late Professor of Practical Astronomy in Glasgow. 297 



stance which heightened the consolations he enjoyed during the 

 evening of life. 



In March and April 1786, when he had nearly completed his 

 seventy-second year, it became apparent to his family and friends 

 that his constitution and strength were fast declining. After a 

 gradual and easy decay, which lasted throughout the whole of 

 that summer and autumn, and which he bore with the utmost 

 composure and resignation, amidst the tender solicitudes of his 

 surrounding family, he at last expired in their arms, on the 16th 

 day of October. 



THE private character of Dr WILSON was amiable to an un- 

 common degree. From his early youth to venerable age he was 

 actuated by a rational and stedfast piety, enlivened by those 

 gracious assurances which carry our hopes and prospects beyond 

 the grave, and sweeten the lot of human life. The cast of his 

 temper, though uniformly cheerful and serene, was yet meek and 

 humble, and his affections flowed in the warmest current imme- 

 diately from the heart. His looks, as well as his conversation 

 and demeanour, constantly indicated a soul full of innocence and 

 benignity, in harmony with itself, and aspiring to be so with all 

 around it. 



p p 2 



