e ministers got a
hearing, the room was immediately filled with several sorts of people to
see their reception; Mr. Andrew Cant, bring eldest, began briskly to
insinuate, with his wonted zeal and plainness, that the king favoured
popery; Mr. Blair interrupted him, and modestly hinted, That it was not
a fit time nor place for that.--The king, looking on him earnestly,
said, "That honest man speaks wisely and discreetly; therefore I appoint
you three to attend me to-morrow at ten o'clock in my bed-chamber." They
attended, according to appointment, but got little satisfaction; only
Mr. Blair asked his majesty, If there were not abominations in popery,
&c. The king, lifting his hat, said, "I take God to witness that there
are abominations in popery, which I so much abhor, that ere I consent to
them, I would rather lose my life and crown." Yet after all this, Mr.
Blair and Mr. Henderson (for these two he favoured most) having most
earnestly desired him to satisfy the just desires of his subjects, he
obstinately refused, though they besought it on their knees with tears.
Renewed commissions for this end, were sent from Scotland, but to no
good purpose, and Mr. Blair returned home to St. Andrews.

Mr. Henderson died at Edinburgh, Aug. 19, which the king no sooner
heard, than he sent for Mr. Blair to supply his place, as chaplain in
Scotland; which Mr. Blair, thro' fear of being insnared, was at first
averse unto, but having consulted with Mr. David Dickson, and reflecting
that Mr. Henderson had held his integrity fast unto the end, he applied
himself to that employment with great diligence, every day praying
before dinner and supper in the presence chamber; on the Lord's day
lecturing once and preaching twice; besides preaching some week days in
St. Nicholas's church; as also conversing much with the king, desiring
him to condescend to the just desires of his parliament, and at other
times debating concerning prelacy, liturgies and ceremonies.

One day after prayer, the king asked him, If it was warrantable in
prayer to determine a controversy?--Mr. Blair, taking the hint, said, He
thought he had determined no controversy in that prayer. Yes, said the
king, you have determined the pope to be antichrist, which is a
controversy among orthodox divines. To this Mr. Blair replied, To me
this is no controversy, and I am sorry it should be accounted so by your
majesty, sure it was none to your father. This silenced the king, for
he