REMINISCENCES. xlvii 



of definition. Underneath the surface of things, his mind would 

 appear to have been always at work, and the pen followed, and 

 now one can realize to the full the power that was there, reminding 

 one of Keble's lines : 



Like the violets one by one. 



Soon as their fragrant task is done, 



Are wafted high in death. 



If this were true of his character as a natural philosopher, I feel 

 sure it was true of his character as a Christian, whose influence, 

 without many words, was always felt by those who were in touch 

 with him. I know it was felt by many at Braemar, who would not 

 have sympathised with those deep and distinct principles of Divine 

 Truth on which his mind rested, and which found expression in the 

 life. It cannot but be useful, in this sceptical age, that men should 

 know, by an example such as this, how the highest attainments in 

 the studies of Nature, can be blended with and sanctified by an un- 

 swerving belief in the Divine Kevelation. 



From Miss Marsh. 



July 24, 1895. 



. . . God Himself comfort you in this deep affliction. It is 

 indeed the uprooting of your tender heart from earth — by carrying 

 away him who was its joy and strength — to Heaven. But oh [ 

 what rest for him, after all his suff'erings, to be where "Health 

 triumphs in immortal bloom," and resting with infinite content in 

 the presence of his Saviour ; and amidst angels and archangels, and 

 all the company of Heaven. 



Soon . . . soon you will see him coming with that glorious Saviour, 

 to regain the garment of his soul, raised in incorruption, in glory, 

 in power, and we shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of 

 an eye, and be caught up together with our beloved saints to meet 

 the Lord in the air, and so (together with them) to be forever with 

 the Lord. And meanwhile the promise is yours, from the Prince 

 of Peace, your own beloved Lord and Saviour, "I will not leave 

 you comfortless, I will come unto you." 



From the Kev. James Macgrkgor, D.D. 



3, Eton Terkacb, Edinburgh, 



Aug. 10, 1895. 



.... Let me express my deep sympathy with you under the 

 loss of your noble husband, who has gone before you to the Blessed 

 Rest. . 



You were all in all to one another, and you were never dearer 

 to one another than now. His memory is a glorious legacy : but 

 what shall we say of the Blessed Hope ? God bless and comfort you. 



