Mr James Howie

Mr. R. Smith gives the following character of James Howie:

His fervent zeal according to knowledge, and true loyalty to his princely Lord and Master; cheerfully endured a great weight of affliction, and that not only from open enemies, as hunting's, plundering's, oppressions, and robberies; but also from false brethren, pretended friends, backslidden ministers and professors. And of late from those had been companions with him in tribulation, reproaches, envy, and contempt. Yet in all these never daunted, nor scared in owning his Master's cause, in a plain and particular peremptoriness, under the firey trials of the two former tyrants. Neither demurred, enchanted, nor out wearied by the late Christ betraying, cause forsaking, covenants, faithful testimonies, and precious blood betraying, and burying times. But the lively (though sad) aspect of the Lord's anointed with a kiss; draw this living testimony from his bleeding heart, and dying tongue. Who, after he had served his own generation, by the will of God, died in a good old age, in much assurance of his interest, and commendation of the good way of God, he had suffered and contended so much for. In the end he thus died with a great gale of his master's presence, and influences of his love, in his little cottage at Lochgoin, which had been often pillaged by enemies, for his faithful adherence to the cause of God.