364 MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. XI. 



wards. Each one was calm outwardly, the utmost self- 

 control being exerted, that he might not be distressed by 

 witnessing emotion on their part. A love of quiet, and 

 avoidance of anything like bustle, were ever strongly charac- 

 teristic of him, and now this was borne in mind. He was 

 therefore left alone with his sister, the light being lowered 

 as much as possible : she once more bathed his face and 

 hands ; it was evidently soothing, and he said, " How can I 

 ever thank you for all your care and kindness ?" For the 

 first time she then expressed her consciousness of his state, 

 by saying, " You're going home, dear." With distinctness 

 he uttered the words, " I've been an unworthy servant of a 

 worthy and gracious Master;" then the voice broke, and 

 only one word more could be distinguished, " sin." Two 

 portions of Scripture were repeated with the hope of point- 

 ing from sin to the sin-Bearer. " If any man sin, we have 

 an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 

 " Ye are complete in Him." A very marked change appear- 

 ing in his countenance, a bell at hand was rung, which 

 brought his mother and John Cairns again beside him. 

 " He was breathing rapidly and with difficulty, and his end 

 was near. 1 I shortly prayed again, and a slight elevation of 

 the eyes showed that he recognised me. Your mother, 

 Jessie, and I watched him intently as the breathing became 

 more laborious and slow, and the eyes nearly closed. At 

 length a slight convulsive effort announced almost the last 

 struggle ; but his breathing was, after a pause, resumed, and 

 the actual falling asleep was so gentle that it could not be 

 distinguished. His features retained the most peaceful 

 expression," and thus at eleven p. M. was his wish fulfilled, 

 and he entered into the rest for which he had so longed. 



i We quote from a letter written by Dr. Cairns, an hour later, to the 

 absent sister Jeanie. 



