22 HARDY FERNS. 
just as the " Southerners " fall from the ^' North," 
which in like manner fell from its allegiance to 
England. The humble building was filled mth a 
sober severe-looking congregation. The minister 
and Kirk session were in the vestry electing three 
" elders." of which notice was given to the congre- 
gation, and if any had objections to raise, they 
were cited to appear and state them. Presently 
the minister came and gave out a psalm, which we 
all sang sitting down, then he made a little quiet 
prayer, all the congregation standing, then we 
sang again, after which there was a sermon with 
nothing particular in it, then another psalm, then 
the elders were addressed and vowed obedience to 
the " Confession of Faith." After this the con- 
gregation were addressed relative to their duties 
to the elders. A very onerous post these elders 
seemed to fill ! Verily, if they did their duty and 
interfered with their sinful brethren as they were 
bidden to interfere, methinks the old-established 
Church of Scotland would deal in anathemas as 
freely as the Church of Rome. 
