Ut APP BS NE Dae te 45 
tereft in his tranflation to town, that he refolved to give that 
eminent leader every afliftance in his power in fupport of what 
was called the moderate party in the church; the chief objet of 
whofe policy was, to maintain the right of prefentation as efta- 
blifhed by law, againft thofe who confidered that mode of fet- 
tling minifters of the gofpel as a great grievance, and who {tood 
up for the fuperior juftice of popular election. With refpea 
to the merits of the queftion itfelf, men will always be found 
to differ, nor is it proper here to enter upon the difcuffion of 
it. But be it as ic may, Mr Dryspate was fully perfuaded of 
_ the rectitude of that fide he had embraced ; and though he did 
not fpeak in the church-courts, Dr RoBerTson could not have 
been more fortunate in a co-adjutor. The native benevolence 
of his heart was confpicuous in his manners, which were ex- 
tremely popular and engaging ; and no fooner did he begin to 
extend his acquaintance with his brethren, than he wonderful- 
ly conciliated their efteem and affection. He took every oppor- 
tunity of obliging them, both as individuals and as a body ; 
and his influence among them foon became very extenfive. 
WirnootT any folicitation on his part, and even without his 
_knowledge, the Marifchal College of Aberdeen confefred on: 
him the degree of Doctor in Divinity, by diploma, bearing 
date the 15th of April 1765: And the following year, the 
death of the Reverend Dr Joun Jarpine having produced a 
vacancy in the Tron-church, which is collegiate, Dr DryspALe 
was tranflated thither from Lady Yefter’s, which is a fingle 
charge. He there had the good fortune to have for his col- 
league the Reverend Dr Georce Wisuart, principal clerk to 
the.Church, for whom he had long entertained the higheft 
efteem and refpect; and Dr Wisnarr. in his turn, having 
a moft fincere affection for him, they found the greateft com- 
fort in being now fo nearly connected. Never did two col- 
leagues live together in more cordial and uninterrupted habits 
of: 
Account of 
Dr Dryfdele. 
