176 A HALF CENTURY. 



lor ; the Mother's Meeting in the home of our beloved Mrs. Rockwell; 

 the Tract Society, although not confined to this church, yet claiming 

 many active workers from its membership — these, and other channels 

 still, of Christian enterprise, enlisted my sympathies and prayers and 

 efforts, and served to enrich my own spiritual life. Though much has 

 intervened between then and now to absorb my attention, they are 

 yet classed among my cherished memories of our life here. 



In striking contrast to all the pleasant experiences among you, there 

 came a time I do not like to remember. It was the day the Lord led 

 us out from you to make our home in another city ; it was a sad one 

 indeed to us. We seemed to be leaving all the good people in the 

 world behind us, and to be facing a land of strangers. Our sun set in 

 clouds and darkness, and we could only follow by faith the hand that 

 was guiding us. Though the skies brightened as time went on, I can 

 never recall our separation from you without a pang ! The home- 

 sickness and heart-sickness that we both endured can never be 

 told. We came, however, to realize it was a part of the discipline of 

 our lives, which, in the end, would result in the greater good of vis all. 



The years that followed were too greatly filled with blessing, both 

 in this church and our own in the West, to leave cause for lasting re- 

 gret that the ties "which bound us so closely together had to be sun- 

 dered. 



A true love still binds our hearts together in Christ, and the blessed 

 hope of a reunion in heaven, with one another, and with those who 

 have gone before, cheers us and sustains us amid the changing scenes 

 of our later years. 



I am not unmindful that another church exists here now, in place 

 of the one that was here when our home was in this city ; and that all 

 I have said will interest very lightly the younger portion of those 

 present to-day. My hope is, however, that this memorable occasion 

 will furnish me the opportunity for a closer touch with those I used to 

 know, and who knew me and mine, and that together we may recount 

 gratefully all the way the Lord has led us, and mingle our praises and 

 thanksgivings for His manifold mercies to us. 



The day is hastening with us all when these scenes will close to our 

 earthly vision, and our opportunities for service here will be over. 

 What an incentive this for renewed efforts in behalf of others who 

 need us, and for coveting earnestly the best gifts, in order to work the 

 works of Him who sent us ! 



I rejoice and shall rejoice in the continued prosperity of this dear 

 church, and in the welfare and extending influence of her present be- 

 loved pastor and members; and shall continue my prayers that, in the 

 days and years to come, she may enjoy the blessing and abiding pres- 

 ence and benediction of the Master she serves; and, too, that hundreds 



