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In his preface to this
little volume of inspiring sermons and instructive lectures addressed to
Scots in Argentina, the Author seems to me to have more especially in mind
the members of the large Scots community who live and labour in the far
flung corners of the great Republic in the very varied conditions which
life in those distant places presents.
Of these it is indeed true
to say that they are Scots in exile. Some of them are called upon to lead
a solitary existence in the sense that the only companionship they have is
that of men of another race, speaking another tongue and belonging to
another Church. Like the old Scots engineer depicted in Rudyard Kipling’s
poem "McAndrew’s Hymn" who elects to stand the middle watch up here alone
wi’ God and these
"My engines . ...."
they have to rely on
themselves, on their moral training and character to help them faithfully
to discharge the duties entrusted to them and successfully to withstand
the temptations, the privations and the homesickness of a life of excile.
To such as these this little volume will bring a flood of tender memories,
a proud reminder of the Scot’s heritage and a happy message of
encouragement and hope.
May I be allowed in the
name of those of my compatriots who have had the privilege to hear the
Reverend Douglas Bruce in the pulpit of St. Andrew’s Scots Church in
Buenos Aires and on the lecture platform, as well as on behalf of those
less fortunate ones who owing to distance from the capital or for other
reasons have never enjoyed that opportunity, to thank him for his genial
thought in publishing this little book.
Confident of the happiness and
comfort which it will bring to its readers, I wish it Godspeed on its
journey to the hearts of all loyal and Godfearing Scots in the Argentine.
Ronald Macieay.
Sometime His Majesty’s
Ambassador to the Argentine Republic.
London, October 1933. |
