Many an earnest discussion did these four worthies have in the dear old parsonage at the quarterly meetings of the vestry. Seldom was there anything of the nature of friction, although sometimes I had to exercise some tact to keep the provost and Andrew Blair from misunderstanding the somewhat novel ideas put forth by the laird. When I proposed a weekly celebration of the Holy Communion at an early hour, Mr. Stewart warmly supported me. Adam Skene, who was always willing to be led by those better educated than himself, raised no objection. Andrew Blair had sent his sons to one of the schools of the Woodardian foundation, where they had received careful instruction in sacramental life, and so he knew somewhat of the stirring among the Church’s dry bones. He was at least willing to hear all that could be said in favor of the proposed innovation. The provost alone was in opposition. He listened while the others expressed their approval--and, then, in awe-inspiring tones, he gave his verdict: “I’m no sayin’, Maister Gray, but what ye mean weel in what ye propose, but, for my part, I think ye’d better leave things as they are. I wadna mind noo an’ then, on the greater feasts, maybe, haein’ what ye ca’ an early celebration, but tak’ ye care lest ye mak’ sacred things ower common. When the auld dean was preparin’ me for my first Saycrament, he spak’ a heap aboot oor preparation for the ordinance, an’ I would just be feared that your new plan micht lead some o’s, speecially the young fowk, to gang forrit oonprepared. I dinna doot that what ye say aboot the early Chistians is true eneuch; but, ye maun mind that there was less risk o’ them dishonorin’ the Lord’s Body than wi’ maist o’ us. The very persecution they had to thole frae the heathen was eneuch to keep them richt. But nooadays we’re free frae ony interference, an’ can worship as oor conscience tells us; an’ maybe we’re juist ready eneuch to tak’ things easy. For ma pairt I’ll e’en be content wi’ the auld way that my father had afore me.” My youthful zeal made me inclined to slight the old man’s caution. I carried out my proposal, and, I feel sure that it was wisely done, even if it was the cause of a little coolness, for a time. The Auld Provost was not unreasonable, and I think he saw the good that had been effected. XI. The Major