Adam Hepburn's Vow

gow. It consisted of a sturdy brown pony, whereon sat a fair-faced, sunny-haired little girl, whose age could not have exceeded nine years; a bright-faced, bold-looking

nt thoughtfully on the ground. He was a man somewhat past his prime, of a noble and manly bearing, with

g to gather over the surrounding scene, maki

hedge or tree; no blades of promise springing up by the wayside: all was desolate, bleak, and cold. Yet the newly upturned furrows smelt fresh and sweet, and the purling brooks wandered cheerfully on

burgh?" exclaimed the lad, in his eagern

in his eye as he looked upon the clustering roof

ither in safety. Would my little Agnes like to walk now? The evening dews are falling, and methinks a little exerc

ntly lifted his little daughter to the ground. It was then seen that her figure was very slight and fra

kind father then; but the lad drew h

could walk back to Inverburn

im drink. The poor animal is thirsty and wayworn. Then we will make what haste we can into the city, whi

Edinburgh?" asked the little Agnes, somewhat timid

n for vain clamourings," said the minister, somewhat sadly; and as his eyes once more roamed over the spreading roof-trees of the city, they were filled

said David, now returning from watering the pony.

ndling eye. "The voice of her people raised in a national testimony against the injustice and oppression of an earthly ruler. May the Heavenly King look

passionate earnestness, which impres

boyish eagerness; to him the great event to transpire on the morrow

the very air seemed full of murmurings, telling of a nation's heart stirred to its deepest depths. The young lad and his sister looked about them with lively interest; to them the city was a revelation indeed, in the great contrast it presented to the unfrequented roads and quiet solitudes of their native parish. Darkness had fallen when the minister guided Roger's steps into the Grass-market, where stood the hospitable dwelling which was to shelter them during their sojourn in Edinburgh. It was the abode of the minister's only sister, who was mar

to travel in safety, Edward," said the m

merchant, heartily shaking his brother-in-law by the hand. "But what! David, and little Agnes too

ession on their young minds which time would never efface. And the Kirk, I am thinking, will need both old and

Well, I will take Roger to his stall and see that he is rubbed

them up the dark close and into a low doorway, which, unless he

the stair, and presently appear

he way from the manse of Inverburn?" she exclaim

l as for their father under this roof-tree," answered the mini

er motherly arms, and affectionately kissed her cheeks. "Eh, Andrew, this bairn's her mother's liv

d for the seed," replied the minister. "It was a sore disappoin

e board spread for the expected guest. A wooden cradle stood in the warmest corner by the ingle-neuk, wherein slept peacefully the one chi

earnestly into her aunt's face, neve

seen her brother's wife, when she accompanied her husband to Edinburgh on his being appointed to represent the Presbytery of Lanark at the General Assembly. T

"She has her very een; may the spirt of the bairn be her mother's likewise! And this is David! He is greatly

business been prospering wit

answered Mistress Kilgour. "Edward has had to employ another young lad to help him in

hone upon him, it revealed a short and somewhat stout figure, clad in homely grey, a broad kindly face ado

urgh to try his fortunes, and by steady well-doing

arish, Andrew," said the merchant. "It's like a gliff of the heather-scented wind to look up

arted in his honest eye, as he lifted Agn

our. "Come, bairns, to your milk and bread. It's no like the milk and home-made scones a

had asked a fervent blessing on the board, they ate with a wi

said the fond mother slily, when presently t

it was among Ailie's last messages--sympathy and love to you about

. Her own was suffused with a glow of tender wondering pleasure, which made her aunt look at her again. And when, presently, Mistr

ch both the merchant and his wife were deeply and affectionately interested, for, though they had built

t. Then their elders drew up their chairs to the hearth, and began to speak in low, troubled, anxious tones, telling that the topic was one of vital interest, of terrible importance to them all. Before they separated for the night, the minister read a portion from Scripture, and then they knelt to pour out their hearts' desires before the Lord. The t

's people. It is in times like these we feel the need of prayer, of constant and pious humbling of ourselves before Jehovah. There is that within me, my friends,

good night. Andrew Gray retired to his own chamber, but not to sleep. He sat long by the uncurtained window, looking out up

estled in prayer for Scotland's Church and people, that they might