laid hold of this opportunity to set down, under my hand, or from my mouth, an account of my life and conversation, and my testimony to the truth of Christ, and against all the abominations of the times.

"I was, before the year 1679, running away with the rest of this generation, to God provoking courses; and about that time, when I saw the people of God going to draw together to adventure their lives in the Lord's quarrel, the Lord took a dealing with me at that time, so that I could neither get night's rest nor day's rest, till I resolved to go with them. And on the other hand, was afraid lest I should have been the Achan in the Lord's camp; but again I remembered the Lord's promise, that is held out in the word," return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts," Mal. iii. 7. Now, I do with all my heart bless the Lord, for his wonderfull workings with me since he began with me. I think when I look on his dealings since that time till now, I must say, that I am a brand plucked out of the fire. O that my heart and soul could praise him, for all that he hath done for me! And now I am content to die a dyvour to free grace, and in Christ's debt. I was charged with being guilty of rebellion against their prince, I was answered, I was not so, for I was there a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and for his sake; and told them, I adhered to his covenant, and all things in it. I am not convicted from the word of God of any crime, as to him whom they call king; nor any thing worthy of death, committed against any man, either in thought, word, or deed. So my blood shall ery, with the rest of the innocent blood shed in the land, for vengeance from heaven, on the inhabitants of the earth, great or small, who are in the least accessary thereto, ay and while they repent. It is not my doing, but their own that hath procured it; and God is just to seek after them for the same; neither is it in any man's power to forgive that, as being a breach of God's holy law, without repentance, nor then neither, for the furthest they can come is, but to declare unto them from God's word, that that and their other sins shall never be charged upon them, if they have truly received Christ upon his own terms, and walked worthy of the Lord, unto all well pleasing. But now the thing is clear, the ground whereon they intend to take away my life, is the disowning Charles Stuart for my king, because, he will have no homage upon the account of the covenant from me, or any other, and God only requires the performing of vows, and keeping and fulfilling the covenants, Psal. 1. So in this case, I cannot serve two masters, and I resolve to obey God rather than man.

"Now, I here as a dying man, ready to step into eternity, having health and strength and being in my right mind, declare, I adhere to the Protestant religion, as that which is God's true religion, and the Christian religion. I adhere to the holy rule of the word of God, the scriptures of the Old and New

Testament, containing the will of God to man, and arent man; and that the scriptures are a full rule of faith and manners to us. I adhere to the work of reforma. tion in Scotland, to the Covenants National and Solemn League, the Solemu Acknowledgment of sins, and Engagement to Duties, the Confession of Faith, in regard it agrees with the foresaid writings; the larger and shorter Catechisms, as most seasonable, sound, and according to the scriptures, and well worth the reading, considering and practising what is therein set forth. I say, I adhere to the Rutherglen Testimony, to the paper commonly called Mr. Donald Cargil's Covenant, of the date of June 1680. I adhere to the original copies of these papers, as they were corrected and revised by the authors. And likewise I adhere to every sound paper, tending to the good of religion; as the Directory for Worship and Catechising; and Ladhere unto the doctrine, discipline, worship, and government of the church of Scotland. I bear my testimony unto all the lawful wrestlings of the people of God for truth, and in the defence and preservation of their civil, natural, and divine rights and privileges, contained and held forth in the foresaid-papers, against all encroachers thereupon, and betrayers thereof; especially by the sword, as a mean most lawful and commanded of God, to be made use of in that quarrel; which is to be carried to preachings, and other assemblies of the Lord's people, and so much the more, as the enemy discharges it, as the case now stands.

"In the last place, I give my testimony and protestation against all wrongs and injuries done to God and his people throughout the whole world this day; and more particularly against all that hath been done in Scotland, since the beginning of the work of reformation unto this day, in prejudice of God's glory, his work and people; and especially these crying sins. 1st, The corruption of the worship of God, profanation of his holy things, mocking, misbelieving, and belying of God, and carrying as if there were no God, yea, which is worse, saying he approves of all that they do. O this heaven contemning generation! 2dly, Against the defrauding, mocking, murdering, and oppressing the people of God, in their bodies, consciences and estates, and punishing them as evil doers; yea, as the vilest monsters of cruelty, and that only for following their duty, and making them to stink, as it were, above the ground; and making their names to rot by calumnies and reproaches, and doing all they can to drive them to sin; and then blaming them as the main instruments of all the mischievous villainies and abuses in the land; so that it is come to that with it," the man that departs from iniquity, makes himself a prey." And scarcely can those who design honesty get a night's quarters in any house in the land; so that the people of God are become “a scorn to their foes, and a fear to their friends, and especially reproached of those who are their near

was, were they not worthy to die the death, that would, against so much light, defile God's land with that abjured abomination? but forsooth, to this day, they must be fed like birds in a cage upon the fattest in the land, and the spoils of Christ's crown.

