THE CHRONICLES OF THE CONGREGATION.
James Dodson
APPENDIX II.
Many of the present members of Great Hamilton Street will never have seen, and—so transient is fame—may never even have heard of Robert Walker, the author of the Chronicles of the Congregation. He was appointed beadle of the Church in 1813, and continued to hold the office till his death in February, 1864. Like many other beadles, Robert was a character, as the reader of the Chronicles will soon discover. The Chronicles have not been published, and as the writer was a keen partizan, and wrote with a very sharp pen, it is not likely that they will ever be printed as a whole. The following extracts will interest our readers:—
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CHAPTER I.
And it came to pass in the reign of Georgius III., who was the son of Georgius II., who was the grandson of Georgius the First.
It came to pass that certain disciples in Calton, of the seed of those who had been persecuted for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held, mourned and lamented because their Pastor, whose name was John,* had given up the ghost, and was gathered unto his fathers.
Now the man was of great age, and well stricken in years, and had preached the Word unto the people by the space of fifty and eight years; and all the days that he lived were threescore and nineteen years.
And they carried him to his burial, and laid him in his own sepulchre; and his sons, and daughters, and all the congregation made great lamentation over him.
And when the whole congregation had assembled together on the first day of the week, his son preached unto them, and cried, My father, my father! the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.
And many of the people wept sore that day. And the congregation remained many days as sheep having no shepherd, for a young man
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* Rev. John M‘Millan, Sandhills.
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whose name was also John,* and whom their ancient Pastor had to his minister, was departed from them.
For the hand of the Lord lay sore upon him, so that he could not speak unto the people as aforetime.
So when the young man saw that the Master’s hand was not with him as in times past, he said, “It is the Lord; let Him do what seemeth Him good.” And he went his way, but many of the Congregation grieved for him.
And two of the devout elders who outlived their aged Bishop, spake comfortably to the people, saying, Wait on the Lord, and be strong; and He will afford unto you help, and in due time send one to go out and in before you.
Only forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is; but pray always to the Lord with all prayer and supplication, for the promise is to two or three gathered together in His name.
And the two elders’ names were Daniel and John,† and to them all the people gave heed; for they were counted worthy of double honour, because of the long season they had ruled well in the congregation.
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* Rev. John Fairley.
† Daniel Carse and John Thomson.
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CHAPTER II.
. . . . . . .
So the Congregation, after the council of the two elders, followed the footsteps of their fathers, who through faith and patience are now inheriting the promises, an entrance having been ministered unto them abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
And it came to pass after many days that a certain young man of the sons of the prophets visited the Congregation. Now he was learned in all the wisdom of the schools, and able to expound the oracles of God, and he preached unto the people divers Sabbath days.
And they were well pleased with his doctrine and manner of life, and they said one to another, He speaketh according to the law and the testimony, also his sound speech cannot be condemned.
So with one consent they called him, saying, “Wilt thou come over and preach unto us from day to day, and we will give thee thy wages?” But the young man, whose name was Andrew,* answered and said, “Nay, but I will go unto mine own city, and unto mine own kindred; for so have I determined.”
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* Rev. Andrew Symington of Paisley.
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And when all the people heard this, they were very sorry, but they held their peace. But the young man, Andrew, journeyed straightway to his own city.
And he remaineth there unto this day; preaching none other things than those which the prophets and apostles did testify, and are noted in the scriptures of truth.
CHAPTER III.
. . . . . . .
And in process of time, there arose another young man of the sons of the prophets, whose name was David.*
The young man was well favoured to look upon and of good report among the brethren; moreover he was mighty in the scriptures, learned in the law of the Lord, and apt to teach.
And he preached unto the Congregation three Sabbath days, and testified of those things which are most surely to be believed.
And he pleased them well. And the whole Congregation assembled as one man, and communed one with another concerning the young man and said, “What think ye of David?”
And when they had prayed and taken counsel together, it seemed good to the whole
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* Rev. David Armstrong.
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Congregation, and they sent to the young man, even to David, on this wise, saying, “We have heard of thy faith and of thy love to all the saints.”
Likewise, thou art sound in the faith, and able also to seek out and set in order, good and acceptable words, that thou mightest expound unto us the deep things of God.
