The Portland daily press., 1870-11-03
DAILY PRESS.
ND.
Thursday Morning, November 8, 1870
Rev. II. w. Robertson

seV. II. w. Robertson.
The best and only complete American edi-
tion of the life and writings of the Rev Il w
Robertson IS that recently issuedin two hand
some volumes by the Brothers Harpor-each
volume containing over 800 pages,--lhe one
comprising his "Lile, Lectures and Address
es," and the other his Sermons preached at
Brighton;" and both Illustrated with portraits
on steel.
To those who are not familiar with the life
OF MIR. Robertson, and who lave not read bis
letters and sermons, we can say that they
have before them very great pleasure.
Nj. Robertson was a remarkable man. In
his youth he was strongly prompted both by
quallhcation and inclination to enter the Brit
lsh army, in tie belief that courageous and
CONSCIENTIOUS man could do a good deal to i'm
prove the moral tone of the service; and after
long and severe mental struggle, in response
to the demand of filial affection, and 10 the
higher duty due his Maker, he decided to
abandon his cherished plans, and to become
instead a soldier of the Cross; and as long as
HE endured, though constantly harassed by
ill-health, and attacked on all sides by enc
' VIM wihiuiy VI iSnorantly mlSlntelpret-
Ell his motives, he labOred INCREASINGLY and
steadfastly in the service of his loved Master,
laying down his burden while in the full vicor
of manhood.
1t has been said that man cannot well
write book without disclosing Characters
tics Of himself, however he may try to conceal
them. Certainly one of the greatest charms
OF the letters and addresses of Mr.. Robertson
IS the character which he evinced for child
like truthfulness, humility. love for humanity,
indignation against hypocrisy, and the cor
rupllon OF innocence, and earnest zeal in the
cause OF Him whose cross he had taken upon
himself to bear.
Ills sermons, which moved men wonderful
ly, coming from his lips, often changed the
whole course of their lives, while thev still re-
tam SO much vitality and originality as to
charm persons of all the different creeds of
ChrlsteIdom, and still move men to live a
truer life, though the author has been almost
score OF years in his grave.
Many a reader of Mr.. Robertson's works
VIII md what has been the experience of the
writer; that matters which have long been
unsettled in his mind are now solved for all
time, and that he has grown in charity tor
many forms OF error, because recognizing the
germ OF truth, which lies at their root, and
love for that humanity in whose behalf Rob
ertson devoted the labor Of his life, and whom
the Savior came to save.
We quote, in conclusion, the words of a re-
viewer OF the sermons in Blackwood's Maoa-
zine:
"Here is book which has gone through as
great number of editions as the most popu-
lar novel. 1t has all those marks of actual
arduous service which are only to be seen in
books which belong to great public libraries.
IL IS thumbed, dog s-eared, pencil marked and
worn by much perusal. Is it, then, novel?
On the contrary, it is volume of sermons.
A line, tender and lofty mind has herein left
his legacy to his country. 1t is not rhetoric
or any vulgar excitement of eloquence that
charms so many readers to the book, so many
hearers to this preachers feet. 1t is not with
the action of Demosthenes, with out
stretched arms and countenance of flame.
that he presses his Gospel upon his audience.
On the contrary, when We read those calm
and lofty utterances, this preacher seems seat
ed, like his Master, with the multitude, papi-
tatlng round, but no agitation or passion in
nus ms own thoughtful, contempative breast.
The sermons of Robertson have few of the
exciting qualities OF oratvry. Save for the
charm OF sinsularly pure and lucid style,
their almost sole attraction consists in their
power of instruction, in their facility of OPEN
Ing up the mysteries Of life and truth. Ii is
pure teaching, so far as that can ever be ad-
mlnistered to popular audience, which is
offered to us in these volumes"