full account of the battle in Wodrow's history, vol. 1.
page 250, &c.

[208] Their sword or short shabble yet remains, and may now be seen in
the hands of the publisher of this collection. It was then by his
progenitors, counted to have twenty eight gaps in its edge, which made
them afterwards observe that there were just as many years in the time
of the persecution, as there were steps or broken pieces in the edge
thereof.

[209] Hebrews xi. 57, 58.

[210] Wilson's history of Bothwel-bridge, page 41.

[211] This house and family was always a harbour and succour to our late
sufferers both gentlemen, ministers and private Christians; for which,
after this and their non conformity to prelacy, they were not only
harrassed, pilaged and plundered to the number of ten or twelve times
during that period, but also both the said James Howie the possessor,
and John Howie his son, was by virtue of a proclamation, May 5th, 1689,
declared rebels, their names inserted in the fugitive roll, and put up
on the parish church-doors, whereby they were exposed to close hiding,
in which they escaped many imminent dangers, and yet were so happy as to
survive the revolution at last, yet never acceded to the revolution
church, &c. But the said James Howie, when dying, Nov. 1691, emitted a
latter will or testimony, wherein he not only gave good and satisfying
evidence of his own well being, and having interest in Jesus Christ, but
also gave a most faithful testimony to Scotland's covenanted work of
reformation, and that in all the parts and periods thereof.

[212] In the time of this, or another plunder shortly after this, some
of the soldiers burnt the Bible in the fire in a most audacious manner.

[213] This seems to have been when he made a tour through Ayr-shire to
Galloway: a little after they were surprized by the enemy on a fast day,
near Loudon hill, upon May 5th 1681.

[214] Mr. Wodrow's history, Vol. II.

[215] The reader may consult his last speech, which is at full in the
cloud of witnesses.

[216] Here it was commonly said, that after the enemy went off at the
first, they met with two persons one of whom told them, They were good
seekers but ill finders; or somewhat to that purpose, which made them
return. It has also been said, that one of their men confessed this at
his death. However this be, people could not help observing that not
many years ago three of the offspring of the other person blamed lost
their lives by f