Now, therefore, we entreat thee to come over and help us, our wives, and our little ones, and minister unto us in holy things.
Also, we covenant to minister to thee in carnal things, and to hold thee in reputation, and hearken to thy voice in all things as it is written.
For we are in a destitute condition, and need one to break to us the bread of life.
Now, when the young man David heard all these words in his father’s house, he was filled with a multitude of thoughts. And when he pondered the matter in his heart, he prayed unto the Lord and said, Who is sufficient for these things?
And he besought further time, that he might consider the path of duty; that he might lean not to his own understanding, but seek the wisdom that cometh down from the Father of lights.
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When the rulers of the Church and all the Congregation heard this they were content, and could say nothing against it.
And the young man David tarried in his father’s house yet forty days. Howbeit he did not linger like the slothful man, but gave himself to reading and meditation, and searched the Scriptures daily, and as his manner was, preached on the first day of the week in divers places as the Spirit gave him utterance.
CHAPTER IV.
And it came to pass on a set day, that the Rulers of the Church assembled together, to speak with the young man, even David, and to commune with him.
Now David had sought unto the God of his fathers, and said, O Lord God of Israel, grant unto me wisdom and deep humility, and if I have found grace in Thy sight, shew me the path of duty; for I am not able to perform this great work.
And the Rulers which were assembled in one place, said unto the young man, Wilt thou go with this people, and minister to them in holy things?
And David answered the Rulers and said
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unto them, I am in a great strait; nevertheless, I have a desire to serve our great Master, and to work in His vineyard while it is day.
And when the rulers heard this the writing was confirmed; and all the Congregation when they saw what was done rejoiced exceedingly, and went to their own homes with gladness of heart.
And the old man, the elder, whose name was John, arose from his seat, and went unto David where he sat, and put into his hand a hundred pieces of silver.
And when other forty days were expired, the Rulers again were assembled together, and the young man David was ordained to the holy work of the ministry, by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery.
The same night the heads of the Congregation made a great feast, and they ate and drank with one another, and had great gladness of heart. And divers of them came from far.
And they returned joyful and glad of heart, for all the goodness that the Lord had done for them,
Saying, The Lord hath indeed heard the voice of our supplication, and hath regarded us in our low estate, and made our eyes to see our teacher. We would magnify His name, for His grace faileth never.
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And on the next Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and much people came together for to hear him, and he said, “We preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
He took the oversight of the flock, not by constraint but of a ready mind, determined to know nothing among them save Jesus Christ and Him crucified, trusting to the Spirit and grace of the Most High, that his labour among this people would not be in vain.
Every Sabbath day, by the space of twenty and four years, he laboured among them in season, out of season, exhorting them with all gravity to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God worketh in the hearts of His children, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
CHAPTER V.
Now the house wherein the Congregation gathered themselves together, when David preached unto them, waxed too strait for them, because the people multiplied greatly.
Then said they one to another, Go to, let us build a greater house, for the place is too small for us. And to this all the congregation agreed, even from the least to the greatest.
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So they counted the cost; and the men and the women offered willingly, and they brought pieces of money, gold and silver, and gave it to the masons and the smiths and the carpenters to further the work.
And the house was built on a sure foundation, according to the pattern thereof, the windows thereof, and the doors thereof, and the seats thereof on which the people should sit.
The walls thereof, and the ceiling thereof were plastered round about. And at the end of the house eastward they set up a pulpit of wood, and covered it round about with woollen cloth, dyed green, and fringes were upon the cloth.
And on the top of the pulpit they put an apple of gold; and a small pulpit was also made for the chief singer.
Likewise a small chamber at the east end of the house; the chamber was six cubits four square; and a table and divers seats were in it, and David rested himself there when he came out from ministering to the people.
So was ended all the work that was made for the house, and in the seventh month the house and all its appurtenances were finished.
And on the Sabbath day when the elders and all the Congregation were assembled, David read in their ears out of the book of the
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law, saying, “An altar of earth shalt thou make unto me. . . . In all places where I record my name, I will come unto thee and I will bless thee.”
And he read distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
CHAPTER VI.
