Page:A biographical dictionary of eminent Scotsmen, vol 3.djvu/48

76 excellent extempore speaker, he always wrote the discourses he meant to deliver, in order to ensure that accuracy and elegance of language which, he rightly conceived, could not be commanded, or at least depended on in extemporaneous oratory. The consequence of this care and anxiety about his compositions was a singular clearness, conciseness, and simplicity of style in his sermons. Nor was he less happy in the matter than the manner of his discourses. The former was exceedingly varied and comprehensive; embracing nearly the whole range of theology.

In 1788, two years after his settlement at Slateford, Dr Dick made his first appearance as an author. In that year he published a sermon, entitled "The Conduct and Doom of False Teachers," a step suggested by the publication of "A Practical Essay on the Death of Christ, by Dr M'Gill of Ayr," in which Socinian opinions were openly maintained. The general aim of Dr Dick's discourse was to expose all corrupters of the truth, particularly those, who, like Dr M'Gill, disseminated errors, and yet continued to hold office in a church whose creed was orthodox. During all the debates in this case, which took place before the General Assembly, Dr Dick attended, and took a deep interest in all the proceedings connected with it which occurred in that court

The subject of this memoir did not appear again as an author till 1796, when he published another sermon, entitled "Confessions of Faith shown to be necessary, and the Duty of Churches with respect to them Explained." This sermon, which was esteemed a singularly able production, had its origin in a controversy then agitated on the subject of the Westminster Confession of Faith in relation to seceders who were involved in an inconsistency by retaining the former entire, while, contrary to its spirit, they threw off spiritual allegiance to magisterial authority. In this discourse Dr Dick recommends that confessions of faith should be often re'vised, and endeavours to do away the prejudice which prevents that being done.

From this period till 1800, the doctor's literary productions consisted wholly of occasional contributions to the Christian Magazine, a monthly publication conducted by various ministers belonging to the two largest branches of the Secession. The contributions alluded to, were distinguished by the signature Chorepiscopus. But in the year above named the able work appeared on which Dr Dick's reputation as a writer and theologian now chiefly rests. This was "An Essay on the Inspiration of the Scriptures;" a production which was received with great applause, and which made the author's name widely known throughout the religious world. The popularity of this work was so great that it went through three editions during Dr Dick's lifetime, and a fourth, on which he meditated certain alterations, which, however, he did not live to accomplish, was called for before his death.

Dr Dick had now been fifteen years resident at Slateford, and in this time had been twice called to occupy the place of his father, who had died in the interval; but the synod, in harmony with his own wishes, declined both of these invitations, and continued him at Slateford. The time, however, had now arrived when a change of residence was to take place, In 1801, he was called by the congregation of Greyfriars, Glasgow, to be colleague to the reverend Alexander Pirie, and with this call the synod complied, Dr Dick himself expressing no opinion on the subject, but leaving it wholly to the former to decide on the propriety and expediency of his removal. The parting of the doctor with his congregation on this occasion was exceedingly affecting. Their attachment to each other was singularly strong, and their separation proportionally painful.

Having repaired to Glasgow, Dr Dick was inducted, as colleague and