The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

656
The Highland Monthly.
As the minister proceeded with his devotions, the elder,
remembering said sermon, and afraid for his reputation at
this early stage of his church career, drew quietly towards
the open window of the smithy, and disappeared. After a
furtive glance around, his example was followed by the
shoemaker ; M'Taggart, the miller, hesitated, but remem-
bered that he had a child to baptise, and made his
exit just as the minister touched upon "those who
idled away their time while eternity was at their
elbows." This reference was too pointed for the nerves of
the schoolmaster (concealed behind the door), and he
squeezed his corpulent frame through the window just as a
group of his most mischievous pupils happened to pass
They stared, then giggled, and the dominie concluded that
his flight from Grace had met with its just reward. Next
to the schoolmaster, who was more important than the
beadle? Adopting this view, this official pocketed his
snuff-mull, kept his eye steadily on the minister's hat, and
in a trice was outside the building. Left alone, the smith
began to feel nervous. What should he do ? It was not
yet breakfast time, and his duty was to remain and work ;
but then it would be an exceedingly awkward matter to
account for his companions. By this time the minister had
reached the parish, which meant that his devotions were
drawing to a close The smith was considered the bravest
man in the village; but face the parson in such circumstances.
never
All might have been well, even should Mr Cameron
have found himself saying " amen " in an empty smithy.
But good intentions sometimes miscarry. The clerk of
the Presbytery; who had had occasion to quarrel with Mr
Cameron on sundry matters, ecclesiastical and routine,
passed just as the blacksmith dropped from the window,
and, seeing the door open, looked in to see what was wrong.
He found his brotlier minister alone, fervently praying for
George the Third ; and he chuckled — a failing which
ministers have in common with other human beings. The