Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/137

Rh representing how much he felt benefited by the rest and change. There was also received from him by the same post a Pastoral Letter dated "At Sea, June 18th," the perusal of which afforded much gratification to the congregation and his numerous other friends. The letter was printed, read from the pulpit, and circulated; and, as it is exceedingly interesting and instructive, and abounds in wise counsels and pleasant reminiscences, it is well worthy of a permanent place in the history of Knox Church. It is as follows:—

", 18th June, 1888. "Dear Friends,—The proofs of your confidence and love have been so many and varied that I feel sure you will be glad to learn, under my own hand, that up to this date I have felt neither sickness nor weariness. This result I connect with the goodness of God, your prayers, and the wise and kind ministries of my friends Mr and Mrs Glendining. Contrary to my expectations and my former experience of the sea, the voyage thus far has been, in the words of Mr E. B. Cargill, one prolonged holiday. It is almost a new thing for me to pass through many cares without care, not with the indifference of the sluggard, but with the privilege of a mind at liberty.

"Yesterday you had the opportunity of taking your seat at the Lord's table, and avowing before men and angels your faith in Christ as the redeeming God, and your purpose to be His servants and soldiers till life's end, I was with you in spirit during the action sermon, the table service, and the thanksgiving. The fact is, Mr and Mrs Glendining and myself met in my cabin at noon, and after a pleasant talk about you and your sacred engagement we read the following Scriptures, each taking a part:—Ps. lxxxiv., Is. liii., and 1 Cor. xiii., while I engaged in prayer, asking God to bless the preacher and the message, the office-bearers, the members, the veterans, the rank and file, and the additions by certificate and examination. We also besought God to visit with His reviving grace the dear friends who were kept from joining you by the restraints of Providence, as Dr. Macdonald, Mr Douglas, Mrs Borthwick (our oldest member), Mrs Wilson of Victoria street, Mrs Mackinlay of Hillside, Miss Hughson of Maclaggan street, and others. Our little service was not only a pleasant break in a Sabbath at sea, but a means of grace which proved refreshing to our souls.

"As I meditated on your service, I was led to think of our first