Genealogical memoirs of the family of Robert Burns and of the Scottish house of Burnes

THE FAMILY OF ROBERT BURNS. 39
At a period when indifference to the sacred duties was
asserting itself among all ranks, William Burnes reared with
becoming regularity the domestic altar. The piety of the
father has, in the " Cotter's Saturday Night," been com-
memorated by the genius of the son.
In the form of a dialogue between father and son, William
Burnes composed "A Manual of Keligious Belief;" it has
lately been printed as a thin octavo. 1 Evincing an intelligent
appreciation of Divine truth, it is composed elegantly. The
writer sets forth the leading doctrines of the Gospel, adduces
evidences for the truth of Christianity, and inculcates Scrip-
ture reading as a means of informing and strengthening the
moral faculty. Under the guidance of a parent so devoted
and circumspect, it may not excite surprise that the poet was
in youth impressed seriously.
By Mrs Begg the writer was informed that his father
predicted the poet's future eminence. "Eab will one day
become famous," he often said of the small boy who amused
him by his lively sallies. " May he be steady, may he be
virtuous," he added reverently.
In person William Burnes was above the middle height,
and of slender form ; he latterly stooped. He had a thought-
ful and serious countenance. He married at the age of thirty-
six. In the parish register of Ayr his banns of marriage
are entered thus :
" Ayr, Deer. 2, 1757. — William Burns, gardener in this
parish, and Agnes Broun, in Maybole, gave in their names to
be proclaimed in order for marriage, and after proclamation,
were married accordingly."
1 A Manual of Religious Belief, composed by William Burnes, the Poet's
father, for the instruction of his Children. Kilmarnock, 1875, 8vo, pp. 50.