the academical course by some general observations on this topic. He wished us each to give an abstract in our own terms, before entering on the main business of our investigating moral philosophy. Not as yet familiar with any of my fellows, I was particularly struck when one of the youngest in the class, with simple dignity, (though, as he told me afterwards, with great perturbation of mind,) read an essay which, for purity of style, for beauty of imagery, and a masterly delineation of thought, exceeded every thing we had then heard. Nor could I but rejoice when, at the conclusion, a universal burst of admiration (which was evidently participated in by the professor,) proceeded from all present. I need only say, that his character thus established, was maintained during the whole course. The decision of the prize, both by Dr. Chalmers and his fellowstudents, awarded him the first honour they had it in their power to bestow.

Soon after his first appearance in the class, I was happily introduced to him, at the house of one of Mr. Lothian's deacons, a Mr. Smith, when he mentioned a plan he was then meditating: viz. to attempt the formation of a missionary society, such as they had at Glasgow, which should not be confined to the Hall of Theology. This project was carried into effect a few days after; and a number of names having been collected from the Philosophy College, a junction was formed with a small society that had already existed amongst the students of divinity.

During the term of this session, my friendship for John was cemented; and by studying together, by walks, and frequent intercourse, we became so attached, that not to have seen one another for a few hours was an extraordinary occurrence."

In a letter to his father, of the date of November the third, he communicates some particulars on the same subjects.

I arrived safe here the same day I left you, and am again very comfortably settled in my old lodgings. I called on Principal Haldane, on Saturday, who received me very kindly and invited me to breakfast on Monday. He said no application had yet been made to him, but he should be happy to serve me if it was in his power. At his suggestion, I mentioned to the other professors my wish to have some private teaching; but I find there have been more teachers than pupils applying already. So I have little hope on this score. I called on Dr. Chalmers yesterday; and find I shall need Smith's Wealth of Nations.' I will thank you to send it by the very first opportunity, as 1 need it immediately. I wish you would also send a slate, and a small black inkstand belonging to my writing-desk, which I forgot.

We have been attempting to form a missionary society in our college, to co-operate with one which the divinity students formed last year. We do not expect very large contributions, and

the assistance which we can render to the cause may be, comparatively, but trifling: but the great object we have in view is, to obtain and circulate missionary intelligence among the students;—a thing which we trust, with the blessing of God, may prove useful to themselves; and, though not directly aiding the cause, may in the end prove highly beneficial to it. For this purpose, we propose holding monthly meetings for the purpose of reading reports, and conducting the other business of the society. We wish also, if possible, to collect a small library of books connected with the subject; and what 1 have chiefly in view, in writing to you about it, is that you may send any reports or sermons, or other works, connected with missions, which you can obtain. You may mention the thing to any of our friends who you think could favour us with any of such publications, which will be very thankfully received. The formation of such a society in such circumstances is, I think, peculiarly interesting; and may, if properly conducted, be productive of the most interesting results; and I am sure the friends of the Saviour will be happy to assist us in our operations. In asking for subscriptions, we have hitherto met with no refusals; and though we have not yet got many, I have no doubt but it will succeed."

The following, written a little after this, notices the state of St. Andrew's, and some other things relating to the formation of the University Missionary Society :

"St. Andrew's, December 15, 1824.

My dear father,

As I do not intend coming home at Christmas, and as it will be some time before I need to send my box, I sit down to write you a few lines at present. I received yours along with a parcel containing a new watch, about a fortnight ago; for which I feel very grateful. I am as comfortably situated this year as I could wish. I have been introduced to some very excellent companions, at Dr. Chalmers's class. The doctor has brought a good number of students from other universities; many of them of very polished manners, and I think not a few of very decided piety.

The doctor has thus not only increased the number of the students, (which this year amounts to about two hundred and fifty); but those who have come for his sake being mostly of evangelical principles, he has thus, though indirectly, wrought a great change on the religious aspect of our university. It is to this chiefly, that I would attribute the success with which my efforts have been crowned in attempting to form a missionary society in our college. We have got about forty subscribers, and have already had two meetings, which we purpose to continue monthly. There have also been formed a number of Sabbath schools, one of which is taught by Dr. Chalmers himself, and the rest by students. And besides this, several meetings are held by select parties of students, for social worship. Such a change I did

not certainly expect to see in my day. And this has not all gone on without opposition. Not only were we refused a room in the college for our missionary meetings, but the minds of the people of the town are so influenced that even yet we are not quite sure of a place to meet in regularly. On the whole, our college seems at present, to present an aspect something similar to that of the University of Oxford in the days of Hervey and Wesley. Among the rest of my class-fellows, there is a young man who seems to be very zealous in the cause of truth. He goes out to the country and preaches every Sabbath afternoon, at a place called Dunino-a place very much neglected; and on Sabbath evenings, he has a meeting of fishermen, to whom he preaches.

With all this to render me happy, the remark of the shepherd of Salisbury Plain is still applicable to me:-that every man has his black ewe;— I have not been able to get any teaching, &c. &c. I am,

My dear father,

Your most affectionate son."

These letters show how much his mind was now occupied with promoting the spirit of missionary enterprise among his fellow-students. Instead of wondering that he should have met at first, with some opposition to his plans, when we consider the materials of which colleges consist, it is rather surprising he should have been so successful. The state of religious zeal in the University of St.