Curds and Whey

Dr James Nairne, shortly after he was ordained minister of Pittenweem, in 1776, found many of the old parishioners not very well acquainted with their Bibles, and for the purpose of preparing them for the communion, he used to catechise them in the church on Sabbath evenings, He divided the parish into sections, and placed each under the care of an elder of the church, who attended the meetings with that part of the congregation under his
charge.

One Sunday evening, the section at the west shore was to be examined, which was under the superintendence of James Robbie a sailor, who lived near the house on the Rock, one well known to all parties connected with Pittenweem. James was married to Janet Cooper, an old servant of the former minister, who was well read in her Bible, and used to explain texts of Scripture to her neigh-
bours.

On one occasion, Margaret Horsburgh finding herself rather deficient in her catechism, went to the learned Mrs Janet Robbie for advice, who instructed her as far as she thought would he required; but lest the minister should ask any other questions, she advised Margaret
to sit near her, to watch the answers she gave, and say the same. Unfortunately for Margaret, she did not hear very well, which, in the end was the cause of a very awkward mistake.

Dr Nairne commenced with Janet Robbie:

Who made you?’’ Answer — ’’ God.”
What are you made of?” Answer— ‘‘Dust and clay.” ”That’s right, Janet,” said Dr Nairne.

Then came Margaret’s turn.

‘‘ Now, Margaret, Who made you ?‘‘
Answer - ’’ God.”
‘‘ Very good, Margaret and what are you made of ?”
‘‘ Curds and whey,” was the quick reply.
“ Oh, Margaret, Margaret,” said Dr Nairne, shaking his head, ‘‘ these are very soft materials indeed.‘‘

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