EARLY LIFE. 29 



skill. It is a miniature in Indian-ink of James Earl 

 of Seafield, one of the forfeited lords, to whom he 

 was distantly related. The family were also said to 

 be descended from John Knox. The historian pro- 

 fessed himself quite unacquainted with the reasons of 

 this rumour which connected him with "the rustic 

 apostle," whose character and conduct he has de- 

 scribed so faithfully and strikingly. 



By the kindness of a kinsman I have had the great 

 satisfaction of receiving a copy of the only sermon 

 which he ever published, as well as of two or three 

 hymns, translations and paraphrases from the Greek 

 of the New Testament. The sermon is able, judicious, 

 correctly composed both for accuracy of diction and 

 severity of taste, and contains passages of great 

 beauty and effect. It resembles what in England 

 would be called an Ordination Sermon or Charge, 

 having been delivered at the opening of the Metro- 

 politan Synod in May 1737, and is a full description 

 of the duties of ministers, the title of it being that 

 "they should please God rather than men." His 

 poetry is elegant and classical : one of his pieces is a 

 beautiful paraphrase of the 14th chapter of St John 

 to the tenth verse : 



1 " Let not your hearts with anxious thoughts 



Be troubled or dismayed; 



But trust in Providence divine, 



And trust my gracious aid. 



2 I to my Father's house return; 



There numerous mansions stand, 

 And glory manifold abounds 

 Through all the happy land. 



