Soon it became known that his illness was more than a mere passing attack.

During its continuance the deepest interest was manifested in every quarter.

Each day, and "almost from hour to hour, the latest tidings were eagerly sought for.
In many churches and in many families besides those of our communion, prayers were offered for his recovery.

And when at last it became known that he had indeed passed away from this life, it was felt that we had lost not only a venerable Father of the Church, but one whose name, familiar as a household word, was always associated with kindly loving thoughts and deeds--one who was deservedly welcome wherever he went, and whose influence was always towards peace and goodwill." The Rev.Mr.
Montgomery, our present Dean of Edinburgh, whose words I quote, truly says that "he was a Churchman by conviction, but was ever ready to meet, and, where occasion offered, to act with others upon the basis of a common humanity and common Christianity." FOOTNOTES: [9] The margin seems to show that this page of the journal was not written till 1843.
[10] The Bishop said that the two impediments to profitable or amusing conversation were _humdrum_ and _humbug_.
On another occasion, the Bishop having expressed his doubt of the truth of spirit-rapping, table-turning, etc., and being pressed with the appeal, "Surely you must admit these are indications of Satanic agency," quietly answered, "It may be so, but it must be a mark of Satan being in a state of dotage!" [11] Alluditur ad titulum libri _Reminiscences_, etc.
[12] Here is the passage referred to by Mr.Dickens:--"There are persons who do not sympathise with my great desire to preserve and to disseminate these specimens of Scottish humour; indeed, I have reasons to suspect that some have been disposed to consider the time and attention which I have given to the subject as ill-bestowed, or at any rate, as somewhat unsuitable to one of my advanced age and sacred profession.

If any persons do really think so, all I can say is, I do not agree with them.