among such as have not learned in the school of Christ, to prompt, and to foster, human pride. But when we see persons, distinguished by birth and rank, deeming them of little value, in comparison of "the excellency of the know"ledge of Christ Jesus the Lord;" we per ceive the sincerity and strength of their faith, and the prevalence of that power which can redeem from the love of earthly enjoyments.

Before entering on the life of ROBERT BARCLAY, it may be proper to advert for a short time to that of his father, David Barclay of Ury, commonly called Colonel Barclay; who was born at Kirktounhill, the seat of the Barclays of Mathers, in 1610.* In his youth he was a volunteer in the army under Gustavus Adolphus king of Sweden, in which he rose to the rank of major. On the breaking out of the civil wars, he returned home, and became colonel of a regiment of horse on the side of the king; but on the success of Cromwell in

Memoirs p. 14.

1

Scotland he lost his military employments,

which he never after resumed. In 1647 he married Katharine Gordon, daughter of Sir Robert Gordon, of Gordonstoun.

Notwithstanding his attachment to the royal cause, he was committed, after the restoration, a prisoner to Edinburgh castle; but was liberated, without any thing being laid to his charge, or any reason given for his commitment.* In this prifon he met with John Swinton,† a person who had been in the interest of Cromwell, and who was confined on that account. Swinton had been attainted of treason by the Scottish parliament about nine years before, but had escaped into England; whence, on the revival of the regal government, he was sent a prisoner to Edinburgh. During his residence in England, he had adopted the religious principles of the society of Friends; and, when in Edinburgh

* Biog. Brit.

In the Memoirs, p. 51, he is called "The Laird of Swinton, He had been one of the lords of session."

castle, he was more concerned to spread them, than to defend his life. This person is said to have been the instrument of convincing David Barclay of the truth of these principles: but, according to his son's account, he did not profess them openly till a few years after. David Barclay underwent the indignities and imprisonments, which were often the lot of our early friends; and he died in the year 1686.* On one occasion, having met with particular abuse from the populace of Aberdeen, he remarked that he felt more satisfaction, as well as honour, in being so insulted for his religious principles, than he used to feel, when the magistrates to gain his favour were accustomed to meet him at a distance from the city, and conduct him to public entertainments. in the town-house; accompanying him afterwards as many miles on way from them.

his

* Memoirs, 31.

The following account of the close of his life, is taken from the testimony of his son.*

In his illness, which continued about a fortnight, he signified a quiet contented mind, 'freely resigned to the will of God. About two days before his death, feeling his weakness with the pain [from the gravel], in an 6 agony he said, I am going now; and then, instantly checking himself, added, But I shall go to the Lord, and be gathered to many of my • brethren who are gone before me; and to my • dear son.†

The 11th of the 8th month, between two ⚫ and three in the morning, he growing weaker, I drew nigh to him. He said, Is this my ♦ son ? I said, yea, and spake a few words signifying my travail that He that loved him

'might be near him to the end. He answered,

* Barclay's works, fol. 907.

This was his youngest son, David, who died at sea, about a year before. He was an amiable youth, of exemplary life and convers sation, and was an acceptable preacher among Friends.

The Lord is nigh, repeating it once again, says

ing, You are my witnesses, in the presence of "God, that the Lord is nigh. And a little after, • he said, The perfect discovery of the day spring 'from on high! how great a blessing it hath been "to me, and to my family! My wife desiring to 'know if he would have something to wet his I mouth, he said it needed not. She said it would refresh him. He laid his hand upon 'his breast, saying, He had that inwardly that refreshed him. And after a little while he " added, divers times, these words, The truth • is over all.

· ness,

An apothecary coming near, he took him. by the hand, saying, Thou wilt bear me witthat in all this exercise I have not been • curious to tamper, nor to pamper the flesh. He answered, Sir, I can bear witness that you • have always minded the better, and more sub•stantial part; and rejoice to see the blessed end the Lord is bringing you to. He replied, Bear