Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/212

196 among them the old Earl, bare-headed, his white hair streaming in the wind. The son spoke no word, but stepped forward and placed his own hat on the head of his father. So should we bear ourselves to those loved and honored fathers, who conscientiously dissent from us.” The New School brethren had been feeling a little restive under the slower movements of the Old School Assembly, but “these words produced a profound impression, and were among the gentle and Christ-like influences which smoothed over all difficulties, and brought about at length the reunion of the Church.”

Dr. Ellinwood, from whom the last sentence is quoted, adds: “This incident was characteristic of Mr. Carter in all his relations, and in all his Christian activities. This same spirit which favored progress on the one hand, and conciliation and forbearance on the other, characterized his whole course. As a rule, he voted for every wise measure of progress. There was a bright and hopeful energy to his mind even to fourscore years. He was not bound to the past. He expected progress, as he earnestly prayed for it. He realized that many of the old moulds and measurements must be outgrown.”

After leaving the New School Assembly at Harrisburg, Mr. Carter returned to his own Assembly at Albany, and made his report with the others of his committee. He was then sent to convey the greetings of the Old School Assembly to the United Presbyterian General Assembly at Argyle, New York. There he met with a hearty Scotch reception, and made a most felicitous speech. Thus he on three successive days addressed three separate General Assemblies.

In 1869, he was a delegate to the General Assembly meeting at New York, at which Reunion was consummated. He was a member of the Conference Committee