And in process of time, the old disciple whose name was Daniel, the elder, was sick, and he died, being fourscore and eight years old, and he had lived in widowhood about the space of fifty years.
And when the other old disciple, even John, had heard that Daniel was sick and nigh unto death, he arose and went to see him before he died.
Now he was an old man, and he went with his staff for very age, but he was holpen with a little help as he leaned on the arm of the doorkeeper.
And when Daniel saw John, he was glad, and straightway sat up on his bed and saluted him, for their hearts were of a long season knit together in love.
So they twain talked a good while together, and communed concerning the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that followed after.
And they both worshipped; Daniel bowed
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himself on his bed, and John leaned on the top of his staff, and they sang praises in the words of the son of Jesse.
And Daniel said, “I bless and magnify the Lord who hath conducted me by his counsel in all the way of my pilgrimage.
For there is not one good thing that he hath promised, but he hath freely bestowed on me, who am but dust and ashes. I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord!”
And Daniel stretched out his hand again to John, and saluted him, and bade him farewell; and they that stood by wept.
So John returned to his own house, and saw him no more.
And not many days after John also was sick, and he prayed, and set his house in order, and fell on sleep, being fourscore and four years old; and these things were written in a book.
But when David heard these things, he was sore grieved, and he cried, “Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”
So Daniel and John came to the grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in, in his season.
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CHAPTER XVI.
But David continued many days preaching the Gospel in season, out of season, and breaking the bread of life among his people, and was steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers,
And spoke of many of the things which Jesus did and spake before He was taken up into heaven.
Many times also he spake of the latter day glory, and expounded the things which he of Patmos saw in holy vision. And many resorted at those times to hear his word.
And it came to pass in process of time, that one told David, saying, Behold Samuel, a man of thy Congregation, is sick, even nigh unto death. Now, he was one of those who aforetime was led away by the error of Eutychus, and at first joined those who vexed David.
And as his custom was, he went to see the man before his soul departed, (for he died).
And not many days after David also was laid sick of a fever; and when the Sabbath was come he arose, and essayed to go to the house of prayer, as he was wont, but the physician suffered him not.
So he continued in sore trouble and weak-
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ness certain days, and on the twelfth day his mind, which had been darkened by reason of his sore sickness, became calm and serene, as the morning without clouds, or as the clear shining after rain.
And he spake comfortably unto his wife before he died. His four sons also he called, one by one, and prayed for them by name, and said, “The God of Abraham and Isaac, who has led me all my life, bless the lads and make them a blessing.”
Afterward he spake with the words of lively hope, and said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again into a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” And when he had so said, he fell on sleep.
He was a good man; in his heart was the law of kindness. He was willing to spend and be spent in doing his Master’s will, and in pointing his people to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.
So after he had patiently endured and finished his work, he was numbered among those who died in faith.
And all the days that he lived were forty
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and nine years. And he ministered to the Congregation twenty and four years.
And all the Congregation, and many of the Rulers, came and carried him to his burial, and lamented over him with a great lamentation.
And one of the brethren from another corner of the vineyard preached on the next Sabbath day, and read from the Scriptures these words: “For we know, that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
Long time after this, brethren from divers quarters of the Church came and ministered unto the Congregation, and spake unto them with the words of consolation.
CHAPTER XVII.
And when a whole year was expired, and many prayers made to the Lord of the vineyard that He would send a labourer into this part of it, the people said one to another, it is not meet that we should any longer
Want a pastor and teacher. Let us seek the guidance of the Chief Shepherd, and look out for ourselves one to take the oversight of the
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Congregation, for the good of us, our wives, and our little ones.
And one said, There is a certain Doctor* in the south country, the same who consented not to come to those who went out from us, peradventure he will hearken to our call.
And the saying pleased the people; so when a day was appointed they came together to ask counsel, and to give their advice in this matter; and it came to pass that it was the Doctor’s hap to be chosen by the Congregation.
So they sent unto him according to the tenor thereof, and besought him, saying, Come over and be with us, and take charge of our souls, and whatsoever is right that will we give unto thee.
But he would not for a while, and the people to whom he ministered were moved with choler against the Congregation, and said unto them, He is our servant; it is not lawful for you to covet him or take him from us.
