Edinburgh Bookshelf

Kay's Originals Vol. 2

Search

268 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. than his son should fill his place; and they appointed an assistant till Sir Henry should be qualified.’ Sir Henry then repaired to the University of Edinburgh ; and, on attaining the proper age, although he had not completed the full term of attendance required at the Divinity Hall, he was licensed to preach, and ordained to the charge of Blackford in 1771. He was not, however, allowed to remain long in the obscurity of his native parish, his talents, while a student at Edinburgh, having singled him out for the first vacancy that might occur in the city. In 1775 he was accordingly translated to the extensive charge of St. Cuthbert’s, where he continued during the subsequent years of his ministry. The life of Sir Henry was devotedly spent in the practical duties of his sacred office, and in zealously forwarding the general interests of the Church. As a preacher, he was I‘ strong and masculine ” in his eloquence, but very seldom indulged in the pathetic ; yet there was often, particularly towards the close of his life, a tenderness in his modes of expression, as well as in the accents of his voice, which came home to the heart with the energy of pathos itself.” In the Church Courts he took an active and decided part, and from his character and talents soon became a powerful leader in opposition to the party, who, under Dr. Robertson, had obtained nearly entire supremacy in the General Assembly. Sir Henry was proposed as Moderator in 1780, in opposition to Dr. Spens of Wemyss ; and so strong had the minority then become, that his opponent was only elected by a majority of six votes. In 1785, being again nominated, he was unanimously chosen. Sir Henry acted as Collector for the Widow’s Fund during a period of more than forty years. He felt deeply interested in the welfare of this institution : and to his excellent management it is indebted for much of its prosperity. He was also one of the original members of the Society of the Sons of the Clergy ; and on all occasions a sincere friend to every practical scheme for the amelioration of society. His office of Collector for the Widows’ Fund affording him a thorough knowledge of the pecuniary circumstances of the clergy, many of whom, in poor and distant parishes, were living on very inadequate incomes, he pressed the subject warmly on the attention of the General Assembly-drew up a plan for augmenting the livings-and, though his scheme was not adopted by Parliament, his exertions may justly be considered as having led to the Act by which a minimum salary has been fixed throughout the bounds of the Church.’ Sir Henry seems to have left himself almost no leisure for literary pursuits. His chief productions were-“ Discourses on the Evidences of the Jewish and Christian Revelations ;” two volumes of Sermons; a “Life of John Erskine, D.D;” and a “Life of Dr. [Robert Henry, the Historian,” prefixed to the last volume of his History, which was edited by Sir Henry, as his executor. He This arrangement took place in 1768. 1 This was rather an extraordinary stretch of the law affecting settlements. With the consent of the patron and all concerned, the parish waa actually kept zracant for nearly four years. His father died on the 9th December 1767, and Sir Henry was not inducted till the 15th August 1771.
Volume 9 Page 357
  Shrink Shrink   Print Print