INTRODUCTION. THOUGH the memory of ROBERT BARCLAY is not likely to perish, it seems desirable to add one more memorial of him to those already existing: chiefly for the purpose of bringing his life and labours into a narrow point of view; and of furnishing many of his numerous descendants, whose usual avocations do not lead them to the study of his writings and character, with a portrait of their honourable predecessor, that may excite their admiration, engage their esteem, and induce their imitation, Imitation, indeed, as it is not the source of virtue, so neither can it be virtue's support; yet the examples of pious men in preceding ages are encouragements to the pious of the present, and M188298 are a call upon such as have not yet arrived at equal degrees of spiritual attainment, to examine the nature of the obstruction. Seeing, "The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon "him," we must, probably, seek in ourselves for the cause of the difference which we observe; and should we be persuaded to make proofs of his riches, goodness, and mercy, by calling upon him, in an humble sense of our misery and want,-a want which no other riches can supply-we shall find it no disgrace to our character, to be found "followers "of them who through faith and patience "inherit the promises." The following account of ROBERT BARCLAY, is comprised under two general heads. The first contains a survey of his origin, education, progress in religion, and the chief events of his life. The second mentions his writings, the time and motives of their publication; and gives a brief description of their con tents. UNIV. OF A SHORT ACCOUNT, &c. PART I. His origin-education-progress in religion-and the chief events of his life. ROBERT BARCLAY was born at Gordonstoun* in the shire of Murray, the 23d of December (then tenth month) 1648. William Penn has mentioned Edinburgh as the place of his birth; but this, according the account preserved in his family, is erroneous. His lineal ancestors are traced back, by unquestionable documents, to Theobald de Berke * Memoirs of the life of Col. D. Barclay of Ury, and of his eldest son R. Barclay of Ury, p. 31. &c. † Genealogical, Account of the Barclays of Ury, |