nestness that is strangely at variance
with the levity and looseness common to nearly all ranks and conditions
of Englishmen. But while their peculiar form of training has thus
exercised a powerful influence in moulding the character and stamping
the genius of the Scottish people with the sign manual of dogmatism,
otherwise called the _perfervidum Scotorum_, it has also assisted to
secure for Scottish preachers a world-wide reputation for eloquence and
power. Flippancy and sciolism may pass muster at the bar, or even in the
Senate House; but to be effective, the pulpit must possess in a high
degree the qualities of earnestness and an ability to "prove all
things." Few men have been more strongly fortified with these essentials
to success than Dr. William Andersen, minister of John Street United
Presbyterian Church, Glasgow. Born in the year 1799, Dr. Anderson is now
in his seventy-third year. His father was the Rev. John Anderson,
Relief Minister in Kilsyth, who lived to the great age of ninety-two
years, and was in some respects equally as remarkable as his more
celebrated son. Conspicuous for his extensive spiritual knowledge,
vigorous mind, and strong logical power, the father of Dr. Anderson took
a prominent part in the religious controversies of the early part of the
present century. Besides William he had other two sons, both of whom
became ministers of the U.P. Church, and one of whom became his father's
assistant and successor. After receiving the rudiments of his education
at the parish school, Dr. Anderson entered Glasgow University, where he
proved more than an average student. It is worthy of remark, too, that
he laboured under difficulties as a student, which, although by no means
uncommon in our own day, would likely tend to retard the progress of his
studies. His father having only a limited stipend could ill afford to
provide for the expenses contingent on the education of his numerous
family, and we find that William was not above eking out his limited
resources while at the University by undertaking private tuition. Almost
immediately after he was licensed as a minister of the gospel, Dr.
Anderson received a call to John Street U.P. Church, Glasgow--his first
and only charge. This was in the year 1822 when William was only in his
twenty-third year. At the time he entered upon the charge of John Street
Church, the congregation was in anything but a flourishing condition.
Rent by dissentions from without a