Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/148

114 work required of them they would bring their hearts and their hands. How could he thank them for their generous sympathy in the affliction that had overtaken his poor boy, for their condolence, and for their prayers! But he was sure that both he and his son would be sustained until the appointed end. The prayers of the congregation were needed for his son. What young man in sinking health, having to meet every day the wife of his bosom and his bairns, but needed the prayers of his friends and neighbours! But he believed that his son had learnt that ahint the clouds the sun shines bright, and that he would be enabled to bear what was assigned to him with patience and hope until God declared His will. Dr Stuart then expressed regret at missing many members of the congregation who were absent through sickness or death, and went on to refer to his visit Home, saying he could never sufficiently show his gratitude to the congregation for insisting upon his taking a rest which had been the means of his recovering health in a large measure, and of giving him very great enjoyment.—(Applause). He spoke of the very kind ministrations of Mr and Mrs Glendining, who accompanied him Home, and of the warm reception he received in the Old Country from many people who formerly lived in Otago, and from others to whom he was known only as the minister of Knox Church. Then he went on to thank the Rev. Mr Cameron for the way in which he had upheld the credit of the congregation during his absence, and concluded as follows:—'Maybe there were times when the thought went through my mind that I was necessary to the maintenance of this church. I see now that no man is necessary. If I were now laid aside like a plucked flower, the congregation would go on in its career of Christian usefulness—perhaps with more vigour and with more success than has ever characterised it. Know this my friends, that thousands of people at Home know about you, and are pleased to know that you Britons of the South are loyal to the Gospel, and are prepared by your means, by your co-operation, by your prayers, and by your Christian activity to stand by it, to keep it, to defend it, and to rejoice in it. I must not now venture upon another word to the office-bearers, to the workers, and to the whole of you. Accept my thanks—my earnest, heartfelt thanks— for your prayers, for your kindness in the past and to-day, and for all that is in your heart to do for me and for the Gospel.'—(Applause.)"