B I0 GR AP HI CAL S ICE TCHES. 113
from bringing a cloud of witnesses against this gentleman, to prove practices-.
nay, crimes which-but I shall go no farther at present ; my most rancorous
enemy was aware of what would have followed ; and even he, it appears, would
have blushed to have brought forward this man’s testimony. But I trust that
you, gentlemen of the jury, will this night do justice to my innocency ; and if
by your verdict I am acquitted from this bar, I here solemnly pledge myself
that I shall in my turn become his prosecutor.”
His uncalled-for zeal speedily procured for Mr. Lapslie an unenviable distinction.
He was taunted as a ‘‘ pension-hunter,’’ and stigmatised for his ingratitude
and servility. He was caricatured in the print-shops, and the balladsingers
chacted his deeds in such strains as the following :-
“ My name is Jamie Lapslie,
I preach and I pray ;
Expect a good fee.”
And as an informer
During this period of excitement the pencil of Kay was not idle. He produced
portraitures of most of the individuals who had rendered themselves in
any way conspicuous, and, amongst others, the “ Pension Hunter” was prominently
set forward. The work displayed in Mr. Lapslie’s hand is an ‘‘Essay
on the Management of Bees,” published a short time before, and of which he
was the author.
The subsequent demeanour of the reverend gentleman unfortunately did not
tend to lessen the odium he had incurred in 1793. However sincere he might
be in his political sentiments, he entered too warmly into the spirit of party, and
forgot the duties of the pastor in his anxiety for the State. On the introduction
of the Militia Act in 179’7-so odious to the people of Scotland generally-Mr.
Lapslie vigorously exerted himself to give effect to the measure in his own
Parish.’ He was also distinguished for his active hostility to Sunday schools,
home and other missions, which, in common with many other, but more prudent
members of the Church, he believed to be tainted by democracy.
In discharging the duties of his pastoral office, Mr. Lapslie was not remarkable
for very strictly enforcing the discipline of the Church ;’ but was, nevertheless,
a man of considerable talent as a preacher, and his sermons were held
in much repute. He mixed familiarly with his parishioners, and being of a free,
social disposition, would assuredly, had it not been for his pension-hunting pro-
In this expectation he was not disappointed, a pension having been granted to him almost
immediately afterwards, which was continued to his widow and daughters. * On the 22d August, the offices belonging to the manse of Campsie, Stirliigshire, were wilfully
and malicionsly set on fire. It is conjectured that some of
the thoughtless people who had assembled at Cadder Kirk that day, in 8 tumultuous manner, to
oppose the Militia Act, may have been the cause of exciting some desperate persons to burn the
houses of those whom they considered obnoxious to them.”-Scots Haqmne, 1797.
In 1785, when
Lnnardi descended in his balloon at Campsie, he was received with great attention by the minister,
who accompanied him on his return to Glasgow, and appeared with the aeronaut in the bcxces of the
Theatre in the evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Lapdie were from home.
Prior to his political notoriety, Mr. Lapslie was well known to be no bigot.
VOL. Ir. Q
