Edinburgh Castle - 11

Here we see the Argyle Tower. This tower is in effect the upper part of the Portcullis Gate, added to that ancient structure in 1887. It was designed by Hippolyte Blanc, an Edinburgh architect, and financed by the Edinburgh publisher, William Nelson, who hoped the tower might become the permanent home of the Honours of Scotland, the crown jewels. He died disappointed.



Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?”

Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:18-22)

Let's now sing my favourite Lent hymn!

Christian! dost thou see them
On the holy ground,
How the troops of Midian
Prowl and prowl around?
Christian! up and smite them,
Counting gain but loss:
Smite them by the merit
Of the Holy Cross!

Christian! dost thou feel them,
How they work within,
Striving, tempting, luring,
Goading into sin?
Christian! never tremble!
Never be down-cast!
Smite them by the virtue
Of the Lenten Fast!

Christian! dost thou hear them
How they speak thee fair?
“Always fast and vigil?
Always watch and prayer?”
Christian! say but boldly:
“While I breathe, I pray:”
Peace shall follow battle,
Night shall end in day.

“Well I know thy trouble,
O my servant true;
Thou art very weary,—
I was weary too:
But that toil shall make thee,
Some day, all Mine own:
But the end of sorrow
Shall be near My Throne.”



As today is a High Feast Day, I have a treat for you! You are probably wondering what it would be like to have a VIP seat at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo? Well, you are about to find out. Get ready to be amazed!



Happy Feast!