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[But he was able to render his talents as a farmer and a country gentleman, more directly subservient to the interests of the gospel. The Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge, having resolved to vest " part of their increasing capital in land, turned their view to him, as best qualified to direct them in carrying this salutary measure into effect. They purchased at the rates at which he had appreciated them, the estates of Whitecastle, in the shire of Lanark, Glenriddel, in the shire of Dumfries, and ThraeeveGrange, in the stewartry of Kirkcudbright. The two last of these estates he took under his own management. He directed the improvement of them, let the leases, superintended the operations of the tenants, uplifted and remitted the rents, all without any fee or reward.. That part of the Society's capital which was thus secured, is already more than double in value, and must continue to increase progressively, whereas money lent at interest must suffer depreciation in proportion as the country advances in prosperity. On each of the estates in Dum

fries-shire and Galloway-shire, a school was erected soon after they had changed their pro prietors; and at these schools many young persons have been successfully instructed in the ordinary branches of education, and in the principles and duties of our holy religion. The directors of the society, abun dantly convinced of the importance of Dr Johnston's services, gave the most handsome testimonies of their approbation and grati tude; and generations unborn will have real son to bless the power that raised him up to Co-operate in labours of love, with one of the most respectable and useful institutions that ever existed in this or any other country. He did more to strengthen their hands than many who have been in circumstances to bestow splendid donations and legacies.

As a landed proprietor, he was associated with the freeholders, commissioners of sup ply, and heritors of his native county. He had thus opportunities of promoting its general improvement, its good government and peace. His public spirit, loyalty, and attachment, to the British constitution were

well known to the noblemen and gentlemen in whose deliberations it was his right and privilege to bear a part. He was not among the least zealous to support lawful autho rity, and, in times of peculiar danger, to guard the realm against the attack of domestic and of foreign foes. Whether he had to de-liver his sentiments on public measures, or was called on for pecuniary aid, he was ready to prove, that the man who fears God will honour the king, and avoid middling with those who are given to change.

Such a variety of active engagements may seem to have required the sacrifice of a considerable portion of time: But the whole of those hours, during which he was absent from his flock or his study, were not lost to the interests of both. While superintending the labourers employed by him, or travelling to places where his presence was required, he frequently revolved in his mind the important subjects on which he was to address his congregation, or posterity. He does not seem in early life to have formed any design of becoming an author: But the pressing solicita

tions of those who considered the knowledge he had acquired as too precious to be lost, and his own conviction that he might thus become more extensively useful to mankind, disposed him to become their instructor from the press. The subjects upon which he chose to write are in themselves highly important, and such as he had investigated with care, and fully understood.

Of his works that which was produced at the greatest expence of time and labour, is, A Commentary on the Revelation of St. John the Divine, in 2 vols. octavo, published at Edinburgh 1794.

The Apocalypse is less generally studied and understood than any other portion of the word of God. The unlearned reader approaches it with solemn awe; and when he finds it to baffle his powers of interpretation, is ready to shut it in despair. Even of those who are addicted to theological researches, many have been led to conclude, that it must be left to the course of events to remove the veil of mystery thrown over the predictions.

by which they are announced. But if the authenticity and inspiration of this book be established, as they are, by irrefragable proofs, if we are forbidden to expect a new revelation by which it is to be explained, we must be chargeable with wilful ignorance, if we avail not ourselves of the means of information that are in our power. The Gos'pel is hid from them that are lost: But they whose senses and understandings are daily exercised, may by it be made wise unto salvation. It were absurd to suppose that the Father of lights hath addressed a benighted world, in unintelligible terms; or that the truths to which he requires their assent are placed beyond all human search. A concealed revelation is a solecism in language. As well may we defend the practice of giving the scriptures to the people in an unknowntongue, as suppose that, in any part of these scriptures, an impenetrable medium is used for the transmission of thought. True it is, that no man will read savingly and to profit, who is not guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth. But this celestial agent doth not