is ordained of God by his provident will, but every power
assumed by man is not so by his approbative and preceptive will." One of
the prelates said, That even his provident will is not to be
resisted.----He answered, That the holy product of it cannot and may
not, but the instrument he made use of some times might be resisted. It
was urged that Nero was then regnant when this command of non-resistance
was given.----He answered, That the command was given in general for our
instruction how to carry in our duty under lawful magistrates,
abstracting from Nero. Then they asked him, How he would reconcile his
principles with that article in the confession of faith, that difference
in religion, &c.----He answered, "Very easily: For though difference
in religion did not make void his power, yet it might stop his admission
to that power where that religion he differed from was established by
law, &c."

He was continued till Aug. 6. when he was again before the justiciary
and indicted; which made him write two letters, one to the advocate and
the other to his old regent Sir William Paterson, which he thought
somewhat mitigated their fury. Whereupon he drew up a declaration of his
sentiments, and gave in to the lords of council, upon which much
reasoning betwixt him and them ensued. After two conferences wherein he
was asked many questions, in the third he condescended to sign the oath
of abjuration, (which they had so much insisted he should again take, as
he had at their command torn his name from the first) only it was worded
thus, If so be such things are there inserted; which he told them, he
was sure was not the case: This with difficulty was granted. As he
subscribed he protested before them, "That none were to think by this he
justified the act of succession or the abrogation of the ancient laws
about it, or the want of security for religion or liberty, or that he
acknowledged the divine approbation of it, &c." When all was over he
was delayed till to-morrow. But to-morrow he was sent to the Bass, and
doubtless would have suffered, had he not got out in woman's clothes
and eloped.

After his escape (without seeking after any other party whatsoever) he
came straight to Mr. Renwick, and that faithful contending remnant then
in the fields, where upon the 5th of Dec. 1686. he attended a meeting
for preaching at the wood of Earlston in Galloway. After which he
continued with Mr. Renwick for some time: In which time he ceased