The life and diary of the Reverend Ebenezer Erskine, A. M., of Stirling, father of the secession church

Front matter

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BC»T JVITE 22,1680. BIE3J) JURE 2, l?54o

Preface

Although the prevailing taste of the age had not been decidedly favourable to biographical writings, few would have disputed the claims of the Reverend Ebenezer Erskine to a niche among those who deserve the gratitude and the veneration of posterity.

To possess authentic and circumstantial accounts, not only of the great masters of science, and of the inventors of useful and elegant arts, but also of the acknowledged founders of communities and parties, whether civil or religious, — is generally considered desirable. Religion being pre-eminently the highest of all concern^, public curiosity has been peculiarly alive to the character and history of men, whose opinions and efforts have exercised a powerful and lasting influence on the sentiments and conduct of others, with regard to that interesting subject. If it is deemed necesiv PREFACE.

sary to acquire information relating even to those unprincipled impostors and distempered enthusiasts, who have appeared in different ages and countries to mislead mankind, and to sully the purity, as well as disturb the peace of the church ; — those " men of God," whom providence has raised up in various periods to correct existing errors and abuses, to rekindle the latent embers of piety, and to give a new and salutary impulse to the spirit of religion, have certainly a far better title to general attention. To investigate the character and behaviour of individuals of this description, is an exercise equally beneficial and pleasing. To examine their leading views of the truth; to mark the noble motives and aims by which they were influenced ; to trace the development of their talents ; to survey their integrity, wisdom, and magnanimity, as displayed in difficult and trying situations ; to contemplate the felicitous results of their upright and zealous exertions; to notice with a candid and enlightened eye even the failings and defects which may have somewhat shaded the lustre of their general excellence, and obstructed the success of their laudable designs ; — these are employments calculated to interest an intelligent, a devout, and a benevolent mind.

It is highly proper, therefore, to study the biography of an Augustine, a Wickliffe, a Luther, and a Knox. Reformers, too, of more recent times, or of less exalted fame, ought not to be

PREFACE. * V

treated with neglect. To say nothing of those distinguished men, who were happily instrumental in promoting the interest of religion in Britain in the seventeenth century ; it is well known that, at an early period of the last century, several eminent Clergymen, both in England and Scotland, discovered an ardent zeal for the defence of Divine truth against the encroachments of error, and for the restoration of piety from that state of languor into which it had fallen. Amongst the Scotish Ministers who embarked in this sacred cause, some satisfied themselves with those exertions which were practicable within the pale of the National Church ; while others, under the leadings of Providence, adopting a bolder and more unfettered course, prosecuted their efforts in a state of open Secession.

To deny, or to palliate the faults and imperfections of the Secession Church, either in its ministers, or members at large, would be equally unfair and unwise. But whether we take a view of its numbers and extent, or of the good which it is directly and indirectly the means of doing, no candid person will question its title to some consideration and respect. Nor can it be reasonably doubted that the magnitude and usefulness which it has attained should dispose, not only those immediately connected with it, but all of every persuasion to whom the prosperity of Zion is dear, to take an interest in the history of its Founders.

Independently of the public influence which the vi

PREFACE.

Fathers of the Secession exerted on its affairs, their personal excellencies were fitted to command veneration ; and their general conduct exhibits much, that posterity would do well to admire, and to imitate. Even writers who disapprove, in the strongest terms, of their ecclesiastical procedure, expressly admit that they were "men of worth and principle."*

Among these worthy and conscientious men, Mr. Ebenezer Erskine took the lead in declaring the secession. His faithful remonstrances against prevailing defections, in a Sermon preached at the opening of the Synod of Perth and Stirling, gave occasion to those proceedings of the Judicatories against the Four Brethren who were first associated in this cause, and the other Four who subsequently joined them; which terminated in a total separation betwixt them and the Courts of the Established Church. However far he was from arrogating superiority in any respect to his much esteemed Brethren, who honourably shared with him in the toils and perils of the conflict, a sovereign Providence was pleased to place him in the front of the battle ; and both friends and enemies have, in consequence, been accustomed to regard him as eminently the Father of the Secession Church.

That he equalled all his coadjutors in every ta-

* Sir Henry Moncreiff 's Account of the Life and Writings of Dr. Erskine, p 97.

