Page:Life and prophecies of Mr Alex. Peden (1).pdf/2



M ALEXANDER PEDEN was born in the parish of Sorn, in the Sheriffdom of Ayr. After he past his course at the college, he was employed for some time to be School-master, Precentor, and Session Clerk, to Mr John Guthrie, Minister of the Gospel at Tarbolton.

I. When he was about to enter on the Ministry, a young woman fell with child, in adultery, to a servant in the house where he stayed; when she found herself to be so, she told the father of it, who said, I’ll run for it, and go to Ireland; father it on Mr Peden, he has more to help you to bring it up (he having a small heritage) than I have. The same day that he was to get his license, she came in before the Presbytery, and said, I hear you are to license Mr Peden to be a Minister; but do it not, for I am with child to him. He being without at the time, was called in by the Moderator; and being questioned about it, he said, I am surprised- I cannot speak; but let none entertain an ill thought of me, for I am utterly free of it, and God will vindicate