Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/233

Rh It was very touching to hear the little ones repeat what Papa or Grandmamma had said while yet present with them, and yet more sweet and tender were the words of the aged saint who could testify of the goodness and mercy which had followed him all the days of his life, and which had shown itself so plainly in giving him a wife in whom the heart of her husband could safely trust, who had done him “good, and not evil, all the days of her life.” It seemed as if he was so rich in memories that there was room for little but gratitude.

On this occasion he quoted Cowper’s Lines on the Receipt of his Mother’s Picture, a poem which had always been a great favorite with him, and expressed a desire that all his children and grandchildren should learn it.

It was now decided that Mrs. Cochran, with her fatherless little ones, should come into his home, to bear him company and guide his household. Some might have questioned the wisdom of bringing seven children under sixteen years of age into the home of a man nearly eighty, and one of his old friends wrote to him remonstrating, saying that Mr. Carter might be able to stand such an arrangement, but he was sure he never could. But the union proved a blessing to both old and young. Mr. Carter frequently spoke of it as one of the great blessings which God had vouchsafed to him in his bereavement. He often referred to his friend’s warning, adding, “But he was wrong; I have never had the slightest reason to regret it.” The children afforded him pleasurable occupation. Every evening he heard the Latin and Greek lessons for the next day; he examined all the school reports, and rejoiced in every sign of progress. Little two year old Annie was his special friend. She seemed to comfort him more than anything else, perhaps because of her unconsciousness