PREFACE.

vii lent and acquirement, is by no means affirmed. The Rev. William Wilson, of Perth, of whom an interesting Memoir has recently been given to the world by one of his descendants, very probably excelled him in a turn for laborious research ; while in a rich vein of fancy, his own brother, Ralph, of Dunfermline, was superior to both. Yet Ebenezer Erskine was unquestionably possessed of high endowments, well suited to the precedency assigned to him. Richly furnished with the treasure of Scriptural knowledge, as well as " unequalled in dignity of manner," his ministrations in the pulpit made him uncommonly popular among hearers of every class; while by sterling good sense, singular energy, and manly intrepidity, he was peculiarly qualified for the post allotted to him in the arduous struggle maintained by the Four Brethren against the corrupt and arbitrary measures of the Judicatories. His published discourses, too, we may add, with the exception of Boston's Writings, have perhaps commanded as extensive and as lasting a circulation, as those of any other Scotish minister of that age. These remarks are in accordance with the following eulogy, which has been lately pronounced by a respectable Historian. Having adverted to the obnoxious proceedings by which the rights of the Christian people were infringed in the year 1732, he adds :

" Of those who appeared publicly in defence of the liberties of the Scotish Church on this trying viii

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occasion, the most honourably distinguished was the Reverend Ebenezer Erskine, one of the Ministers of Stirling, a man of great natural talents, improved by a liberal education, and upwards of thirty years spent in the faithful discharge of ministerial duty. He w^as possessed of singular courage, great eloquence, unquestionable piety ; and had long been regarded by the better part of the Church with particular respect and veneration."*

The writer of the following sheets first turned his attention, a considerable time since, to the history of this celebrated man. He prepared a Memoir of him, which appeared in a series of papers in the Christian Repository, and was finished at the close of the year 1820. About four years since, he also published, in a condensed form, the substance of the details contained in that periodical work, in a Memoir prefixed to an edition of Mr. Ebenezer Erskine's Works, in two Volumes, 8vo. edited at London, 1826.

The present volume not only comprises every thing important in these previous accounts, but is enriched with additional materials, derived from a great variety of sources. The writer has improved his narrative by gleanings from a considerable number of publications, and chief-

* History of Scotland, from the Union to the abolition of heritable jurisdictions, 1748. By John Struthers, vol. i. p. 619.

PREFACE.

ly by selections from various manuscripts, especially from the short-hand writings of Messrs. Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine. Of these, some have fallen to his share as a great-grandson of Ralph ; and for the perusal of others, he has been obliged to the kindness of relatives and friends. He has availed himself, in particular, of a treasure hitherto unexplored — a Diary in short-hand characters, written by Ebenezer, which contains an interesting account of his history and religious experience for about twenty years. With no small difficulty, and at a great expense of time and labour, he succeeded in deciphering this highly valuable record. After transcribing the whole manuscript, it appeared to him proper to introduce extracts from it, arranged rather according to the order of the subjects than the date of the entries, so as to make its different parts reflect light and beauty on each other. The 2d and 3d, and, in a great degree, the 6th, Chapters of this work, consist principally of these extracts ; which, in deep-toned piety and energetic expression, have been rarely surpassed, or even equalled. They can scarcely fail to prove acceptable and edifying to Ministers and private Christians of all denominations.

How far they may tend to satisfy inquirers respecting assurance — a subject keenly controverted in this country at present, he will not pretend to judge. But he is not without hopes that, while they reprove the apathy of those luke-

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warm professors, who discover no solicitude re* specting the comfort arising from persuasion of personal interest in the Divine favour, they may afford salutary counsel to some well-inclined individuals, who have been tempted to found their consolation and hope upon assumptions unwarranted by Scripture.

These extracts from Mr. Erskine's Diary, meanwhile, in so far as legitimate influence can attach to the deliberate views and solid experience of a most upright and thoughtful person, are calculated to inspire the reader with a decided aversion to the Socinian system. One of their most distinguishing characteristics is the paramount importance, which this conscientious inquirer, after becoming decidedly pious, never ceased to perceive in the doctrine of a Divine person assuming the nature of man, and submitting to agonies and death, in order to expiate guilt, and bring in everlasting righteousness — not merely as an article of his creed, but as the foundation of all his hope in the prospect of death and eternity.

Whilst the three Chapters just specified contain the essence of the Diary, and furnish striking specimens of his acquaintance with the power of religion, most of the other Chapters include quotations from it, referring partly to his personal experience and domestic occurrences, and partly to the public transactions of the times.

