Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/263

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

OBITUARY NOTICE.

THE secular and religious press all over the country, and even across the seas, contained appreciative notices of Mr. Carter’s life and character. None of these gave a truer idea of him than the following, copied from the Independent.

Knowing that others who have had a far longer acquaintance with him than I have will give some account of the long Christian life just ended, I would like to add only a few personal reminiscences, not telling of the things he did, except as showing what manner of man he was.

Becoming acquainted with him only as he was nearing his threescore years and ten, I remember being attracted first by his positive, crisp conversation, with the strong Scotch utterance. But I am sure that my love first went out toward him when noticing his loyal, almost lover-like thoughtfulness for the sweet-faced, gray-haired wife who was always with him, in doors or out. How well I recollect one morning when we were awaiting news from an old lady friend who was very ill. One of Mr. Carter’s grandchildren had started for the post-office the minute the mail was due, and the dear old couple sat hand in hand by the window, eagerly awaiting his return. When the letter came, and was read aloud, announcing the friend's convalescence, the two gray heads bent toward each other with a kiss of thanksgiving, and an earnest “Thank God.” It was characteristic not only of their oneness of sympathy with each other, but their deep