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which we are surrounded, if there can be any situation in life clear of embarrassments, troubles and cares. The church is no exception, and though we should expect peace, prosperity, love, and harmony to prevail, considering the use, the aim, and the end of it, observation, if not experience, shows that to some extent, at least, these desirable ends are scarcely attained. As long as human nature remains clothed with mortality, so long will imperfections exist. We cannot close our eyes to the fact that evils exist in the human heart. They are latent for a time, snugly hid away, but ready to leap forth when an occasion offers. How often are we surprised at the sudden springs of these latent evils ourselves. They should be stormed and rooted out from the citadel by a Divine power; like rank weeds springing up in a garden, however well attended, they require to be pulled up and cast out by the careful husbandman. So must the pride, passion and lusts of the professor be carefully watched, and every root of bitterness cast out as soon as it appears. Like David, we should ever pray, "Search me, and try me, and see if there be any evil way in me."
It will form no part of my duty to venture any remarks upon the motive or reason why Mr. Gardner resigned the pastoral charge of the church. According to the resolutions passed, it can be discerned that the separation was a friendly one, and such should always be the case between a retiring pastor and the people. It often happens that chief friends are called to part, not in bitterness but in love. Many circumstances may arise to make it necessary, without altering in the least the interest and affection existing. Such, I believe, was the case in this instance. Mr. Gardner still lives, though well advanced in years, and very recently visited the
