Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/226

210 ?—what a factor it has been in the religious education of the country?

“And he has been something more than the successful business man. In the church and its benevolent boards, in assemblies and synods, in religious and educational societies, as among his brethren in the trade, he has ever been known not only for the consistency of his walk, but for the wisdom of his counsel and the constant liberality of his gifts.

“He remains still vigorous, cheerful, hopeful, still interested in the world’s needs and progress, and ever ready to aid a worthy cause. Beloved and honored by all who personally know him, he is not only without enemies, but with troops of friends the whole world over.

“So much have I ventured to say to the public through you of our old and dear friend, who has so long been a teacher and benefactor of his fellow men.”

To this Dr. Samuel Irenæus Prime added:—

“He was the first publisher whose acquaintance I formed in New York, and the acquaintance ripened into a pleasant friendship, now as bright as it ever was. In all these years no book from his press has afforded me a chance (and I have kept a sharp lookout) for unfavorable criticism. Every one has been in the line of Christian usefulness. Men who hold views of religious doctrine not in the same line with his may not approve of them all, but I am not afraid to say that good, strong, stalwart Christian citizens are fed on such meat as he sells, and the more of it that is consumed, the more wholesome and happy will be the church and people.

“To make a really good book is grand. To publish hundreds of thousands of such books, and to pass half a century in the work, is sublime. Therefore I congratulate my friend Robert Carter on the comfortable completion of his fifty years as a publisher, on the prosperity of his business, which has abundantly provided for him in his old age, on the peace and happiness with which the evening of his life is