7
3dly, From his youth he was much given to secret prayer, yea, whole nights: and it was observed by same, both in families, and when in secret he always sat straight upon his knees, without resting upon any thing with his hands lifted up, (and some took notice, he died the same way with the bloody rope about his neck) especially after the bloody murder of Mr. Cameron, and these worthies with him, at Airds-Moss, July 22d 1680, until the following September, that he excommunicated these wicked men at the Torwood he was much alone, both night and day, and spake little even in company; only to some few he said He had a to(illegible text) to give with his trumpet that the Lord had put in his hand that would sound in the ears of many through Britain, and other places in Europe. None knew what he was to do that morning, except Mr. Walter Smith, to whom he imparted the thoughts of his heart. When he began, his friends feared that some wicked person would shoot him. His landlord, in whose home he had been the past night, cast his coat and ran for it. To some serious, solid Christians, who were present, he said That if these unhappy men died the ordinary death of men, God never spake by him. That afternoon he preached upon that text For the Lord will not cast off for ever; but though he cause grief yet will behave compassion, according to the multitude of his mercies. In which sermon he touched neither on the tyranny nor defections in the land. This confirmed what he said in his dying words, "However it be with me at the last, though I should be straitened by God, or interrupted by men; yet all is true and shall be well: I have followed holiness, I have taught truth, I have been most in the main things; not that I thought the things concerning our times little."
4thly, The next Sabbath day he preached at the Fallow-hill, in the west end of Livingston parish, upon the borders of Clydesdale. In the Preface he said, I know I am and will be condemned by many for what I have done, in excommunicating these wicked men; but condemn me who will, I am approved of God, and am persuaded that what I have done on earth, is ratified in heaven: For if ever I knew the man of God and was clear in my call to any piece of my generation-work,it
