The Ordinary pressed them to consider what Sins they were most addicted unto, either for want of good Education, by the Example and Influence of Bad Company, but especially by not watching over their Corrupt Inclinations, which break out with more Violence, by the prophanation of the Lords Day, of which most Criminals complain, that this is the beginning of all their Sin and Misery.

After the Ordinary had pressed them to a serious strict Examination of their Hearts, that so the review of their Sin Now, might be as Bitter as at any time the commission of them had been Delightful: and that they ought, (having given Notorious Scandals) to take Shame to themselves, and to make their Penitential Acknowledgments as Publick.

They began now to be more awakened from their security in an Evil State, and with Tears to Lament their former flagitious Courses. Which Relenting, the Ordinary Encouraged; yet advised them to beware of Satan?s Sophistry, who studys to Ruine Souls, by perswading them to rely on a flight late Sorrow for Sin, as if this were a Compurgation, and an Expiatory satisfaction to God, for all the Exorbitances of their Conversation.

For, Christ had placed this upon his own Account, who Died to Redeem us, not only from the Condemnation of God?s Law, but also from the Defiling Love and reigning Power of Sin in the Heart.

The Ordinary stated the difference? twixt true and false Faith, in coming to God for Reconciliation by Christ; Exhorting them to a speedy Repentance and thorough Conversion: Then he Prayed for them, and they seemed much Affected during the performance of this Duty. Captain Savill was present, for whom I have a singular Respect, not only as being a Person descended from an Honourable Family, but also for his Eminent Care of, and Christian Compassion for the Soul State of John Gorden< no role > , Condemned to Die for the most Barbarous Murder of a Person, without any Provocation given him. The manner how he perpetrated it, is related at large in his Trial.

After Prayer, the worthy Chieftane desired me that he might speak a few words to the said Gorden, because he very lately had been a Soldier under him. Which desire I willingly Embraced. Then he spake to him to this Effect, Garden, I am very Sorry to see you in this deplorable Condition, you very well know how often I have Admonished you to reform your Extravagancies, particularly Drunkenness. You sometimes absented your self from the discharge of your Duty, but no means proved Effectual; and now you see the sad Issue of your Neglect of taking Good Advice.

Then the Ordinary said, tell me truly, had you any Malice to the Person whom you Murdered? he replied no, but he was very much overcome with Drink. The Ordinary said that was no Extenuation, but rather an Introduction to the Crime. The Captain said, you see the woful Effects of Idleness, and stragling from your Station. But I have this farther to inquire, it is deeply suspected that you Murdered Dunbartons Wife, Confess the Truth, for you are sure to Die for the late Murder, and therefore it will not avail you to Conceal this.

The Ordinary asked the Captain the manner of the said Womans Death, he said that she was very much Bruised, so that it made an Impression on the Child within her, and in a short time, both the Mother and Child Died with the Barbarous Usage of her.

The Ordinary urged Gorden to confess how he did it. He said that he did Kick her, but thought it would not have proved Mortal. The Ordinary said you have great cause to Repent of it, and of all your other Wickedness.

The Captain told him, he should be glad to hear of his being fit to dye; but though he had been obstinate to him, yet, in pity, he would afford him Six-pence every day, till the time of his Execution, and so praying for his eternal Salvation, took Farewel of him.

The Ordinary desired all the Condemned Persons to prepare themselves solemnly for the Morrow duties of the Lord?s-day, that this, may be the pledge of an eternal glorious Sabbatism in Heaven.

The Ordinary preach?d to them in the Forenoon on this Text, viz. Psal. 27. ver. 8. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my Soul answered and said, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. From whence he treated of these general Heads, which branched into several Particulars.

1. What is meant by the Face of God.

2. What are the special Seasons, wherein the Lord expects, that we should solemnly seek him.

3. With what divine Impressions, or prevailing Arguments, doth he excite the heart to this fundamental Duty, which virtually comprehends all found Christianity.

4. How to discern, when Satan upon many bad designs prefers a motion for any Religious Duty; and how the inward Call, or Invitation of God to seek him, may be distinctly known.

5. What the seeking of God?s Face includes in the Extent and Sincerity of it.

6. How, or in what Respects must the Heart be prepared, or rightly ordered and fixt, to seek the Lord.