Page:A biographical dictionary of eminent Scotsmen, vol 9.djvu/131

Rh he saw, in the demeanour of his primitive audiences, the vast importance of the great doctrines of salvation, as compared with those mere human appliances by which it is adorned and recommended. This wholesome conviction brought him back, not however with a recoil into the opposite extreme, but into that happy medium where the true grandeur of the subject is allowed its full predominance, and where its expression is only valued by how much the speaker himself is absorbed and lost sight of in his all-important theme. This, indeed, is the secret of true pulpit eloquence; and to this eloquence Mr. M'Crie attained after his return from the Orkneys. The consequence was, that his acceptability as a preacher increased, his auditory became greatly more numerous, and a deeper spirit of earnestness was manifested in the general bearing and character of his congregation. Such were the fruits of that act of self-denial, which talented aspiring young clergymen find so difficult to perform. The same spirit of disinterested devotedness to his work was also evinced by Mr. M'Crie in trials which some may reckon equally hard to be withstood. Though his flock was numerous, it was chiefly from the humbler classes, so that his income was a small one; and in 1798, the price of provisions rose so high that families of limited means were reduced to unwonted privations. In this state of things, the congregation of Potter Row adopted the generous resolution of increasing the salary of their minister; but no sooner did he hear of it, than he wrote to them a letter, earnestly dissuading them from the measure. "The allowance which you promised me," he said, "when I first came among you as your minister, and which has been always punctually paid, though not so liberal as what may be given to others of the same station in this place, has hitherto been sufficient. From any general knowledge I have of the state of your funds, it is as much as you can be supposed to give, especially considering the burdens under which you labour. The expense of living has indeed been increasing for some time past, but the incomes of trades -people have not increased in proportion; and as the most of you are of that description, I don't consider myself entitled to make any increasing demand upon you." This kind negation was gratefully received, and inserted in the minute-book of the congregation. Here, however, the disinterestedness of their pastor did not terminate. That period of famine, so universal throughout Britain, and still well remembered in Scotland under the title of "The Dearth," had reached its height in 1800, so that the middle were now transformed into the lower classes, while the lower were little better than paupers. At this crisis the minister stepped forward with a generous proposal; it was that, in consequence of the prevalent poverty, the amount of his stipend should be reduced. The people, however, who were able to appreciate his motives, refused to consent, and thus ended a contest that was equally honourable to both.

After this the life of Mr. M'Crie was fated for some time to be imbittered by ecclesiastical controversy. It is well known to our readers, that the great subject of religious debate in Scotland has been, since the Reformation, not so much about Christian doctrine as about Christian polity. What is the duty of the state in aiding, upholding, and fortifying the spiritual government of the church? And what is the nature and amount of that deference which the church should render to the state in return, compatible with her spiritual independence or rather, her allegiance to her great Head and Sovereign? The relationship between these powers was fully established in Scotland by the first and second Books of Discipline, and finally ratified by the Confession of