Page:Account of the royal visit of George the IVth to Scotland (2).pdf/21

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previously,) and where a great multitude were assembled. He was accompanied in his carriage by the Duke of Dorset, and Lord Glenlyon, the Lord in waiting. The appearance of the street at this time was extremely imposing and characteristic of a Scottish Sabbath. As his Majesty passed, the people reverently took off their hats, but not a voice was raised to hail his appearance! There did not reign in the most sequestered glen of Scotland, a more profound stillness than was now observed in the heart of the city of Edinburgh!

On his Majesty’s entry to the church, he was received by the ministers and elders arrayed in a line within the church door. His Majesty, who had a sealed packet in his hand, inquired at Principal Baird where was the usual receptacle for the congregation depositing their offerings? On being told by the Principal, that it had been removed on this occasion, as an impediment to his Majesty’s passing; the King appeared to regret the circumstance; and putting the packet, which was endorsed, “ One Hundred Pounds from his Majesty,” into the Principal’s hand, he desired that its contents might be applied, with the rest of the collection, for the benefit of the poor.

The officiating minister on this occasion was Dr. Lament, the Moderator of the General Assembly, who commenced the service by giving out the first version of the 100th Psalm. His Majesty lifted a Psalm Book, and stood during the reading; and his example was followed by the rest of the congregation. After a most eloquent and impressive prayer, the minister adopted, as the subject of his discourse, the 3d and 4th