The Catechism. 19 



were seriously injured by the caterpillars a dis- 

 aster which I entirely attribute to the ruthless 

 havoc made among every kind of bird. 



* * * * * 



My mother set me in due time to learn the 

 catechism of the Kirk of Scotland, and to attend 

 the public examinations in the kirk. This was a 

 severe trial for me ; for, besides being timid and 

 shy, I had a bad memory, and did not understand 

 one word of the catechism. These meetings, which 

 began with prayer, were attended by all the chil- 

 dren of the town and neighbourhood, with their 

 mothers, and a great many old women, who came 

 to be edified. They were an acute race, and could 

 quote chapter and verse of Scripture as accurately 

 as the minister himself. I remember he said to one 

 of them " Peggie, what lightened the world before 

 the sun was made ? " After thinking for a minute, 

 she said " 'Deed, sir, the question is mair curious 

 than edifying." 



Besides these public examinations, the minister 

 made an annual visit to each household in his 

 parish. When he came to us,* the servants were 

 called in, and we all knelt while he said a prayer ; 

 and then he examined each individual as to the 

 state of his soul and conduct. He asked me if I 

 could say my "Questions" that is, the catechism of 



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