The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1872-08-02
A SAD STORY.


Illinois, was called 10 the pastorate OF
the Presbyterian Church in this city
corner Of Fourth and Chesnut streets,
in connection with the Northen Assem-
bly,.
Mr.. Robertson took charge Of the
Church we believe, in September. The
congregation, one Of the largest and
wealthicst in the city, had been for some
months without pastor, and was in a
languishing and disturbed condition.
The call TO Mr.. X. was made with
great unanimity, and his coming was
hailed with pleasure and satisfaction.
Entering upon his duties he seemed to
give new life to the church, the attend
ance at once rapidly increased, and the
future promised season of great use
fulness and many blessings.
The new pastor was earnest and unfail-
Ing in his work. In the pulpit and in
the discharge Of his pastoral duties he
won the hearts of his flock, and made
himself, wherever he went, sympathiz-
ing and admiring friends. Indeed, he
may be said to have taken position in
the advance with the most distinguished
and best beloved of the ministers of our
city. A sermouizer Of more than ordi-
nary culture and attaiuments, of finish
ed manners and winning address, appar-
emily devoted, as he was active and I'M
firing in the work of the church, he be-
came a man Of mark in our community,
commanding the respect, the confidence,
and sympathy of all good people.
A few dnys since his congregation
voted him leave of absence from his
ministerial labors until the LIST of Sep
tember next, that he might recruit his
health, and escape from the heat and
dust of the city. On Sabbath evening
Last he preached to crowded and appre-
ciative audience his farewell sermon, and
it was most appropriate and touchingly |
beautiful. His text was Hosea 2-15:
"And the Valley Of Achor for door Of
Hope" and there occurred in the sermon
this passage:
"Afiictions make this world now often as
wilderness. They bring us down into this
Wey Of Achor, this place Of troubling. |
Nld tell the trials and the Affections that |
Al n =.
nrn lives. The verdict Of mans life
long ago. OF few days and full Of
There are the defects Of worldly 1
I'VE is the loss Of earthly property.
% AfalseDess Of human friendship. |
s-ThYain, fierce struggles with evil
leave the home desolate. There are those
strokes Of advenities that Eli the whole soul
with bitterness; that shatter the textures Of
the hrmest and lowest spirit; that leave Us
down In these glooms where the whole life
Seems one wretched defeat. Ii il the valley
Of Achor through which we are passing now
We cry out In this intolerable agony of our
spirit'
Poor fallen, wretched, ruined and mis-
cradle man. Verify, it is the Valley of
Achor through which he is passing now,
and from which he, no doubt, this night
cries out in the intolerable agony of
crushed and broken spirit.
While the gifted minister was delivering
them his farewell sermon the tongue of
rumor was busy circulating the story of
his wicked practices, of his temptation
and his fall. :
The statement is that on Monday
evening Of last week Mr.. Robertson left
this city without notice to any member A.,
Of his congregation and went to Chicago,
and on Wednesday afternoon he made
his appearance at the depot in Chicago,
accompanied by woman, and purchas-
Ing tickets for Louisville, engaged a sec
lion In sleeplng-car, which they occu- |
pied in common. He was recognized
BY the conductor, and perhaps, by Others.
He was under the influence of liquor,
and his conduct and that of his compan-
ion was such rs to attract the passengers. .
He returned to this city after some de- :
lays on the road at 10:45 P. NJ. on Thurs .
day. On Friday afternoon, between two
and three o'clock, he was again at the
depot in Louisville, with small travel 7
ling sstchel. and there purchased ticket
for Chicago, and producing his ministers
card halffare ticket to Indianapolis, l
and going to the sleeping coach took
section, and shortly afterwards brought
into q car woman closely vailed.
Here. IL Is said, be was again in state
Of helpless intoxication, reeling and fall
ing about the car, and talking wildly
and incoherently. Here he was encoun- ,
tered by a distinguished minister of this
city, who recognized him. Shortly after
the cars left he sank to sleep on the seat
Of the section he had engaged, and at
Franklin. Indiana, the place of meeting
Of the Louisville and Chicago trains, he
left the sleeping car and took the train
for this city.
Mr.. Robertson remained in the city
until Monday evening last, when he left
for Ohio. whittier his family had prece-
ded him some weeks since. The rumors
current, before he left in regard to his
were communicated to him, and
he was advised 70 remain and oonfrontt
them; but he declined, saying he had
agreed TO meet his wife at Cincinnati.
and must do 80.
On Tuesday be Was telegraphed and !
urged 10 return No answer was received 9