Robert Traill (Scottish minister) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Traill
Robert Traill. It's not clear whether this looks like Robert Traill of Greyfriars because it depicts him or because his son shared a family resemblance and had a similar taste in facial hair. See also the Gazetteer for Scotland page.
Personal details
Birth name	Robert Traill
Born	1642 Elie, Fife
Died	16 May 1716 (aged 74)

Robert Traill was a church minister who lived a long time ago. He was born in 1642 in a place called Elie in Fife, Scotland. He later became a minister in Cranbrook, England.

Robert Traill was known for his strong beliefs. Because of these beliefs, he was even held prisoner for a few months. This happened on a rocky island called the Bass Rock in Scotland. His writings were very important to many people, and they are still read today.

Growing Up and Early Life

etching of Mr. Welch baptising children

Robert's father was also named Robert and was a well-known preacher. His father, Robert Traill of Greyfriars, was born in 1603. Robert's mother, Janet Annand, passed away when he was young.

Robert Traill's father made sure he had a good education. He studied at the University of Edinburgh. When he was just 19, he stood by his father's friend, James Guthrie, who was executed for his beliefs.

Robert also spent time with John Welsh, another minister. John Welsh was known for holding special church meetings called 'armed conventicles'. These were outdoor religious gatherings that the government did not allow. Robert became good friends with William Guthrie, who wrote a famous book called "The Christian's Great Interest".

Trouble and Escape

In 1666, Robert had to hide with his mother and older brother. This was because some copies of a forbidden book were found in his mother's house. The government had ordered this book to be burned.

In 1667, Robert was called a 'Pentland rebel'. This meant he was accused of being part of a rebellion against the government. It's not clear if he was actually in the battle. But he had to escape to Holland, where his father and other Scottish exiles were living.

In Holland, Robert continued his studies. He helped a professor prepare a book for printing.

Becoming a Minister and Imprisonment

In 1669, Robert was in London. In 1670, he became a minister in a Presbyterian church in Cranbrook, Kent.

In 1677, he visited Edinburgh, Scotland. There, he was arrested by the government. They accused him of breaking the law by preaching in private homes. He admitted to this but refused to swear an oath about holding outdoor meetings.

Because of this, he was sent as a prisoner to the Bass Rock. This island is in the Firth of Forth in Scotland. He was held there from July to October 1677.

After a few months, Robert made a promise that satisfied the government. He was then set free. He went back to his church in Kent. Later, he moved to a Scottish church in London, where he lived for the rest of his life.

Later Life and Writings

Robert Traill passed away on May 16, 1716, when he was 74 years old. His brother, William, was also a minister. Many of William's family members became ministers too.

Robert Traill's collected writings were published in 1745. Many other editions of his works came out later. These books included sermons and other writings from his notes. Even today, new collections of his sermons are still being published.

Works

Robert Traill wrote many sermons and books. Here are some of his well-known works:

• A Sermon on "By what means may ministers best win souls"
• Vindication of the Protestant Doctrine concerning Justification (This book defended a key Christian belief.)
• Thirteen Discourses on the Throne of Grace
• Sixteen Sermons on the Prayer of our Saviour in John xvii. 24
• Stedfast Adherence to the Profession of our Faith (This book had 21 sermons.)
• Eleven Sermons on 1 Peter i. 1-4
• Six Sermons on Galatians ii. 21

Some of these books were published after he died.