The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1880-01-15
ESCAPE OF THE HreHLANDERs.

ESCAPE OF THE HIGHLANDERs.
The following graphic sketch is taken
from "The Traditions Of the Scottish
Persecution" written by the Rev.
Thomas Carter, D. D:
"The farm of Bellyhought, in the par
ish of Morton, Scotland, is situated in
wild spot among the mountains, and in
the times Of the prosecutions, in the
reign of James H., was resorted to as
place of conCealmeEt from the emissaries
of the King. In the wilderness there
was lonely shieling, near which was
deep and rugged ravine, its precipitous
sides thickly covered with wood, and its
dark unfrequented mazes and recesses
affording sure and safe retreat. On
one occasion a company of wanderers, of
whom Adam Clark, of Glenim, was the
leader, had concealed themselves in the
solitary haunt. Here they enjoyed the
freedom they did not elsewhere possess
to worship the God of their fathers.
In this exile, however, they were often
in distress from want of food, and were
obliged to run great risks in obtaining
it. Adam, who was robust and active
young man, one night issued forth with
two of his com panions for the purpose
of providing a meal for the party. HaV-
ing returned in safety before dawn they
sat down to enjoy the repast. There
we're some twenty. eight Of them, all
armed and ready to defend themselves,
where there was any hope of success
They had hardly finished when Andrew
Clark, brother Of Adam, who was of the
party, standing at the door, observed
some sheep flying past pursued by
powerful dog.
"What means this2" he exclaimed.
ut is one of Morton's dogs" replied
Adam. "0ur retreat is discovered and
the troopers will be here instantly"
In a moment every man was ready
with his weapon in hand, and the dra-
goons came laundering down upon them.
The Highlanders, seeing themselves far
outnumbered, rushed toward the preCi-
pice 80 as to make their escape, down
which they plunged amid the shots of
their enemies, and were concealed in its
thickets. Adam and Andrew, however,
were not so fortunate. The former was
attacked by one of the dragons, but be.
fore be could nse his sword, Adam seiz-
ed the bride and pushed his horse back
ward till he stumbled and threw his
rider. On the instant he heard the
voice of his brother Andrew, and turn.
ing he beheld him prostrate,a a gigantic
trooper standing over him, about ready
to hew him to pieces with his ponderous
broad.sword. Adam sprsng to his as.
sistance, and the dEAgoon turned to de-
fend himself from his new opponent. In
the conflict, Adam wrested the sword
from the hand of the soldier aud threw
him on the heath, but, instead of strik.
ing him, rushed down into the deep
gully, where the foes of the pursued
party dared not venture to follow lest
fatal shot should overtake them from
the heart of the dark bushes in which
the Highlanders we're hid.
Some years after this, when the access
sion of William Of Orange and the SET
tlement of the Revolution had made
foes friends again, Adam Clark, now a
peaceful farmer among the hills of his
native district, happened to be in the
city of Edinburgh, to which place he
had driven a flock Of sheep for sale. AS
he was strolling along he was aCcosted
by tall and strongly built man, who
asked him if he did not recognize him.
NO." said Clark; "you seem an entire
stranger 10 me-"
II know you, however, having once
mst with you in circumstances which l
shall not easily forget"
"To what do you allude2"
"Do you not remember the onslaught
at BellyboughtP Do you not remember
the drsgoon from whom you wrested the
sword, and whom you left PROSTATE in
the moHs2"
Il do" answered Clark; "and are you
the manP"
II am; and to you I owe my life, for
you had me completely in your power
1 am beyond measure happy that now
have the opportunity of rendering to
you my cordial thanks for your clemen.
Cy; and l trust that God, in opposition
to whose cause then fought, has in his
gracious mercy turned my heart to him.
self. From the moment 1 escaped from
you with my life l never lifted a weapon
on the side Of persecution, and l most
sincerely regret that ever enlisted in
the cause; but l, like Paul, did it igno.
rantly and in unbelief"
Adam was astonished; he grasped him
by the hand and hailed him as a brother
in Christ, and they rejoiced together
that he had found the way that leads to
peace and everlasting life.
"Have you still the sword" asked the
trooper, "thst you twisted so braVely
from my graspH"
II have, and intend to keep it as an
heir. loom in my family"
Keep it then; you bravely deserve it;
and lot 1t never more be employed but