“It has always been my opinion,” he said, “that all reformation should proceed from within, if it is to be effective. The reforms wrought in Scotland in the fifteenth and subsequent centuries were altogether too revolutionary and iconoclastic. If the spiritually-minded of those days had only been guided by the example of Savonarola, who reformed without breaking the unity of the Body, things would have been altogether different in Scotland to-day. There is a large and growing school of thought in the Presbyterian Established Church of Scotland, that is longing, and praying, and working for a return to primitive ideals, and to that school I belong. Were I to throw in my lot with the Historic Church--the Body that truly ‘continues in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers,’ I would undoubtedly gain many spiritual privileges for myself. But what about the flock committed to my care? I believe it is my duty to stay where I am, and to teach the Faith as fully as it can be taught from the formularies to which I have vowed allegiance. The proselytising of individuals will never bring about corporate unity. I think that God will not allow my sacrifice to go unrewarded, but will in His own way make up to me what I deprive myself of by staying where I am.” The good old man was so sincere in all that he said that I felt it would be wrong to enter into an argument which probably would have done no good. That he was fully aware of his own position I learned from a remark made by him some months later. The lord of the manor was a hereditary Episcopalian, but for many years had never entered a church for worship. I found him an exceedingly kind man, ever ready and willing to do kind deeds, to give liberally for any good cause, and to befriend any who stood in need of help; but I could not get him to talk of spiritual things. He died, and I was asked to read the Burial Service over his body when it was laid in the vault beneath the old lady chapel. The service over, a little group stood talking in the graveyard, before setting out for their several homes. One of the old baron’s comrades made the somewhat flippant remark: “Well, it’s a long time since his lordship was in the company of so many clergy.” Quick as thought the doctor replied: “There was only one clergyman here, Colonel.” “What do you mean, doctor? I saw at least half a dozen ministers at the funeral.” “Aye--ministers--but that is a different thing altogether. Mr. Gray was the only cleric present here to-day.” It was as if a bomb had fallen in their midst. “Well, what do you call yourself, doctor?” The old man smiled as he replied: “I am only an elder in the congregation--a teaching elder doubtless, but only an elder. Mr. Gray has Apostolic orders, which I lack.” An elder he remained; but surely if ever any one outside the unity of the historic faith deserved it, he deserved to be reckoned one of the Gentle Persuasion.