The Jewish Mission continued near his heart, “the nearest,” said he to Mr. Edwards, who is now at Jassy, “of all missionary enterprises.  Were it not for my own unfitness, and also the success the Lord has given me where I am, I would joyfully devote myself to it.”  In connection with this cause, he was invited to visit Ireland, and be present at the meeting of the Synod of our Presbyterian brethren in the summer of 1840.  When preparing to set out, he notices the hand of his Master guiding him:—­“July 2.—­Expected to have been in Ireland this day.  Detained by not being able to get supply for Sabbath, in the good providence of God; for this evening there was a considerable awakening in the church while I was preaching upon Phil. 3:18, ’Enemies of the cross of Christ,’ When that part was expounded, there was a loud and bitter weeping,—­probably thirty or forty seemed to share in it; the rest deeply impressed,—­many secretly praying.”  On the Sabbath following, one person was so overcome as to be carried out of the church.

He set out for Ireland on the 7th, and on the 10th witnessed at Belfast the union between the Synod of Ulster and the Secession.  He speaks of it as a most solemn scene—­500 ministers and elders present.  During his stay there, he pleaded the cause of the Jews in Mr. Morgan’s church, Mr. Wilson’s, and some others; and also visited Mr. Kirkpatrick at Dublin.  He preached the way of salvation to the Gentiles in all his pleadings for Israel.  His visit was blessed to awaken a deep interest in the cause of the Jews, and his words sank into the consciences of some.  His sermon on Ezek. 34:16 was felt by some to be indescribably impressive; and when he preached on Rom. 1:16, 17, many ministers, as they came out, were heard saying, “How was it we never thought of the duty of remembering Israel before?” On another occasion, the people to whom he had preached entreated their minister to try and get him again, and if he could not preach to them, that at least he should pray once more with them.

He was not, however, long absent from home on this occasion.  On the 25th I find him recording:  “Reached home; entirely unprepared for the evening.  Spoke on Psalm 51:12, 13, ‘Restore unto me the joy,’ etc.  There seemed much of the presence of God,—­first one crying out in extreme agony, then another.  Many were deeply melted, and all solemnized.  Felt a good deal of freedom in speaking of the glory of Christ’s salvation.  Coming down, I spoke quietly to some whom I knew to be under deep concern.  They were soon heard together weeping bitterly; many more joined them.  Mr. Cumming spoke to them in a most touching strain, while I dealt privately with several in the vestry.  Their cries were often very bitter and piercing, bitterest when the freeness of Christ was pressed upon them, and the lion’s nearness.  Several were offended; but I felt no hesitation as to our duty to declare the simple truth impressively,