Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/30

14 of our pastor. Each year, indeed, he visited his entire flock from house to house, and on these occasions he catechised the children, conversed with the parents regarding their spiritual interests, and prayed with the household; but these were the only opportunities I had enjoyed of access to him in private. As the ambassador of God, he appeared so venerable that I dreaded to approach him alone. And yet I preferred, I can hardly tell why, to converse with him rather than with my own father. On one of the appointed days I called at the manse and asked for the minister, I was introduced to his study, and told to be seated. My tongue clave to the roof of my mouth. After some short conversation on other subjects, he interrogated me regarding the nature and end of the Lord’s Supper, my motives for desiring to participate in it, and the duties devolving on those who thus renounced the world. The interview was brief. He kindly encouraged me, and expressed himself satisfied with my answers. On parting he requested me to tell my father to call on him, as he wished to converse with him on the subject, and if entirely satisfied I should meet with the session on the Thursday previous to the communion. No obstacles were presented to my reception, and I became a member of the Secession Church of Earlston.

“This step I never regretted. It greatly strengthened me in my resolutions after amendment, and though I entered upon my Christian life in much fear and trembling, I was not left utterly to faint. When tempted to join with careless companions, I was withheld by the consideration, ‘I have vowed unto the Lord, and cannot go back.’

“About this time a young weaver, three years older than myself, often conversed with me upon spiritual