Page:Some remarkable passages in the life of Mr. John Livingston.pdf/13

 that either he was not called to meddle with State-matters, or else he should have little success.

Another instance of this he gives us, in the year 1654, when he and Mr. Patrick Gillespie and Mr. Minzies were called up by the Protector to LondnLondon [sic], where he proposed to him, that he would take off the heavy fines that were laid on several in Scotland, which they were unable to pay. He seemed to like the motion, but when he proposed the Overture to the Council, they went not into the purpose.

While at London, preaching before the Protector, he mentioned the King in prayer, whereat some were greatly incensed; but Cromwel knowing Mr. Livingstone's influence in Scotland, said, "Let him alone, he is a good man; and what are we, poor men, in comparison of the Kings of England?"

The General Assembly appointed some ministers, and him among the rest, to wait upon the army and the Committee of Estates that resided with them; but the fear and apprehension of what ensued, kept him back from going, and he went home until he got the sad news of the defeat at Dumbar.