And they answered softly and said, O ye brethren, if he were your private servant, reason would that we should not covet him, but he being the servant of the whole Church, and of the Head of the Church, it is meet that he be left at liberty to go whithersoever the Spirit bids him.
So it was agreed that they should go up
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* Rev. William Symington, D.D., Stranraer.
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to the bishops and elders, and ask counsel about this matter.
And when the whole multitude were come together, they considered the thing, and after much disputation it was decreed by the bishops and elders that the Doctor have liberty to go with the men, or remain with his former people, as seemeth him good.
Now he had oftentimes by prayer and supplication besought Him with whom is the residue of the Spirit, that He would with His eye set upon him, vouchsafe direction in this great matter.
Also he had laid to heart the doings of the Lord, and carefully considered the operation of His hand in this thing, (for he had said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?) being once, and again, and a third time, called to the same city.
And assuredly gathering that the Lord had called him there, he, when the bishops and deacons asked him, Wilt thou go with these men? answered, I will go.
And when all the Congregation heard it, they were exceeding glad, and rejoiced for the consolation.
But the people among whom he had laboured, were as men chafed in their minds; and two brethren were sent to quiet their spirit in the south country.
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CHAPTER XVIII.
And a day was appointed, even the eleventh day of the seventh month, that the Doctor should be set apart for the services of the Sanctuary in the Congregation.
And when the time drew nigh that he should leave the people in the south country, a great multitude were gathered together out of the towns and villages round about, on the Sabbath day, and he preached unto them,
And read in the Word of the Lord, saying, And now, behold, I go bound in the Spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there;
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Wherefore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men.
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For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified.
And when he had prayed, they sang an hymn, and he bade them farewell, and many of them wept much, and when he sat down, he also wept very sore.
CHAPTER XIX.
And it came to pass that the Doctor took his journey by ship, and his wife, and his sons and his daughters, and all his substance brought he on their way; and he sat in the ship, and when he looked toward the land he sighed and wept bitterly.
The next day towards eventide, when the mariners had brought the ship to the haven whither he went, he was received joyfully.
For divers of the Brethren had gone down as far as the taverns to meet him, whom when he saw he took courage and gave thanks, and he was received gladly, and was brought on his way to the house of Onesiphorus,* where he should lodge.
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* James Reid, Esq.
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And on the day appointed the Congregation was assembled as one man, and the Doctor stood before them, and was, by solemn prayer and supplication set apart as watchman on this watch tower.
Then the whole Congregation with gladness of heart sang an hymn of praise to God, for His mercy faileth never; and the assembly was dismissed.
On the next Sabbath day a great multitude was gathered together, and the Doctor appeared among them; and his own brother Andrew, who is also a Doctor,* and whose praise is likewise in the Churches, preached unto the people,
And read the word of the Lord to Paul in a vision of the night, saying, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
The Doctor then preached to his new flock from these words, “Commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”
And in process of time the people multiplied greatly, and, living in peace are edified, and have good coming to their souls.
And the Doctor continues till this day, labouring in word and doctrine, preaching dili-
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* Dr Andrew Symington, Paisley.
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gently to his people repentance toward God, and faith in Jesus Christ our Lord,
Putting them in mind to be subject to all lawful authority, to speak evil of no man, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men,
Waiting for the consolation of Israel. His pen is as the pen of a ready writer touching the “King;” His large and great “Dominion,” and the “At-one-ment” which He made. Even before his translation he had this testimony. Amen.
CHAPTER XX.
And it came to pass as the Congregation from year to year increased greatly, that a set day was appointed month by month, and many parents and their offspring came to be baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
And when some of the brethren had waxen poor, and many needy were in the city and in the Congregation, those in whom the love of God dwelt shut not their bowels of compassion; but ministered to them of their abundance.
And certain devout women as Jemima, and Rebecca, and Kezia, and Rachel, and Sarah, and Ruth, and Mary, and Dorcas, with labour of love made coats and aprons for the destitute, and widows’ hearts were made to sing for joy.
Now about this time the Pastor of the
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Congregation was sick; and his sickness was very grievous, but prayer was made for him without ceasing by the Congregation; and the Lord was entreated of them, so that his sickness was not unto death.
