It is reported how he defended his theology with his splendid oratory, and how when this failed he resorted to his fists.

His oratory was said to be simply overwhelming.

They recounted how, in his oratorical frenzies, he used to fling his homespun coat in the air and crack the heels of his red-topped boots together with an emphasis that would stop the mouth of the most impudent gainsayer.

They told how by this masterful eloquence opposers were silenced, heretics were brought to orthodoxy, and infidels were converted.

Preacher Crookshank flourished contemporaneously with John Barleycorn.