Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from The Religious Anecdotes of Scotland
There has been of late a great desire to enter upon the study, more or less minutely, of the particulars of indi vidual lives. This has risen, in the main, from a motive worthy of all praise. It has been said that the proper study of mankind is man, and in harmony with this idea, the desire has been developed, to know the details of the lives of those who have really lived, and who have made an impression on the minds of their contemporaries. Hence the numerous biographies, and volumes similar to the present, which have made their appearance.
It is somewhat difficult to define an Anecdote, and yet most people know it when it is placed before them. The word anecdote does not now bear its original significance, which was a secret history, something unedited and un published. On the contrary it means the reverse Of this. It is not a story, nor a description, nor yet a connected series of stories. Taken, in its manifest and more correct form, as now understood, it is a particular, separated in eident, Of an interesting nature, which is a complete unity in itself. It thus presents a complete mental picture, and like pictures generally, is Of a nature to arrest attention and instruct. Those who have a cultivated mind can at once discriminate an anecdote from what is like it, and will be able to appreciate what it makes known, while others do not trouble themselves about its nature, but seek to understand what it means. But all have a liking for the detached fact, which makes them feel that they can see deeper into the working of the human soul, and understand the emotions and motives which rule there. This gives the anecdote an attractive power, which cul ture does not destroy, but refine, and which is common to man as man.
Scotch literature abounds with anecdotes of all kinds, and all degrees Of excellency. This was to be expected from the strongly marked traits of Scotch character and the strength and massiveness of those who have made Scottish history. Especially, is this true of the religious side Of Scottish history. That history is the record of struggle, severe contests, secessions, protests, sufferings, and progress. These gave rise to incidents of interest, which have a meaning, and these incidents have been cherished in the memory of the people. Thus the religious anecdotes of Scotland are, as it were, a minor history, which brings the noble of the past, close to those who live, that they may be inspired with their spirit and led to imitate their example. This is done in a pleasant manner by gaining a knowledge of the men of the past, their manner of life, their spirit, and the circumstances of their lot.
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