214 .MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. IX* 



But it was well, believing as thou didst, 



Like standard-bearer with thy flag unfurled, 



To blazon on thy banner those brave words, 

 "I, Athanasius, against the world." 



Thy faith is mine ; but that is not my theme : 

 'Tis thine example I would preach to all ; 



Whatever each believes, and counts for true 



Of things in heaven or earth, or great or small, 



If he believe it, let him stand and say, 



Although in scorn a thousand lips are curled ; 



' ' Though no one else believe, I'll hold my faith, 

 Like Athanasius, against the world." 



To Dr. Cairns, George writes in May, 1851, "I am sure 

 you cannot have more pleasing, and certainly not more 

 profitable remembrances of your visit than we have of your 

 sojourn. I am always quickened spiritually by intercourse 

 with you ; always grateful for a word in season. I wish 

 I could see in myself greater growth in grace. It is very 

 slow. I seem to see some loss of downward tendencies, 

 yet I am like a balloon which, in spite of casting out its 

 ballast, does not rise. I cling now little to this earth, and 

 sometimes ask myself, suppose all your bright youthful 

 visions were fulfilled, would you be happy 1 and I answer 

 emphatically, No ! I have had more pleasure in teaching 

 for a friend a Bible class for three Sabbaths, than I have 

 had in anything for a long season. I had longed and 

 prayed for a more direct way of serving God, and being 

 comparatively well this summer, had secretly resolved to 

 ask this friend to let me address his class one evening, 

 when, lo ! he came and besought me as a favour to take 

 charge of it in his absence from home. Surely there is 

 a God that answereth prayer." It was the custom of those 

 friends to exchange letters at the close of each year, review- 

 ing the past, and glancing to the future. In that of Decenv 



