se words,
"Now, I am as sure of my interest in Christ and peace with God, as all
within this Bible and the Spirit of God can make me; and I am fully
persuaded that this is the very way for which I suffer, and that he will
return gloriously to Scotland; but it will be terrifying to many.
Therefore I intreat you, be not discouraged at the way of Christ, and
the cause for which I am to lay down my life, and step to eternity,
where my soul shall be as full of him as it can desire to be; and now
this is the sweetest and most glorious day that ever mine eyes did see.
Enemies are now enraged against the way and people of God, but ere long
they shall be enraged one against another, to their own confusion;" here
the drums did beat a third time. Then setting his foot on the ladder, he
said, "The Lord knows I go on this ladder with less fear and
perturbation of mind, than ever I entered the pulpit to preach."--When
up, he sat down and said, "Now I am near the getting of the crown, which
shall be sure, for which I bless the Lord, and desire all of you to
bless him, that he hath brought me here, and made me triumph over
devils, men and sin; They shall wound me no more. I forgive all men the
wrongs they have done me; and I pray the sufferers may be kept from sin,
and helped to know their duty." Then having prayed a little within
himself, he lifted up the napkin and said, "Farewel all relations and
friends in Christ; farewel acquaintances and earthly enjoyments; farewel
reading and preaching, praying and believing, wanderings, reproach and
sufferings. Welcome Father, Son and Holy Ghost; into thy hands I commit
my spirit." Then he prayed a little, and the executioner turned him over
as he was praying; and so he finished his course, and the ministry that
he had received of the Lord.

Take his character from Sir Robert Hamilton of Preston, who was his
contemporary.--He was affectionate, affable and tender-hearted to all
such as he thought had any thing of the image of God in them; sober and
temperate in his diet, saying commonly, It was well won that was won off
the flesh; generous, liberal and most charitable to the poor; a great
hater of covetousness; a frequent visiter of the sick; much alone;
loving to be retired; but when about his Master's public work, laying
hold of every opportunity to edify; in conversation still dropping what
might minister grace to the hearers; his countenance was edifying to
beholders; often sighing with deep