On Trinity Sunday, May 20th, he preached for the last time. The occasion was the anniversary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, of which, as we have seen, he was ever a staunch friend. At the close of the sermon he seemed to be rather exhausted, and his faithful parish clerk (who had served under him all through his ministry in Tunbridge Wells) hastened up the steps and helped him down. He never again entered that church where for forty-one years he had faithfully declared all the counsel of God. Of that ministry it may be truly said that its “record is on high.” Few men have had so many opportunities of preaching the Gospel, and few have used them as he did. After this there was a marked decline in strength. He knew that the tabernacle was being taken down, and made preparations accordingly. Two of his brother-clergy were asked by him to pay a pastoral visit weekly, and they will always thank God for this privilege; it was beautiful to see the calm, steady trust—“I know _whom_ I have believed.” On these occasions they received more than they gave, and as some passage of help or comfort was dwelt upon the old saint of God would himself go on, and bring out some new light upon the passage, for to the very last he was “mighty in the Scriptures.” On St. Peter’s Day, a week before his death, when the Sunday School Teachers’ Association met as usual for their annual gathering in his garden, he saw them for a few minutes, and then from his room sent out this touching message: “Earthly pastors pass away, but remember Him of whom it is said, ‘_He_, _because He abideth ever_, _hath His priesthood unchangeable_.’” Surely this public testimony was a fitting sequel to his life’s ministry! A few weeks of weariness, and then the end came. The usual “Good-night” was said the night before, and early in the morning of July 7th, as he slept peacefully, the brave and faithful spirit passed away. When a man’s whole career has been given to God, we are not careful to ask for his last words, yet his were characteristic of the humble but unwavering trust that filled his heart. Replying to some inquiry he said, “I am perfectly at rest on every point.” God had bestowed many privileges and honours upon His servant during his life; the greatest of all—even to be with Him—He granted during that quiet slumber, for “so He giveth unto His beloved in their sleep.” CHAPTER XVIII _TRIBUTES_ It is impossible to describe the feeling exhibited in Tunbridge Wells when it was known that Canon Hoare had passed away, and on the day of the funeral the town witnessed such a display of universal sorrow and respect as it had never seen before. To enumerate even the deputations from different parts of England and to describe the component parts of the huge procession of mourners would occupy pages of this book.