turns
of prayer, for these two gallant noblemen faced the bloody ax and gibbet
rather than forgo their profession, with more courage, and (I may say)
upon better principles or grounds of suffering than what any diocesan
bishop in Scotland at least, or even the doctor himself was honoured to
do.

[101] Or the wrestling of the church of Scotland, page 166.

[102] Wodrow in his history, vol. I. page 56.

[103] It surely was a piece of ill advised conduct (as many of
themselves afterward acknowledged), that ever they elected or admitted
any of that family of Ahab, after the Almighty had so remarkably driven
them forth of these kingdoms, unto the regal dignity, upon any terms
whatsoever; particularly Charles II. after he had given such recent
proofs of his dissimulation and dissaffection unto the cause and people
of God in these nations. After which they never had a day to prosper;
for by contending against malignants, and yet at the same time vowing
and praying for the head of malignants they not only had malignants and
sectaries to fight with, but also made a desuetude unto their former
attainments, and so came to contend with one another, until prelacy
proved their utter ruin at last. It is objected that king Charles was a
good natured man, and that the extermination of our excellent
constitution, was from evil counsellors. It is but too true, that evil
counsellors have many times proved the ruin of kingdoms and
commonwealths, else the wise man would not have said. _Take away the
wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established_, Prov.
xxv. 5. But take the matter as it is, he was still the head of that
constitution and (not to speak of his other immoralities), a most
perfidious, treacherous and wicked man, and could engage to day and
break to-morrow, and all to obtain an earthly crown. For a further
illustration of this, see a letter shewing the defection of both
addressers and protestors, &c; Dr. Owen's sermon before the protector in
Scotland; the history of the Stuarts; and Bennet's memorial of Britain's
deliverances, &c.

[104] Apologetical relation, Sec. v. page 83.

[105] See these protestations in Wodrow's church-history, vol. I. p. 58
& 59.

[106] This unjust sentence was pronounced in the high church of Glasgow
by Mr. John Carstairs, who prefaced Mr. Durham's posthumous works some
of which are supposed to be vitiated by him especially his treatise on
scandal.

[107] See this paper called