Nowadays the "tables" in the Auld Licht kirk are soon "served," for the attendance has decayed, and most of the pews in the body of the church are made use of.

In the days of which I speak, however, the front pews alone were hung with white, and it was in them only that the sacrament was administered.

As many members as could get into them delivered up their tokens and took the first table.
Then they made room for others, who sat in their pews awaiting their turn.

What with tables, the preaching, and unusually long prayers, the service lasted from eleven to six.

At half-past six a two hours' service began, either in the kirk or on the common, from which no one who thought much about his immortal soul would have dared (or cared) to absent himself.