Several other depositions were taken; such as Sir
William Paterson, Mr. John Vanse, and the bishop of Galloway, who all
swore in Sharp's favour, it being dangerous for them, at this juncture,
to do otherwise.

After the witnesses were examined, the advocate declared he had closed
the probation; whereupon Mr Mitchel produced a copy of an act of council
March 12th, 1674, praying that the register might be produced, or the
clerk obliged to give extracts; but this they refused to
do.----"Lockhart (says Burnet[158]) pleaded for this, but Lauderdale,
who was only a witness, and had no right to speak, refused, and so it
was neglected."

The assize was inclosed, and ordered to return their verdict to-morrow
afternoon, which being done, the sentence was pronounced, "That the said
Mr. James Mitchel should be taken to the grass-market of Edinburgh, upon
Friday the 18th of Jan. instant, betwixt two and four o'clock, in the
afternoon, and there to be hanged on a gibbet till he be dead, and all
his moveables, goods and gear escheat, and in-brought to his majesty's
use, &c." No sooner did the court break up, than the lords, being
upstairs found the act recorded, and signed by lord Rothes the president
of the council. 'This action' says the last-cited historian, 'and all
concerned in it, were looked on by all the people with horror, and it
was such a complication of treachery, perjury and cruelty, as the like
had not perhaps been known.'

Two days after the sentence, orders came from court, for placing Mr.
Mitchel's head and hands on some public place of the city; but the
sentence being passed, no alteration could be made; and if Sharp had any
hand in this, he missed his end and design. About the same time, his
wife petitioned the council, that her husband might be reprieved for
some time, that she might be in case to see and take her last farewel of
him, especially as it was not above twelve days since she was delivered
of a child, and presently affected with a fever; but no regard was paid
to this: The sentence must be executed[159].

While he was in prison, he emitted a most faithful and large
testimony[160]. In the first place, testifying against all profanity.
Then he gives the cause of his suffering, in the words of Elijah, 1
Kings xix. 14. _I have been very zealous for the Lord of hosts_, &c. He
adheres to the covenanted work of reformation and the covenant; approves
of _lex rex_, the causes of God's wrath, apologetical rel