[ROBERT GORDON of Knockbrex, in the parish of Borgue, which
adjoins Anwoth, is, by Livingstone in his "Characteristics,"
described as "a single-hearted and painful Christian, much
employed at parliaments and public meetings after the year 1638."
He was a member of the famous Assembly which met at Glasgow in
1638, as commissioner from the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright. The
precise date of his death is uncertain; but we find, in 1657,
John Gordon in Garloch, five miles from Dalry, is retoured "heir
of Robert Gordon of Knockbreck, his granduncle, in the lands of
Knockbreck." (_Inq. Retor. Abbrev. Kirkcudbright_, No. 274.) This
John Gordon, and Robert, his brother, were executed together at
Edinburgh on the 7th of December 1666, for having been engaged in
the rising at Pentland. (See Letter CCXVII.) They inherited, and
suffered for, the principles of Robert Gordon of Knockbreck,
their granduncle, to whom this letter was written.
_Knockbrex_ stands near the sea-shore, amid thick woods, looking
down on the opening of _Wigtown Bay_. But a modern mansion has
taken the place of Gordon's residence.]
* * * * *
(_HOW UPHELD ON THE WAY._)
MY DEAREST BROTHER,--I see Christ thinketh shame (if I may speak so)
to be in such a poor man's common as mine. I burden no man; I want
nothing; no face hath gloomed upon me since I left you. God's sun and
fair weather conveyeth me to my time-paradise in Aberdeen. Christ hath
so handsomely fitted for my shoulders this rough tree of the cross, as
that it hurteth me no ways. My treasure is up in Christ's coffers; my
comforts are greater than ye can believe; my pen shall lie for penury
of words to write of them. God knoweth I am filled with the joy of the
Holy Ghost. Only my memory of you, my dearest in the Lord, my flock
and others, keepeth me under, and from being exalted above measure.
Christ's sweet sauce hath this sour mixed with it; but O such a sweet
and pleasant taste! I find small hopes of Q.'s matter. Thus in haste.
Remember me to your wife, and to William Gordon. Grace be with you,
Yours in his only, only Lord Jesus,