The Washington herald., 1909-06-20

II did not take him long TO make up his mind.
On the coming Sunday he would call meeting OF
his Session after the morning service and place HIS
resignation in their hands. His friend in Lanark
would have to do best could without him
Once he had done that he would bid farewell
forever to Edinburgh. the cradle OF many fond
hopes and noble ambitions But these things moved
him not whit Z would gladly, gladly sacrifice
everything If only-f only on. my beloved! he
Eroaned.
During the two Intervening days he made inde-
fatigable search. the in their
fighting against him. Not the slightest trace
could he find of his missing wife.
On the Sunday morning he kept his study, spend
ing the time in for strength for the ordeal;
for Gilbert Rutherfurd felt that prayer now his
only resource. He knew. he made his way 10 the
church that he had been dvinely strengthened IN the
his lonely wrestling
And it that without falter Quiver,
albeit white the lips and full OF shame, he faced
that august body and told his story.
Fathers and brethren" he said, with calm dig
nifty, called my Session together a matter
which to me, personally Is Of the very gravest mo-
ment First OF all, I want TO say how thankful am
for the kindness and support which have received
al your hands during these last six months. With
all humility I have striven to do my best for my
Master and for this congregation. But must give
up my charge, and 1 lay before you my resigna-
tion- VIII you please then, consider that from
hour I no longer minister Of this important
church? I bid you all farewell"
As he paused for moment dead silence was the
meeting He saw a look Of blank wonder overspread
the faces Of not few, but one-perhaps the most
influential Of them all-sat with the faintest sus-
picion Of a cynical sneer his lips.
MY reasons" he began slowly; but he in
terrupted by Mr.. Haldane
q think, gentlemen it would be only kindness and
common courtesy If we requested our dear minister
to refrain from entering into his reasons for this
regrettable step"
Mr.. Haldane has the right to his opinion" said
the lord provost of the city rising. "but there
something due who know nothing Of these
reasons. all completely in the dark.
except perhaps Mr. Haldane himself. that
hear these reasons every one"
Fathers and brethren" resumed the minister in
his voice, Mr.. Haldane knows Of these
reasons. He learned them from my own lips But
know also that you. Sir Thomas Ashburn. notwith-
standing assertion to the contrary, also know
these reasons having received them a from
the lips o your WIFE
The provost rose again y object TO the imputa-
tion" he said angrIy. Let Mr.. Rutherfurd keep to
facts"
silence, sir" said the minister, in a tone which
caused the provost his 4 speak true
things. You know my reasons They these. Ny
wife"-and for a moment he covered his eyes with
his hands-"my dear wife has an act which
whatever may be ethical import considered by it
self, is which has made my stay among you i'm
possible She, carried away by impulse for which
she is only partially responsible and for which
freely forgive her acted part Lucia In Doni-
zettis opera Tuesday night II 4eedless 10
say, without my knowledge or consent and further
fearing my dlspleasuTe-oh, fatal mstake!-sne LETT
So overcome was he by tie BRIEF recital That he
sank back IN ills chair and the
with sympathy-saw that he Young man was over
come a emotion
I think" said Mr.. Halcane. in a husky voice
that our beloved pastor should hear unanimous
expressions of sympathy. From my heart pity him"
Before so any further broke in the ord
provost Il would move that ask Mr. Rutherfurd
10 retire It would be painful for him TO near the
plain things some OF US have II in hearts 10 say
and especially since his presence might keen
some of us from expressing our minds as we oug6t
We have well-being OF the church at heart mis-
church over which have set as overseers
Fathers and brethren continued Gilbert Ruther-
furd understand that placed among Won nv
the aying-on hands Of Presbyterv: TO them
and them alone responsible for nv Conduct and
actions willingly withdraw first would Doint ont
that discuss the conduct Of minister in session duly
constituted is contrary to our Presbyterian form pro-
cedure"
Pardon me" said Sir Thomas Ashburn sneeringlv
intending pass m review conduct az a
member Of this cNngregarono wit the Of the min
lister all Difference you, sir believe that
- quite order"
At this Dr. Morton, as moderator rose. "sr Thomas