n opposition to our
antient and laudable form of church-government, at the restoration of
Charles II. than he took part with the presbyterian side. And having
_anno_ 1664, got a child baptized by one of the ejected ministers (as
they were then called), the incumbent or curate of the parish was so
enraged, that he declared his resolution from the pulpit, to
excommunicate him the next Lord's day. But behold the Lord's hand
interposed here; for, before that day came, the curate was landed in
eternity.

This gentleman, being always active for religion, and a great encourager
of field-meetings, was, with the rest of Christ's faithful witnesses,
obliged to go without the camp bearing his reproach. When that faithful
remnant assembled together, and renewed the covenant at Lanerk 1666, his
conscience summoned him out to join them in that particular
circumstance, which being known and he threatened for such an action, he
resolved to follow these persecuted people, and so kept with them in
arms till their defeat upon the 28th of Nov. at Pentland hills, at which
fight he behaved with great courage and resolution. He fought till he
was so wounded, that he was stript for dead among the slain, and yet
such was the providence of God, that (having more work for him to
accomplish) he was preserved.

He had espoused Christ's cause by deliberate choice, and was indeed of
an excellent spirit; and, as Solomon says, _more excellent than his
neighbour_. His natural temper was likewise noble and generous: As he
was travelling through a muir on a snowy day, one of his old neighbours
(who was seeking sheep) met him, and cried out, "O Hardhill, are you yet
alive! I was told, you was going in a pilgrim's habit, and that your
burns were begging, and yet I see you look as well as ever." Then taking
out a six-dollar, he offered it to him. John, seeing this, took out a
ducat, and offered it to him, saying, "I will have none of yours, but
will give you if you please; for you may see that nothing is wanting to
him that fears the Lord, and I would never have thought that you
(calling him by his name) would have gone so far with the enemies of
God, as to sell your conscience to save your gear, &c. Take warning,
H. go home and mourn for that, and all your other sins, before God; for,
if mercy do not prevent, you will certainly perish." The poor man
thanked him, put up his money, and went home.

After this remarkable escape he returned home, where probab