“Weel, there are no bags left, and there’s no room in the church, so you cannot get in.”
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP.
This was said without the speaker’s even turning round to see to whom he was speaking. Luckily one of the deacons observed Sir John, who said to him, “Can I not get in? This young man here spoke to me about some bag and ticket, and said I could not get in.”
“Stupid fellow!—beg pardon!—please come this way,” was the reply.
When the poor steward looked round he was so utterly ashamed of himself that he stood speechless. He “catch’t it” from the other stewards, and his evening’s enjoyment was spoiled.
Sir John was shown into the vestry, and when the speaker for the time had concluded, he came to the platform.
The surprise at his appearance added to the warmness of his reception. It seemed as if the audience could not cease their expressions of delight. When silence was restored, Mr. Barrie announced Dr. Guthrie as the next speaker.
Sir John instantly rose and asked to be allowed to say a few words. He first told the story of the children and Dr. Guthrie at the post-office, which made Kennedy the tailor spring first on to the seat, then stand astride on two seats, and wave his Turkey-red and white spotted cotton handkerchief so excitedly, and cheer so loudly, that he had to be taken down almost by force.
After Kennedy was quiet, Sir John said, “I spoke to Mr. Barrie and several of this audience at the time of the Disruption in a way that I now regret. My language was unguarded and unwise. I do not state my present opinions; but I then made publicly some very strong statements which I now wish as publicly to withdraw. Mr. Barrie, and hundreds of ministers besides him, acted like truly Christian heroes, and carried out their conscientious convictions in most difficult and trying circumstances. I honour them for it. But,” turning to the audience, “I honour you, and those who form the membership of the Free Church of Scotland, for the noble, and liberal, and high-toned manner in which you have recognised this heroism, and carried forward so triumphantly the cause for which they contended. The Free Church is in my opinion, in Scotland, THE event of the century, and I can hardly conceive that a more noble testimony to principle could have been possible in any other country in the world.”
Then turning to Dr. Guthrie, he asked to be excused for almost interrupting him; and to the audience for trespassing on their patience when such a speaker as Dr. Guthrie was to follow him.