The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-05-14
iii.

We scarcely need point out that no feature
In the se dl changes which Scotland has
undergone during the last four centuries
stands out more oonspiouously than the
part played In these changes by the Cal
whistle clergy since the Reformation.
Our author recognizes that this clerical
influence has been both beneficial and
baneful. On the one hand, the clergy have
held up high moral standard, and have
unquestionably taken a large share in tho
intellectual development Of the Scottish
people, and IN giving 10 the national char
acter some Of It's most distinctive qualities.
The fact, on the other hand, Is not over
looked that the Protestant clergy Of Scot
land early developed spirit Of intoler-
ancs and fanatioism, and succeeded In
imbuing their people with the spirit, re-
pressing the natural and joyous impulses
Of mankind, and establishing an artificial
and exacting code Of conduct, the en-
forcement Of which led to an altogether
hurtful clerical domination. While wag-
ing war against older forms Of supersti-
ton, they introduced now forms which
added 10 the terrors and the gloom Of Life.
These Transformations were longest In
reaching their climax among the High
lands and islands, but have there attained
their most complete Development Our
author adds that happily In the Lowlands,
for the last two hundred years, their effects
have been slowly passing away. There
the growth Of tolerance and enlightenmsnt
IL increasingly marked, both among the
clergy and the laity.
How sharply distinguished az q class arc
the clergy Of Scotland from the representa-
tives OF other professions is exempllfed
In the innumerable anecdotes which, either
directly or indirectly connected with clergy
men, form 90 large . proportion Of what
are known as Scotch stories.' Some Of
these are recounted In this volume. Re-
minding US that one Of the most serious
functions which the Presbyterian clergy
men Of Scotland had formerly TO discharge
was that Of publicly examining their con-
RreRations N their knowledge Of the Chris
tian faith, our author relates that an elderly
minister was asked TO take the cateohizng
Of a congregation In a parish In the pastoral
uplands Of the south Of Scotland. He was
warned against the danger Of putting quee-
tons TO q certain shepherd who had made
himself master Of more divinity than some
Of bis clerical contemporaries could boast,
and who enjoyed nothing better than, out
OF the questions put 10 him, 10 engage In an
argument With the minister on some Of the
deepest problems Of theology. When the
day Of the ordeal came, the old doctor
asosnded the pulpit, and, after the pre-
liminAry service, put on his spectacles, and,
10 the ANA cement OF his parishioners, began
his catechizing with the theological shep-
herd, one John Scott. Up started the man,
a tall. gAunt, sunbumt figure, With look Of
grim determination on his face, which
showed how sure he felt Of the issue Of the
theological encounter 10 which he believed
no had been challenged from the pulpit.
The minister, who evidently had made up
his mind as TO the line Of examination 10 be
followed with this pugnAoious theoloRian,
looked at him steadily for few moments,
and then In a gentle voice asked: swha |
made you, Johni' The shepherd, prepared |
az he was for questions on some Of the most |
dificult points Of the Calvinistic faith, was |
taken sbaok by being asked what every |
child In the parish could answer. He re- |
Piled In a loud and astoniahed tone, sWha /
made metz 1T vas the Lord God that
made you. john quietly ntTFposed the
minister. 'Wha redeemed you. Joint