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 reconditae iacent mortuae
Exuviae D. Roberti Blair, S. S.
Evangelii apud Andreapolin
Praedicatoris fidelissimi. Obiit
Augusti 27, 1666. Aetatis suae 72._

Mr. Blair was a man of a fine constitution, both of body and mind, of a
majestic but amiable countenance and carriage, thoroughly learned, and
of a most public spirit for God. He was of unremitting diligence and
labour, in all the private as well as public duties of his station. He
did highly endear himself to the affection of his own people, and to the
whole country wherein he lived, and their attachment to him was not a
little strengthened by his conduct in the judicatories of the church,
which indeed constituted the distinguishing part of his character.

When the general assembly resolved upon