"" The Apology," which had become widely cir-, culated in six different languages, was rudely assailed by John Brown, in a work entitled, " Quakerism the Pathtvay to Paganism." To this abusive perform ance, Barclay replied in vindication of his doe, trines, which is the last of his polemical writings that are published. From this period, he was occu pied, for the most part, in travelling in England, re lative to the concerns of the society ; and when in London, in ,1682, lie was honoured with. a public appointment, having received a commission as .gover nor of East Jersy in America. An extensive tract of land in that province was, at the same time, granted to him and his heirs in fee. Charles II. confirmed his government for life, and the commission is ex pressed in terms highly flattering to this good man : " Such are his known fidelity and capacity,". it says, " that he has the government during life ; but that every governor after him shall have it for three years . only." He was authorised to appoint a deputy governor, with a salary of R400 sterling per annum; and Gawn Laurie, a merchant in London, was ac cordingly appointed to that office. Having arranged these matters, he returned to Ury : but in summer 1683, he again visited his friends in London. To wards tbie close of that year, however, he came home, and occupied himself in shipping stores, provisions, and other necessaries, from Aberdeen to the colony 'of East Jersy ; in the prosperity of which, lie was extremely interested.
In 168.5 lie went again to London relative to the concerns of the society ; but he soon returned, and remained at home until April 1687, when, at the ear nest solicitation of George Fox, and other friends, lie set off for court, to exert his influence in behalf of the Quakers.. As the king honoured him with his friendship, he had access to his 'majesty at all times ; and, on this lie presented an Ad-, dress from the Quakers in Scotland, expressive of their gratitude for his majesty's proclamation permit Ling liberty of conscience ; which was graciously re ' ceived. The apologist seems to have stood on a footing of great intimacy with the king, and to have conversed with him candidly and freely on the busi ness of the state. Considering the intricacy of his majesty's affairs at that time, the opinion or advice of a sincere and honest, yet clear-headed man, was no doubt highly valued by James. Having accomplish ed in London the object of his journey, be returned home.
In November 1688 he was again in London, and em braced that opportunity to take leave of his majesty, with whose misfortunes he was greatly affected. At his last interview with the king, while they were standing at a window in the palace, conversing toge ther, James looked out and said, " The wind is fair to bring over the Prince of Orange ;"—the apologist remarked, " It was hard that no expedient could be fallen upon to satisfy the people."—His majesty re
plied, " He would do any thing becoming a gentle man, but never would part with his liberty of con science." This sentiment was so consonant to the apologist's mind, and corresponded so closely with his own principles and practice, that it drew forth his approbation ; and with mutual regret they parted to meet no more.
In the month of December he arrived at Ury, and lived retired for nearly two years, enjoying domestic happiness in the bosom of his family. But having gone to Aberdeen about the end of September 1690, to attend a meeting of Quakers, he caught cold while returning to Ury, and being seized with a fe ver, it put a period to his life on the 3d of October, after a short but severe illness.
With a mind naturally strong and vigorous, he possessed all the advantages of a regular and classi cal education ; and his writings evidently show the profundity of his research, is well as the extent and variety of his learning. His mild temper, benevolent heart, and sprightly conversation, gave him influence with men in elevated stations ; but he employed it only for the benefit of his friends, and often success fully exerted himself in behalf of others, as well as for the members of the society to which he belong ed, from motives of pure benevolence. If, on one occasion, he inconsiderately betrayed a fervour of zeal in his profession of a preacher, by exposing himself in sackcloth on the streets of Aberdeen, in the year 1672, we must concede to him, at least, the merit of sincerity ; and, in justice, make every al lowance for the ardour of a youthful mind. Al though his feelings were warm, yet his passions were subdued by strict discipline ; and the practical ob servance of the rules of moral duty strengthened and invigorated every virtuous sentiment. Cheerful, yet serene, he withstood the shocks of a chequered life with fortitude and firmness. Ever active and indefa tigable, he composed one of his best works within the walls of a prison ; and, in all sitnatioas, he was constantly occupied with that which he conceived to be for the good of mankind. Considering the short ness of his life, and the time he employed in travel ling, it is astonishing that lie could write so much, and so well. But his works have outlived him; and, in three volumes, the scattered opinions of the socie ty to which he belonged arc collected, arranged, and exhibited to the whole world in elegant uniformity ; ' and throughout Europe and America, " The Apo logy for true Christian Divinity" is to be found in the libraries of the wise and learned. See two Manu scripts preserved in the Library of Ury, and the au .thor's printed Works. (r)