And the Lord had mercy on him and raised him up again; and great joy was among all his people when he came into the sanctuary and ministered as he was wont.
And when he stood up before all the Congregation he read Esaias the Prophet. The place of the Scripture which he read was the writing of Hezekiah, King of Judah, when he had been sick and was recovered of his sickness.
And he began at the same Scripture, and he preached unto them Jesus. And he gave thanks to God who had not given him over to death; but that he should still declare the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
And after this the Doctor’s eldest daughter was espoused to Timotheus,* a minister of the Word at Athens; and she clave unto him, and her father and her mother and her brethren sent her away in peace.
And at that time his eldest son desired the office of a Bishop. Now he was learned in the schools of the prophets.
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* Rev. W. H. Goold, Edinburgh.
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So when the Rulers had given him license, he preached Christ boldly in divers places; and the people heard him gladly.
CHAPTER XXII.
And it came to pass after many days that the Lord yet again visited the Pastor of the Congregation with sore sickness, whereby he was pressed out of measure, so that he even despaired of life.
But he trusted not in himself, but in God who raiseth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
And he was delivered from this great death also; the people of the Congregation helping together by their prayers for him, so that afterwards, thanks were given by many on his behalf.
At the same time also his sons and his daughters were overtaken with trouble, but the Lord healed their diseases and pains, and delivered them from the power of the grave.
And the Congregation rejoiced greatly with them, and gave thanks to God, for His mercy endureth for ever.
In the same year a certain young man of the Congregation, Hilkiah* by name, the son of
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* Rev. William Binnie.
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Benaiah, of the sons of the prophets, desired the office of a Bishop.
And the Rulers of the Church communed divers times with the young man, whether he was apt to teach or no, and when they perceived that he was mighty in the Scriptures, and able to teach others also, they gave him license.
So he went forth, and taught in the towns and in the villages, as utterance was given unto him.
And it came to pass when the faithful in Gibeon* had heard him once and again, and a third time, then they said one to another, Come, let us speak unto this young man, even Hilkiah, that he come and minister unto us.
And they took counsel, and called Hilkiah (now the young man was of a fair countenance to look upon, and well favoured withal).
And the Bishops and the Deacons being assembled, answered and said unto Hilkiah, Wilt thou go unto the Gibeonites, and preach the Gospel unto them? and the young man answered quickly, I go, Sir.
And the Doctor took the young man and brought him unto Gibeon, and set him before them, and preached unto them, and said, Fear not, little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
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* Stirling.
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And the young man stood up and read in the Scriptures one third part of the day, and preached, saying, Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you, in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
And they heard him gladly.
CHAPTER XXV.
Now Jeduthan,* the chief singer, had been of a long time set over the service of song in the Congregation; and he was sick, and his natural force was abated.
And the Congregation considered the thing, and said one to another, He hath been many days our servant, neither hath he transgressed our commandment at any time.
We will choose another fit person in his room, but we shall not minish ought of the wages that he hath heretofore received.
So the Congregation chose Bartimeus.† And he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.
And the Doctor exhorted the Congregation to teach one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs; that they should sing skilfully,
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* John Rodger.
† John T. Wright, who was blind.
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and with the understanding also, making melody in their hearts.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Now the Doctor’s younger son, Theophilus,* had of a child known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make wise unto salvation, and was learned in the law and in the testimony; and moreover was found apt to teach others also.
And the Bishops and the Deacons had given him charge in the sight of Him who quickeneth all things, to preach the Word of reconciliation, even peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So when he had declared the testimony of God in divers places, he journeyed to Dumah,† and preached to the brethren there three Sabbath days.
And as he had been instructed, he let no man despise his youth; and the brethren in Dumah courteously intreated him, and heard him gladly.
Not many days after, the men of Dumah assembled themselves, and consulted with the Rulers, and they agreed that they should call the young man; and they sent unto him, saying, Come and minister unto us, and we will give you your wages.
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* Rev. A. M. Symington.
† Dumfries.
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And immediately he conferred not with flesh and blood; but committed his way unto Him who is able to keep him from falling.
