to enable me to devote myself less exclusively to pulpit work, and to become more pastoral." No curate came, however, to Trinity Chapel. It is not proposed in this place to enter on the question how it was that the plan was frustrated, —a more fitting occasion will present itself. Mr. Robertson felt this acutely, and says of it, in writing to a friend,— "I am deeply disappointed; I have looked forward to friendly coöperation and leisure for pastoral work. Dis aliter visum: an old heathen adage to be translated silently into Christian phraseology; but right enough, and pious in feeling." ! Those who were with Mr. Robertson at this time, remember well the utter self-forgetfulness which characterized his words and actions in relation to this disappointment. Three months afterwards, Mr. Robertson was carried to his grave; with such marks of respect, and reverence, and love, as perhaps never before accompanied a public funeral. The family intended the funeral to have been strictly private; but when vast numbers signified their intention of accompanying his mortal remains to their last resting-place, it became evident that it would really be a demonstration of general mourning. The shops were closed, the houses shut up, and the presence of sorrowing thousands told more eloquently than words could do, what grief was felt at the loss Brighton had sustained. Foremost in this genuine expression of feeling were the working men of the town-the men he was proud to call " My friends-the working classes." November 15, 1858. |