American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1822-08-02
From "Ligdts and Shadows Of Scottish life"
AN HOUR IN THE MANSE.

Supper was 10 be administered in the Parish OF
Deauside and the minister, venerable in old age
OF authority by the power OF his talent and learn
ing, almost feared for his sanctity, yet witha be-
loved for genteness and compassion that had never
been found wanting, when required either by the
msfortunes or errors of any of his flock had de-
ve,ed for several successive Sa5baths, to full con-
gregations, sermons on the proper preparation OF
commandments in that awful ordinance. The old
man was follower Of Calvin and many, who had
listened to him with resolution IN their hearts 10
approach the table OF the Redeemer, felt SO awe
stricken aud awakened at the conclusion OF his eX-
hortatlons that they gave their souls another year
to mediate on what they had heard and by pure
and humhle course of life, to render themselves less
unworthy to partake the mysterious and holy bread
and wine.
The good old man received in the Manse, for a
couple of hours every evening, such of his pa sh
toner's as came to signify their wish to partake of
the sacrament and it was then noted that though
he III nowlse departed, in his conversation with
them at such times, from the spirit of those doc.
trnes which he had delivered from the pulpit, yet
his manner was milder, and more soothng, and full
of encou agement SO that many who went to him
almost with qualling hearts, departed in tranquility
and peace, and looked forward 10 that most impress
sve and solemn act Of the christian religion, with
calm and glad anticipation. The old man thought
truly and justly, that few, If any, would come to the
1nanse, aitel having heard him in the kirk, without
due and deep reflection and therefore, though he
allowed none to pass through his hands without
strict examination, he spoke to them all benigny
and with that sort of paterna pity, which religi.
Gus man, about to leave this lie, feels towards all
his brethren OF mankind, who are entering upon, or
engaged in its OF agitation, trouble and dan.
ger
One OF those evenings the servant showed into
the minister's study tail bold looking, dark visaged
man, In the prime OF lie, who, with little Of the
usual courtesy. advanced into the middle of the
room, and somewhat abruptly declared the sacred
purpose OF his visit. But before he could receive
. repy, he looked around and before him and there
was something SO solemn in the old minister's ap-
pearance as he sal like spirit, with his unclou1ed
eyes ixed upon the Intruder that that persons 1oun.
tenance fell, * his heart was involuntariy shocking
against his side. An old large Bible. the same that
he read from IN the pulpit, was lying open before
him One glimnering candle showed his beautiful
and Sllvery locks falling his temples as his
head half stopped over the sacred page dead 81.
lcnee was in the room dedicated to meditation and
prayer; the old man, il was known, had for some
time felt himsclfto be dying, and had spoken of the
sacrament OF this summer as the last he could ever
hope to administer; so that altogether, in the ST.
lence the dmness, the sanctity, the unwordiness
OF the time, the place, aud the being before him,
the visiter stood like one abashed and appalled, &
bowing more reverenly, or, at least, respectfully,
he said, with hurried and quivering voice, .Sir,
come for your sanction to be admitted to the table
OF our Lord .
The minister motioned to him with his hand 10
sit down. and it was relief to the tremH linr man
to do SO. for he was In the presence Of one who he
felt saw into his heart. A sudden change from har.
dlhood to terror took place within his dark nature;
he wished himself out OF the insupportabIe sanctity
OF that GREATNESS room and remorse, that had
hitherto slept or been drowned within him. now
clUtched his heart strings, as if with an alternate
grasp Of frost and FIRE, and made his knees knock
against each other where he sat, and his face pale
Us ashes
"Norman Adams, saidst thou tina; thou wilt take
fnto thai hand, and put into those lips, the symbol
of tae blood that was shed for sinners, and Of the
body thai bowed on the cross, and then gave I'D the
ghost II So ict us speak together, even as if thou
vert commnning with thine own heart Never
again. may JOIN IN that sacrament. for The hour Of
my departure is at hand. Say wilt thou ca, and
drink death to thine immortal soul
The terrified man found strength to rise from
his seat and staggering towards he door, said sPar.
don, forgive me, am not worthy" at is not
who can pardon, Norman. The power lies not with
man but sit down--vou are deadly pale-and
though, | fear, an ill-llving and dissolute man
greater sinners have repented, and been saved -
Approach not now The table of the Lord, but con
fess all your sins before him in the silence of youI
own house, and upon your naked knees on the stone
8oor every morning and every night; and if thi:
you do faithfully, humnly, and with contre heart
come to me again when The Sacrament is over
and will speak words Of comfort 10 you, il then
am able to speak, if, Norman it should be on nv
death-hed. This will do for the sake Of thy soul
and for the sake of thy father, Norman, whom nv
soul loved. and who was support 10 me in m,
ministry for many long years, even for two scor,
and ten, for we were at school together and hat
your father been living now, he would like myself
have this very day finished his eighty fifth year.
send you not from me in anger, but in pity, ant
love- Co my son, and this very night begin YOU
renentance. for IL that E.ce sna.k TIL.