) one Robert Miln, a principal man at Dundee,
went to the church where Wishart preached, and in the middle of his
discourse publicly told him not to trouble the town any more, for he was
determined not to suffer it.

This sudden rebuff greatly surprised Wishart, who, after a short pause,
looking sorrowfully on the speaker and the audience, said, "God is my
witness, that I never minded your trouble but your comfort; yea, your
trouble is more grievous to me than it is to yourselves: but I am
assured, to refuse God's word, and to chase from you his messenger,
shall not preserve you from trouble, but shall bring you into it: for
God shall send you ministers that shall fear neither burning nor
banishment. I have offered you the word of salvation. With the hazard of
my life, I have remained among you; now you yourselves refuse me; and I
must leave my innocence to be declared by my God. If it be long
prosperous with you, I am not led by the spirit of truth: but if
unlooked-for trouble come upon you, acknowledge the cause and turn to
God, who is gracious and merciful. But if you turn not at the first
warning, he will visit you with fire and sword." At the close of this
speech he left the pulpit, and retired.

After this he went into the west of Scotland, where he preached God's
word, which was gladly received by many.

A short time after this, Mr. Wishart received intelligence, that the
plague was broke out in Dundee. It began four days after he was
prohibited from preaching there, and raged so extremely, that it was
almost beyond credit how many died in the space of twenty-four hours.
This being related to him, he, notwithstanding the importunity of his
friends to detain him, determined to go there, saying, "They are now in
troubles, and need comfort. Perhaps this hand of God will make them now
to magnify and reverence the word of God, which before they lightly
esteemed."

Here he was with joy received by the godly. He chose the eastgate for
the place of his preaching; so that the healthy were within, and the
sick without the gate. He took his text from these words, He sent his
word and healed them, &c. In this sermon he chiefly dwelt upon the
advantage and comfort of God's word, the judgments that ensue upon the
contempt or rejection of it, the freedom of God's grace to all his
people, and the happiness of those of his elect, whom he takes to
himself out of this miserable world. The hearts of his hearers were so
raised b