An anticipation like that which is expressed in this and other letters, especially in his Pastoral Letter of March 20, may justly be regarded as a proof from experience that the Lord teaches his people to expect and pray for what He means soon to work.  And here the Lord accomplished his designs in the kindest of all ways; for He removed his servant for a season from the flock to which he had been so blessed, lest even his own children should begin to glory in man; but yet He took that servant to another sphere of labor in the meantime, and then, when the blessing was safely bestowed, brought him back to rejoice over it.

He was still hoping for, and submissively asking from the Lord, speedy restoration to his people in Dundee, and occasionally sending to them an epistle that breathed the true pastor’s soul; when one day, as he was walking with Dr. Candlish, conversing on the Mission to Israel which had lately been resolved on, an idea seemed suddenly suggested to Dr. Candlish.  He asked Mr. M’Cheyne what he would think of “being useful to the Jewish cause, during his cessation from labor, by going abroad to make personal inquiries into the state of Israel?” The idea thus suddenly suggested led to all the after results of the Mission of Inquiry.  Mr. M’Cheyne found himself all at once called to carry salvation to the Jew as he had hitherto done to the Gentile, and his soul was filled with joy and wonder.  His medical friends highly approved of the proposal, as being likely to conduce very much to the removal of his complaints,—­the calm, steady excitement of such a journey being likely to restore the tone of his whole constitution.

Dr. Black of Aberdeen readily consented to use his remarkable talents as a scholar in this cause; and Dr. Keith intimated his expectation of soon joining the deputation.  I also had been chosen to go forth on this mission of love to Israel; but some difficulties stood in the way of my leaving my charge at Collace.  In these circumstances Mr. M’Cheyne wrote to me, March 12, from Edinburgh.

“MY DEAR A.,—­I have received so many tokens for good from God in this matter, that it were a shame indeed if I did not trust Him to perfect all which concerns me.  I am glad you have determined to trust all in the hands of Israel’s God.  I am quite ready to go this week, or next week, but am deeply anxious to be sure that you are sent with me.  You know, dear A., I could not labor in this cause, nor enjoy it, if you were not to be with me in it.  Would you be ready to give your Jewish lecture on the evening of Sabbath week?...  And now, pray for us, that we may be sent of God; and, weak as we are, that we may be made Boanerges,—­that we may be blessed to win some souls, and to stir up Christians to love Zion.  Much interest is already excited, and I do look for a blessing.  Speak to your people as on the brink of eternity....  As to books, I am quite at a loss.  My Hebrew Bible,