Dear Dr. Alexander—­I forgot to mention a circumstance connected with my story of to-day.  I have had a communicant thereanent with Dr. Robert Lee.  The good Dr., although fond of introducing Episcopalian practices, which cause great indignation amongst some of his brethren, does not wish it to be understood that he has the least tendency to become an Episcopalian himself.  In short, he hinted to me himself that were such an idea to become prevalent it would materially weaken his influence with many followers.  “It is to improve my own church, not to join yours,” were his words, or to that effect.  In carrying out this idea he has a hit in his “Reformation of the Church of Scotland” against Episcopalians, and in the first edition he brings up Dean Ramsay and the unfortunate statement he had made, as a melancholy proof how hopeless were even the most specious of the Scottish Episcopal Church on the subject of toleration.  I told him that so far as that statement went it proved nothing, that it had been wrung from me in an unguarded moment, and that I had for fourteen years borne unequivocal testimony to views which were opposite to that statement.  He received the explanation most kindly, and offered to do anything I wished, but we both at length agreed that the best plan would be simply to omit it in the second edition, which was preparing and has since come out.  It was omitted.

     I am, dear Dr. Alexander, with true regard, ever yours most
     sincerely, E.B.  RAMSAY.

     23 Ainslie Place, August 26, 1867.

Dear Dr. Alexander—­I have lately returned to Edinburgh, having paid a visit to my own country on Deeside.  On Saturday I drove down to Musselburgh, and had an express object in calling upon you to ask how you were.  But I found I had been wrong directed to Pinkie Burn, and that to accomplish my visit, I must have made a detour which would have detained me too long.  I had an engagement waiting me, and I found my strength pretty well exhausted.  I wish, however, to notify my intention of a visit.  I have had a very severe illness since we met, and have not regained my former position, and do not think I ever shall.  I was very, very close upon the gate we must all pass, and I believe a few hours longer of the fever’s continuance would have closed the scene.  I don’t think I dread to meet death.  I have so largely experienced the goodness of God through (now) a long life, and I feel so deeply, and I trust so humbly, the power of his grace and mercy in Christ, that, I can calmly contemplate the approach of the last hour.  But I confess I do shrink from encountering an undefined period of bodily and mental imbecility; of being helpless, useless, a burden.  I have been so distressed to see all this come upon our bishop, Dr. Terrot; the once clear, acute, sharp, and ready man.  Oh, it is to my mind the most terrible affliction of our poor nature.  I have known lately