So the Doctor took him and set him before the Church at Dumah, and charged him, saying, Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Now the Doctor’s brother Andrew, in a good old age, had given up the ghost; and they buried him at his own house, and mourned many days.
And the Doctor lamented him and said, Ah! my brother. And the whole Church lamented him; and all the sons of the prophets lamented him, and said, My father, my father!
For of a long season he had gone out and in among them, and taught them, the deep things of God. The memory of the just shall be blessed.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
. . . . . . .
Now after his brother had slept with his fathers, the Doctor was chosen of the churches, that he should certain days, year by year, take upon him the care of the prophets’ sons,
That he should teach them more perfectly
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the deep things of God in which work his brother had oftentimes proved diligent.
And Timotheus,* a faithful brother who is not a whit behind the chiefest of the brethren, was also separated to take part in this work and service.
And it came to pass after many days that tidings, like cold water to a thirsty soul, came from Philip,† who had been sent to the uttermost part of the earth, to preach the Gospel of the grace of God to the heathen there,
Saying that the barbarous people had received the word; for aforetime they had no vision, but had set up the wood of their graven images, and prayed unto a god that cannot save.
And the rulers, specially they who labour in word and doctrine, thanked God and took courage, and they prayed the Lord of the harvest that He would send forth more labourers into His harvest.
For they had said one to another, Whom shall we send? and who will go for us? to strengthen the hands of Philip, and teach the heathen round about the manner of our God.
Then there arose two young men in the Congregation, of the sons of the prophets, and
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* Rev. W. H. Goold, D.D.
† Rev. John Inglis, Aneityum.
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answered the rulers, saying, Here are we, send us; and the thing pleased the assembled elders and the whole church.
So the young men were separated to the work of the ministry, and when they had laid their hands on the young men, John and Joseph,* and recommended them to the grace of God, they sent them away.
And they were honoured with many honours; and when they departed, they laded them with such things as were necessary. And they had a prosperous journey by the will of God.
CHAPTER XXIX.
At that time certain young men in the Congregation, of the sons of the prophets, had addicted themselves to the ministry, as Didymus,† Jonathan‡ and Samuel,∥ able men, men of activity, being instructed in the mysteries of the kingdom, and judged to be faithful, were set apart to the ministry of reconciliation, and they departed to their several places.
Didymus to Laodicea,§ in the room of
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* Rev. John G. Paton and Rev. Joseph Copeland.
† Rev. Thomas Ramage.
‡ Rev. John Torrance.
∥ Rev. David Taylor.
§ Kilmarnock.
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Lemuel, who was not suffered to continue by reason of death; Jonathan to Tadmor* in the wilderness, and Samuel to Smyrna.†
And the Doctor began to be about threescore and five years of age, and he said unto the people after the tenor of these words: Ye know, my brethren, how through much weakness of the flesh, I have endeavoured to preach the glorious Gospel by the space of forty years.
I would desire to thank our Divine Master, who Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sickness, for His grace and goodness wherewith I have been sustained, and led and fed me all my life long; notwithstanding of many shortcomings in the path of duty.
It is known unto you, my brethren, how that once and again I have been brought low, even to the gates of death, and although I have obtained help of God, yet I know that my days are declining as a shadow.
I cannot tell at what time my Master may be pleased to lay me aside, or call me away from His vineyard; and I beseech my dear brethren to consider the matter, and look out for one to take part of this ministry with me, that after my decease, he may take charge of your immortal souls.
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* Colmonell.
† Ayr.
222 THE CHRONICLES OF THE CONGREGATION.
And the thing pleased the Congregation, and the brethren communed with one another on this behalf, and reasoned with one another, saying, The thing is not good that our pastor alone should bear the burden and heat of the day any longer.
One said, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Consider, and speak your minds.
Another arose and answered, saying, Mine opinion is, that there is none like minded who will naturally care for his state, like the elder son of our Pastor, that as a son with the father he may serve with him in the Gospel.
Moreover, we know the proof of him that he is endued with many gifts for the work of the ministry, and is able and apt to teach others also.
And the saying pleased the Congregation; and they sent unto the young man (now he had ministered to the men of Azoytus* by the space of twelve years), saying,
CHAPTER XXX.
