He was invited to visit Ireland again this year, his former visit having been much valued by the Presbyterian brethren there.  He did so in July.  Many were greatly stirred up by his preaching, and by his details of God’s work in Scotland.  His sermon on Song 8:5, 6, is still spoken of by many.  His prayerfulness and consistent holiness left enduring impressions on not a few; and it was during his visit that a memorial was presented to the Irish Assembly in behalf of a Jewish mission.  His visit was in a great measure the means of setting that mission on foot.

Cordially entering into the proposal of the concert for prayer, he took part, in September of this year, in the preliminary meetings in which Christians of all denominations joined.  “How sweet are the smallest approximations to unity!” is his remark in his diary.  Indeed, he so much longed for a scriptural unity, that some time after, when the General Assembly had repealed the statute of 1799, he embraced the opportunity of showing his sincere desire for unity, by inviting two dissenting brethren to his pipit, and then writing in defence of his conduct when attacked.  In reference to this matter, he observed, in a note to a friend:  “I have been much delighted with the 25th and 26th chapters of the Confession of Faith.  Oh for the grace of the Westminster divines to be poured out upon this generation of lesser men!”

As it was evident that his Master owned his labor abundantly, by giving him seals of his apostleship, there were attempts made occasionally by zealous friends to induce him to remove to other spheres.  In all these cases, he looked simply at the apparent indications of the Lord’s will.  Worldly interest seemed scarcely ever to cross his mind in regard to such a matter, for he truly lived a disinterested life.  His views may be judged of by one instance,—­a letter to Mr. Heriot of Ramornie, in reference to a charge which many were anxious to offer him:—­

“Dundee, Dec. 24, 1841

“DEAR SIR,—­I have received a letter from my friend Mr. M’Farlane of Collessie, asking what I would do if the people of Kettle were to write desiring me to be their minister.  He also desires me to send an answer to you.  I have been asked to leave this place again and again, but have never seen my way clear to do so.  I feel quite at the disposal of my Divine Master.  I gave myself away to Him when I began my ministry, and He has guided me as by the Pillar Cloud from the first day till now.  I think I would leave this place to-morrow if He were to bid me; but as to seeking removal, I dare not and could not.  If my ministry were unsuccessful,—­if God frowned upon the place and made my message void,—­then I would willingly go, for I would rather beg my bread than preach without success; but I have never wanted success.  I do not think I can speak a month in this parish without winning some souls.  This very week, I think, has