Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/254

238 to conduct our devotions, we felt as though we were raised near to God. He was near himself, and his prayers seemed, on the one hand, as though they came from the very depths of the heart, while, on the other hand, they were such as would reach the ear and heart of God.

I often heard him describe how he felt when he left his native country to come to America. He came with good recommendations from Professor Pillans, with whom he had studied,—a fine scholar; but what was more important, he came trusting in God, and with the firm purpose that he would never swerve to the right nor to the left from the path of duty.

He was from the first distinguished for great integrity. I can testify to this fact. As a publisher of many of my works, I found that it was not needful to make bargains with him. I left everything to his honor, and found that I could trust him and trust him implicitly. And so did everybody; the character he bears in this regard will not soon be forgotten by those who had transactions with him.

The substance which through the blessing of God he was enabled to accumulate, and the great influence which he was permitted to exert, were always devoted to good ends. Many a young man might testify: “All I have in life I owe to Robert Carter. He spoke a good word to me. Perhaps I was falling into temptation, perhaps I was coming under the influence of evil. He spoke a good word to me at some crisis of my life; perhaps he opened some office or situation to me.” Many a young man might testify to that effect.

During his life he was identified with many good causes in this great city, and in this respect he has left behind him a precious remembrance.