In Ayrshire, Clydesdale, Nithisdale, Annandale, every parish was visited by these turbulent zealots.

About two hundred curates--so the episcopal parish priests were called--were expelled.

The graver Covenanters, while they applauded the fervour of their riotous brethren, were apprehensive that proceedings so irregular might give scandal, and learned, with especial concern, that here and there an Achan had disgraced the good cause by stooping to plunder the Canaanites whom he ought only to have smitten.

A general meeting of ministers and elders was called for the purpose of preventing such discreditable excesses.

In this meeting it was determined that, for the future, the ejection of the established clergy should be performed in a more ceremonious manner.