It is obviously impossible to give a just and satisfactory account of the Life of Mr. Erskine,

PREFACE.

xi without intermixing with it some notices of those ecclesiastical affairs in which he was immediately concerned. The prominent part he acted in the Secession, in particular, renders some illustrations of that event indispensably necessary ; and his Biographer is not ashamed to avow that his prepossessions are in favour of the man and his cause. May he be permitted, however, to say, that he has attempted to divest himself of all undue partiality, and to exhibit a faithful and unvarnished statement of facts. His chief object, in undertaking this work, was to perform a useful service to all the churches of Christ, by presenting a just portrait of a distinguished Christian and Minister. Conformably to this design, he has allotted to the detail and vindication of Mr. Erskine's procedure in conducting the Secession from the Established Judicatories, nothing more than its proper proportion in the book; has studiously shunned whatever appeared to him contrary to Christian candour ; and has gladly seized opportunities of honouring the memory of several estimable Clergymen who remained in the communion of the National Church, as well as of those who considered it their duty to secede.

In arranging his multifarious materials, he has endeavoured to avoid prolixity, and to reduce within moderate bounds what might easily have admitted of much greater expansion. — The Appendix consists of some illustrations and original documents connected with the narrative.

xii

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The prefixed Memoir of the Rev. Henry Erskine, of Chirnside, relates to a minister, whose life and character are intrinsically highly worthy of attention : while it forms an appropriate introduction to the Life and Diary of his son Ebenezer — and, also, to an account of his son Ralph, which, with the permission of providence, the author intends hereafter to publish. This memoir of Henry will be found to comprehend all the particulars formerly recorded by Wodroic, Calami/, Palmer, and others, with some additional circumstances drawn from various authentic sources.

It is incumbent on me now to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have favoured me with valuable communications. I have been particularly indebted to my venerable and worthy friend, the Rev. John Brown, of Whitburn, who not only requested me to make free use of his own memoirs of Messrs. Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine contained in his publication, entitled Gospel Truth; but communicated, at different times, many particulars not included in those accounts* I am under great obligations, also, to Mr. John Birrell, Kinnesswood, for the use of his excellent Manuscript, relating mostly to Mr. Erskine's ministry in the parish of Portmoak; the materials of which are very fully brought forward, chiefly in the 4th chapter of this work. To William C. Balderston, Esq. W. S. I have been indebted for the loan of a Diary written by

PREFACE.

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Mrs. Balderstori) the eldest daughter of Mr. Erskine, of Chirnside ; which has supplied some interesting notices regarding her Father and Brothers. To the obliging attention of Humphrey Ewing Maclae, Esq. of Cathkin, and Mr. Walter Wardlaw, Glasgow, I owe the perusal of a large Note-book, containing the Diary written by Ebenezer Erskine himself. Mr. Wardlaw has also indulged me with a sight of various other authentic documents, illustrative of the character and history of the Erskines. By the kindness of my learned and respectable neighbour, the late Rev. William Craik, Kennoway, Clerk to the Presbytery of Kirkaldy, I had full access to the Records of that Presbytery, from which much new information has been received, respecting Mr. Erskine's circumstances and conduct during the twenty-eight years of his ministry at Portmoak. The Rev. Robert Swan, of St. Monance, Clerk to the Synod of Fife, has also very kindly furnished some extracts respecting him, from the Records of that Synod. My best thanks are due, likewise, to the Rev. John Smart, of Stirling, for allowing me to examine the numerous collection he possesses of the short-hand Note-books of Mr. Ebenezer Erskine ; from which, as well as from similar books written chiefly by Mr. Ralph Erskine, that belong to my brother, the Rev. William Fraser, of Alloa, and myself, I have learned some interesting facts, and obtained some curious papers. To every individual not named, who has

PREFACE.

afforded the writer any assistance in collecting materials for this publication, he begs to return his cordial acknowledgments.

In conclusion, he desires, above all, humbly to remember his dependence on the Father of lights, without whose benign influence, no production can prove either creditable to the writer, or useful to the reader. That God, by his blessing, may render this little work, whatever be its defects, conducive, in some degree, to his own glory, and to the advancement of pure and undefiled religion, is the prayer of

THE AUTHOR.

Kennoway,

March 1831.

Contents

MEMOIR OF THE REV. HENRY ERSKINE, A. M.

