Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/117

Rh Mr. Carter writes some years later to John H. Griscom, M. D., son of his old friend:—

“In looking back to my intercourse with your venerable father during the last twenty years of his life, I cannot express the feelings that oppress me. I was introduced to him as a young stranger from a distant land,—of a different creed as I then supposed, differing as I believed in hopes and fears, in joys and sorrows,—and yet there proved to be a wondrous oneness and resemblance. When I first knew him, our intercourse was purely of a literary kind. Though I cannot say that he introduced me to Milton, Cowper, and others of our favorite poets, I can yet state that he enhanced greatly the estimate I had of their beauties. After several years of pleasant progress, our paths diverged. He went to Rhode Island, and I entered the business world here. When we again met, our views were greatly changed, and yet we were more as one than before. The books that meanwhile had absorbed my attention I found to my great joy were equally attractive to him. Chalmers, Jay, McCosh, McCheyne, Stevenson, and others were his daily companions. He told me that he had perused Chalmers on the Romans with most careful attention, and that he did not find a single paragraph which was not supported by Scripture. In this book he found distinct statements regarding the total depravity of man, and his consequent ruin; the interposition of the blessed Saviour for his recovery; his quickening and renewal by the Eternal Spirit, and the glorious work of sanctification begun, carried on, and perfected through the same holy agency; and he was ready to set his seal to the truth of them all. His views of spiritual truth grew brighter and more cheerful as he approached the end of his peaceful career. The precious Saviour, in his