had been my pupil, but was now an advocate high in the law. They
likewise were kind also. In short, every body in Edinburgh were in
a manner wearisome kind, and we could scarcely find time to see the
Castle and the palace of Holyrood-house, and that more sanctified
place, where the Maccabeus of the Kirk of Scotland, John Knox, was
wont to live.

Upon my introduction to his grace the Commissioner, I was delighted
and surprised to find the Lord Eaglesham at the levee, and his
lordship was so glad on seeing me, that he made me more kenspeckle
than I could have wished to have been in his grace's presence; for,
owing to the same, I was required to preach before his grace, upon a
jocose recommendation of his lordship; the which gave me great
concern, and daunted me so that in the interim I was almost bereft
of all peace and studious composure of mind. Fain would I have
eschewed the honour that was thus thrust upon me; but both my wife
and Mrs M'Vicar were just lifted out of themselves with the thought.

When the day came, I thought all things in this world were loosened
from their hold, and that the sure and steadfast earth itself was
grown coggly beneath my feet, as I mounted the pulpit. With what
sincerity I prayed for help that day! and never stood man more in
need of it; for through all my prayer the congregation was so
watchful and still, doubtless to note if my doctrine was orthodox,
that the beating of my heart might have been heard to the uttermost
corners of the kirk.

I had chosen as my text, from Second Samuel, xixth chapter and 35th
verse, these words--"Can I hear any more the voice of singing men
and singing women? Wherefore, then, should thy servant be yet a