His Birth — Education — Ordination at Cornhill — Success of his ministry — Ejection — Voyage to London — Removal to Dryburgh — Appears before the Privy Council at Edinburgh — Sentenced to confinement in the Bass, but permitted to go into exile — Residence near Carlisle, then at Monilaws — Imprisonment at Wooler and Newcastle — Ministry at Rivelaw — Mr. Boston's conversion — Instances of providential relief to Mr. Erskine and family — Ministry at Chirnside — Triumphant death, and impressive charge to his children — Interment — Sepulchral monuments — First and second marriage — Margaret Halcro his widow, and family — Friends and fellow- sufferers — Writings

THE LIFE AND DIARY OF THE REV. EBENEZER ERSKINE, A. M.

Chapter I

Mr. Erskine's Birth — His name Ebenezer — Education at the University of Edinburgh — Becomes Chaplain to the Earl of Rothes — License — Ordination at Portmoak — Marriage e ....... 61

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CONTENTS.

Chapter II. Page

Mr. Erskine's religion defective at the commencement of his ministry — Happy change in his views and feelings — Time and means of this change — Extended view of his character and experience, supplied by his Diary — Deep solicitude respecting eternity — Humility and penitence — Sentiments regarding the Saviour's person and work — Confiding faith in Christ — Admiration and love — Self-dedication— Conscientious fidelity in principle and practice— Spirituality of mind . . . 79

Chapter III

Mr. Erskine's attention to the means of spiritual progress — Personal exercises — Reading the Scriptures — Examples of pious reflexions on passages read — Devotional books- Prayer and intercession — Praise — Meditation and self-inquiry — Family-worship — Public ordinances, particularly the Lord's Supper — Intercourse with Ministers — Correspondence with private Christians — Improvement of dispensations of providence — Writing a Diary . . . .132

Chapter IV

Active discharge of the pastoral office — Preparation for the pulpit — Subjects of discourse — Utterance — Frequent preaching — Catechising — Visitation of Families — Attention to the sick — Instruction of the young — Praying Societies — Various advantages at Portmoak — Success of Mr. Erskine's ministry at home and abroad — Correspond-

CONTENTS.

xvii

Chapter V. Page

Mr. Erskine's conduct as a member of Church-courts — Oath of Abjuration — Marrow Controversy — Vindication of his Discourses — Attachment to Confession of Faith — Fasts and Thanksgivings — Christian zeal for the Saviour's Divinity — Termination of the second process against Professor Simson 218

Chapter VI

Personal and domestic afflictions at Portmoak — Death of three Sons, and of a Sister — Mr. Erskine himself seized with a dangerous fever — Improvement of trials, and their happy fruits — Death of the Rev. Mr. Plenderleath — Affliction, death, and character of Mrs. Erskine — Brother Ralph's sympathy — Decease of Mr. Balderston — Letters to Mrs. Balderston — Death of one Daughter, and recovery of another — Inscription on Mrs. Erskine's tomb . . . 264

Chapter VII

Mr. Erskine's second marriage — Death of his Mother, and of his Brother's wife — Various unsuccessful attempts to remove him from Portmoak — Calls to Burntisland and Tulliallan — Proposal from the parish of Saline — Call to Kirkaldy prevented, notwithstanding the wishes of the people — Call to Kinross — Call and Translation to Stirling — Lasting friendship between Mr. Erskine and the people of Portmoak — Importance of his new charge — His predecessors and colleagues — Diligence, faithfulness, and success 307

CONTENTS.

Chapter VIII. Sketch Of Particulars Regarding The Rise Of The Secession

PA(

Remote causes of this event — Mr. Erskine's first indications of zeal for religious liberty — Opposes a settlement bypatronage at Ballingry in 1717 — Unites with others in remonstrating against the Act of Assembly respecting vacant parishes, 1732 — Complained of for expressions in his sermon at Perth, before the Synod of Perth and Stirling, and declared censurable — His protest and appeal to the General Assembly, 1733 — Unfavourable sentence of that Court — Protest by the Four Brethren — Proceedings of the Commission against them in August and November — Their constituting themselves into a Presbytery at Gairney-bridge in December — Conciliatory measures of the Assembly 1734 — The seceding ministers decline to accede — Their appearance, when summoned to reply to a Libel, before the Assembly 1739 — Their deposition by that court, 1740 — Attestations to the character of Mr. Erskine — His integrity, fortitude, and ability in maintaining the cause he had espoused — Aspersions cast upon his conduct 34

