Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies): A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots WorthiesHowie, John
History
Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies): A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies
Howie, John
Church of Scotland -- Biography; Scotland -- Biography
At one time, when they told him of some severe acts of council newly
made upon arch-bishop Sharp's instigation, he prayed that the Lord would
open his eyes, and give him repentance, &c. And to Mrs. Rutherford, at
another time, he said, I would not exchange conditions with that man
(though he was now on his bed of languishing, and the other possest of
great riches and revenues) though all betwixt them were red gold, and
given him to the bargain. When some ministers asked him, If he had any
hopes of deliverance to the people of God, he said, He would not take
upon him to determine the times and seasons the Lord keeps in his own
hand, but that it was to him a token for good, that the Lord was casting
the prelates out of the affections of all ranks and degrees of people,
and even some who were most active in setting them up, were now
beginning to lothe them for their pride, falsehood and covetousness.
To his wife and children he spake gravely and Christianly, and after he
had solemnly blessed them, he severally admonished them as he judged
expedient. His son David said, The best and worst of men have their
thoughts and after thoughts; now, Sir, God having given you time for
after-thoughts on your way, we would hear what they are now.--He
answered, I have again and again thought upon my former ways, and
communed with mine heart; and as for my public actings and carriage, in
reference to the Lord's work, if I were to begin again, I would just do
as I have done. He often repeated the 16th and 23d psalm, and once the
71st psalm, which he used to call his own psalm. About two days before
his death, his speech began to fail, and he could not be well heard or
understood; however some things were not lost; for, speaking of some
eminent saints then alive, he prayed earnestly that the Lord would bless
them; and, as an evidence of his love to them, he desired Mr. George
Hutcheson (then present) to carry his Christian remembrance to them.
When Mr Hutcheson went from his bed-side, he said to his wife and others
who waited on him, That he rejoiced in suffering as a persecuted
minister. Is it not persecution, added he, to thrust me from the work of
the ministry, which was my delight, and hinder me from doing good to my
people and flock, which was my joy and crown of rejoicing, and to chase
me from place to place, till I am wasted with heaviness and sorrow for
the injuries done to the Lord's prerogative, interest and cause. What he
afterwards said was either forgot or not understood, till at length,
about four o'clock in the morning, he was gathered to his fathers, by a
blessed and happy death (the certain result of a holy life).
His body lies near the kirk-wall, in the burial place at Aberdour, and
upon the church-wall above his grave, was erected a little monument,
with this inscription,
_Hic reconditæ iacent mortuæ
Exuviæ D. Roberti Blair, S. S.
Evangelii apud Andreapolin
Prædicatoris fidelissimi. Obiit
Augusti 27, 1666. Ætatis suæ 72._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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