ough no man was more
opposite to the Perth articles than Mr. Boyd, as he had refused
conformity to them both at Glasgow and Edinburgh, yet his learning and
prudence recommended him to the bishop's esteem. Here he remained in
security and peace until the earl of Abercorn's brother (a zealous
papist) dispossessed him on a Sabbath afternoon while he was preaching,
and threw all his books out of the house where he had his residence.
Upon complaining to the privy-council the offender was imprisoned, and
the court and bailies of Paisley having undertaken to repossess Mr. Boyd
again, and the gentleman professing his sorrow for what he had done, Mr.
Boyd interceeding with them for him, the council passed the matter over.

But no sooner went he to take possession, than he found the church doors
secured, so that no access could be had, and though the magistrates
would have broke them open, yet the mob (urged on as was supposed by the
earl's mother) pressed so hard upon the good man, not only by
opprobrious speeches, but also threw stones at him as if he had been a
malefactor, that he was forced to fly to Glasgow, and afterwards, seeing
no prospect of a peaceable settlement at Paisley, he returned to his own
house at Trochrig in Carrick, where he (probably) continued to his
death, which was some years after.

He was a man of great learning for that time, as his commentary on the
Ephesians testifies. He would sometimes say, If he had his choice of
languages wherein to deliver his sentiments it would be in Greek. He was
of an austere countenance and carriage, and yet very tender-hearted. He
had but a mean opinion of himself, but a high esteem of others in whom
he perceived any signs of grace and ingenuity. In the time of that
convincing and converting work of the Lord (commonly called Stuarton
sickness) he came from his own house in Carrick, and met with many of
the people; and having conversed with them, he heartily blessed the Lord
for the grace that was given unto them.

_The Life of Mr. ROBERT BRUCE._

Mr. Robert Bruce was born about the year 1554. He was second son to the
laird of Airth (of whom he had the estate of Kinnaird), who being at
that time a baron, of the best quality in the kingdom, educated Mr.
Robert with intention of being one of the lords of session, and for his
better accomplishment, sent him to France to study the civil law. After
his return home, his father injoined him to wait upon some affairs of