Coombe was conservative.

Coombe Presbyterians were still content to do without frills in the matter of doctrine.

Coombe could still listen to hell fire and, if not unduly disturbed, did not at least smile behind its hand.
Something of all this the Button-Moulder, student of men, felt as he watched the sombre yet glowing face of the preacher.
The sermon that morning was one of a series dealing with the Commandments and the text was, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." The speaker had the scholar's power of concentration, the orator's power of delivery.

He was both poignant and personal.

He seemed to do everything save mention names.