The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-03-28
March 2s.


we'll Never had he come a unwelcome
errand, and Carmichael felt that he must make the
course as smooth as possible, for without doubt
the elder had been sent to make a just complaint
1t required a brave man to come, and Carmichael
must also play the man, he pulled himself to-
gether and gave a courteous, and as he could
a cheerful welcome to the good elder
1T is good weather that we having, sir" be-
gan Angus, speaking English, with the soft Gaelic
accent, for he was West Highlander, who he'd
settled in the glen, ait is good see the beginning
OF spring. We will be hoping that the Spirit of
God may make spring in hearts, and then
we shall also be lifting up voices. But must
not be OBTAINING YOU when you will be very tired
with your work. and be needing rest Maybe 1
should not be troubling you at all at this time but
L have been sent by the elders with a message not
because I am better than my brethren, but only
because II is my fortune to be little older"
Carmichael knew then that he right in his
anticipation, and he asked Angus to say what was
given him frankly, and to make no delay. And he
tried to speak gently and humby, for in truth his
own conscience with the elders, and as he
believed their embassy.
you may not know, sir, but will be telling you
that after the service is over and the people have
gone out from the House of God, the elders speak
together below the big beech tree and their speech
will be about the worship and the service. You
are not to think" added Angus with a gracious
smile, that they will be critcising what is said
or hardening their hearts against the of the
no. we will rather be storing up the bread of God,
that we may eat thereof during the days of the
week, and have strength for the way"
Carmichael assured Angus that he knew how
fair-mfndeG and kind hearted the elders WERE
both in word and deed. And he braced himself
for what coming.
This morning." continued Angus, "the elders
were all there and when we looked at one anothers
races we were judging that the thing will be
in our hearts. 1t with us for weeks, and it
win and
knew that not meeting together as the
session, and it is not business 1 will be coming
with met the elders of the flock and it is as
your friend that 1 am here in much humility But
1t is not easy for this to say what has been
laid upon him."
Carmichael sorry for him. and signed to him
to go on.
you were chosen will be reminding you" said
angus with gracious expression his face "by
the good will of all the people, and it was very
proud lay when the clerk of the Presbytery stood
i'm his place and said that the call would be left
with the elders, so that all the people might be
having the opportunity of signing it, and I stood
up and replied to the reverend gentleman Tt is
not necessary they have all signed o. yes and
so they rad, every man and every woman that was
upon the roll And the young people, they had
written their names, too, upon the paper of ad-
herehce' everyone above sixteen years of age And
the very children would be wishing that day that
they had something to sign, for the hearts of the
people had gone out towards you, and there was
one voice i'm every mouth, Blessed is he that COM
eth in the name of the Lord"
Carmichael gave Angus to understand that he
would never forget those things while he lived and
ne prayed God that he might be a better man for
the peoples confidence in him. But his heart was
beginning to break he thought of their bitter
disappointment and the trust which had failed i'm
his hands.
IL is three months since you entered upon your
ministry among us, and you will not be angry with
4 fO Vp1f that
10 nave so heavy a weight upon YOU for there is
no burden like the burden of souls. And the ED
ers VIII be noticing and so will all the peope for
tney are not without understanding i'm Drumtochtv