Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

CHAP. XIX. REBELLION IN SCOTLAND. 469
managed it so, that no flesh shall hoast. Our right
wing did beat their left ; but our left was attacked
before the line of battle was formed ; and so every
regiment upon the long march, broke and drove back
one upon another. We were too vain and conceited,
and despised the enemy too much, and rested too much
upon the arm of flesh. God humbles us, and lets us
see all flesh is grass ; yet he takes care of his own
cause, and lets not our enemies triumph ; at the same
time he humbles our pride, and mortifies our vanity.
I now see also that Providence was kind to me, and
those Who remained here. We would have been
posted on the left or centre, and so have been sur-
prised and broken as the rest were, and perhaps lost
both life and honour. My prayer was, If thy presence
go not with me, carry me not up hence. Thou hast
heard me. Success was not to attend the left wing.
I Was not to be there. All is well Ordered; thou
takest care both of my life and reputation.
November 14. This day it is expected there will be
another engagement ; that the Duke will attack them
if they remain where they are.
November 15> We hear the rebels are retired. Lord
be blest, who puts a bridle in their nose, and a hook
in their jaws, and turns them back by the way they
came. O what a merciful surprising turn of Provi-
dence ; yesterday we were expecting a barbarous and
cruel enemy at our gates by this time, and to be flying
before them. God is our defence, our shield and
buckler. The army came back in the afternoon, in
much better condition than we expected. Lord be
blest for this respite, and sanctify this providence,—
this check to make us humble, — to repent and turn to
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