Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/244

228 has been left standing so long, that hungry ones might sit in its refreshing shade and eat of its ripened fruits.

“Another thing on which you should be congratulated is, that you have outlived neither your usefulness nor your welcome in this world, Some old people do both. But you are enjoying in the mellow eventide of your life the love of loyal friends, and the esteem and regard of the thousands to whom you have been a blessing, and are still bringing forth fruit in old age.

“One other cause for congratulation is that you have an immortality before you, bright with rich possibilities of growth, in which you are going to continue to work for Christ. This is the best of all. The ‘endless life’ beyond the shadows of mortality is a great deal more real than the broken years we live in this world. There the oldest are the youngest, and all life is toward youth.

“May God continue you for many other years of usefulness here, and then introduce you to an eternity of glorious life.”

A few days later came the following letter from Dr. Cuyler:—

“I often, often think of you, and wish I was so near that I could come in and enjoy a grasp of your honest hand, and a look into the face that has shone for half a century in the light of God’s countenance. How I love you, and rejoice to have spent so many hours with you in this world! But many more, I trust, up yonder.

“I send to you one of my late articles, written for those shut up in sick-rooms, entitled ‘Prisoners of Jesus Christ.’ Perhaps it may be to you also a love message. I hope that I can get over soon to see you, but my work is heavy, constant, pressing, and I am not quite so hearty as usual.

“Thanks,—thanks for the unspeakable gift of Christ Jesus to us both, and to our loved ones.

“Ever yours, till the day break in glory.”