1858. W1THDKAWAL FKOM CANVASS. 457 



However, one does for a friend what one would not do for one's- 

 self." 



His tone in writing to friends is almost apologetic, so urgent 

 were they that he should stand. The zeal of one Councillor 

 amused him not a little, who replied to an objection on the 

 score of health, " I would give him the Chair though I knew he 

 should die the week after." To Dr. Cairns, whose counsel and 

 sympathy had been precious in those weeks of anxiety, he 

 writes : 



" I left the matter in the hands of God, and my prayer for 

 light has been answered. I am quite satisfied that I have arrived 

 at the wisest conclusion, and am very thankful to be rid of sus - 

 pense and serenely at work again. ... It costs an effort to give 

 up an honourable office for which one's life had been a training, 

 and which came within reach in so honourable a way. But I do 

 not repine in the least. On the other hand, I am very grateful 

 for the unlooked-for kindness and respect shown me, and bend 

 my knees in thankfulness to God for His abounding mercies." 



During what remained of his life, he became ever more 

 satisfied as to the decision then made, and an increase of his 

 salary, as Director of the Industrial Museum, from 300 to 400, 

 was expressive, so far, of a consciousness of his value. This was 

 his last struggle with worldly ambition, and out of it he came 

 so visibly purified, that his growing gentleness and patience 

 were subjects of remark amongst those who most dearly loved 

 him. 



The summer session was wound up by an address given at a 

 conversazione of the College of Physicians, Edinburgh. A few 

 days at St. Andrews followed, when, at the request of his host, 

 Dr. Day, he sat to Mr. Rodgers for the calotype from which the 

 portrait attached to this volume is engraved. The month of 

 August and part of September were spent in a small farm 

 house, near Innerleithen. The only dwelling visible from it is 

 a deserted house at a considerable distance. The Tweed passes 

 before it, and "the little hills rejoice on every side." To be 

 thus alone with nature was a solace to the weary worker, crav- 



