Anent which heresies, it were good ye read 'The Snake in the Grass' or 'The Foot out of the Snare,' being both well-approved tracts, touching these doctrines.
Now, Mr.Darsie, ye are to judge for yourself whether ye can safely to your soul's weal remain longer among these Papists and Quakers--these defections on the right hand, and failings away on the left; and truly if you can confidently resist these evil examples of doctrine, I think ye may as well tarry in the bounds where ye are, until you see Mr.
Herries of Birrenswork, who does assuredly know more of your matters than I thought had been communicated to any man in Scotland.

I would fain have precognosced him myself on these affairs, but found him unwilling to speak out, as I have partly intimated before.
To call a new cause--I have the pleasure to tell you, that Alan has passed his private Scots Law examinations with good approbation--a great relief to my mind; especially as worthy Mr.Pest told me in my ear there was no fear of 'the callant', as he familiarly called him, which gives me great heart.

His public trials, which are nothing in comparison save a mere form, are to take place, by order of the Honourable Dean of Faculty, on Wednesday first; and on Friday he puts on the gown, and gives a bit chack of dinner to his friends and acquaintances, as is, you know, the custom.

Your company will be wished for there, Master Darsie, by more than him, which I regret to think is impossible to have, as well by your engagements, as that our cousin, Peter Fairford, comes from the West on purpose, and we have no place to offer him but your chamber in the wall.

And, to be plain with you, after my use and wont, Master Darsie, it may be as well that Alan and you do not meet till he is hefted as it were to his new calling.