Page:History of Jock Haxton.pdf/8



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some means of revenge. His power of          imitation was so perfect that he could expose the worthy gentleman to the very life; and there were idle people enow in the village who not unfrequently encouraged him. It          was not unusual to see his own sons ap- plauding this violation of their father's dig- nity, and all this whilst the worthy man was in all probability studiously lahouring to promote the spiritual interest of his peo- ple. His walk and manner of address were favourite subjects of Jock's imitation; and so remarkable was his memory, that he not unfrequently gave an evening edition of the sermon. On such occassions it was some- thing far beyond a mere paraphrase or loose harangue; it was the identical discourse they had heard delivered in the forenoon. The most acute among the second audience could not detect the slightest alteration, either in the manner or expression. Any slight peculiarity--and few men are with- out it--had its appropriate place: and so          naturally and with so much effect was it           introduced, that it was impossible to be- hold it with any gravity. To those who had heard the original discourse, edification was lost; but a stranger might have listen- ed with composure, and actually have de- prived advantage. He could expose--as the