his outward trouble; but, being again commanded before
the council, by the way, he took a sore fit of the gravel, and was for
that time excused; and afterward, through the chancellor's favour, got
liberty to go where he pleased, except St. Andrews, Edinburgh and the
west country;--he went to Kirkaldy.

While at Kirkaldy, he lectured and prayed often to some Christian
friends in his own family; and for his recreation taught his younger son
the Greek language and logic. But the arch-bishop, envying the repose
Mr. Blair and some others had in these circumstances, procured an act,
that no outed minister should reside within 20 miles of an arch-bishop's
see; and Mr. Blair removed from Kirkaldy to meikle Couston, in the
parish of Aberdour, an obscure place, in Feb. 1666, where he continued
till his death, which was shortly after.

For, upon the 10th of Aug. Mr. Blair, being now worn out with old age,
and his spirits sunk with sorrow and grief for the desolations of the
Lord's sanctuary in Scotland, took his last sickness, and entertained
most serious thoughts of his near approaching end, ever extolling his
glorious and good Master whom he had served. His sickness increasing, he
was visited by many Christian friends and acquaintances, whom he
strengthened by his many gracious and edifying words.

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;