This day was spent in traversing the streets, calling on
friends, getting my Bills from the printers, and making arrangements for my
departure on Monday.
I came to the
resolution of going North and as there is no Society at Kintore there I
resolved to take up my abode.
I
accordingly dispatched a letter to that quarter and also a parcel of bills to
Inverary.
I had forgot to mention that
yesterday I was introduced by my landlord to Mr. I Cumming King of the
Tee-totalers.
I had heard a good deal of
this gentleman, especially about Montrose and I had nowise a favourable idea of
him.
The appearance of the man however
and his behaviour fully warrant me in saying that he has the cause at
heart.
What his abilities as a lecturer
are, I cannot say.
So far as I know or
can learn, he is nowise admirably suited for cities and towns, but I have this
merely from report.
One thing is
certain, that he has done a vast deal of good to the cause and that he is a
most agreable companion.
I took a turn
with him round the shore when returning we saw a very beautiful woman in a
state of beastly intoxication carried away to the Police Office.
This was to me another call to
persevere.
About 7 o'clock in the
evening I along with Mr. Cumming set out for Woodside at Printfield, a village
of considerable size about 2 miles to the North of Aberdeen.
The evening was a little wet, but as we could not help that
we never minded. We took no thought to
ask for the name of person into whose house we might go, when we reached
Printfield, before we came away. Being
too soon we had to walk about. The
village is of considerable length, it has only one main street. At its north end the King and I sat down on a
dike at the side of the canal, we saw great crowds passing on to the chapel
where I was to lecture, we followed up and entered the vestry. It was an independent chapel of considerable
size. By request I mounted the pulpit -
the first time I was ever in a pulpit - the house was crowded - the galleries
were crammed to suffocation - the passages were completely blocked up, and the
murmuring sound at the door, told me that there must have been an immense crowd
there. The services were commenced by
singing a hymn on temperence after which I engaged in prayer. I opened my lecture by giving the usual
challenge for discussion. I lectured, and
the sweat dripping from me on account of the heat - for about 2 hours, and I do
not think I ever gave a better lecture.
It was almost all ex tempore, but I had the feelings of my audience,
completely at my control - this was evident at every two, or three sentences by
the immense ruffing clapping and cheering which I actually believed would bring
down the house. But the proof of the
pudding is in the pree'in o't and the effect of my lecture will be best known
from the feelings produced by it - as usual I concluded the meeting with prayer
and stated that names of those who were wishing to become members would be
taken in the vestry. I made for that
room as fast as I could, it was crowded - but I did not enter in - while the
people were passing the door, there stood I catching as many as I could and
shoving in with perfect glee - I caught no less than 36 - mostly females -
surely I made a very curious appearance with 2 females one in each arm
relieving one by getting room for her in the vestry, but I supplied her place
speedily - I lost a great deal in spite of my endeavours however, for some went
off because they could not have time to stay, and others because all the
tickets were sold. Altogether this is
the best meeting I have had, for what with the smiles of the fair who I believe
I have been the means of putting almost mad on the subject, the acknowledgment
of reformed drunkards, and the blessing of all, I was perfectly delighted.
A publican in the neighbourhood who has not sold less that
£l6 worth of intoxicating liquor a week for 26 years past, this week only sold
£4 worth, and he blames me for the whole - they were most extraordinarly
drunkards here, but I trust in God that that cure which has been almost
universally adopted will be persevered in.
Typed
by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original
journal. Permission to reprint granted
by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.
©2013, copyright Alana Farrell
I
I was delighted with this ride - Strathbogie is beautiful but I have not
time to describe its beauties. The town
of Huntly is delightfully situated - and excellently planned. I was most kindly received here by a Mr.
Andrews, a taylor and clothier. His wife
was particularly kind to me - everything she could conceive would make me
comfortable that she instantly provided.
I had sent bills here and Mr. Maitland had writ to them of my coming. I lectured in the Hall to a crowded and
attentive audience, about 3 hours and slept in Mr. Andrews.
