some extremes in principles, both
before and since the revolution, a copy of his own dying testimony may
perhaps be the best vindication of him from such aspersions, that at
present can be produced; which is as follows:

"Though I have many things that might discourage me from shewing myself
this way at such a time, when the Lord's controverted truths, his
covenanted reformation, and the wrestlings of his faithful and slain
witnesses, are things so much flouted at, despised and buried, not only
by the profane, but alas! even by the ministers and professors of this
generation; yet I could not but leave this short line to you, who, of
all interests in the world, have been my greatest comfort, being now
come to the utmost period of my time, and looking in upon my eternal
state, it cannot be readily apprehended by rational men, that I should
dare to write any thing, but according to what I expect shortly to be
judged, having had such a long time to consider on my ways, under a
sharp affliction. As for my case, I bless God it is many years since my
interest in him was secured, and under all my afflictions from all
airths, he hath been a present help in time of my greatest need. I have
been a man of reproach, a man of contention; but praise to him, it was
not for my own things, but for the things of my Lord Jesus Christ.
Whatever were my infirmities, yet his glory, the rising and flourishing
of his kingdom, was still the mark I laboured to shoot at, nor is it now
my design to vindicate myself from the calumnies that have been cast
upon my name; for when his slain witnesses shall be vindicated, his own
glory and buried truths raised up, in that day, he will assuredly take
away the reproaches of his servants, and will raise and beautify the
name of his living and dead witnesses: Only this I must add, Though that
I cannot but say that reproaches have broken my heart, yet with what I
have met with before, and at the time of Bothwel-battle, and also since,
I had often more difficulty to carry humbly under the glory of his
cross, than to bear the burden of it. _O!_ peace with God, and peace of
conscience is a sweet feast!

"Now as to his public cause, that he hath honoured you in some measure
to side with, stand fast therein; let no man take your crown; for it is
the road he will take in coming to this poor land; and praise him for
honouring such poor things as you are, as to make you wish well to his
cause, when church and state