Series 1 > Journal of the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock, 1683-1687

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JOHN ERSKINE OF CARNOCK
133
Kipdarroch upon Forth side, and was fishing at a retired
place.
teh.—I came this day back to Thomas and Andrew Thom¬
son’s barn. O but it will be sad if I mind not so as to improve
aright the condition I am now in, and that the Lord has
trysted me with in it; such a condition is for the most part
outwardly somewhat griveous, tho sometimes it is not, yet it is
a Christian’s best time, and the choice of all conditions and
lots when blessed of God and aright improven. O what a
brave opportunity have such who are called of God to suffer
for righteousness sake, to plead earnestly with God that their
interest in him may be secured ; but it is difficult to know who
are called to suffer and who not. What I have been trysted
with deserves not the name of sufferings in respect of the trials
and temptations of others. Man of himself is able to endure
nothing, but God can, as he lays on the burthen, give his
people strength to bear it; and I pray he may fit me for
what trial or other condition whatsoever I may meet with,
and the result of all may be his glory, and the good of my
soul.
5th.—I spent the Lord’s day in the barn, praying together
with Kepdarroch and the Thomsons.
6th.—Having been with Kepdarroch, who did for the most
part provide victuals, about nine days, I came to Shirgarton,
having spoke to Alison Creighton by the way, and early in the
next morning I came to the Gribloch, where I found Mr.
Thomas Forrester and Shirgarton.
I did now leave my servant behind, it being a ground of
suspicion and talk among country people to hide with a
servant; and because there could hardly be hyding got now for
above two or three in one place, I being for most part with
other hiding persons.
1th.—This morning I came to Gribloch, and met with Mr.
F r, Mr. John Dougall, who told us that Colonel Aylif,
young Cultness, Mr. Thomas Archer, minister, with severall
others who had come from Holland with Argyle, were taken
prisoners.
Sth.—I did now sit up untill it was daylight and then sleep.
There was now some thoughts of rescuing Colonel Aylif and