1859- LOVE OF DEPENDANTS. 367 



having reference to the combination of masters and workmen 

 in industrial pursuits. 



An instance of the love of dependants was strikingly 

 afforded in the case F of a workman whom he had for many 

 years employed occasionally, and with whom, as was his 

 wont, many a kindly word and jest had passed. This man, 

 now old and feeble, was lying ill at the same time as his 

 friend, and, knowing the strength of his love, the relatives 

 around tried to keep him in ignorance of Dr. Wilson's 

 death. The attempt was vain. It was the one subject on 

 every lip, and learning it from a visitor, he sank from that 

 moment, unable to bear the shock. 



Some few were able to forget themselves in his joy, as 

 when one lady said, on hearing of his dismissal, " How 

 glad I am ! " so intensely realizing the blessedness of the 

 change to him, as to rest in that for the time. But the 

 greater number could only try to hush their grief to sub- 

 mission j and his words on John Reid came unbidden to 

 remembrance, as if giving the most fit expression to their 

 mingled feelings : 



" Thou wert a daily lesson 

 . Of courage, hope, and faith ; 

 We wondered at thee living, 

 We envy thee thy death. 



" Thou wert so meek and reverent, 



So resolute of will, 

 So bold to bear the uttermost, 

 And yet so calm and still. 



" Well may we cease to sorrow : 



Or if we weep at all, 

 Not for thy fate, but for our own, 

 Our bitter tears should fall. 



