The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1879-09-02
FOREIGN.
Travels in scotland.
Of the standard


EDNaURG, July 2Sth. 1879.
/ have been here a week, and have
seen most Of the places OF interest OF
this famous town, and some which 1
did not see in 1873. Among the latter
are Greyfriars church and church-yard;
and TO all lovers of Scotland's cove
nant and her covenanters, very sacred
and interesting place. This yard is
nearly in the heart Of the city, yet so
cool and quiet one can easily imagine
themselves in the country. A little to
the left OF the gate is a tombstone, on
which the covenant was signed. In
the farthest corner, to the left, is an
iron gate, leading into a narrow enclos-
ure, also used as a cemetery. "Tis a
few yards wide, a quarter of a mile in
length, and here, for lie months,
twelve hundred of the covenanters were
confined; with no shelter, save the sky;
no covering, save the clothing they had
on. Between this place and the stone,
where the covenant was signed, is the
grave of the man who was prosecutor
for the crown, and who tried and con-
demded many who were put 10 death
in the Grass Market, some by fire,
some by beheading; and these sleep in
the farthest corner, to the right of the
gate here. AID l copy the inscription
on their monument just as tbs written
there: "Halt. passenger. take heed
what you do see. This tomb doth shew
for what some men did die. Here lies
inferred the dust of those who stood,
'gainst perjury, refusing unto blood,
adhering to the covenants and laws,
establishing the same, which was the
cause. Their lives were sacrificed unto
the lust, of prelatists abjur'd, though
here their dust lies mixed with murder
ers and other crew, whom justice lust
ly did TO death pursue. But as for them
no cause was 10 be found, worthy of
death, but only they were found-con-
slant and steadfast, jealous, witness
ing, for the prerogatives OF Christ their
king: which truths were sealed by
famous Guthrie's head. and all along
to Mr.. Renwick's blood, they did en-
dure the wrath OF enemies, reproaches,
torments, deaths, aud injuries. But
yet they are those who from such
troubles came, and now triumph in
glory with the Lamb.
Like a sentinel old and grey, but still
on duty. the old church from the cen
ire of the grounds keeps watch over
the dust of its martyrs.
/ visited the Grass Market (ere going
10 Greyfriars). and stood on the spot
where the martyrs gave mp their lives
for their faith; tue place being marked
10y cross in the pavement, and a few
feet from the sidewalk. This street is
4 broad one, but now occupied by the
poorer classes. The cowgate, too, i
traversed from end TO end; now given
up To the lowest class OF people; but
one of the old streets OF Edingburg. 49,
Some OF the streets here are forty
leet below others, yet open, and not
unpleasant. A deep ravine extends the
whole length OF the city and in this are
hidden the railway tracks and stations;
the sides Of the ravine being public
gardens, and are beautifully laid out
and kept. Here, as in nearly all
European towns, every bit OF ground
not otherwise used, is turned into a bit
of fairy-land, with trees, vines, flowers.
and fountains; and TO nearly oil these
places the poor have the same right as
the rich.
wish TO speak here Of this hotel in
which | am staying. And first il is
hotel, which means a great
deal in this land, where drinking
among all classes is the rule-absti-
nence the exception. 'Tis a home, too.
home-w where at 10 o'clock each night
the bell rings for family worship, which
IS led by our host, one Of his daughters
At the organ leading the singing. The
servants are always in attendance, and
all guests who choose he be, and very
many avail themselves of the privilege
Our host and his family mix with their
guests, aud are always ready to advise
them in regard 20 all the best things to
10 and see, and when ladies' are alone
some one OF the family goes with them
TO the station or boat when leaving
This hotel is in the very best part OF
he city, and II any one who reads this
letter contemplates n visit to Eding
burg, hope they will make this house
their home while here, and am sure
hey will End il quite as desirable a
resting place as have; and prices arc
luite as reasonable as elsewhere.
Last Sabbath / spent in Glasgow.
lnd gave mp the entire day TO learning
something Of the mission work being
done in that city. In the morning
vent TO the City Hall 10 witness one OF
The meetings OF the Glasgow Foundry
Boys Religions Society" A society
similar to our Young Mems Christian
Association. The foundry meetings
are made up Of boys and girls Of the
lower classes, aud are divided into
senior and junior classes; aud there are
eighty of these gatherings every Sab
oath morning in this city. There were
several hundred present at the Hall. -
Each class having a monitor, who sat
With his or her children, thus keeping
them qniet. The teaching being all
lone by four gentlemen on the plat
form, each teacher having n special
part TO do, and each seemed 30 know
Just how TO do, and do well the part as
signed him. There we're n good many
hymns, and well sung. The scripture
lesson was the good samaritan, so
clearly aud concisely explained that
the smallest child could not misunder-
stand; and the prayers were short and
simple, suited to the capacity Of the
youngest as we'll as the oldest. Every
month n collection is taken for some
benevolent object; this Sabbath it was
for the free church in Italy, and as n
preparation for the Offering a short
sketch Of the life-work and death Of
Savanarola were given.
From the commencement to the end
~ the services the most perfect order
vas observed All the schools con-
ducted by this society have uniform
lessons and exercises, and what a power
for good they must be in the great city.
In the afternoon / went to the
Evangelical Hal" to the free dinner,
which is given every Sabbath p. IN. TO
twenty-five hundred children Of the
very poorest and lowest Of the low
class. This large hall was packed from
floor TO ceiling with ragged dirty chill
dren, from tive years old and upwards.
Most OF these had clean hands and
faces, and bright faces too. They too.
we're in classes. each with a monitor;
then there were extra ones 10 assist in
keeping order; and for nearly an hour.