n which he had most diligently laboured, when the full tide of
prosperity was flowing in upon him, in order that he might devote his
time, and the means placed by Providence at his disposal, to the cause of
neglected and suffering humanity.

For more than thirty years it became the essential and exclusive
employment of his life, to explore and to relieve cases of poverty and
distress, and in the accomplishment of this undertaking, he employed the
same assiduity and care, which he had been wont to exercise in the
management of his secular calling, distributing many times at the rate of
a thousand pounds a year.

As a steward of the gifts of God, he carefully invested his money so as
to secure a fair rate of interest, and on no occasion did he relax from
the utmost exactness in his monetary dealings; and yet it is believed
that his personal and domestic expenditure never reached 150 pounds per
annum.

His house, like his person, was a pattern of plainness and simplicity.
His furniture consisted of nothing fashionable or superfluous; and his
table was equally marked by comfort and frugality.

He was a warm advocate in the cause of Temperance, and was deeply
interested in the subject of "the prevention of Cruelty to Animals."

Of Tracts, he must have paid for, and circulated gratuitously, some
millions! His whole time and energies were fully employed, and often
heavily taxed, in devising and carrying out schemes of mercy and
benevolence, and his life presented one uniform tenor of consistent
piety. To strangers he might appear reserved, but his apparent reserve
only resulted from his constitutional modesty, and retiring habits,
whilst to those who enjoyed his friendship, he was frank, open, and
intelligent in no ordinary degree.

William Wilson was never robust, but toward the close of his life, his
feebleness became more apparent; for more than a week he was confined to
his bed, but without any urgent symptom of disease. His mind was calm
and peaceful,--he knew and loved his Saviour, and through His mediation,
we cannot doubt he has inherited the blessing to the pure in heart,
leaving behind him, in many respects, an example worthy to be followed,
practically bearing a noble testimony to "christian moderation and
temperance in all things," and against that covetousness which is
idolatry. The memory of such a man is blessed.

ELIZABETH WILSON, _Rawden_. 69 4mo. 12 1850

MARY WILSON, _Kendal_. Widow. 60 1mo.