The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-06-29

KNOWN 10 reaoer6 OF tnbt eXceilent EellB-
ious weekly. the Christian Leader, of
Glasgow, long before they took to them
selves wider though not more apprecia-
tive constituency. In recent number
of the Leader appears an account of Mr..
Crockett's resignation from his passionate
at Penicuik, and his farewell sermon
He was called to the Free Church in
that village in October, 1886, and his
resignation was brought about only by
his desire to devote himself to literary
pursuits. A brief extract from Mr..
Crockett's farewell discourse will be in
teresting to the readers of the "Stickit
Minister" and 1.-THE Raiders"
"In resigning my charge desire to put
on record that hold, and shall teach to
the wider audience, the same vital truths
which have taught to you-the virtue,
the praiee, the sacrifice of the Atonement.
Literature has need of believing men to
hold aloft the banner of belief. l am, it
is true, but a humble soldier in the army,
but trust that in the day Of battle l
shall not be found wanting. With re-
gard to more immediate interests, de-
sire to hold myself responsible for the
supply of the pulpit till such time as it
shall be your wish to begin the hearing
of candidates or the using of other means
to fill the vacancy. l shall preach as
often as can during this necessary time
of preparation, and constantly be at
your service for all counsel and help.
l desire at all times to continue to serve
the congregation; but in the future free
from wearing responsibility and anxiety,
lest one part of my work should unduly
encroach upon that other for which am
responsible to you. Finally, brethren,
in the old Apostolic words. Pray for me-
for have sore heart this day. l have
not done all | ought. | have been an
Improbable servant. But this thing l
do say, that have given this people my
heart. l have never spoken word
among you for the sake of praise, or in
order to please you. l have never, as
| God sees me, been silent because of the
| fear Of man. have declared the whole
counsel of God as have known it. No
man ever had more loving and faithful
people; none ever kinder and more loyal
| Office bearers. But | sorrow not as one
that goeth away from you. Joy rather
as one that shall sit with you on the
sacred Sabbath morn that hath been so
| dear to us. My voice shall still, il God
SO permit, be heard among you. shall
be willing helper of your minister. /
shall sit, l trust, at one table with you
at our earthly communion. Also, breth-
rem, true and we'll beloved, pray that
we shall all sit about the supper table of
the Lamb, and drink anew with him
when he cometh into his kingdom.
| Amen"
Mr.. S. R.Crockett is literary protege
\ of Mr.. Stevenson, and his first book, that
is, the first to attract public attention,
1.-THE Stickit Minister is dedicated to
Robert Louis Stevenson, of Scotland
andSamoa." In a recent edition de Iasme
of this novel are some verses by Mr..
4 Stevenson in acknowledgment of the
dedication, the last lines of which, in
view of his death and burial in Samoa,
have a pathetic interest:
| Be 1t granted to me to beholdyou again in dying
4 Hills of homel and to hear again the call
4 Hear about the graves of the martyrs the pee
/ wees crying,
4 And hear no more at all.