knowledge of the distinctive principles of the Church of
Scotland, and thoroughly attached to the Free Church, as alone
testifying to these principles. He took an active part in
building up the church in various parts of the country. He
led a remarkably consistent Christian life. He was a man of
deep and devotional spirit, of a singularly friendly and affectionate
disposition, careful not to ruffle the feelings of others,
and an ever ready and tender sympathiser in time of trouble.
He was a pleasant companion at all times, yet was his speech
always with grace. He ever stated his opinions boldly without
any fear of man. He was an ardent admirer of the beauties
of external nature, ever looking up to nature's God, and he
took a more than ordinary interest in literary and scientific
pursuits. "
" The Presbytery approve of this minute, order it to
be engrossed in their records, and a copy of it to be sent
to Mrs Cunningham with the assurance of the cordial sympathy
of the Court. "
NO CONSCIENCE.
One day while Mr Cunningham and his elder Mr Robert Hislop
were discussing the coming Disruption, Mr Hislop suddenly
inquired, " What are you going to do, Mr Cunningham?
" "I am going out. " " But remember you
have a wife and children to think about, " said the elder.
Without answering, the minister inquired, " What are
you going to do, Mr Hislop?" "I am going out, "
he replied. "And why are you going out?" "
Oh, it's my conscience, " was the reply. " And do
you think I have no conscience?" inquired the minister.
Thereafter Mr Hislop presented the manse and the ground on
which it stands to his minister and the Free Church.
PICKLED MINISTERS.
One day during a conversation between Mr Alexander, salt manufacturer,
and Dr Moir (Delta), the former inquired if he thought "
many would come out at the coming Disruption? " Delta
replied " No"; he thought he would be able to eat
them all. " After the Disruption Mr Alexander met him
one day and said, " I expect a large order for salt from
you, Dr Moir. " "For what?" he inquired. "Why,
" was the reply, " I hear that 400 ministers have
come out, and if you have all these to eat you will require
to pickle them, " a sally which was followed by hearty
laughter,
JOHN FOWLER HISLOP.
Extracted from the Records of the free Church Presbytery
of
Haddington and Dunbar.
" The Presbytery record with deep regret the death of
Mr John Fowler Hislop, of Castlepark, Prestonpans, which took
place on 6th August 1894. Mr Hislop was an esteemed elder
of the church, a zealous and loyal Free Churchman, a humble
and devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. A man of great
public spirit, he gave a large amount of time to public affairs,
especially to educational matters, and to the elevation of
the social and moral condition of the community.
" In the congregation in which he was an office-bearer,
he was held in the highest esteem as a man of deep and consistent
piety, and a liberal and ready helper in every good work.
In this Presbytery, of which he was often a member, he ever
displayed sound judgment, a gentle courtesy and dignity of
manner, with extreme fairness and candour towards the opinions
of others.
" He was frequently a commissioner from this Presbytery
to the General Assembly, in the proceedings of which he took
a deep interest, and rendered good service in connection with
the work of its committees. He has been taken away while still
in full intellectual vigour, and in the midst of abundant
labours.
" The Presbytery desire affectionately to commend to
God the widow and family of their departed friend, praying
that in their great and sudden bereavement they may realise
the presence and sustaining grace of Christ Jesus our Lord.
"
Dr PATRICK R. MACKAY.
Dr Mackay is the third son of the late Rev. John Mackay, M.
A., Free Church minister of Lybster, Caithness, a man who
in his day was distinguished for his learning, his wide knowledge
of matters historical and ecclesiastical, his interest in
education, and the soundness of his judgment, characteristics
which are reflected in his sons, four of whom now bear the
degree of "doctor, " two being M. D. 's, the third
D. D., and the fourth, who as a student had a very brilliant
career at both Scottish and English Universities, is LL. D.
of St Andrews, and Professor of History in University College,
Liverpool. So much for the plain living and high thinking
of a Free Kirk manse. |
1745 
