ld.
Thus his singular life fell into periods of twelves, each arising above
the other, like mountain upon mountain, in ruggedness and majesty, until
his noble spirit took its flight from the scenes of earth.

A great distress befell him on the day appointed for his licensure. A
serious charge was preferred against him, affecting his moral character.
His licensure, therefore, was deferred. Greatly humiliated, he withdrew
to a solitary place, and spent twenty-four hours in prayer. He was all
night alone with the Angel of the Covenant, and wrestled till he got the
blessing. A prayer lasting twenty-four hours, poured forth from the
heart, will work wonders. He has not told us how he sat by the murmuring
waters, pouring out his complaint; nor how that day was to him like
night, and the night like outer darkness; nor how he mingled his sighs
with the moaning of the winds, and his tears with the drops of the
night; but he has told how that the Lord answered him. Returning to the
house he said, "Give me meat and drink, for I have gotten what I was
seeking; I will be vindicated." His innocency was soon made clear by the
criminal making a public confession of guilt.

Peden was called to the church of Glenluce, where he remained as pastor
three years. His preaching was earnest, pointed, and powerful. He was
greatly beloved by his flock, and the work of the Lord prospered in his
hand. But his ministry in that field was violently interrupted by the
vengeance of King Charles, which fell upon the Church in 1662, driving
400 ministers from their parishes. Peden possessed a militant spirit,
and ignored the day set by royal authority for the arbitrary vacation.
He boldly continued overtime. At length the strain was so great that he
had to go. His farewell sermon was preached from Acts 20:31: "Therefore
watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to
warn every one night and day with tears." The text was peculiarly
appropriate to the occasion. The house was crowded; tumultuous emotions
surged through the audience; the anguish found vent in weeping, wailing,
and loud lamentations. The sermon was frequently interrupted with the
grief. The service continued until night. He never again preached in
that pulpit.

The gift of prophecy distinguished Peden in a striking manner, giving
him a unique place in history. He spoke with accuracy of many events,
without information other than that received directly from God. But thi