Page:Brief historical relation of the life of Mr. John Livingston Minister of the Gospel.pdf/60

( 60 ) Nevy at Newmilns, Robert Macward at Glasgow, James Simpſon at Airth, John Brown at Wamphray, and James Gardiner at Saddle. Here I got frequent occaſion of preaching in the Scots congregation. In December 1663. my wife came to me and brought two of the children, the other five were left in Scotland. Hitherto I can ſay during my abode in Rotterdam, I have been in my body as free of pain and ſicknefs, and in my mind as free of anxiety, as ever I have been all my life during ſo long time, and I make account that my lot is a great deal eaſier, than that of many that are at home.

Now when I look back upon the whole, I find, that the Lord hath given me a body not very ſtrong, and yet not weak. I have ſometimes continued reaſonable long riding, both journey and poſt without great wearying. I hardly remember that I wearied in reading and ſtudying, altho' I have continued ſome ſeven or eight hours without riſing, I have had my ſtomach as well after reading a whole day, as after riding or any other exerciſe. Since I began to preach I hardly ever uſed any bodily recreation or ſport, except walking, nor had I need of any other. There was only two recreations I was in danger to be taken with. The one I had not the occaſion of but ſome five or ſix times, and that about 40 years ago. It was hunting on horſe-back, but I found it very bewitching. The other was ſinging in conſort of muſick, wherein I had ſome little ſkill and took great delight, but it is 36 years ago ſince I uſed it. I had twice a hot fever, once in the ſchool of Stirling, and again Anno 1622. in Lanerk. From 14 years of age till 40, I had ſeveral fits of the gravel, but hardly ever took it, but when ſome outward evident cauſe brought it on, ſuch as, faſting, watching, wetneſs and cold in my feet, or immoderate ſtudy. I was of a wateriſh conſtitution, and ſometimes troubled with the tooth-ach. I thought the uſe of tobacco helped me. Twice through cold, I had ſuch a pain in the lower part of my back, as I could hardly ſtir, once in Edinburgh, and again in Leith. I was always ſhort-ſighted, and could not well diſcern any thing afar off, but hitherto have found no need of ſpetacles, and can read as