“The old man paused a little, and then continued: ‘My boy,’ said the Pastor, addressing himself to me, ‘are you ready to learn?’ ‘As ready as you to teach,’ said I, firmly but respectfully. I have often thought since, that such a reply might, in the ears of some pastors, have sounded something like a reproach; but in the ears of Robert Walker, whose ‘aptness to teach’ was as well known as his other good qualities, it was a most agreeable answer. ‘Sharp and ready, I see,’ said he, turning to my father with a smile; ‘but most of Bowman’s lads are pretty well trained. I wish you to come to my church next Sunday morning, when I propose to commence a course of lectures to the candidates for confirmation; and I trust your parents will accompany you. They must present you in the temple, as Joseph and Mary did their Holy Child. I shall expect you all to “dine with me at noon,” with the rest of the parish.’ This must sound in your ears as a large invitation from a poor pastor (his income was not more than £20 a year) to a whole parish. But, sir, it is no exaggeration; every Sunday did this good man keep open house to his flock, and all were welcome who chose to partake of his boiled beef or mutton, and a bason of broth. “At this point in our conversation a young man joined our party, whom I had for some time observed strolling about, and occasionally addressing some of the various parties engaged in cutting turf on the fell. He was good looking, and dressed in the prevailing fashion of the time, that is, very much as I am at present, for my outward man has stood still in its attire for the last forty years. It was evident that he was no native of the north, and might be one of those _Lakers_, who, in that early period, though not in such numbers as at present, visited the lakes during the summer season, to enjoy the beauties of their scenery, and imbibe health and strength from the pure breath of their mountain breezes. He evidently eyed our Reverend friend with much curiosity; and respectfully touching his hat, said with a smile, ‘Your outward attire, father, has in my eyes a somewhat primitive appearance.’ Mr. Walker, if he felt the sneer, did not seem to notice it, but replied with plain simplicity, ‘I flatter myself, sir, that my dress is such as at once becomes my character, and bespeaks my office. It is coarse in its texture, for the materials of it were spun by my own hand; but its form is such as has been handed down from time immemorial as belonging to the priest’s office, and I see no reason, sir, why the priest’s vesture should not be as unchangeable as his creed.’