This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879 edition. Excerpt: ... the "pen folk," "At 31 Wellmeadow, Paisley, on the 31st ult., Mr. William Dickie, aged 94 years." ouch was the obituary notice, in the Paisley and Renfrewshire Gazette of January 7th, 187 r, of that venerable man-r-the last link remaining in this country of a brave, hale-hearted band, who stood forth in defence of ecclesiastical freedom at a time when its champions were few and dissent reckoned akin to infidelity. He outlived all his compeers, and, at his great age, all worth living for, except the fulfilment of his Father's promise of the "rest that remaineth," in which he had unwavering trust. To the younger generation of his brethren some traits of the child-like simplicity, and genuine though unconscious humility of William Dickie, might now and then become apparent; but those only who enjoyed his confidence could estimate the value of his rare truthfulness, and, under a somewhat brusque manner, the womanly tenderness of his affections. Those to whom he was not known might have readily concluded, from a casual interview, that he was ignorant, vulgar, bigoted; yet such judgment would have been beside the truth on each point. He was not an educated man; indeed, few who labour as he did for his daily bread can be reckoned educated--in the popular acceptation of the term. But few even of the educated class are so well informed; and fewer still generalise their knowledge, or trace the connection between one topic and another with such clearness and accuracy of detail, as did old William Dickie. He was plain-spoken, but never rude, never vulgar; and his apparent bigotry arose from his thorough honesty, and the directness which springs from strong loving conviction. His unassuming geniality and deep sympathy with the afflicted, and quiet...