Robert Bruce Drummond The celebration of Christ’s birth is the most blessed time of the whole year, the marker from which everyone counts time. Though the calendar had been changed in 1750, Abercairn still celebrated Old Christmas from the middle of December until January 6. Preparations began as long beforehand as harvest, with selection of …
Read MoreDominie Gilchrist’s Study: Blessed Assurance
Welcome to my study and my thoughts. Though I gave my life to Jesus and his service in early manhood, I never tire of thanking Him for giving me his eternal gift of salvation. On earth, Jesus was both man and God, fully human and fully divine. When I recall his human striving to obey …
Read MoreMrs. Grieg’s Cuddy: Lemon Meringue Pie
Wi’ the coomin’ in o’ summer, ’tis time to prepare for haymakers. Besides Glenlochie’s own men, neighbors and their helpers gather from one farm to another till a’ have their crop made. The girls and women likewise help the hoosekeepers prepare enough hearty food for hardworking men. Oft I’m askit to make the pies. When …
Read MoreAQUILA’S EYRIE: QUEEN OF THE WILD FRONTIER
I like to call myself this not only because we share the back yard with an occasional mountain lion and frequently with elk, deer, coyotes, and foxes, but also because I’ve evaded the 20th and now the 21st century whenever I can, out of delight in the 19th century. I’ve lived in cabins in the …
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Mrs. Grieg’s Cuddy
For some o’ ye, the Scots speech may no’ be your ain language. A cuddy is a wee cupboard, for food or the vessels to cook and serve it, tucked awa’ in any corner where it fits in the hoose. In the kitchen o’ Glenlochie, ’tis next to the back wall, where food stays coolest, …
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Dominie Gilchrist’s Study
In Abercairn, we cling to many old customs and words. To be called “Dominie” means only that I am the minister of the Presbyterian congregation here. In seminary, I used to tell my friends, “With my name, what other calling could I have?” Gilchrist means “ghillie of Christ.” A ghillie is the personal servant to …
Read MorePrologue
IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY Gloria Victis! 1 For the principle of State rights and State sovereignty the Southern men fought with a holy ardor and self-denying patriotism that have covered even defeat with imperishable glory.—Dr. Charles E. Stowe, son of the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, ca. 1900. I came to my senses …
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