twelve o'clock
Thus habited , he approached the congregation , who rose up to make way for him , ascended the ladder attached to the back-door of the tent , and forthwith proceeded to the duties of the day . `` Therefore watch and remember ; for the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one , night and day , with tears . '' These words of the text were read out in a firm , though somewhat shrill and squeaking tone of voice ; and as he lifted up his eyes from the sacred page , and looked east and west around him , there was a general preparatory cough , and adjustment of position and dress , which clearly bespoke the protracted attention which was about to be given . And , truly , although he continued to discourse from twelve o'clock till dusk , I can not say that I felt tired or hungry . Nor did it appear that the speaker 's strength or matter failed him -- nay , he even rose into a degree of fervid and impressive eloquence towards the close which none who were present ever heard equalled . `` And now , my friends , '' continued he , in a concluding appeal to their consciences -- `` and now I am gaun to warn ye anent the future , as weel as to admonish you o ' the past . Ye 'll see and hear nae mair o ' puir Sandy Peden after this day 's wark is owre .