In hours of melancholy he had of course dreaded the risks of life, and resolved, always with postponement, to make some practical provision for his family; in educating them as well as circumstances allowed, he conceived that he was doing the next best thing to saving money, for, if a fatality befell, teaching would always be their resource.

The thought, however, of his girls having to work for money was so utterly repulsive to him that he could never seriously dwell upon it.

A vague piety supported his courage.

Providence would not deal harshly with him and his dear ones.

He enjoyed excellent health; his practice decidedly improved.