An attack was made also on a Conventicle held at Lillies-leaf moor.  A large number of people had assembled.  The famous John Blackader was preaching.  The alarm shot was fired when the minister was in the middle of the afternoon sermon.  He at once closed the service with a few words to allay fear.  The people stood in their places, showing no excitement.  The troopers came up at full gallop and formed in battle line in front of the Covenanters.  The soldiers were astonished at the calmness of the people.  A sullen pause followed; not a word, not a movement.  The officer broke the silence, shouting, “In the name of the king, I charge you to dismiss.”  The reply was immediate:  “We are here in the name of the King of heaven, to hear the Gospel, and to harm no man.”  Such unexpected calmness and fortitude wilted the officer.  Another painful pause.  What next?  No one knew.  The suspense was suddenly broken by a woman who stepped forth from the midst of the Covenanters.  She was alone; her movements showed decision; her eyes were flashing; her face was flushed with indignation.  She went straight for the officer, seized the bridle close to the horse’s mouth, and wheeled him about, vociferating, “Fye on ye, man; rye on ye; the vengeance of God will overtake you for marring so good a work.”  The officer was dazed as by an exploding shell.  The woman was his own sister.  He was crest-fallen, and withdrew the dragoons, while the people went home unharmed.

[Illustration:  Battle of Drumclog.

The battle of Drumclog was fought on Sabbath, June 1, 1679 Claverhouse with 240 dragoons attempted to break up a Conventicle near Loudon-hill He was met by 250 Covenanters under Hamilton, and put to rout, leaving 20 dead on the field.  The Covenanters had 1 killed and 5 wounded.]

One of these armed Field-meetings was held at Drumclog.  It was a sweet summer Sabbath, June 1, 1679.  The Covenanters had come in large numbers They covered the green sward, sitting among clumps of moss and heather.  They were far from the abode of man; nothing there to break the solemn stillness of the Lord’s day, except the notes of the heather-cock and the plover.  Loudon-hill stood near like a mighty champion.  The air breathed softly across the field, and the sky bent silently over the worshipers; the hearts of the people were lifted up in sweet Psalms that echoed over the hills, and a serene joy filled all The Holy Spirit came mightily upon the people; the Lord was among them.  Thomas Douglas was the minister.  He was one of the three mighties, who afterward issued the Sanquhar Declaration disowning King Charles II. as a tyrant.  The sermon was half finished when a signal shot was heard.  Mr. Douglas immediately closed the Bible, saying, “You have the theory; now for the practice.” 250 resolute men hastily sprang to their feet, lined up, and marched off to meet Claverhouse who was coming with 240 dragoons.  The Covenanters halted on an elevation to await the attack.  While waiting they sang the 76th Psalm to the tune of “Martyrs.”  The Psalm was very appropriate; well fitted to arouse the military spirit: