22 
THOMAS J. COMBER. 
work upon which his mind and heart were set, 
Thomas Comber prayerfully and diligently made 
good use of his advantages. The opinion is some- 
times expressed that residence in a college, such as 
the one he now entered, is not calculated to deepen 
the spiritual life or to increase the Christian devoted- 
ness of the student. If by spiritual life and Christian 
devotedness be meant sentimental pietism, a religious- 
ness which consists largely in the free use of cant 
phrases and ostentatious airs, then it may be fully 
conceded that college life is not desirable ; but for 
the development of a real, manly, strong piety, such 
a life may, if the student choose, prove most helpful. 
The student course of Thomas Comber might un- * 
hesitatingly be cited in correction of the above 
mistaken opinion. He certainly did not find the 
religious atmosphere of Regent’s Park College detri- 
mental to his spiritual fervour ; for his prayerful 
habits did not become impaired, nor was his spirit 
of consecration diminished. None of his fellow- 
students were more ready than he to appreciate a 
joke, or to enjoy the recreation of athletic sports ; but 
it is also true that, as his college course proceeded, he 
not only progressed in his educational studies, but 
as well " grew in grace and in the knowledge of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 
The following affectionate testimony bearing upon 
his college days, from the Rev. H. Wright, now of 
Clifton, probably his most intimate fellow-student, 
will be read with much pleasure : — 
“He always impressed me as being on a higher 
level of consecration than most other men. He had 
no doubt as to his devotion to the missionary cause 
during the whole of his college course. To become 
a missionary was not with him a possible contingency, 
but a solemn certainty — precluding the need for 
renewed consideration or discussion. His face was 
always ‘ steadfastly set ’ towards the work, and it was 
‘ a joy set before him/ 
