nising in the names advertised to attend the meeting those clergymen whom they had been accustomed always to feel quite safe and comfortable in sitting under, were notwithstanding much confused by the new word, and anxiously inquired what the lecture was about. Was it a religious meeting? or a scientific meeting? or what was it? Well, the lectures were delivered, and it is no disparagement to the zeal of the reverend orator to say that Trinity Chapel continued just as full, and Mr. Robertson's influence just as great, as before these gratuitous lectures on "Neologianism." It is gratifying to be able to record that he against whom these and other similar demonstrations were made-some, by the way, not quite so manly and open as this-was in no way disturbed nor annoyed by them. Never did an angry word pass his lips respecting any of those whom he knew were branding him as a heretic-who were trying, as far as they could, to hinder his ministry, or discredit him in the so-called religious world. Towards the close of his ministry, it became evident that the only chance of his restoration to health was by having rest, and his congregation raised a fund for the payment of a curate; of course leaving the selection of the curate to Mr. Robertson. In a letter written at this time he says: "One inducement towards accepting their offer is, that it would enable me to take a district, and try to work it, with a view to physical, as well as spiritual, improvement of the poor; acknowledging Christ as the Saviour of the body:' a truth ingeniously ignored." he And writing on the same subject a little later says: "I am anxious, on my own account, for assistance, in order 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 co-operation 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 15th, 1858. |