"7. I bear my testimony against that course carried on by the ministers; their conniving at, countenancing of, and complying with these indulged, that have quit Christ and taken on with another master.

8. I bear my testimony against their treachery at Bothwel-bridge, in stopping the drawing up of the causes of God's wrath, and keeping a fast-day, and changing their declaration; and in hindering the purging of the army.

9. I bear my testimony against their treachery at Edinburgh, when a proclamation came out to the view of the world, blaspheming God's true religion, and declaring that all that belonged to God was due to Charles Stuart, which is the plain sense of the act; and they sat in an assembly, and voted for a liberty coming from him to preach by; though the very same day that that was proclaimed, two of their more worthy and faithful brethren were murdered, O! how much pomp and jovialty was that day in rejoicing over the ruins of the work of God and his people, yea, over himself? There was first a scaffold made on the east side of the cross, and a green table set down on it; and two green forms; and then the cross was covered; and about twelve hours of the day, the pursuivants, and lyon heralds, the lyon king at arms, and eight trumpeters went up to the cross, and fourteen men on the foresaid scaffold, and seven of them with red gowns of velvet, and seven with black, and then that act was read, and at night the bells were ringing, and bonfires burning.

10. I leave my testimony against them for running away and leaving God's flock after Bothwell-bridge, when they had drawn them to the fields. Does not the Scripture say, that they who are ju the watchmen's place, should warn the people, when they see the sword come; and have not the ministers of Scotland had the first hand in all these courses of backslidings? Well, their sins are known to be no more sius of weakness, but sins of wickedness.

"11. I bear my testimony against them, because they did not join with their brethren in the work of the day in preaching to the people in the fields, with Mr. Richard Cameron and Mr. Donald Cargil. And will ye tell me, although there were never one to open their mouth in that thing, does not the work of the one confound to silence, and the work of the other justify and plead for them? But there is one thing, I have learned from the practice of all this people, and God's dealing with them. They have sought their own, and one another's credit, more than God's, and he hath discovered their wickedness in their ugliness.

"12. I bear my testimony against their ob

stinacy, in refusing to return and amend their manners. They hold fast wickedness, and refuse to let it go, and that against the light of God's word, their own consciences, their vows and engagements to God, the cries of bloodshed, the cries of wrong done to God and his work, and against these their former preachings and practices; that they will not come out and rid the ground, so to speak, and seek out the causes of God's wrath, and set days of humiliation apart, and see that they be kept, and renew their engagements, and carry themselves like ministers of Jesus Christ afterward. Is this erroneous? Is not this according to Presbyterian principles? Does not the Confession of our Faith say, these who offend the church, and their brethren, shall make their repentance as public as their offences have been? Is not this the plain meaning of that article, yea, the very words almost of the Confession of Faith, chap. xv. art. last? Without which thing be done, (if any would take my counsel, who am looking to receive the sentence of death every hour), I would say, meddle not with them, for they have not only sinued against the Church of God, and their brethren, and their own souls, but against God: and have they not been light and treacherous; whereof many instances may be given. Have they not polluted the sanctuary? Have they not done violence to the law? Have they not been unfaithful? Are they not walking very openly amongst God's stated enemies, while the people of God dare not be seen? I fear, if they make not haste to come off these courses, that God's wrath shall overtake them, ere it be long. And lastly, I bear my testimony against them, for their untenderness to weak consciences, and making use of their gifts and parts to wrest the word of God, to put out that light, which God has given poor things; of which I, among others, have a proof; for one of them came into the prison, and told me, that he had been dealing with him, who had been pursuing us to death, (the king's advocate), that he would not take innocent blood upon him; and out of love and tenderness to our souls, he came to pay us a visit. and said, he was neither a curate nor an indulged man, but a minister of the gospel : so he said, that he would be well advised what we were doing, for the advocate had said, we were shortly to be before the criminal court, And I asked, what he advised us to do? And began to tell him the ground whereupon we were accused, which was this, that Charles Stuart, having broken and burnt God's corenant, and compelled all that he could by his forces to do the like, and slain many upon that account, upon this head, I declined his authority; and being hard questioned, confessed, that I thought it lawful to kill him, but I did not say by whose hands: and he said, all that would not free me from being his subject, and instanced Zedekiah's case to prove it: but I was not in case to speak to him, (being confused with a distracted man who was in with

us), only I told him, there was as great a difference betwixt that of Zedekiah, and this in hand, as east was from the west. And he ealled us Jannes and Jambres who withstood the truth, when we would not hear him; and said, there was no such thing as any condition holden out in the form and order of the coro'nation, that did free us from allegiance to Charles Stuart upon that account. But what? Do they think, that every one can reason and debate with them, or else that they are not Christians, but gainstanders of the truth? Hath not God given to every man his measure of light and grace both? If they know not this, and walk not accordingly, they were never worthy to be ministers of the gospel. He said, that he would send me any of the ministers whom I pleased to call for: I said, that I heard tell Mr. Donald Cargil was taken, would he send him to me, and I would take it as a great kindness off his hand? But he said, that he had taken a way by himself. But what shall I say, my heart is like to sink, when I think on them, and the case of the land. O I think it is a desperate like case! Only I know God can, and I hope he will cure it.

