ed the draught of an address to the
parliament, wherein a faithful testimony was given to the purity of our
reformation, in worship, doctrine, discipline and government, in terms
equally remarkable for their prudence and courage. Every body approved
of it; and it was transmitted to the synod. But some, on the resolution
side, judged it not convenient, and gave an opportunity to those, who
designed to comply with prelacy, to procure a delay; and, at that time,
got it crushed: Yet it affords a proof of the zealous honesty and
firmness of Mr. Guthrie.

About this time, being the last time that he was with his cousin Mr.
James Guthrie, he happened to be very melancholy, which made Mr. James
say, "A penny for your thought, cousin."----Mr. William answered, "There
is a poor man at the door, give him the penny;" which being done, he
proceeded and said, "I'll tell you, cousin, what I am, not only thinking
upon, but I am sure of, if I be not under a delusion.----The malignants
will be your death, and this gravel will be mine; but you will have the
advantage of me, for you will die honourably before many witnesses, with
a rope about your neck; and I will die whining upon a pickle straw, and
will endure more pain before I rise from your table, than all the pain
you will have in your death."

He took a resolution to wait on his worthy friend Mr. James, at his
death (his execution being on Saturday June 1.) notwithstanding the
apparent hazard, at that time, in so doing; but his session prevailed on
him (although with much difficulty) by their earnest intreaties, to lay
aside his design at that time.

Through the interposition of the earl of Eglinton, and the chancellor
Glencairn, whom he had obliged before the restoration, when he was
imprisoned for his loyalty, now contributed what he could for his
preservation; by which means (of the chancellor) he, above many, had
near four years further respite with his people at Fenwick. In which
time, his church, although a large country one, was overlaid and crowded
every Sabbath-day, and very many, without doors, from distant parishes,
such as Glasgow, Paisley, Hamilton, Lanerk, Kilbryde, Glasford,
Strathaven, Newmills, Egelsham, and many other places, who hungred for
the pure gospel preached, and got a meal by the word of his ministry. It
was their usual practice to come to Fenwick on Saturday, and to spend
the greatest part of the night in prayer to God, and conversation about
the great