The others muttered something about Erastianism, and reminded each other in whispers, that Silas Morton, once a stout and worthy servant of the Covenant, had been a backslider in the day when the resolutioners had led the way in owning the authority of Charles Stewart, thereby making a gap whereat the present tyrant was afterwards brought in, to the oppression both of Kirk and country.

They added, however, that, on this great day of calling, they would not refuse society with any who should put hand to the plough; and so Morton was installed in his office of leader and counsellor, if not with the full approbation of his colleagues, at least without any formal or avowed dissent.

They proceeded, on Burley's motion, to divide among themselves the command of the men who had assembled, and whose numbers were daily increasing.

In this partition, the insurgents of Poundtext's parish and congregation were naturally placed under the command of Morton; an arrangement mutually agreeable to both parties, as he was recommended to their confidence, as well by his personal qualities as his having been born among them.
When this task was accomplished, it became necessary to determine what use was to be made of their victory.

Morton's heart throbbed high when he heard the Tower of Tillietudlem named as one of the most important positions to be seized upon.