Biographical Reminiscences OF THE REV. HENRY M. LAIRD, OF LESLIE. THEC BY BO THE REV. JOHN BENTON, FREE CHUKCH, AUCHTERMUCHTY. VN 200.c.43. EDINBURGH: JOHN MACLAREN, PRINCES STREET. LONDON: HAMILTON, ADAMS, & CO. PREFACE. THE following Reminiscences have been compiled in compliance with the desire of many to have a permanent record of the life and ministry of one whose memory is still cherished by all who knew him, and specially by those among whom he laboured. The lapse of eight years since Mr. Laird's death has made the author's work one of peculiar difficulty, and he has therefore to crave the indulgence of his readers. Had the Sketch been prepared at an earlier period, it would have been much more full and complete. Such as it is, it is now offered to the public, in the hope that, while it may be found to be a true portrait of the departed, it may be also blessed of God to the souls of all who peruse it. Mr. Laird left behind him a great mass of manuscript Lectures and Sermons, but as none of these were written with a view to publication, and all of them were composed amid the bustle of the numerous avocations in which he was engaged, it has not been deemed advisable to publish more of them than will be found in the second part of this brief Memorial. The author takes this opportunity of expressing his thanks to the Rev. John Logan of Leslie, and numerous other friends who have kindly furnished him with materials for the preparation of this little work, AUCHTERMUCHTY, December 1860. |