Page:A biographical dictionary of eminent Scotsmen, vol 1.djvu/174

 in the first person, the speaker is Christ, and not David nor any other mere man, and that the other Psalms describe the situation of the Church of God, sometimes in prosperity, sometimes in adversity, and finally triumphing over all its enemies. This essay is characterized by uncommon vigour of expression, yet in some places with considerable acrimony. The presbytery of Fordoun took great offence at this publication, and summoned Mr Barclay to appear at their bar. He did so, and defended himself with spirit and intrepidity. His opinions were not contrary to any doctrine contained in the Confession of Faith, so that he could not even be censured by them. The truth was, that they had taken great offence at the popularity of Mr Barclay as a preacher, and it was only in this way that they could avenge his superiority over themselves. Being disappointed in establishing heresy, their rancour became more violent, and they determined to give him as much annoyance as they possibly could. Even the names of the members of the presbytery of Fordoun are now forgotten. None of them were distinguished for remarkable talents of any kind, and they have long lain mute and inglorious. But at this time they possessed an authority, which they resolved to exercise to the utmost stretch. Having engaged in the invidious and ignoble employment of heresy hunting, they seem to have been aware, that it was necessary to proceed with caution. The presbytery have the charge of the spiritual concerns of all the individuals within their bounds. They have a right to inspect the orthodoxy of the doctrine taught, as well as the moral conduct of clergymen and laymen. It is their especial business to examine narrowly into the behaviour of the former class. Having pounced upon Mr Barclay, they made the most they could of his supposed offence, which at the worst, was only a venial error.

Mr Barclay, who being naturally of a frank, open, and ingenuous disposition, had no idea of concealing his opinions, not only continued to preach the same doctrines which were esteemed heretical by the presbytery, but published them in a small work, entitled, "Rejoice evermore, or Christ All in All." This obstinacy, as they considered it, irritated them to a very high degree. They drew up a warning against the dangerous doctrines that he preached, and ordered it to be read publicly in the church of Fettercairn after sermon, and before pronouncing the blessing, by one of their own members, expressly appointed for that purpose on a specified day, which was accordingly done. This attempt to ruin Mr Barclay's character and usefulness, and deprive him of the means of obtaining daily bread, contained an enumeration of his supposed errors, which they were cautioned to avoid, and strictly enjoined not to receive. Mr Barclay viewed their conduct with indifference mingled with contempt. At a former meeting of presbytery, the points of difference had been argued in public at great length, and he is generally allowed to have come off victorious. He was, it is confessed, too keen in his temper to listen, with sedate composure, to the arguments of an opponent, when engaged in a private debate. But his talents for controversy were of a superior order. He had a clear understanding, a tenacious memory, and a ready elocution; and at no time of his life did he decline an argument. No effect of any kind resulted from the warning to the people of Fettercairn, who were unanimous in their approbation of Mr Barclay's doctrine. He continued during Mr Dow's life-time to instruct the people of his parish, and conducted his weekly examinations to the great profit of those who gave attendance.

In 1769, he published one of the largest of his treatises, entitled, "Without Faith without God, or an appeal to God concerning his own existence." This was a defence of similar sentiments respecting the evidence in favour of the existence of God, which were entertained by Dr Campbell already mentioned. The