[87] The attention of the reader is specially directed to the marvellous felicity and vigour of the above description. Sir Thomas himself has never written anything better in its way.
[88] We fear that this is meant as a description of a presbytery.
[89] The reference is to the process of "horning" described on p. 16.
[91] That Sir Thomas Urquhart is not exaggerating matters in speaking of such injunctions being given by ecclesiastical authorities, is proved by the following well-known passage in the memoir prefixed to the _Works_ of Archbishop Leighton:--"It was a Question asked at [of] the Brethren, both in the classical and provincial Meetings of Ministers, twice in the Year, If they preached the Duties of the Times? And when it was found that _Mr Leighton_ did not, he was quarrelled [_sic_] for this Omission, but said, _If all the Brethern have preached to the_ TIMES, _may not one poor Brother be suffered to preach on_ ETERNITY?"
[93] The notice given us by Sir Thomas of Mr Anderson's preaching makes us desirous of knowing more about him; but, unfortunately, only a very few facts concerning him are known. He was born in 1597; he graduated at Aberdeen in 1618; was settled at Cawdor, near Nairn, some time before 30th October, 1627; was transferred to Cromartie between 5th October, 1641, and 11th January, 1642; died in November, 1655, and was succeeded in the benefice by his son Hugh (Scott's _Fasti_).
Unsuccessful Rising in the North--Sir Thomas makes his Peace with the Church--Return of Charles II. to Scotland--Invasion of England--Battle of Worcester--Sir Thomas a Prisoner in the Tower--Makes Friends--Is liberated on Parole--Great Literary Activity--Revisits Scotland--Dies--Later History of the Urquharts of Cromartie--Characteristics of our Author--Glover's Portraits of him.
Shortly after the news of the execution of Charles I. reached Scotland, a rising on the part of some of the leading Cavaliers in the north took place, with the view of restoring the Royal Family. The most prominent person in this attempt was Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscardine, a younger brother of George, the second Earl of Seaforth, who for nearly ten years past had managed the affairs of the family, and was looked up to, both on account of his ability and also on account of the great territorial influence he represented. He had seen a good deal of service abroad, and was at one time governor of Stralsund.[97] Along with him, and only second to him, was our Sir Thomas Urquhart, to whom even civil war was scarcely more fraught with anxiety and danger than was the life he had been forced to lead for some time past. Together with them were associated eight other Royalists of good standing,--among whom Colonel Hugh Fraser of Belladrum and John Munro of Lemlair had a certain pre-eminence,--and these ten formed a kind of revolutionary committee for the control of the movement they had set on foot, and the government of the district that might become subject to them.