A/T the time we have now reached there was a strong reaction against moderatism and rationalism, and a tendency to return to the ****** faith of the Bible; and a reconciliation of Scotch philosophy and evangelism was openly proclaimed.Ministers from the pulpit, and theologians in the divinity halls, were employing the principles of the mind and of morality to support the peculiar truths of Christianity.If there be a moral law, it points to a law-giver.If that law be immutable and unbending it shows that man is a sinner; it points to the need of an atonement, and requires such evangelical graces as humility, faith, and repentance.We have a fine exemplification of this union of philosophy and evangelism in Dr.David Welsh.He belonged to a " God-fearing " family residing in that somewhat bare but romantic sheep country in which the rivers Clyde, Tweed, and Annan rise.He was born Dec.11, 1793, was educated first by a private tutor, next at the parish school of Moffat, then at the high school of Edinburgh, and thence went to the university.There he fell, in 1808-9, under the attractive influence of Dr.Brown, "who admitted him to much and intimate intercourse, directed him in his private studies, discussed with him the subjects of his reading, and aided in cultivating his taste for polite literature." When in the university he devoted himself carefully to composition, and afterwards recommended the habit to his pupils."I cannot conceive it possible for a young man to think very closely or profoundly upon any subject if he does not commit his thought,; to paper.Aconfused idea, a kind of half comprehension, a partial glimpse of any subject, will satisfy every person -- I mean every young person -- who has not to make an immediate use of his information upon that subject.But if you have to write upon the subject, an indefinite conception will not suffice: the cur rent of your thoughts is arrested; you are compelled calmly and deliberately to revolve and to consider, and the consequence necessarily must be that you arrive at clear and comprehensive views." {409}
He was licensed to preach in 1816, but in these days of patronage did not get a church till 1821, when lie was settled in Crossmichael, a peaceful country parish among the hills of Galloway.There he was a much beloved and respected pastor for six years, and there he wrote his life of Dr.
