Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/109

Rh “A Western publisher said to me one day, ‘I don’t profess to be a Christian myself, and I don’t believe much in many of those who do; but I know one thing, if there is a consistent man in the publishing trade, Robert Carter is that man.’ ‘Has he been talking to you about religion!’ ‘No, he never said a word to me directly about religion in all my intercourse with him; but the atmosphere in which he moved was so pure and holy, I could not help looking to see if there was not a halo around his face. His business intercourse with his customers impressed them with his integrity and conscientiousness, and they implicitly trusted his every word. Robert Carter is a true, honest good man; there is no cant, no deception nor trickery, about him’&thinsp;”

Mr. Carter himself writes as follows:—

“Among the booksellers with whom I had dealings in my early years, there was one from whom I purchased much of the material which I wanted. When I entered his store, he usually came to me, and we had a pleasant chat. He was kind and friendly, but his views were in some regards so different from mine that I have often wondered why he was so ready to talk with me. One day when I called, his son said to me, ‘My father is very sick; I wish you could see him.’ He had been taken ill in the country at the house of his daughter, and I thought I could not go to him. A little later, I was informed that he had returned home rather better, and would like to see me. I immediately went to his house, and found him much better than I feared. He received me very cordially, told me he had retired from business, had made his will, and was now free from earthly cares. I expressed my satisfaction at this, and hoped he might have a peaceful old age after a very active life. ‘But,’ said I, ‘will you allow me to ask you a question?’ ‘Yes, sir,