Thou give us a seed and posterity on 
 earth, let it be for Thy glory. Yea, whatever 
 Thou do with us, let all be for Thy glory. . . 
 O Lord, do with us what Thou will ; be Thou 
 glorified and our souls comforted, then we shall 
 be happy in time and to eternity. 
 
 [A blank here up to date following]. 
 
 DoSc^sfja^:! Si^c^ l^st pairting from this 
 the 14th May last, my arriving 
 safely in Holland the 20th, and in Flanders the 
 23rd, my passing there the whole campaign, my 
 pairting from it the 8th of October unto Holland, 
 and my safe arrival at Dover in England the 13th 
 and at London next day, my continuing there 
 until the 5th November, and my journey from 
 that to Carlisle and thence to Ravenstone, my 
 
 father-in-law's, the 13th, and now hither the 
 28th of last month ; — I say, since that time unto 
 
TOKENS OF DIVINE LOVE. 217 
 
 this day, what wonderful instances and experiences 
 of God's love, kindness, and mercy may I remark. 
 
 1. Did He not safely take and return me 
 through the deep waters, preserving me not 
 only from the hazard of the sea, but also from 
 enemies that abound on it during this war? 
 
 2. Did he not safely take me where my present 
 worldly interest lies, and in ten or twelve days 
 after provide a further advancement for me, not 
 only advantageous but creditable and honourable ? 
 
 3. By this advancement, has He not made me 
 find favour in the eyes of all above me, and 
 particularly of the Prince who commanded that 
 army in which I served, yea to such a degree 
 that he was pleased to recommend me most 
 favourably to the King, my master, for his pro- 
 tection and further advancement? 
 
 4. The kindness I received while at London 
 not only by the King his receiving me with a 
 favourable eye, but others about Court and of 
 
:2i8 ONE OF KING WILLIAM'S MEN. 
 
 the army their countenancing and assisting me 
 by their particular recommendations and promises 
 of further kindness. 
 
 5. My being preserved in posting to Scotland 
 from all danger and hazard. 
 
 6. The comfortable, surprising satisfactory meet- 
 ing I had at my arrival to that family I am now- 
 united to, by my finding them all well, but 
 especially the wife of my youth, my dearest 
 wife, safely brought to bed of a son, a living 
 and perfect child, that morning 'twixt twelve 
 and one, being wonderfully preserved, but then 
 in a tolerable condition, and who recovered day 
 from day to admiration. . . . 
 
 END OF EXTRACTS. 
 
REMAINS OF COL. MAXWELL S SUMMER-HOUSE. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Aghrim, 174. 
 
 Ahab, 54. 
 
 Airth (airt), 120. 
 
 Algerines, 138. 
 
 Anatomy, 94. 
 
 Angels, 60, 75, 148. 
 
 Answers to prayer, 53, 211. 
 
 Anwoth, 33 (note). 
 
 Antichrist, 50, 112, 163. 
 
 Argyll, Earl of, 15, 32, 66, 69, 
 
 72 : Duke of, 29, 40. 
 Army, Vices of, 170. 
 Assembly, General, dissolved, 
 
 191 : prayer for, 211. 
 Assurance of salvation, 45. 
 Athlone, 174. 
 Baptism, 66. 
 Bardarroch, 40. 
 Baron-Bailie's Book, 27. 
 Bass, Blockade of the, 172 
 
 sgg.: trial of prisoner, 193. 
 Bensell, 51. 
 
 Bereavement, 47, 60, 142. 
 Blackader, Col., 30. 
 Blink, 105, 133, 165. 
 Bothwell Bridge, 118. 
 Bourgh, Mr de, 29. 
 Boyne, Battle of the, 22. 
 Calderwood, 10, 172 sgq. 
 Campvere, 128 sqg. 
 Cardoness, 9, 17, 23, 30. 
 Carstairs (Carstares), William, 
 36, 69, 135—140, 199- 
 
 Catechism, Shorter, 151. 
 
 Chapel, Magdalen, 72. 
 
 Christ, Love of, 58, 62, 108. 
 
 Church of Scotland, iii, 125. 
 
 Communion, Preparation for 
 first, 150 : prayer before 
 and after, 158-9, 205-6. 
 
 Conscience, 57, 63. 
 
 Contrasts of life, 55, 70, 96, 149. 
 
