uprightness of its integrity, in order to serve my own private ends.

It was, however, sometime before an occasion came to pass, wherein I
could bring my knowledge and observations to operate in any
effectual manner towards a reformation in the management of the
burgh; indeed, I saw that no good could be done until I had subdued
the two great factions, into which it may be said the council was
then divided; the one party being strong for those of the king's
government of ministers, and the other no less vehement on the side
of their adversaries. I, therefore, without saying a syllable to
any body anent the same, girded myself for the undertaking, and with
an earnest spirit put my shoulder to the wheel, and never desisted
in my endeavours, till I had got the cart up the brae, and the whole
council reduced into a proper state of subjection to the will and
pleasure of his majesty, whose deputies and agents I have ever
considered all inferior magistrates to be, administering and
exercising, as they do, their power and authority in his royal name.

The ways and means, however, by which this was brought to pass,
supply matter for another chapter; and after this, it is not my
intent to say any thing more concerning my principles and opinions,
but only to show forth the course and current of things proceeding
out of the affairs, in which I was so called to form a part
requiring no small endeavour and diligence.



CHAPTER IV--THE GUILDRY