dge of it.--This drew the
eyes of many upon him, and while they were waiting with impatience to
see what part he would act, he came to this resolution, to return into
his own country, and there in the face of all dangers to communicate the
light which he had received.

Accordingly, being as yet a youth, and not much past twenty-three years
of age, he began, sowing the seed of God's word where-ever he came,
exposing the corruptions of the Romish church, and pointing out the
errors which had crept into the Christian religion as professed in
Scotland.--He was favourably received and followed by many, unto whom he
readily _showed the way of God more perfectly_. His reputation as a
scholar and courteous demeanour, contributed not a little to his
usefulness in this good work.

The city of St. Andrews was at this time the grand rendezvous of the
Romish clergy, and may, with no impropriety, be called the metropolis of
the kingdom of darkness. James Beaton was arch-bishop, Hugh Spence dean
of divinity, John Waddel rector, James Simson official, Thomas Ramsay
canon and dean of the abbey, with the several superiors of the different
orders of monks and friars.--It could not be expected, that Mr
Hamilton's conduct would be long concealed from such a body as this.
Their resentment against him soon rose to the utmost heights of
persecuting rage; particularly the arch-bishop, who was chancellor of
the kingdom, and otherwise very powerful, became his inveterate enemy.
But being not less politic than cruel, the arch-bishop concealed his
wicked design against him, until he had drawn him into the ambush
prepared for him, which he effected by prevailing on him to attend a
conference at St. Andrews.--Being come thither, Alexander Campbel prior
of the black friars, who had been appointed to exert his faculties in
reclaiming him, had several private interviews with him, in which he
seemed to acknowledge the force of Mr. Hamilton's objections against the
prevailing conduct of the clergy and errors of the Romish church. Such
persuasions as Campbel used to bring him back to popery, had rather the
tendency to confirm him in the truth. The arch-bishop and inferior
clergy appeared to make concessions to him, allowing that many things
stood in need of reformation, which they could wish had been brought
about. Whether they were sincere in these acknowledgments, or only
intended to conceal their bloody designs, and render the innocent and
unsuspectin