ar
before the church court." [Though it does not clearly
appear what object the young women had in view in
drinking the Huntingtower well water, and putting pins
therein, we presume they simply did what maidens of
the present time do, namely, go to a spring supposed
to possess peculiar charms (as the Ruthven or
Huntingtower well was believed to have), drink of its
water, and each throw a pin into the well, under the
conviction that every one would get the wish uppermost
in her heart fulfilled--generally the securing of a
husband before the year was ended.]

"On the 3rd August 1619, Alexander Peebles, a burgess
of Perth, appeared before the session, and took
exception to the doctrine delivered by Mr. John
Guthrie, minister, on the previous Sabbath afternoon;
and alleged that the minister had slandered him and
his house by accusing him of sorcery, and turning the
riddle. The minister and session certified in one
voice that the doctrine was general, and necessarily
followed on the text from which Mr. Guthrie was
preaching. Peebles would have been censured had not
Mr. Guthrie interceded for him. Mr. Guthrie, however,
brought upon himself further annoyance, in consequence
of accusing other members of his congregation of
witchcraft and sorcery. On the 13th of the next month
Mr. Guthrie complained to his session, of Thomas Young
uttering speeches against him and his ministry, and of
refusing to discharge the civil duty of saluting him
when they met on the causeway. The members of session
were highly offended that any member of the church
should have so far misregarded his pastor and provoked
him to ire, and therefore ordered him to be cited to
appear before them the following day. Conform to
citation, Thomas Young appeared, who being accused of
uttering speeches against and misbehaving himself
towards Mr. Guthrie, the delinquent boldly answered
that it was not the duty of the pastor to charge his
people with witchcraft, sorcery, and turning of the
riddle. Witnesses were examined against Thomas, who,
before the court rose, confessed his error, and said
he was extremely sorry for offending his minister in
word or deed. Mr. Guthrie then admonished Thomas, and
craved the