, which was very
credulously entertained and industriously spread, not only by profane,
but even by many professors, &c. Some saying, he had excommunicated
all the ministers in Scotland, and some after they were dead; whereas he
only gave reasons why he could not keep communion with some in the
present circumstances. Others said, That he was no presbyterian, and
that his design was only to propagate schism. But the truth was, he was
a professed witness against all the defections of presbyterians from any
part of their covenanted work of reformation, &c. Again, other
ministers alleged he was sectarian, independent or anabaptist, or they
knew not what. But when he had sometimes occasion to be among them, in
and about Newcastle and Northumberland[231], they were as much offended
as any, at his faithful freedom in discovering the evils of their way,
and declared that they never met with such severe dealing from any
presbyterian before him.

But the general out-cry was, that he had no mission at all. Others
slandering him, that he came only by chance, at a throw of the dice;
with many other calumnies, refuted by the foregoing relation.

On the other hand, some gave out that he and his followers maintained
the murdering principles of the delirious and detestable blasphemies of
Gib; all which shameless and senseless fictions he ever opposed and
abhorred. Yea some ministers, more seemingly serious in their essays to
prepossess the people against him, said, "That they had sought and got
the mind of the Lord in it, that his labours should never profit the
church of Scotland, nor any soul in it, &c." assuring themselves he
would break, and bring to nothing, him and them that followed him ere it
were long; comparing them to Jannes and Jambres, who withstood Moses.
All which reproaches he was remarkably supported under, and went on in
his Master's business, while he had any work for him to do.

In the mean while, by the noise that went through the country concerning
him, the council got notice; and thereupon, being enraged at the report
of his preaching in the fields, they raised a hotter and more cruel
persecution against him than can be instanced ever to be against any one
man in the nation; nay, than ever the most notorious murderer was
pursued with. For, having publicly proclaimed him a traitor, rebel,
&c., they proceeded to pursue his followers with all the rigour that
hellish fury and malice could suggest or invent; and yet