 Conversion, Col. Maxwell's, 
 182. 
 
 Conventicle, 70 itoie, 118. 
 Council, Privy, 25, loi, 117, 193. 
 Courtship, 176 sgq. 
 Covenant, 48, 52, 206. 
 Craignell, 70. 
 
 Crawford, Mr, a minister, 
 
 122. 
 Dairy, 79. 
 
 Day-books, Col. Maxwell's, 
 28. 
 
 Dearest Comrade, 63, 65, 157. 
 
 Death, 45, 58, 82, 97, 143. 
 
 Devil, 49, 201. 
 
 Distemper, 47. 
 
 Divinity, 88. 
 
 Duelling, 173, 202, 204. 
 
 Duty {i.e. religious duties), 
 
 47. 49. 50. 
 Early Rising, 46. 
 Edinburgh, 31 : Edin. Tol- 
 
 booth, 99 sgg. : College 
 
 Church, 207. 
 
222 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Elistone, 79. 
 Enghien, 25, 196. 
 Episcopacy, 8, 189, 191, 
 Eternity, 82, 98. 
 Evite, 204. 
 Faith, 151. 
 
 Fast-days, 65 : National Fast, 
 168. 
 
 Flanders, 23, 25, 169, 185, 
 
 193. 195. 
 France, Protestants of, 132, 
 
 137, 162. 
 Eraser of Brea, 171. 
 Fusee, 203. 
 
 Galloway, Earl of, 24, 39. 
 Gallowsands, 121. 
 Galway, 174. 
 
 Gartshore, Dr Maxwell, 33 
 
 note, 43. 
 Gavinson, Mr, a minister, 
 
 122. 
 
 Germany, Protestants of, 169. 
 
 Gill, Mr, of Newcastle, 195. 
 
 Gilpin, Dr, 195. 
 
 Glasgow High School, 29, 85 : 
 University, 86 : revisiting 
 Glasgow, 175. 
 
 Glasserton, 178. 
 
 Gordon, Rev. Charles, Camp- 
 vere, 130. 
 
 Gray, Lord, 77. 
 
 Guthrie of Fenwick, 47. 
 
 Haggs, [4, 18, 58, 182. 
 
 Halle, 198. 
 
 Heaven, 146. 
 
 Helvoetsluys, 167. 
 
 Hickman, Rev. Henry, Ley- 
 den, 139. 
 
 Holland, 123 sqq. 
 
 Hungary, Protestants of, 132. 
 
 Interest, Protestant, 158, 163. 
 
 Intrinsic power of Church, 
 191. 
 
 Jacob at Haran, 123. 
 James VII., 162. 
 Jerviswood, 66. 
 Jesuits, 162. 
 
 Justiciary, Court of, 104. 
 Kelso, Rev. Samuel, 178. 
 Killiecrankie, Battle of, 22, 
 183. 
 
 Killing Time, 13. 
 
 Kirroughtree, 209. 
 
 Lambeque, 198. 
 
 Landen, Battle of, 23, 203. 
 
 Law, Study of, 87. 
 
 Leith, 20, 125, 194. 
 
 Leven, Earl of, 22, 198. 
 
 Ley den, 20, 131 sqq. 
 
 Life, Contrasts of, 55, 70, 96, 
 
 Limerick, 174. [i49- 
 
 Linlithgow, 7. 
 
 Magdalen Chapel, 15, 72. 
 
 Magistracy, A godly, 79. 
 
 Marriage, Thoughts before 
 and after, 212-214. 
 
 Martyrs in 1685, 74, 78. 
 
 Maxwell, Col. William, par- 
 entage, 8 : date of birth, 
 10 : at Glasgow High School 
 and Univ., 11 : relations 
 with Earl of Argyll, 15 : 
 studies medicine at Edin- 
 burgh, 17, and at Leyden, 
 20 : religious impressions, 
 18 : joins the Prince of 
 Orange, 22 : courtship, 23 : 
 marriage, 26 : his campaigns, 
 22, 25, 26 ; his services in 
 the '15, 29: member of last 
 Scottish Parliament, 28 : 
 death, 33 : character, 35 : 
 Dr Gartshore's account of, 
 38-43 : description of his 
 Diary, 13-27 : his " Day- 
 books," 28. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 223 
 
 Maxwell, William, of New- 
 land, II : Sir Gavin, of 
 Calderwood, 10 : Rev. Wm., 
 of Minni^aff, 8. 
 
