hings of godliness was yet a mystery to me. I
did not know any thing as yet of the new birth, or what it was
spiritually to take the kingdom of heaven by violence, &c." Which
serves to shew, that one may do and suffer many things for Christ and
religion, and yet at the same time be a stranger to the life and power
thereof.

But anon he falls into another difficulty; for a proclamation being
issued, that all betwixt thirteen and sixty was to pay Poll-money; word
was sent his father, that if he would pay it, he should have his
liberty; which was no small temptation. But this he absolutely refused,
and also told his father plainly (when urged by him to do it) that, if
one plack (or four pennies) would do it, he would not give it. His
father said, He would give it for him; to whom he answered, If he did,
he needed never expect it or any consideration for it from him. And for
the result of the matter, hear his own words: "And O! but the Lord was
kind to me then; and his love was better than life. I was tossed in my
wanderings and banishment with many ups and downs, till I came to
Edinburgh, where I heard of a communion to be on the borders of England;
and then I went to it. O! let me bless the Lord that ever trysted me
with such a lot as that was: for the 20, 21 and 22 of April [1677] were
the three most wonderful days with the Lord's presence that ever I saw
on earth. O! but his power was wonderfully seen, and great to all the
assembly, especially to me. Of the three wonderful days of the Lord's
presence at East-Nisbet in the Merse. That was the greatest communion, I
suppose, these twenty years. I got there what I will never forget while
I live. Glory to his sweet name that ever there was such a day in
Scotland. His work was wonderful to me both in spirituals and temporals.
O! that I could get him praised and magnified for it. He was seen that
day sitting at the head of his table, and his spikenard _sending forth a
pleasant smell_. Both good and bad were made to cry out, and some to
say, with the disciples, _It is good for us to be here_. They would have
been content to have staid there. And I thought it was a begun heaven to
be in that place."

After this, he returned home to Stirling, and got liberty to follow his
employment for some time.--But, lo! another difficulty occurred; for
while the Highland host was commanded west, [in the beginning of 1678]
all Stirling being commanded to be in arms, which all excepting a very