Scotland/Scots > Life of John Knox ; and, The life of Alexander Henderson

4G LIFE OF ALEXANDER HENDERSON.
it would be improper to overlook his qualifications for
assisting ecclesiastical judicatories, and particularly the
supreme council of the church to which he belonged, in
which he repeatedly occupied the situation of moderator.
In all large, deliberative, and free assemblies, the pre¬
servation of order and expediting of business, depend
greatly upon the talents and conduct of the person who
acts as president; It is much to the credit of the sub¬
ject of this memoir, that, in the assemblies in which he
presided, there was no uproar, disorder, or indecency,
although the times were turbulent, and that in the mul¬
tiplicity of business which pressed upon them, confusion
was avoided. His character, appearance, and behaviour,
procured him respect both from his brethren in the
ministry, and those who acted as elders. With great
dexterity he interposed, when there was any appearance
of lieat between the speakers ; and ever, on such occa¬
sions, acted the part of a moderator. He knew how to
bear with the scruples, and even the humours of good
men, and at the same time to check unreasonable and
wilful disobedience to necessary orders. Without in¬
fringing the liberty of the Court, he could urge on a
vote, or put a stop to tedious debate and desultory con¬
versation. It was his custom, as moderator, to intro¬
duce an important question with a short speech, in which
he gave a perspicuous view of the cause ; and on its dis¬
cussion he also said a few words, recapitulating the
grounds of the Assembly’s judgment. The pertinent
and religious reflections which he threw in on remarka¬
ble occurrences, had often a most happy effect, some¬
times filling the Assembly with deep concern, at other
times cheering and elevating their minds amidst dis¬
couragements and heaviness. But among all his quali¬
fications, what deserves particular attention, was that
faculty of fervent, sweet, and appropriate prayer which
he exercised without flagging, through all the assemblies
in which he moderated.
In consequence of his unremitted employment in