he found himself a life governor, and his wife a life member of the institution. When our father had been twenty-five years at Henley, a celebration of the event took place; his people invited him and his family to meet them in the schoolroom to tea, and then presented him with a handsome time-piece and a purse of money. The following address was read: "REV. AND DEAR SIR,-I am requested to present this to you on behalf of the Church and Congregation, and of other friends. "We desire devoutly to recognize and acknowledge the great goodness of God to us, on being this day permitted together to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of your pastorate amongst us, and that under circumstances demanding alike our gratitude and joy. "We desire especially upon this occasion to bless God for all the proofs of His love and favour to you, as our beloved pastor; that He has for so long, and with scarcely an interruption, granted you vigorous health for the happy discharge of your various duties; that although called to sustain some heavy domestic trials and bereavements, He has graciously sustained you, and sanctified these afflictions. "Above all, we rejoice with you, that God has been graciously pleased to put His own seal to your ministry amongst us; and that as a Church we have not only been preserved in peace, but that very many through your labours have been brought into the fold of Christ. We especially mark with gratitude the fact that during the last year, more in number were added to the Church than in any preceding year of your pastoral labours. * "We desire to mark this occasion by some more tangible expression of our affectionate esteem for our beloved pastor; and we have great pleasure in requesting your acceptance of a purse containing seventyfive pounds. Also of a more permanent memento of this happy occasion, in the form of a time-piece, with our earnest wishes and fervent prayers that the precious time it may measure out to you may witness increasing prosperity in your own soul, yet more enlarged success in all your future labours amongst us; and that, above all, when time for you shall be no more, it may then be your privilege to hear from your Saviour's lips the joyful sound, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.' "May you be welcomed and followed into heaven by very many who shall be your crown of rejoicing. "March 20th, 1861." Love is full of ingenuity, it will contrive some plan for making itself understood under every variety of circumstance. When our father had real wants, the people knew how to meet them; and at times when he had none, they found out some wishes that could be gratified, or thought of something he might like, even if he had never wished for it. Many a time he came home from a journey to find some additions made to his comfort, especially when all the family had been away, and the gift could be prepared without the knowledge of any one in the household. In recalling the names of friends who showed such kindnesses, we can only say with grateful hearts, "God bless them all!" |