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towards the poor of all sects in the neighbourhood； which is set forth in a
well…penned inscription； written by a weaver lad that works for his daily
bread。 Such a thing would have been a prodigy at the beginning of my
ministry； but the progress of book…learning and education has been
wonderful since； and with it has come a spirit of greater liberality than the
world knew before； bringing men of adverse principles and doctrines into
a more humane communion with each other； showing that it's by the
mollifying influence of knowledge the time will come to pass； when the
tiger of papistry shall lie down with the lamb of reformation； and the
vultures of prelacy be as harmless as the presbyterian doves； when the
independent； the anabaptist； and every other order and denomination of
Christians； not forgetting even those poor wee wrens of the Lord； the
burghers and anti…burghers； who will pick from the hand of patronage； and
dread no snare。
On the next Sunday； after my farewell discourse； I took the arm of Mrs
Balwhidder； and with my cane in my hand； walked to our own pew； where
I sat some time； but； owing to my deafness； not being able to hear； I have
not since gone back to the church。 But my people are fond of having
their weans still christened by me； and the young folk； such as are of a
serious turn； come to be married at my hands； believing； as they say； that
there is something good in the blessing of an aged gospel minister。 But
even this remnant of my gown I must lay aside； for Mrs Balwhidder is
now and then obliged to stop me in my prayers； as I sometimes wander
pronouncing the baptismal blessing upon a bride and bridegroom； talking
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ANNALS OF THE PARISH
as if they were already parents。 I am thankful； however； that I have been
spared with a sound mind to write this book to the end； but it is my last
task； and； indeed； really I have no more to say； saving only to wish a
blessing on all people from on high； where I soon hope to be； and to meet
there all the old and long…departed sheep of my flock； especially the first
and second Mrs Balwhidders。
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