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[Page] 86
Aberdeenshire Parish of Peterhead

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broken interest in things past has utilised, and, to a certain extent, depraved the national character: and there is no doubt, on the other hand, that the memory of great events, like the contemplation of the giant features of a country, have their binding influence on the moral nature. Even within our own brief recollection, the legendary lore, which fastened itself on the history of every cairn, or ruin, or name of renown, gave a kind of dignity to the present in its association with that which is past. Our ingle-nook forgatherings were not then always taken up with cross-breeds, railroads, and London markets; but with those old-world stories - romanced, it may be, but romanced only, to give a keener interest to the oft-repeated tradition.

"Nor need we blush that such false themes engage
The gentle mind, of fairer stores possest;
For not alone they touch the village breast,
But fill'd in elder time th' historic page."

Our very superstitions, like all human fallacies, had in them the germs of that which was good and true.