344 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
attention, This urbanity and condescension produced on their part a feeling of
the deepest veneration and respect for their beloved minister.” “The esteem
in which Dr. Johnston was held,” continues the writer, “ is characteristically
illustrated by the exclamation with which the women, when selling fish to a
higgling customer, attempted to destroy all hopes of a further abatement in
price. ( Na, na,’ they were wont to say, ( I wadna gie them to the DoctoT himsel’
fw that siller I ’ ’’
The memory of Dr. Johnston is still cherished with the utmost veneration.
He officiated amongst them for upwards of half a century, and in many families
had “performed the ceremonies of marriage and baptism through four successive
generations.” Some curious anecdotes are told, illustrative of his homely
manner and the primitive character of his parishioners. A fisherman, named
Adam L-, having been reproved pretty severely for his want of Scripture
knowledge, was resolved to baulk the minister on his next catechetical visitation.
The day appointed he kept out of sight for some time ; but at length getting
top-heavy with some of his companions, he was compelled, after several falls, in
one of which he met with an accident that somewhat disfigured his countenance,
to take shelter in his own cottage. The minister arrived ; and was informed
by Jenny, the wife, that her husband was absent at the fishing. The Doctor
then inquired if she had carefully perused the catechism he had left on his last
visit, and being answered in the affirmative, proceeded to follow up his conversation
with a question or two. “Weel, Jenny,’’ said the minister, “can ye tell
me what was the cause 0’ Adam’s fall ‘1 ” By no means versed in the history
of the great progenitor of the human race, and her mind being exclusively
occupied by her own Adam, Janet replied, with some warmth, “’Deed, sir,
it was naething else but drink! ’’ at the same time calling to her husband,
“ Adam, ye may as wee1 rise, for the Doctor kens brawly what’s the matter ;
some clashin’ deevils o1 neibours hae telt him a’ about it !”
On another occasion of pastoral visitation, the “ gudewife 0’ the house,”
Maggy, had just returned from market, and in her hurry to meet the minister,
whom she found in possession of her cottage, deposited her basket, which
contained certain purchases from a butcher’s stall, at the door. After a few
preliminary observations, Dr. Johnston began by putting the question-“ What
doth every sin deserve, Margaret 1 I’ “ God’s curse-the dowg’s awa’ wi’ the
head-and-harigals I” she exclaimed as she bolted after the canine delinquent
who had made free with the contents of her basket. (‘Very well answered,”
said the Doctor on her return, “ but rather hurriedly spoken.”
Another of the fish dames, named Maggy-for Margaret and Janet are the
prevailing names among the females of Newhaven-happening to take a glass
extra, was met on her way home by the minister. “ What, what, Margaret ! ’’
said the Doctor jocularly, “1 think the road is rather narrow for you,” ‘‘ Hout,
sir,” replied Maggy, alluding to her empty creel, “how can I gang steady without
ballast I ’’
The late erection of a church at Newhaven, we understand, has been
