I792. statistical account of Scotland. j^i 



troversy. Though a religious sect, called Buchaniies, re- 

 sided for some time in the parifh, yet that circumstanca 

 did not produce one instance of apostacy from the esta- 

 bliftied church. In (hort the wlldnefs of superstition, and 

 the bigotry of fanaticism, are giving place to liberal sen- 

 timent, and rational religion j and every good christian 

 beholds with pleasure the dictates of reason, and the max- 

 ims of morality, happily connecting themselves with the 

 doctrines of faith, and the duties of devotion." 



Kirkintilloch by the reverend Mr William Dunn. 



" The inhabitants of this parifh are, in general, a virtu- 

 ous and industrious people. That pride of mind, and im- 

 patience of contradiction, which the pofsefsion of landed 

 property frequently inspires, perhaps may occasion too many- 

 law suits. The present minister was told, before he came 

 amongst them, that they were often disposed to treat their 

 clergymen with neglect and unkinrnefs j but he has expe- 

 lienced nothing In his ministry, that could justify such an 

 accusation. 



The existence of seceders, 3nd of seceding meeting- 

 houses, has, perhaps, no bad effect upon the manners and 

 sentiments of the people, either here, or any where else 

 throughout the kingdom. They are. In some degree, spies 

 and checks upon the members of the establlftied church j 

 and the discourses of their clergy are often adapted, with 

 singular felicity, to the capacity and the prejudices of the 

 least enlightened clafses of the community. The small 

 number of the poor, dependent upon alms and the libe- 

 ral provision made for them by voluntary contributions 

 are facts implying, in so populous a parifh, no common 

 praise : They bespeak Industry, sobriety, frugality, and 

 charity, to be the leading features in the moral character 

 ef the people. 



