As it has bless’d the past;
He lov’d us from the first of time,
He loves us to the last.”
Not the least surprising of the forenoon’s incidents was the amount of the collection. It had been debated whether there should be any made on the occasion, but Mr. Taylor was most determined to have one. “Bring an offering with you,” said he, “is as plain a command as, Come into His courts;” and he undertook to provide and to stand at “the plates,” which were placed just inside the gate of the Annie Green. The result surprised Mr. Taylor. I have since learned that many borrowed of their neighbours, and that the amount put in as the congregation retired was larger than that made as they entered. The sum was £29, 13s. 3d.
George, of course, took dinner with us, and a few country friends joined who wished to be at the evening service. I had been struck with the worn appearance of the knees of George’s clothes compared with the fresh “nap” on the other parts; but I observed that, when asking a blessing before meat, and returning thanks after it, he rubbed his hands firmly over his knees, moving his body backwards and forwards, and speaking louder as he began the forward motion. His exercises were longer than are usual in such cases, and I found on further acquaintance with him that they were stereotyped, generally containing, “May we go up through the wilderness of this world, leaning on the staff of Him who is the beloved of our souls. May we sit under His shadow with great delight, and find His fruit sweet unto our taste. Bless and sanctify all Thy ways and dealings towards us,” etc. When remarking on the sermon, he also rubbed his knees and discoursed rather than conversed about it.
The evening service was better attended than the forenoon one. The burst of music was overpowering as the 46th Psalm was being sung:—
“God is our refuge and our strength,
In straits a present aid,” etc.
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The sermon was from these words, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” It was a grand sermon, suitable for all times. At the close, in a few moderately worded sentences, Mr. Barrie referred to the special circumstances under which they had met, and stated that they would meet in the same place next Sabbath, the first Sabbath of June, the anniversary of the battle of Drumclog; and he waxed eloquent as he held up John Brown of Priesthill’s Bible, and referred to the other relics before him, until the audience felt the martyr spirit, and were sorry that he concluded so soon.