Smeaton bore his trial, however, with the equanimity of a Christian, and was very cheerful and resigned. Sometimes he would complain that he had lost his old quickness of apprehension; but recovering himself quickly, he would excuse the momentary impatience, and remark, with a smile, "It could not be otherwise; the shadow must lengthen as the sun goes down." He expressed particular pleasure in seeing the customary occupations of his family resumed, and took the same interest as ever in reading, drawing, music, and conversation. Nor were his remarks less apt or instructive or entertaining than when he was in the flush of health. One evening he was asked to explain some phenomena respecting the moon, which, from the window of his apartment, could be seen shining in full-orbed splendour. He replied to the questions addressed to him very fully and clearly. Then, fixing his gaze on the beautiful sphere, he contemplated it steadfastly for some time, observing, "How often have I looked up to it with inquiry and wonder; and how often have I looked forward to the period when I shall have the vast and privileged views of an hereafter, and all will be comprehension and pleasure!" Smeaton was thus consoled in his last days by the only consolation which, under such circumstances, ever proves effectual,--that which flows from a reverent trust in the constant presence of a Divine Father. Though not ostentatious in his religious professions, he had learned the value of religious truth, and he knew that in passing through the valley of the shadow his sole help and support was the mercy of a Redeemer. And hence he listened with delight to the promises of Holy Writ, and joined with fervour in the ministrations of religion. [Sidenote: The engineer's death.] The great engineer's illness was not of long duration. He passed away on the 28th of October 1792, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. He was interred with his forefathers in the old parish church of Whitkirk, where a tablet was erected to his memory, bearing the following quaint inscription:-- [Sidenote: Smeaton's monument.] Sacred to the Memory of JOHN SMEATON, F.R.S. A man whom God had endowed with the most extraordinary abilities, which he indefatigably exerted for the benefit of mankind in works of SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHICAL RESEARCH; More especially as an Engineer and Mechanic. His principal work, the Eddystone Lighthouse, erected on a rock in the open sea (where one had been washed away by the violence of a storm, and another had been consumed by the rage of fire), secure in its own stability, and the wise precautions for its safety, seems not unlikely to convey to distant ages, as it does to every nation of the Globe, the name of its constructor. _He was born at Austhorpe, June 8, 1724; And departed this life, October 28, 1792._ ------------ Also Sacred to the Memory of ANN, THE WIFE OF THE SAID JOHN SMEATON, F.R.S., Who died January 17, 1784.