Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/243

Rh charity.” His mind was so clear and his interest in all about him so keen, his conversational powers so unimpaired, that the visits of his friends were a great pleasure to him and to them. Dr. John Hall was a frequent visitor, and when one of the family thanked him for his kind attention, he replied, “No need of thanks, my visits are not at all unselfish, It is a pleasure to have intercourse with such a man as your father.” He greatly enjoyed a call from Dr. McCosh, and the two talked over the question of revision at great length, and with entire unanimity. It seemed as if all his old friends rallied about him with words of affection and cheer.

His eighty-second birthday was on November 2, and was remembered by many thoughtful friends with gifts and visits and letters. His grandchildren at a distance, even very little ones, wrote their congratulations. The following letter from Rev. Dr. J. R. Miller, whose “Come ye apart” was his daily companion, was received at this time:—

“I have just seen a notice in the New York Evangelist, that to-morrow will be your birthday. I am constrained to write a word of sincere congratulation. There are many things upon which you are to be congratulated. One is, that through the grace of Christ in you, your life has been such a blessing to the world, so full of usefulness, such an educating, uplifting influence. You will never know the full value of what you have done until in eternity you see all the results and inspirations when the harvest is gathered.

“Another thing on which your friends cannot but congratulate you and felicitate themselves is, that your useful life has been so long spared, that year has been added to year until you have now passed your fourscore. It has been a great joy and blessing to all who know you that the tree