41] _anno_ 1584, on which account he fled for
England, and remained there some considerable time.

Being returned to Scotland, in the year 1596, when the ministers and
other commissioners of the general assembly were met at Edinburgh for
prayer, in order to a general and personal reconciliation (they were
about four hundred ministers, besides elders and private Christians),
Mr. Davidson was chosen to preside amongst them. He caused the 33d and
34th chapters of Ezekiel to be read, and discoursed upon them in a very
affecting manner, shewing what was the end of their meeting, in
confessing sin and resolving to forsake it, and that they should turn to
the Lord, and enter into a new league and covenant with him, that so, by
repentance, they might be the more meet to stir up others to the same
duty. In this he was so assisted by the Spirit working upon their
hearts, that, within an hour after they had conveened, they began to
look with another countenance than at first, and while he was exhorting
them to these duties, the whole meeting were in tears, every one
provoking another by his example, whereby that place might have justly
been called _Bochim_.

After prayer, he treated one Luke xii. 22. wherein the same assistance
was given him. Before they dismissed, they solemnly entered into a new
league and covenant, holding up their hands, with such signs of
sincerity as moved all present. That afternoon, the assembly enacted the
renewal of the covenant by particular synods.

In the general assembly held at Dundee 1598. (where the king was
present), it was proposed, Whether ministers should vote in parliament
in the name of the church. Mr Davidson intreated them not to be rash in
concluding so weighty a matter; he said, "Brethren, ye see not how
readily the bishops begin to creep up." Being desired to give his vote,
he refused, and protested in his own name and in the name of those who
should adhere to him; and required that his protest should be inserted
in the books of assembly. Here the king interposed, and said, "That
shall not be granted, see if you have voted and reasoned before:" "never
Sir," said Mr. Davidson, "but without prejudice to any protestation made
or to be made." And then presented his protestation in writing, which
was handed from one to another, till it was laid down before the clerk.
The king, taking it up and reading it, shewed it to the moderator and
others about, and at last put it in his pocket, (see t