avid, as befitted one who had just buried his father, discoursed on death. He was in a mood which puzzled himself, for gentleness seemed to have come upon him and driven out his jealous wrath. He had seen the righteous die, the man who had begot him, the last near kin he possessed, and memories of childhood and something of the wistfulness of the child had flooded in on his soul. He had seen, too, the downfall of human pride, the descent of greatness to dust, and yet in that dust a more compelling greatness. Above all, his love for Katrine had mellowed and lit the world for him; it had revealed depths of joy and beauty which he had never known, but the beauty and joy were solemn things, and of a terrible fragility. He felt anew the dependence of all things upon God and the need of walking humbly in His sight. So he preached not like an Old Testament prophet confident in his cause and eager to gather the spoil, but as one who saw from a high mountain the littleness of life against the vast background of eternity. He spoke of the futility of mortal hopes, the fallibility of man, the certainty of death. In a passion of tenderness he pled for charity and holiness as the only candles to light the short dark day of life-candles which, lit by a heavenly hand, would some day wax ino the bright everlasting day of the New Jerusalem. "
Witch Wood by John Buchan (1927) takes place in Scotland during the seventeenth century. David Semphill is a young Presbyterian minister. He discovers that some of his parish members are participating in an evil lifestyle. He encounters more difficulties, and without the help of the Presbytery he sets out to expose the evil doings of the church.
We all enjoyed reading this book. We did mention that some had difficulty with the dialect. The discussion of a great book made for a wonderful evening complete with Scottish Oatmeal Cakes.
Traditional Scottish Recipes - Oatmeal Cakes
Oatmeal was a staple of the Scottish diet and has been described as "the backbone of many a sturdy Scotsman." It was used in many ways - porridge, oatcakes, brose (oatmeal and peasemeal) and scones. Here is a recipe for a sweet oatcake which is more like a biscuit than a conventional oatcake.
Ingredients: Teacup of medium oatmeal Teacup of plain flour Half teacup of milk Tablespoon of soft brown sugar 3 oz butter or margarine Level teaspoon salt Level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
Method: Sieve the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl, add the oatmeal and mix. Cut the butter or margarine into small portions and rub into the mixture with your fingers. Add the sugar and mix well. Pour in the milk and mix until you have a stiff but workable dough.
Shake some flour on a worktop, turn the dough onto it and shake a little flour on the top. Roll out thinly (about half an inch thick) and prick over with a fork. Cut into rounds with a scone cutter and place on an oiled baking tray. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 15/20 minutes at 350F/180C/Gas Mark 4. Use a palette knife to lift the biscuits onto a wire coming rack. Store in an airtight tin.
