Presbyterian Church, to be called the
"William Anderson Scholarships." In acknowledging the gift the recipient
made a characteristic speech, remarking that "in '68, in the course of
one month, I preached (at canonical hours, observe) in an Independent
Church, an Established Church, a Free Church, and a Methodist Church. A
short time before that I had preached in a Baptist Church; and, latterly
I have preached in two churches of the Evangelical Union, and I have had
a Sabbath afternoon of more than common congeniality of feeling in
fellowship with a church of the Reformed Presbyterians."

REV. DR. JOHN KER.

Glasgow seems to be peculiarly favourable to the growth of United
Presbyterianism. It is the great stronghold of that body--the garrison
from which they send out skirmishing parties all over the world. Some of
the wealthiest congregations, as well as some of the ablest ministers in
Glasgow belong to this denomination. The "dissidence of dissent" has
found favour in the eyes of our merchant princes, and among all ranks
and conditions of men the views which, when promulgated by Ebenezer
Erskine, caused a shudder to pass through the lines of the hard and
fast, albeit not over conscientious theologians of his day, are now
hailed with toleration and cordial approval. The growth of United
Presbyterianism is one of the most remarkable chapters in our
ecclesiastical history. The principles upon which this particular form
of creed are founded must be sound at the core, otherwise they could
never have achieved such signal and lasting triumphs; but their
development was entrusted to men of rare energy, discrimination, and
ability--men who have left behind them no unworthy prototypes, although
the lines have fallen to the latter in more pleasant places, and their
heritage is of a more excellent kind.

The Rev. Dr. John Ker occupies, as his character and accomplishments
entitle him to do, a prominent place among the "reverend fathers and
brethren" of the United Presbyterian Church. He was born at Tweedsmuir,
in the upland pastoral district of Peeblesshire, where his father was a
farmer. Here he spent the first years of his childhood, a circumstance
which had probably more influence on his future character and tendencies
than might be supposed on the first blush. "The boy is father to the
man," and while he was yet a mere child, Dr. Ker was laying up a store
of memoranda bearing upon the romantic vicissitudes of the "go