Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/252

236 able to him. His judgment was always to be relied upon, his purse was always open, he took an interest in everything that was going on; he knew the rich and the poor, and he had the confidence of both. How wonderful his prayers were! How they used to inspire us in the prayer meeting! He prayed like a man who walked continually with God. One of the sweetest things about him was his love of children. To the very last he was a constant and always welcome visitor in the Sunday school, and the children loved the kindly old man who talked to them so earnestly and tenderly. Yes, indeed, he will be missed here. This gap in our midst long years may not fill.

Many of you know far better than I do what he was to the Presbyterian Church at large, what part he took in some of the most important events connected with our Church, what a well known figure he was in many a General Assembly, always listened to with respect, beloved by everybody because of the purity of his character and the wealth of his Christian service.

A few weeks ago an eminent English clergyman lay dying, and as he neared his end his mind began to wander. He fancied himself back in the church courts or committees where he had been prominent, and he was heard to whisper again and again, “Let us discuss the matter kindly.” When I read those beautiful words yesterday I thought at once of Robert Carter,—that was the spirit he ever sought to introduce into debate and controversy,—Let us discuss the matter kindly,

No, dear friends, we cannot mourn. We sympathize with this large company of relatives, children, grandchildren, brothers, who have lost the centre around which for years they have lovingly gathered, but we thank God for this blessed memory. We thank God