is death, it was put into the hands of the last to be printed.

_The Life of Mr. JOHN SEMPLE._

Mr. John Semple was, for his exemplary walk and singular piety, had in
such esteem and veneration, that all ranks of people stood in awe of
him, and particularly the clergy, he being a great check upon the lazy
and corrupt part of them, who oftentimes were much afraid of him.----One
time, coming from Carsphairn to Sanquhar, being twelve miles of a rough
way, on a Monday morning, after the sacrament, the ministers, being
still in bed, got up in all haste, to prevent his reproof; but he,
perceiving them putting on their cloaths, said, "What will become of the
sheep, when the shepherds sleep so long; in my way hither, I saw some
shepherds on the hills looking after their flocks."--Which, considering
his age, and early journey so many miles, after he had preached the day
before at home, had much influence on them, and made them somewhat
ashamed.

He was one who very carefully attended church-judicatories, from which
he was seldom absent, and that from a principle of conscience; so that
almost no impediment could hinder him in his purposes; for one time
going to the presbytery of Kirkudbright, twenty miles distant from
Carsphairn, when about to ford the water of Dee, he was told by some
that it was impassable, yet he persisted, saying, "I must go through, if
the Lord will; I am going about his work."----He entered in, and the
strength of the current carried him and his horse beneath the ford; he
fell from the horse, and stood upright in the water, and taking off his
hat, prayed a word; after which he and the horse got safely out, to the
admiration of all the spectators there present.

He was also a man much given to secret prayer, and ordinarily prayed in
the kirk before sacramental occasions, and oftentimes set apart Friday
in wrestling with the Lord for his gracious presence on communion
sabbaths; and was often favoured with merciful returns, to the great
comfort of both ministers and people; and would appoint a week day
thereafter for thanksgiving to God.

As he was one faithful and laborious in his Master's service, so he was
also most courageous and bold, having no respect of persons, but did
sharply reprove all sorts of wickedness in the highest as well as in the
lowest, and yet he was so convincingly a man of God, that the most
wicked (to whom he was a terror) had a kindness for him, and sometimes
spoke very fa