"Next, I leave my testimony against all that side with or strengthen the hands of the adversaries of the Lord, in less or more, against clear conviction from the word of God, or sound reason; and particularly against this duke, that bold and truculent Papist, who hath defiled the Lord's land with his altars and images.

"Next, I leave my testimony against the gentry and commonality, for letting so much innocent blood be shed, some of which ranks, I thing God hath a turn to put in their hands yet, if they would espouse his quarrel, and turn to him with all their hearts, and not suffer the work to go as it does; but indeed they must keep company with God's stated enemies, and learn the court fashion: I will tell you one thing, ye have lost the manners of the court of heaven, by learning the manners of the courts of men. O what think ye to do? Or how think ye to be countable to God? Will ye but speak your minds, who, ye think, hath the best end of the controversy? Will ye let the fear of men and the devil prevail with you more than the fear of God? Or what think ye this duke would do to you, when he sees his opportunity? Will ye trust bloody Papists? It may be, ye may be put to suffer on worse accounts yet, if ye will not own God and his people: but there are but very few of you now, who are ought but mockers. Will ye turn to the Lord with all your hearts. Is it any shame to you to take shame to yourselves, in glorifying God by confessing your sins, and turning from them? but will you tell me now, who, think ye, can be at one with you, while ye are standing out against God. Will ye read but the first chapter of Isaiah, and consider it, and the first two chapters of Jeremiah, the second of Joel, the prophecy of Haggai, Isa. xxii. Ezek. viii, O consider, and if not, the Lord and you take it between you. Read and consider, Psal. 1. 5.

"Now, what shall I say to you, who own and adhere to God's cause, against all his enemies? O that I could let you see the inside of my heart! Will ye learn Christianity? seek the Lord and get him on your side. I think, it is a a good token of a sanctified heart, that longs more to be in God's company nor other folks, that sees the worst of evil lies in com-' mitting sin. Beware of heart risings and grudgings one against another; know, that there is a great difference between sins of weakness, and sins of wickedness; ye may not mark every failing, for if ye do, ye shall not have two to stay together in Scotland. O but there be much need of the gospel, and these ministers will not come out and contend for Christ! without which, though I were at liberty, God knows, I durst not meddle with them, and I would rather keep aback from them, nor other folk; for I think, there are many of them either unconcerned, or then dreadfully misled, for how can it be otherwise, not bearing with tender consciences, for they will rather strive to break folk than build them up, but how can any that has love to Christ look on them with good will: I do verily think, if ever they turn again, the world shall hear tell of it. It is beyond all controversy, that they have quit their first works, and their first love. O will ye learn to be sober and grave! Cleave to your covenants and engagements: I say, mind your engagements; look what becomes of covenant-breakers. I would say unto you, take no courses by the end till God give you clearness; but indeed, I know, that God will reprove many in this generation, because they put away light from them, Beware of these ministers of Charles Stuart, these indulged and these Prelatic, these mockers of God, and contemners of the godly, these Christ-deserters, these undervaluers of heaven, these scandalous and insignificant time-servers, whom God hath blasted to the conviction of all the generation, that see any thing; these monsters of men, the disgrace of the ministry, the just contempt of the generation. God hath sometimes had a church without a ministry, but he never had a ministry without a church. Doth not the scriptures say, That for many days Israel shall be without a priest, without a teraphim, &c. Do we not see in the Revelation, the two witnesses slain, and lie three days and an half: But, O cry to God, That he would send forth labourers to his vineyard: for verily the harvest is great, but the labourers are few. If there be a casting at the gospel on the people's side, then I think they shall be in extreme hazard of losing their soul if God's merey prevent it not; for then they refuse to be guided by God: but if when the hireling sees the wolf come, he run away, and leave the sheep, because he is an hireling, then I think the mercy of God is engaged for the sheep, because they have no shepherd. It is not the first time that Israel has been scattered as sheep having no shepherd; but it is as sure as the sun shines, none can keep himself nor guide himself: it is