 Medicine, Profession of, 92. 
 
 Memory, A slippery, 94. 
 
 Ministry, The Holy, 88-91. 
 
 Minnigaff, 8. 
 
 Moncrieff, Rev. John, 70, 119, 
 122, 182. 
 
 Monmouth, Duke of, 68, 77. 
 
 Mother, Death of Col. Max- 
 well's, 143, 148. 
 
 Mortification, 54. 
 
 Murder at Sudenburgh, 20J. 
 
 Murthland, 66. 
 
 Namur, 194, 205. 
 
 Newcastle, 195. 
 
 New Year thoughts, 1688, 
 133: 1697, 216. 
 
 Oath, Test, 66: oaths, 87, 
 112, 193. 
 
 Ochiltree, 69. 
 
 Orange, Prince of, 22, 161, 
 
 163, 166, 182. 
 Paisley, 79. 
 
 Parliament, Scottish, of 1685, 
 
 65: of 1703, 40. 
 Perjury, common, 66. 
 Persecution, 50, 63, 74, 78, 
 
 80, 150 note, 172, 182. 
 Physick, Science of, 87. 
 Piedmont, Protestants of, 137, 
 
 162. 
 
 Pillers, or peelers, 28. 
 
 Pirates, 196. 
 
 Pollock Wood, 47. 
 
 Popery, 109, 139: papists, 
 
 158, 162. 
 Praise, Duty of, 75. 
 Prayer, 48, 51, 53, 54, 211 : 
 
 special prayers, 158-9, 192, 
 
 205, 215. 
 
 Pretender, The, a supposi- 
 
 titious child, 162. 
 Prison, A friend in, 61 : Col. 
 
 Maxwell in, 99 sqq. 
 Privy Council, 25, loi, 117, 
 
 193- 
 
 Profession, Choice of a, 16, 
 
 81, 83. 
 Promises, God's, 151. 
 Rae's History of the Late 
 
 Rebellion, 29. 
 Ravenstone, 177 sqq. 
 Repentance, 52. 
 Revolution, Times of, 57 : 
 
 Revolution Club, 32, 43. 
 Riddell, Rev. Archibald, 172. 
 Risk, 185 sqq. 
 Rotterdam, 131. 
 Rumbold, General, 71. 
 Rutherford, Samuel, 21. 
 Sabbath observance, 49, 53, 
 
 67, 75. no, 132. 
 Saints, The way of, 55, 70, 
 
 95, 149- 
 Satan, 59, 60, 201. 
 Savoy, Protestants of, 132, 169. 
 Scotland, Church of, in, 125. 
 Self-examination, 53, 63. 
 Sermons, Notes of, 70, 119, 
 
 130, 134, 135, 136, 140, 
 
 168, 171. 
 Shields, Alexander, 201. 
 Sibbald, Prof. Robert, 17. 
 Sickness, Recovery from, 136, 
 
 186. 
 
 Sins of youth, 46 : pardon of 
 
 sin, 127, 147. 
 Stair, Earl of, 30 note, 148. 
 Steinkirk, Battle of, 196. 
 Stewart, Dame Nicolas, 24, 
 
 26, 180, 212. 
 Storm, Col. Maxwell in a, 
 
 126, 145. 
 
224 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Sudenburgh, 201. 
 Targoes, 153 sqq. 
 Test Oath, 66, 72. 
 Thanksgiving, Colonel Max- 
 
 weirs, for liberation, 119. 
 Thir (these), 139. 
 Time, Value of, 127, 134. 
 Time-servers, 57, 67, 72, 90. 
 Tolbooth, Edinburgh, 99 sqq. 
 Toleration, The, in 1687, 109. 
 
 Torbay, 22, 167. 
 
 Tryst, 60, 70, 78, 103, 117, 
 
 119, 134, 141, 146, 154, 
 
 158, 198, etc. 
 War Committee Minutes, 10. 
 Whithorn, 178. 
 Wilkie, Rev. J., 168. 
 William of Orange, 22, 161 
 
 sqq., 191. 
 World, Vanity of the, 147. 
 
GETTY RESEARCH INSTITUTE 
 
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