Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/89

Rh he expected to end his days in the poorhouse, since he squandered his money in that way. “Ah!” said Mr. Carter, “how little he foresaw that the time was coming when Robert and Alexander Stuart would give habitually fifty thousand a year to Foreign Missions and fifty thousand to Home Missions!” Truly he that is faithful in that which is least will be faithful also in much when the opportunity comes.

Mr. Carter’s love for missions was shown, not only in his regular attendance at the Mission Rooms and his large contributions to the work, but in his personal interest in missionaries. They were ever welcome in his home, and honored guests there; his children were taught to reverence them as those who had forsaken all to follow Christ, and his ready sympathy went forth to special cases of need. Weary workers were sent by him to the seaside, or to sanitariums, medical attendance provided, and books given. It would be hard to say how many channels his benevolence found. One of the most prominent missionaries of the Presbyterian Board wrote him: “When you think of me as working here, then regard yourself as partner with me, as you aided in the building up of my strength and recruiting me for this service. In a larger sense, you are a partner in all our labors, since you uphold us by your gifts and counsels and prayers.”

In 1843, Mr. Carter was greatly interested for the Free Church of Scotland, which had just come out from the Establishment. Much sympathy was felt for the four hundred and seventy-four ministers who had left their churches and manses for conscience’ sake, and were thrown with their families upon the world. The Scotch Church, then in Grand Street, was especially interested for their countrymen, although it is said that a