CHAPTER XVIII.
AFTER a stay in the Home Country of about three months, Dr Stuart left London by the P. and O. steamer "Victoria," and reached Melbourne in November, 1888, Mr and Mrs R. Glendining being again his fellow-passengers. It was his intention to remain in Victoria for a short time, and then return to New Zealand by way of Sydney; but, having received news of the precarious state of his son's health, he abandoned the idea, and came on by the first available steamer, which arrived at the Bluff on Sabbath, the 2nd of December. Coming on by train next day, he was met at Mosgiel by a number of the office-bearers, from whom he received a most hearty welcome. Dr Stuart's return was hailed no less heartily by the members of his congregation, and indeed by the whole community, among whom his name has been a household word for many years. On the evening of the following day (Tuesday, December 4, 1888) a meeting of the congregation was held in the church. This occasion may properly be regarded as a memorable one in the history of Knox Church, and therefore no apology is needed for inserting the following report of the proceedings, published next day by the Otago Daily Times:—
"A devotional service was held in Knox Church last night in connection with Dr Stuart's return to Dunedin. Dr Dunlop presided, and there was a very large attendance, the church being crowded in every part. On the appearance of Dr Stuart on the platform surrounding the pulpit the audience rose en masse. The service commenced with the singing of the Hundredth Psalm. Dr Dunlop then engaged in prayer, after which
"Dr Hislop (addressing Dr Stuart) said: Your office-bearers have conferred on me the honour of presenting you with an address on behalf of themselves and the members and adherents of Knox Church on the occasion of your return. I will now read the address:—
