1891] L'ENVOI. 259 



of many friends, and thankfully given, since in its simple and 

 truth-loving words it unfolds himself. This is the sole purpose in 

 the publication of this volume, that he of whom it testifies may 

 be known more fully in all the many-sidedness of his wondrous 

 character. Should the study of this pure and beautiful life be the 

 means of leading others to desire to know its secret, and thus serve 

 as an inspiration for other lives, this volume will indeed fulfil its 

 mission. 



It is not easy to describe a life which is thus varied in its 

 interests, therefore the possession of so full a journal is something 

 for which to be unspeakably thankful. Little remains to be said : 

 the friends who asked for the Journal, have also entreated that 

 some words may be added to it about the four years which folloAved 

 the period where it ceases. On Sept. 15, 1891, the first symptoms 

 of anything which could point to coming illness were felt, and 

 advice was at once sought from a friend then in Braemar (Dr. 

 Halliday Douglas, of Edinburgh) ; but not till Thursday, Sept. 1 7, 

 did that illness develop itself in all its terrible suddenness, and 

 awaken the gravest fears on the part of the two medical men who, 

 from that morning, were in almost hourly attendance upon him. 

 What that time of anxious watching was, and the — humanly speak- 

 ing — almost hopeless character of the illness, cannot be unfolded 

 here. For many, many weeks but little, if any, prospect could be 

 entertained of his ever seeing his Cambridge home again ; but the 

 Lord of healing stretched forth His hand in power and tenderness, 

 and heard the earnest cry that went up from countless hearts, and 

 on Wednesday, Dec. 2, we were permitted to begin the journey of 

 700 miles, from the cottage in the Highlands to the dear home at 

 Cambridge. It was a wonderful journey, and accomplished from 

 first to last without one drawback. This volume may, and probably 

 will, fall into the hands of some of the friends who united in a 

 ministry for him, which can never be forgotten. That little moun- 

 tain village is a favourite resort ; and not only from those personally 

 known, but from entire strangers, was received a wealth of sym- 

 pathy and practical kindness, the memory of which must abide 

 amongst the special mercies which cheered and enriched those 

 months of watching and waiting. It is impossible here to enume- 

 rate those whose names are thus held in grateful remembrance, but 

 one exception there must be. This record cannot close without a 

 testimony of deep appreciation and gratitude for the great profes- 

 sional ability and most devoted care and watchfulness of Dr. James 

 Noble. That in a time of such grave need so skilful and tender a 

 physician should have been raised up, is something which no words 

 can repay. His name is a household word, as that of the human 

 instrument to whose wisdom and care we owe it that that journey 

 home was ever permitted to be undertaken. He watched his 

 patient unweariedly, and accompanied us the 18 miles drive along 

 Deeside, saying that if he could comfortably face that, the remainder 



