37 i Mary Somerville. 



solemn voyage, but it does not disturb my tran- 

 quillity. Deeply sensible of my utter unworthiness, 

 and profoundly grateful for the innumerable bless- 

 ings I have received, I trust in the infinite mercy of 

 my Almighty Creator. I have every reason to be 

 thankful that my intellect is still unimpaired, and, 

 although my strength is weakness, my daughters 

 support my tottering steps, and, by incessant care 

 and help, make the infirmities of age so light to me 

 that I am perfectly happy. 



I HAVE very little more to add to these last words of 

 my Mother's Recollections. The preceding pages will 

 have given the reader some idea albeit perhaps a very 

 imperfect one of her character and opinions. Only 

 regarding her feelings on the most sacred of themes, is it 

 needful for me to say a few words. My mother was pro- 

 foundly and sincerely religious ; hers was not a religion 

 of mere forms and doctrines,' but a solemn deep-rooted 

 faith which influenced every thought, and regulated every 

 action of her life. Great love and reverence towards God 

 was the foundation of this pure faith, which accompanied 

 her from youth to extreme old age, indeed to her last 

 moments, Avhich gave her strength to endure many sor- 

 rows, and was the mainspring of that extreme humility 

 which was so remarkable a feature of her character. 



At a very early age she dared to think for herself, fear- 



