I dinna think it any presumption to expect impossibilities." Still it must be acknowledged that Tallisker looked on the situation as a difficult one.

The new workers to a man disapproved of the Established Church of Scotland.

Perhaps of all classes of laborers Scotch colliers are the most theoretically democratic and the most practically indifferent in matters of religion.

Every one of them had relief and secession arguments ready for use, and they used them chiefly as an excuse for not attending Tallisker's ministry.

When conscience is used as an excuse, or as a weapon for wounding, it is amazing how tender it becomes.