In 1737 Mr Rae was translated from Kirkbride (an extinct parish in Nithsdale now embraced in the parishes of Durisdeer and Sanquhar) and became minister of Kirkconnel. He was also clerk to the Presbytery of Penpont, before whom in earlier years he appeared. He is perhaps better known as the author of _The History of the Late Rebellion_[15] (1715). A man of outstanding ability, his memory is honoured by a mural tablet placed in the south wall of Kirkconnel church. _Glencairn Kirk-Session Records._ "Apryl nynth, 1694."--Case of Margret M'Kinch (not "_M'Onrick_," as given by Monteith,[16] p. 44). In the evidence it is stated that: "Robert Muir in Dunregon came in to James Rodgerson's hous, drew his knyf and offered to blood her abov ye b----" [paper torn--breath (?)]. "On Apryl nynth, 1694, Margt. M'Kinch gave in an wrytten list of ye names who had sclandered her by calling her an witch, earnestly desiring ye Session to put the same to ---- [proof(?)] that she myght be free from ye scandal." [Gap in the records, 1694-1700.] 10th September, 1704.--"Appoints yt it be publickly intimate upon Sabbath first that no Heritor, tennent, or Householder whatsomever within this paroch resett our harbour Jaunet Harestanes, sometime in Keir paroch, with certification." 24th September, 1704.--"Appointment obeyed in makeing intimation anent Jaunet Harestanes, reputed to be under the _mala-fama_ of witchcraft." 14th November, 1707.--Case of Alexander Deuart (not "_Douart_" as given by Monteith, p. 44):-- Alex. Deuart, gardener, at Maxwelton, is charged with having "brought back some stolen goods by charm or enchantment or some other pretended ocult quality in herbs, along with some mutterings and gestures, as makes him so commonly reputed a charmer that he is sought unto by persons from divers corners of the country to the great scandal of religion. The said Alex. being interrogated primo--Did you bring back those things which was stolen from Maxwelton--aiz., six pair sheets, ten ------ [undecipherable], three aprons, at one time; a large silver tumbler at another time; and a book at a third time? _A._ Yes; I was the causer, but had no hand in it myself. _Q._ Did you not take money for the bringing of them back? _A._ I told them I could do such things if it was not injurious to any, and told that he took money for the bringing of them back. _Q._ How did you bring them back? _A._ I cannot tell that, for I promised not to tell where I received my art. _Q._ Did you make use of herbs as it is reported of you in order to the bringing of them back? _A._ I did make use of herbs in part, but not for the bringing of them back. _Q._ How did you make use of the herbs that you might know where they were? _A._ I laid them under my head and dreamed of them. _Q._ What are the herbs which had that effect upon your sleep? _A._ I will not tell that to any living if they should saw me asunder. _Q._ How came the cloaths back?