She said the women
were awkward, masculine creatures; that, in dancing, they lifted
their legs like so many colts; that they had no idea of graceful
motion, and put on their clothes in a frightful manner; but if
the truth must be told, Tabby herself was the most ridiculous
figure, and the worst dressed of the whole assembly. The neglect
of the male sex rendered her malcontent and peevish; she now
found fault with every thing at Edinburgh, and teized her brother
to leave the place, when she was suddenly reconciled to it on a
religious consideration -- There is a sect of fanaticks, who have
separated themselves from the established kirk, under the name of
Seceders -- They acknowledge no earthly head of the church, reject
lay-patronage, and maintain the methodist doctrines of the new
birth, the new light, the efficacy of grace, the insufficiency of
works, and the operations of the spirit. Mrs Tabitha, attended by
Humphry Clinker, was introduced to one of their conventicles,
where they both received much edification; and she has had the
good fortune to come acquainted with a pious Christian, called Mr
Moffat, who is very powerful in prayer, and often assists her in
private exercises of devotion.
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