Chapter IX

Mr. Erskine's persevering fidelity at Stirling — Affair of the five Elders who annoyed him — His peaceable withdrawment from the Parish-church — Erection of a spacious meeting-house — His increased popularity and usefulness —Active exertions in promoting the object of the Secession — General prosperity of the cause — Correspondence with the Rev e Gabriel Wilson, and George Whitefield — Covenanting — Loyalty during the Rebellion 1745-6 — Conduct with regard to the Breach 1747 — Mr. Erskine chosen Professor of Divinity 408

CONTENTS.

xix

Chapter X

Mr. Erskine visited with new bereavements — His infirmities — -Obtains Mr. James Erskine for his assistant and successor — Exemplary conduct, and striking expressions, in the near prospect of eternity — Death and burial — Sketch of his character, with anecdotes — Excellencies as a Preacher and an Author — Notices of his family and descendants — Conclusion 453

MEMOIR

OF THE

REV. HENRY ERSKINE, A. M.

MINISTER

FIRST AT CORNHILL, AFTERWARDS AT CHIRNSIDE.

MEMOIR

OF THE

REV. HENRY ERSKINE, A. M.

His Birth Education — Ordination at Cornhill — Success of his

ministry — Ejection — Voyage to London — Removal to Dryburgh

Appears before the Privy Council at Edinburgh — Sentenced

to confinement in the Bass, but permitted to go into exile — Residence near Carlisle, then at Monilaws — Imprisonment at Wooler and Newcastle — Ministry at Rivelaw — Mr. Boston* s conver-

sion Instances of providential relief to Mr. Erskine and family

Ministry at Chirnside — Triumphant death and impressive

charge to his children — Interment — Sepulchral monuments — First and second marriage — Margaret Halcro his widow, and family — Friends and fellow -sufferers — Writings.

The Reverend Henry Erskine, of Chirnside, was a man of considerable eminence. His Christian graces and attainments, his valuable and successful labours in the ministry, and the various sufferings he endured in the cause of truth, have combined to embalm his memory in the hearts of the pious. The celebrity acquired by two of his sons has also contributed to enhance and to perpetuate his fame. If the Rev. Philip Henry is remembered with sentiments of affectionate veneration as the father of Matthew Henry, that distinguished expositor of Scripture, the name of Henry Erskine is regarded in the church with similar feelings of reverence and love, as the father of Ebenezer and Ralph.

This excellent minister was born in the year 1624, at Dryburgh, " the seat of an ancient abbey," on the banks of the Tweed, in the parish of Mertoun, and county of Berwick. * By his father, Mr. Ralph Erskine of Shielfield, he stood related to the ancient house of Mar. f His father's family was uncommonly large, consisting of thirty-three children ; and so great was the number of grandchildren, with whom this venerable patriarch, for some time prior to his death, was surrounded, that, according to tradition, he could not recollect them by face, and when he happened to see them, frequently proposed the friendly question — " Who are you, my little man?"

The subject of this memoir was one of the younger of these thirty-three ; and notwithstanding the expenses previously incurred in rearing a numerous train of brothers and sisters, his education was by no means neglected. The early proofs he gave of piety and talent, determined his parents to grant him every advantage they were able to afford. After finishing the elementary studies of the grammar school, he attended the university of Edinburgh, where, having acquired a competent knowledge of languages, philosophy, and theology, he received the degree of Master of Arts. £ The Principal at that time was the Rev. John Adamson, a man of eminent ability, varied learning, and consummate prudence, who presided over the university from the year 1625 to 1652. Amongst the Regents, or Pro-

* An account of this abbacy, written by the late Earl of Buchan, may be seen in Grose's Antiquities. •f See Appendix, No. I.

£ Chalmers' General Biographical Dictionary, vol. xiii.

THE REV. HENRY ERSKINE.

fessors, during the latter years of that period, we find the names of Messrs. James Wright, James Wiseman, and Robert Young.*

Henry Erskine's improvement in knowledge and in piety was very probably promoted, in no small degree, by the public ministrations, and private counsels of the worthy men, with whose pastoral care he was privileged in youth. Mr. Andrew Simpson, minister at Dryburgh, was distinguished for spirituality of mind, and unremitting attention to prayer, and the reading of the scriptures. " He was a most free reprover," says a noted clergyman, " of whatever he accounted sinful ; and, for that reason, he was, by order of the Parliament 1621, imprisoned in the castle of Dumbarton, where the Lord blessed his preaching and prayers for the conversion from popery of the lady of Sir John Stewart, the captain of the castle. After a while he was liberated, and returned to Dryburgh, where, and at Mertoun, he preached till his death." -f. The Rev. John Smith, who appears to have succeeded Mr. Simpson in the parish of Mertoun, gave evidence of the same heavenly temper. " He had all the Psalms by heart," says the writer just quoted, " and used at meals to repeat a psalm. When he met with any young men intending for the ministry, he used gravely to exhort, and heartily to bless them. He once took me off the street of Edinburgh into a house for that purpose." J To be

* Bower's History of the University of Edinburgh, vol. i. p. 223, &c.