Our aged pastor, who is dear to us, is desirous, by reason of often infirmities, that we should look out for one to take part of the ministry with him, and that after his decease might take charge of our souls.
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* Castle Douglas.
THE CHRONICLES OF THE CONGREGATION. 223
Now therefore we intreat and call you to come, and take charge of our souls, in helping together with our beloved Pastor; and we covenant to yield dutiful obedience to you in the Lord, and also to give what is right for your sustentation.
But the young man was sore perplexed, and could not for a while; but he was called again the “second time,” and the rulers loosed him from his charge, and let him go. And he was translated to the Congregation.
And he was received with great joy, and the whole multitude were gathered together in a large room, and they ate and drank in his presence with gladness of heart.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
And it came to pass that after two full years the young pastor of the Congregation fell sick, and waxed lean from day to day, but his father was in good health.
And the physician counselled the young man that he should depart unto another country for a season, and peradventure his strength might return to him again as aforetime.
So he hearkened to their counsel, and took his wife, and his elder daughter, and journeyed a great way off, and there abode thirty days.
224 THE CHRONICLES OF THE CONGREGATION.
But prayer effectual and fervent was ofttimes made for the young man by the Doctor his father, and by many persons in the Congregation; and he began to mend.
But grief was near; The Lord was about to say unto His faithful aged servant, Ye have dwelt long enough on this mount, come up higher; and he fell sick of the sickness whereof he died.
And when the Sabbath was come he must needs go and preach to the congregation; and with much infirmity of the flesh, he read the word of the Lord, saying, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
And again, in the after part of the day, he read the words of the prophet Jeremiah, saying, It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. And charging them that are rich in this world that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth all things richly to enjoy.
That they do good, that they be rich in
THE CHRONICLES OF THE CONGREGATION. 225
good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. He then went home to his couch from which he had come in the morning, and where he was called in this time of need to exercise the patience which he had already added to temperance, and knowledge, and virtue, and faith.
And one told the young pastor, saying, Behold, thy father is sick; and he took his wife, and his daughter, and made haste to see his father.
And the doctor’s disease waxed worse and worse, and at last he fell on sleep in the presence of his sorrowing wife, and his sons and daughters.
He died in the bright hope and expectation of being with Jesus, which is far better. His lamp was burning, he had oil in his vessel, and when the midnight cry was made, he was ready to go in with the bridegroom.
He came to his grave as a shock of corn cometh in his season; and they carried him to his burial, and they mourned for him with a great and sore lamentation.
And they laid his body in a sepulchre hewn out of a rock, on the highest part of the city, and no man had lain in that grave before.
226 THE CHRONICLES OF THE CONGREGATION.
And the Congregation and many ministers of the Gospel, besides a mixed multitude, ascended the high place, and saw where the body was laid.
And it came to pass after these things, in the fiftieth year of his servitude in the Congregation, that blindness in part happened to the doorkeeper, and he sought unto the physician, who after examination had, answered and said, Thou shalt be altogether blind and never see the sun.
And the man was much moved and sore vexed, but he held his peace, and thought on the blind beggar who cried, “Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.”
The words of the doorkeeper are ended.
Some years ago, a handsome slab of black marble, bearing the following inscription, was placed in the Western lobby of the Church:—
IN MEMORY OF
THE FAITHFUL MINISTERS
OF THE FIRST
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION.
THE REV. JOHN M‘MILLAN,
FORMERLY OF BALMAGHIE,
MINISTER FROM 1706 TILL 1753.
THE REV. JOHN M‘MILLAN,
FORMERLY OF PENTLAND,
MINISTER AT SANDHILLS AND CALTON,
1765 TILL 1808.
THE REV. JOHN FAIRLEY,
COLLEAGUE WITH THE REV. JOHN M‘MILLAN,
1794 TILL 1807.
THE REV. DAVID ARMSTRONG,
MINISTER IN CALTON AND THIS CHURCH,
1815 TILL 1838.
THE REV. WILLIAM SYMINGTON, D.D.,
FORMERLY OF STRANRAER,
1839 TILL 1862.
THE REV. WILLIAM SYMINGTON, D.D.,
FORMERLY OF CASTLE DOUGLAS,
1859 TILL 1879.