Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/237

Rh his nephew, Rev, Dr. Thomas Carter Kirkwood of Colorado. This dear friend, when asked, a year later, for suggestions as to his uncle’s Memorial, answered, “Lay stress upon the mention of his great kindness to theological students.”

Early in June, he went with his son Robert and his granddaughter to visit his oldest son at Boonton, New Jersey, while his daughter with her children went to their old home in Mendham. After his arrival in Boonton, he penned to his daughter what was perhaps his last autograph letter, in which he says: “All are very kind. I need no help which is not readily given. But still I miss your loving care. You have been a great comfort to me since your dear mother left me. I do not know how I could have lived had I not had your constant care. But, after all, I must look higher. How low my aims are! I hear the call, Look unto me, but it often is unheeded. Give my love to the dear ones around you. How many you have to cheer you in Mendham! Meetings are as frequent as ever, and all take part.”

On the evening of Sunday, June 23d, a praise service was held in the church. The writers whose hymns were sung that evening were Robert Murray McCheyne and Dr. and Mrs. Horatius Bonar. The Bonars were old friends of Mr. Carter, who, by request of his son, gave some very interesting reminiscences concerning them. He closed his address with the words, “The night cometh. Shall we all meet together in the morning?” As the old man spoke, his aged friend, Bonar, the poet preacher, was stepping down to the banks of Jordan, and only one more Sabbath was the speaker himself permitted to spend in the earthly sanctuary. On that Sabbath,—June 30th,—Mr. Carter visited the Sunday