Chapter VIII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

possessing life

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

plural of “choir” — a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

relating to or conducted or participated in by a congregation

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

the process of gradually becoming inferior

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

-ing form of “decay” — lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

requiring more than usually expected or thought due; especially great patience and effort and skill

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

divisible by two

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

to or in any or all places

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

apart from; not including

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

complete annihilation

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

the trait of being frivolous; not serious or sensible

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

plural of “hymn” — a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

an organization founded and united for a specific purpose

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

a Scottish church

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

machines or machine systems collectively

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

not any; not one

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

negation of a word or group of words

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

a fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

the musical director of a choir

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

a follower of Calvinism as taught in the Presbyterian Church

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

with speed

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

new

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

the act of doing or performing again

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

ratio of the length of the side opposite the given angle to the length of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

not in physical motion

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

past form of “supersede” — take the place or move into the position of

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

a special situation

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.

past form of “tolerate” — put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence

From this reading By and by the repeating tune was tolerated, hymns were introduced here and there, choirs became the fashion; and thus far the precentor was a _sine qua non_.

plural of “tune” — a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Then there was no such thing as an organ, or “kist o’ whustles,” in any Presbyterian kirk in the land, and choirs were the exception.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the North hymns were not mentioned, except with scorn and shaking of the head, and repeating tunes were regarded as a frivolity demanding extermination.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading How rapid the progress of the decay is will be recognised from a consideration of the fact that, within the memory of many persons still alive, “reading the line” was the general custom in congregational praise.

a late time of life

From this reading HUMOUR OF SCOTCH PRECENTORS Hand and personal labour of every kind in Scotland, as everywhere else, has in recent years been largely superseded by machinery, and no one can have failed to notice that even the office of “lettergae,” or precentor, is a rapidly decaying institution in our midst.