not in him that walketh to direct his steps. And God hath sown a joyful light to the upright; and he has said, Him that sitteth in darkness, and hath no light, let him trust in the Lord and stay himself upon his God. But could the spouse rest in Jerusalem, and her husband not to be found? it is beyond debate, that she made all the fields ado before she wanted him. Can the spouse see another wear her husband's cloaths, and be well satisfied? yea, one that has robbed, spoiled, and shut him to the doors with disgrace, contempt | and shame, and as one unworthy to manage the affairs of his own house; and has defied him to take any thing back again, and has set up legs and arms, heads and hands, and quarters of the children, as trophies of victory over the good man of the house, and has triumphed with spite and contempt, and is only seeking it of the poor widow, the wife and the bairns to be quiet, and accept of him for a husband and fa- | ther so I say, shall the wife and children of such a husband and father be peaceable to see this? I trow, there are few carthly folk would do so: But O! who can shew the difference here, as to searching out it cannot be. The Lord keep you from dwelling at ease, under one roof, with such an one. Beware of making any treaty of peace with such a robber and murderer as this; beware of feeding these soldiers, or giving them quarters, when they come to your houses. O but the king of Assyria knew well enough, that the kings of Israel were merciful kings! If ye will not use the sword at God's bidding, God will put it (as he hath) into the hands of his and your enemies, to use it against you. Indeed I think, till Saul's sons be hanged up before the Lord, the plague of famine shall not be stayed from Israel.

"Now, in the next place, I witness by this my testimony, my adherence to the scriptures of truth, the Holy Bible, the Old and New Testament, which has been made sweet to me. The fault is not in them that we understand them not, but in us, and this we have as our old father Adam's heirship. I witness my adherence to the Covenants, National and Solemn League; Confession of Faith; only there is in it something concerning the magistrate's calling a synod of ministers, by virtue of his magisfratical power, which ought to be cautiously understood according to the General Assembly's explication. I adhere to the Catechisms larger and shorter, Psalms in metre, Directory for Worship, Form of Church Government; the doctrine of the church of Scotland, as it is held out in the word of God, and laid down in the foresaid papers. I adhere to all faithful testimonies for truth in Scotland, of one sort and another, and particularly these three, the papers found atthe Queensferry of the date of the 3d of June, the Sanquhar Declaration, the Rutherglen Testimony, and every other paper tending to the good of religion, particularly the Causes of Wrath, and I request all to read and consider them. I leave my testimony against them that

I say, that I am a self murderer. because I spake that which God gave me to speak, before his adversaries; and I think that it is my great mercy, that he hath helped me to be free before them in matters of truth, relating to the disowning of them, and standing to our God's, and our own rights. This paper I leave as my testimony, and formed and deliberate thoughts; and request all to bear with faults of weakness, especially when the sword of the adversary is above a man's head. Now farewell world, and all things in it. Welcome Lord Jesus Christ, into thy hands I recommend my spirit. Sic Subscribitur, WILLIAM CUTHIL.”

Of this Trial, Fountainhall, in his Decisions, says only:

66

July 26, 1681. Mr. Donald Cargill and four of his disciples were condemned for rebellion, and disowning the king, and hanged the next day." 1 Decisions, 148.

But the following passages in the same volume concern Cargill:

"June 4, 1680. A Council was called extraordinary upon the news of the riot committed by some women at Queen's-ferry, who rescued from some of the king's forces one of the ministers who preach at the field conventicles, called Mr. Donald Cargill, and Henry Hall, a feuer in Tiviotdale, who was wounded and taken, but died of his wounds; only their papers were seized on, and a new covenant, which was printed. The Council sent general Dalziel with a party to make all the strict inquiry he could, to apprehend Cargil the mi nister, and to take them prisoners who had defended him."

"Oct. 5. Mr. John Wanse, keeper of the Tolbooth, got a severe reproof from the council, for suffering one of the women to escape out of prison who had assisted Mr. Daniel Cargill's escape at the Queen's-ferry in June last, with certification he should not only be deprived, if he fell in the like, but also he and his cautioners most rigorously pursued."

"Jan. 18th, 1682. By Act of Privy Council, the Solemn League and Covenant, with Cargill's Covenant, and several other papers, were this day solemnly burnt at the cross of Edinburgh, the magistrates being present in their scarlet robes. Some wondered at their policy in reviving the memory of so old and buried a legend as the Solemn League, which was burned in 1661, and set people a work to buy it and read it; and for Cargill's ridiculous Covenant, they had about a twelve-month before this, caused print it; though that was only in contempt of it."

Shiels, in his "Hind let Loose," is very copious concerning refusal to pray for the king. The following curious and characteristic extract, which conveys a satisfactory notion of his sentiments, arguments, and style, will perhaps be read not without interest:

"To vindicate the scruplers and refusers of such compelled and extorted devotions in

pray