Shortly after this, he wrote me a long letter, partly on the same subject, and partly giving me an account of various affairs then transacting in St. Andrew's, which he knew would interest me.

My dear Sir;

2

St. Andrew's, February 18, 1825.

I am really quite ashamed that I have not sent you a letter long before now. I intended writing by Dr. Rwhen I sent up the catalogue of your library; but it occurred to me that at such an early period of your new settlement when you must have been so much occupied with the bustle and the confusion attending such an event, it would have been altogether out of place for me to trouble you with a letter. It is now a month or two since my father informed me in one of his letters, that he had heard from you, and that you had kindly expressed a wish that I would write to you from St. Andrew's. I really have no proper excuse for delaying so long; suffice it to say, that this is not the first time I have sat down to address you; and that I might fill my sheet to no purpose, in telling how often I have taken up the pen, and what circumstances have hitherto prevented me from finishing my letter. You have, in all probability, heard before now, that death has at last entered our family, and has snatched away the youngest and healthiest of us all. Poor Henry had thought himself dying from the first day he took to his bed, and had expressed a great desire that I should be sent for. My father accordingly sent for me; and on my arrival at home, I found my brother in a state of very great agony, and quite unable to converse with me. I was anxious to speak to him about that world

whither he was evidently fast hastening; but so excruciating was his pain, that he could not listen. I can remember, when I asked him, after he had been violently crying out from the pain in his head, what was the cause of all his suffering, how expressively he answered, that it was sin. And at another time, on asking him if he was afraid to die; he told me, No. But these short answers were all I could obtain from him; the painful nature of his distress did not permit longer conversation. After staying at home about a week, I found that I was waiting for a change which might yet be far distant; and that I was losing my own time without being able to render any service to my brother. I therefore resolved to return; but I think I shall never forget the bitterness of that parting. I felt far more then, than when I heard afterwards, that my brother was gone. Henry begged of me not to go away, and my mother with tears entreated me to remain; but I thought it my duty to leave them; and in the issue, it has proved much better that I did so; for my brother lingered for weeks after. I cannot say whether I was more depressed or relieved by the letter which brought the tidings of his death. I rejoiced to think that his body was freed from very exquisite suffering; but with regard to his soul all was uncertain. I would indulge the hope, that his suffering may have been rendered the means of bringing him to trust in that Saviour about whom he had so often heard. But it rests with God. To us there has been given no certain assurance of his happiness. I hope I have myself been enabled to see in this dispensation, the hand of an all-wise Father; and that it has not been without a beneficial influence on my own soul. Separated from

my earthly relations, and deprived of the comfort which their sympathy might have inspired, I was forced to seek consolation from that Friend who never leaves his people. Never did I feel so much the need of the consolations of the gospel; and never did its declarations appear more cheering and consolitary. I could feel not only submissive, but thankful. I could say with Conder, when in a similar situation:

"Oh, to be brought to Jesus' feet,
Though sorrows fix me there,
Is still a privilege."

But I have to regret that the impression has been of such short continuance, and that my heart seems ready to go back again to the vanities of the world. I can easily perceive that if the gospel have not an abiding influence on the conduct, the mere sentimental tenderness, and deadness to the things of earth, which are produced by the death of a friend, may, and will soon be forgotten. I know you will forgive me for dwelling so long on this painful theme. You will remember that the wound is yet green; and you know from experience how the mind, in such circumstances, loves to brood over the cause of its sorrow.

I must proceed to give you some information about St. Andrew's. I might tell you of the prosperity of the college; the increase in the number of students, &c.; but as these things cannot much interest you, I shall just shortly advert to some religious institutions which have been formed among us, and to the spiritual state in general of our town and university. Dr. Chalmers has effected a good deal by his own example and his own exertions; but he has even been more useful in drawing to this place, a

number of pious young men of various denominations, who have been the instruments of bringing about a great change in the externals, at least, of our university. We cannot indeed say, that any great moral renovation has been effected; but the machinery, at least, has been erected, which, with the blessing of God, may be the means of effecting it. We have now Sabbath Schools taught by members of the university; and meetings for prayer among the students; and, what is more astonishing still, a University Missionary Society, consisting of about sixty members who meet once a month for the purpose of promoting the objects of the society. In connexion with this last institution, we have formed a small library of missionary books, which have mostly been sent us in presents; and from the circulation of which, I anticipate great good. This is an institution in which I take particular interest, as I have long considered the object which it has in view one of the most important, perhaps, the most important, which can engage the mind of a Christian. And for some time I have even seriously thought of devoting my own life to the cause of missions. I had long wished to find a companion who could enter into my own views on this subject; and such an one I think I have fallen in with this session. His name is Mr. A- he had been

boarded for some time with Mr. Malan, of Geneva, and he seems to have imbibed much of the spirit of that excellent man. We have sometimes talked over the subject of missions together, and I hope we may be yet honored to preach the gospel to the heathen. I am aware of the difficulties to be encountered; and of the danger of rashly forming a resolution of such importance: but even the

desire I have expressed to you, is the fruit of much meditation and prayer. And I have communicated it to you, in order to have the benefit of your advice. I shall always look to you as one of the best friends I have on earth, and I trust my father in Christ Jesus. I wish you would send me word about the institution at Gosport. I have heard there is a great deficiency in the number of students. I entreat that you will pray for my direction in this matter of so great importance with regard to my spiritual happiness.

I may mention, by the way, that we have a Mr. H- here, a Baptist Minister, from London; of whom, perhaps, you may have heard. He has come to attend Dr. Chalmers, and has been very useful here. He and my friend, Mr. A- have established several preaching stations in the country round, where the people seem eager to hear the gospel.

I am sorry that I am so soon obliged to conclude; for I have not told you the half of what I have to communicate. When I heard from home, my friends were well; and the church had given Mr. J

a unanimous call.

Ever believe me,
My dear Sir,

Your most affectionate.

Perhaps I have been too free in still retaining the Hebrew books you were pleased to lend me. I am devoting all my spare time to the reading of the Psalms.

I shall be very much gratified by a letter. Perhaps you may be interested to hear that I preached, for the first time, on Saturday last, to a few of my fellow-students, who have formed