His mind was lifted far above the things of this world.
He may be said, indeed, to have spent the greater part of his life in worlds that lie thousands and millions of miles away; for where the thoughts and the heart are, there is our true existence.
Did you never hear the story of Newton and his little dog Diamond?
One day, when he was fifty years old, and had been hard at work more than twenty years studying the theory of light, he went out of his chamber, leaving his little dog asleep before the fire.

On the table lay a heap of manuscript papers, containing all the discoveries which Newton had made during those twenty years.

When his master was gone, up rose little Diamond, jumped upon the table, and overthrew the lighted candle.

The papers immediately caught fire.
Just as the destruction was completed Newton opened the chamber door, and perceived that the labors of twenty years were reduced to a heap of ashes.

There stood little Diamond, the author of all the mischief.
Almost any other man would have sentenced the dog to immediate death.
But Newton patted him on the head with his usual kindness, although grief was at his heart.
"O Diamond, Diamond," exclaimed he, "thou little knowest the mischief then hast done!" This incident affected his health and spirits for some time afterwards; but, from his conduct towards the little dog, you may judge what was the sweetness of his temper.
Newton lived to be a very old man, and acquired great renown, and was made a member of Parliament, and received the honor of knighthood from the king.