Scottish Characteristics

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 3141, 13 February 1900, Page 6

Scottish Characteristics

'.;■ .« The Eev. J. Thain Davidson, D.D>. of London, gave a lecture lately in Trinity Presbyterian Church of England, Harehills Avenue, Leeds, entitled "Scotland : its Wit, Humor, and Pathos/ There was a large audience over which Auld Hannam presided. The rev. lecturer as might be anticipated, had much to say in piaise of hia countrymen, but he was not altogether blind to their faults. The Scots pushed themselves into all parts of the world. At the last census there were more women than men in Scotland to the number of 130,181s Thrift and prudent economy had placed Scotland in .its present poßition. Figures published by Somerset House showed that the Scotsman was £17 a year richer than a man of any other nationality. He was said to keep the Sabbath Day and every morta i thing else he could lay his hade upon. He had a high sense of the value of bawbees/ and never went to the kirk without some in his pocket. As an illustration of his countryman's horror of lavish expenditure, the doctor told the story of the Scotsman who came out of a London church in the middle of the service, and who, on being asked his reason for this unusual proceeding, said that he bad been looking through the programme (the Prayer Book), and found il Collect," " Collect/ " Collect." He could not stand that, he added. Whilst cautious, the Scot was modest. At a festive gathering in Scotland it suddenly occurred to a man that one of the young women present would make him a good wife. " Jean t will ye marry me?" he inquired. " John, lad ; ye frighten me!" she replied. At this John drew back, and did not find courage jto make any further advance. Before the entertainment was over, however, Jean approached him, and said, " John, are ye no gaun to frighten me again ?" | To the Scot there was no charm comparable to that of his fireside; he keenly appreciated domestic' bliss. Beference to this characteristic recalled the story of the Scottish minister who had thoughts of marrying for the third time. He consulted oue of his elders on the subject, saying that be coold not endure the thought of having no one to close his eyes at death. The elder's reply was not encouraging, He said, "Well, sir; I bae been married twice, myeel ; and my faitb, they opened my eyes." — ■ •