Page:James Thomason (Temple).djvu/71

Rh solicitude upon earth, and present itself before its Judge to render an account of the manner in which it has acquitted itself of the duties devolved upon it. ... In the hour of health, in the day of prosperity, in the sunshine of happiness, the provision must be made. The season of perplexity, of sorrow and anguish will arrive. We have to prepare net for possible contingency, but for positive certainty.'

In all this there is something unconsciously prophetic. At a time which was the happiest of their lives, he and his wife make mental provision for misfortune. They both know that the closest ties must sooner or later be sundered, though neither foresees that for them the severance is to come soon. Indeed, it is difficult, within a reasonable compass, to do justice to this manuscript book, which well illustrates the God-fearing, humble and diligent disposition of two persons who had all the temptations of worldly success to distract them.

Here he receives his sister Frances, who has been noticed in the last preceding chapter, on her arrival from England, having written to her, 'my heart beats in happy expectation of seeing you amongst us.' He gives her in marriage to Mr. (afterwards Sir Robert) Montgomery of the Civil Service. After the wedding is over he writes that he will no longer think of her 'as the trembling blushing bride, but as the matron — the companion of her husband in his wandering — the staff on which he rests in his