1859- GREAT PROSTRATION. 



359 



be spared maddening agony, and to be kept, above all, 

 from losing faith in the blessed Saviour." 



Those expressions of trust and hope are almost the only 

 clue we have to his feelings during the few days of his 

 illness, but they are sufficient. 



It had ever been his custom, in previous attacks, to carry 

 on his daily work in bed as much as possible in the same 

 way as usual. Books and writing materials surrounded him, 

 and the day was divided into portions : so many hours for 

 writing and study, so many for lighter reading, and so many 

 for rest. Lively talk and fun made his sick-room a place of 

 real enjoyment at most times, his ailments often being the 

 subject of the jests. He disliked having any one to read 

 to him, saying it sent him to sleep. 



Now all was different. Scarcely a word was uttered, 

 and his weary look of utter prostration, being interpreted as 

 a meek supplication not to be disturbed, as few words were 

 addressed to him. There seemed to be little pain, but no 

 inquiry was made as to this. A distressing restlessness, and 

 difficulty in coughing, were the most marked symptoms. 

 It was touching to see the attempts to read to himself as 

 formerly. A light newspaper was taken up at intervals 

 throughout the first day of confinement to bed, but as often 

 wearily laid down, with apparently no knowledge of its 

 contents. 



The only earthly care that appeared to disturb him was 

 his class ; and early on Monday morning the following note 

 was written at his request to Professor Balfour, his sister 

 kneeling with the paper on the bed, while with effort he 

 slowly dictated : 



" MY DEAR BALFOUR. A sudden and unexpected attack 

 of pleurisy, with accompanying inflammation of part of the 