•f- The Lives of Eminent Divines and Private Christians, who lived in Scotland during the first century after the .Reformation, by the Rev. John Livingston, Minister at Ancrum. Glasgow edit. 1754, p. 12.

t Ibid. p. 21.

G placed under the ministry of pastors so richly imbued with the spirit of Christian piety and kindness, must be an invaluable advantage to candidates for the sacred office.

The religious principles which Mr. Erskine embraced, exerted a powerful influence on the events of his life. Having carefully studied the questions to which, in that age, the public attention was eagerly directed, he conscientiously and decidedly attached himself to the doctrines of the Scots Confession, and the Westminster Confession of Faith, and to the presbyterian forms of w r orship, discipline, and government. Conformably to these sentiments, he received license to preach the gospel from presbyterian ministers, and was afterwards ordained by clergymen of that persuasion.

The place where this good man first ministered, was Cornhill, a village in the parish of Norham, and county of Northumberland, pleasantly situated on the south bank of the Tweed, about fifteen miles east from the spot of his nativity. The year of his ordination, and consequently the precise duration of his ministry at Cornhill, we are unable, certainly, to determine. According to Calamy and Palmer, he was minister of the chapel of Cornhill only three years. * Wodrow, however, extends it to thirteen years ;f and, agreeably to this account, the inscription of the new monument, lately erected to his memory, represents him as ordained at Cornhill in 1649. The Diary of his son Ralph

* Calamy's Continuation, vol. ii. p. 678. Palmer's Nonconformist's Memorial, vol. iii. p. 62. This writer says, " Cornhill chapel, in the parish of Norham. Randall has it A. Scott 3 an intruder, 1649."

-f History of the Sufferings of the Church of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 256, 1st edit.

THE REV. HENRY ERSKINE.

contains an entry, stating that Mrs. Balderston, his sister, was born at Galashiels, June 28, 1853. But whether Henry Erskine and family at that time resided at Galashiels, or whether the first Mrs. Erskine, notwithstanding her husband's being then minister at Cornhill, found it convenient to spend a few weeks with relatives at that village, it seems impossible now, positively, to ascertain.

His labours at Cornhill, whether the period of their continuance may have been longer or shorter, were signally blessed. At first he found the people ignorant, ungodly, and rude. So virulent was their hostility to serious religion, that, when sitting in his own house, he sometimes heard them cursing him in the street. By the divine blessing, however, on his excellent ministrations and prudent conduct, a surprising change took place in their character. They became warmly attached to him for his Master's sake ; and when, by the act of Uniformity, August 24, 1662, he, in common with two thousand faithful ministers in England, was ejected, they deeply regretted his removal. The following anecdote is related on credible authority. Immediately after his expulsion, and before an episcopal clergyman had been appointed to succeed him, some of the parishioners attempted to plough the glebe for Mr. Erskine's benefit ; but the agent of the Bishop soon compelled them to desist, and employed others to cultivate the land for the advantage of his lordship. One of these workmen, to whom a fellow-labourer had expressed his sorrow that their late pastor should be deprived of the glebe, especially while there was no other incumbent, returned an uncivil answer to the generous remark, and, in terms too coarse to be repeated, pro-

MEMOIR OP nounced a horrid imprecation on himself, in the event of his relinquishing the work. A few minutes after the ominous words had proceeded from his lips, this reckless individual was seized with a violent distemper, which proved fatal within the space of two or three days. His sudden death was regarded by the people as a providential judgment. Whether this interpretation of the melancholy occurrence deserve approbation or censure, they were universally struck with such consternation, that no one could be found daring enough to renew the experiment of cultivating the glebe that year for behoof of the bishop. Mr. Erskine's friends were allowed to plough, sow, and reap it for his use ; and it was remarked that the ground produced an uncommonly rich crop, which supplied his family with bread for a considerable time.