ADAM GIB.
JAMES PEDDIE.D.D.
WILLIAM PEDDIE.D.T).
THOMAS DUNLOP
GEORGE F.JAMES


REV. JAMES PEDDIE, D.D.

' Doctor Peddie was born of respectable parentage at Perth, February 10, 1759. He was the only son of his parents • and, encouraged by early symptoms of superior capacity and pious disposition, they determined to educate him for the Christian ministry. Having mastered the branches of learning which were to be acquired at the schools of his native town, he, in the fifteenth year of his age, commenced his higher literary and scientific studies in the University of Edinburgh, under such able teachers as Dugald Stewart, Adam Ferguson, and John Robison, and finished the usual curriculum with the reputation of a diligent and successful student. Having, in the summer of 1777, presented himself for examination to the Associate Presbytery of Perth and Dunfermline, he was by them found qualified for entering on the study of theology, and recommended to the care of the Rev. John Brown of Haddington, who was then Professor of Divinity in that department of the Secession to which his parents belonged.

' For five years he prosecuted his studies, under the care of a teacher who is uniformly represented by his students as having possessed in an uncommon degree the power of securing for himself the affections as well as the respect of the young men committed to his tuition, in addition to that of conveying to them clear views of Christian truth, and deep impressions of the reality and importance of

vital religion. Dr. Peddie, through life, was accustomed to speak of the seasons of study spent at Haddington as among the happiest portions of his life, and cherished to the end the most affectionate veneration for the memory of his tutor. Mr. Brown, on the other hand, early discovered the superior powers, the solid attainments, and the firm character of his pupil; was accustomed to speak of him as one of the most promising young men ever under his care; cordially rejoiced when he saw him called to occupy a place for which he knew that his talents peculiarly fitted . him; and had the satisfaction of living to see him rise superior to the difficulties with which, in the commencement of his ministry, he was called to struggle, and give abundant ground to believe that his anticipations of distinguished success and extensive usefulness would be fully realized.

' On completing his theological studies, he was, after the usual course of trial, licensed by the Associate Presbytery of Perth and Dunfermline to preach the gospel, February 6, 1782. His services as a preacher were highly estimated by the churches, and in the month of October he was called to be the minister of Bristo congregation.