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A SELECTION

THE CORRESPONDENCE

OK THE LATE

THOMAS CHALMERS, D.D., LL.D.

EDITED BY HIS SON-IN-LAW,
THE REV. WILLIAM HANNA, LL.B.

NEW YORK
HARPER <fe BROTHERS, PUELISHERS,
329 & 331 PEAR I. STREET,
TRAHKLIN SQUABS.
1855.

C3S-3 Z3

CONTENTS.

No Page
1. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. James Anderson  1
2. Mr. James Anderson to Dr. Chalmers  3
3. Mr. James Anderson to Dr. Chalmers  5
4. Mr. James Anderson to Dr. Chalmers  8
5. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  '.  10
6. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  11
7. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  14
8. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  15
9. Dr. Chahners to Mr. Thomas Smith  17
10. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  ^  18
11. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  19
12. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  20
13. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  22
14. Dr. Chahners to Mr. Thomas Smith  22
15. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  24
16. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  25
17. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  27
18. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  28
19. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  30
20. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  31
31. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  33
22. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  34
23. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  37
24. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. ChaUners  39
25. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  40
26. Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers  j^  41
27. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith  43
28. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Kedie  *6
29. Dr. Chalmers to the Misses Kedie  47
30. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Kedie  50
31-36. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Kedie  51-55
37-11. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Jones, of Edinburgh  55-61

CONTENTS.

No. P»S°
42-55. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Coutts  61-80
56-60. Dr. Chalmers to Miss Collier  81-87
61-70. Dr. Chalmers to WiUiam WUberforce, Esq., M.P.... 87-101
71-88. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Glasgow, of Mountgreenan .. 101-123
89. Dr. Chahners to Mrs. Dunlop  123
90-121. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Parker  125-147
122-129. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Darroch  147-156
130. Dr. Chahners to General Darroch  156
131. Dr. Chalmers to General Darroch  158
132. Dr. Chahners to Dr. Rainy, of Glasgow  159
133. Dr. Chahners to Dr. Rainy, of Glasgow  161
134. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Brown  161
135-140. Dr. Chahners to Mr. Robert Brown  164^171
141-144. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Patrick Chalmers  171-176
145-208. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Morton  176-234
209. Dr. Chahners to the Rev. Mr. "Watson  234
210. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Mr. Watson  236
211. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Fortune  237
212-216. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Watson  237-245
217. Dr. Chahners to Mr. Wilham Fortune  245
218. Dr. Chahners to the Rev. Mr. Honey  248
219. Dr. Chalmers to the Secretaries of the Fife and Kinross Bi
ble Society  250
220-222. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Charters, of Wilton 256-259
223. Dr. Chalmers to W. Roger, Esq., of Glasgow  '  259
224-227. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. J. W. Cunningham, of Har
row, London  261-268
228. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Wright, of Stirling  268
229-231. Dr. Chahners to the Rev. Dr. Smyth, of Glasgow. 269-272
232-236. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Macfarlan, of Green
ock  272-277
237. Dr. Chalmers in reply to a Letter requesting some Direc
tions on the subject of Practical Charity  277
238. Dr. Chalmers to a Friend  ^  279
239. Dr. Chalmers on Man's Responsibility for his Belief  279
240. Dr. Chalmers's Directions to an Anxious Inquirer  281
241. Dr. Chalmers to the Countess of D  . A Letter of Chris
tian Encouragement  283
242. Dr. Chalmers to Lady Osborne  285
243. Dr. Chalmers to his eldest Daughter, on partaking for the
first time of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper  287
244. Dr. Chalmers to Master J. Morton  289

CONTENTS.

No. Faga
S45. Dr. Chalmers's Advice to a Young Clergyman  290
246. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Grant, of Laggan  292
247-349. Dr. Chalmers to T.Erskine, Esq., of Linlathen... 393-297
250. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. John Foster  298
251. Dr. Chahners to the Rev. Dr. Ryland  300
252. Ih-. Chahouers to Mr. J. E. Ryland  301
253. Dr. Chahners to Mr. J. E. Ryland  301
254. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Paul  302
255. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. C. Bridges  303
256. Dr. Chahners to the Rev. C. Bridges  304
257. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Horace Bonar  305
258-260. Dr. Chalmers to Dr. James Brown  307-309
261. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Brown  310
262. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Mr. Harvey  311
263. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. John Sheppard  312
264. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. John Sheppard  313
265. Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Symington  314
266. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Thomas Bartlett  315
267. Dr. Chahners to the Rev. Samuel Miller  318
268-371. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Thomas Grinfield, Clifton 319-321
272. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Henry Bell  321
273. Dr. Chahners to the Rev. Henry Bell  321
374. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Timothy East, Birmingham  322
275. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Ebenezer Brown, of Inverkeith-
ing, Fife  .323
276-378. Dr. Chalmers to the Countess of Elgin  325-327
379. Dr. Chalmers to Lady Matilda Maxwell  327
280. Dr. Chalmers to Lady Carnegie  328
281. Dr. Chalmers to Lady O'Brien  33"
282. Dr. Chalmers to Lady O'Brien  332
283 Dr. Chalmers to Sir Andrew Agnew, Bart  333
284 Dr. Chahners to Mr. Thomas Walker, Flesher, Galashiels. 337
285. Dr. Chahners to the Rev. Dr. Strachan, Bishop of Toronto. 338
286-389. Dr. Chahners to Professor Duncan  340-343
290 Dr. Easton to Dr. Chahners  343
291 Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Easton  345
292. Dr. Easton to Dr. Chalmers  34*
293. Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Easton....  348
CORRESPONDENCE ON THE CHURCH QUESTION.
294. Dr. Chalmers to John Hamilton, Esq  349
295. Dr. Chalmers to John HamUton, Esq  °'

CONTENTS.

296-299. Dr. Chalmers to Sir George Sinclair  353-356
300. Dr. Chahners to the Bishop of Llandaff  356
301. Dr. Chahners to the Bishop of Llandaff  -  357
302. Dr. Chalmers to the Honorable and Rev. Dr. Wellesley  358
303-305. Dr. Chalmers to Lord Lome  359-373
306. Dr. Chalmers to Wilham Lament, Jun., Esq., Glasgow  373
307. Dr. Chahners to Alexander Campbell, Esq., M.P.  374
308. Dr. Chalmers to John C. Colquhoun, Esq  375
309-312. Dr. Chalmers to Alexander Grordon, Esq., London 376-384
313. Dr. Chalmers to Rev.   385
314. Dr. Chalmers to the Same  386
315. Dr. Chalmers to Andrew Johnston, Esq   387
316. Dr. Chalmers to Andrew Johnston, Esq.  388
317. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Wilham Findlater  390
318. Dr. Chalmers to Professor Sedgwick, of Cambridge  391
319. Dr. Chahners to D. Maitland Makgill Crichton, Esq  395
320. Dr. Chahners to D. Maitland Makgill Crichton, Esq  396
321. Dr. Chalmers to George Yule, Esq  396
322. Dr. Chalmers to Captain Burnett, of Monboddo  397
323. Dr. Chalmers to Captain Burnett, of Monboddo  399
324. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. P. Henderson, Pollockshaws  399
325. Dr. Chalmers to Sir George Sinclair  401
326-338. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Lenox, of New York  402-415
339. Dr. Chalmers to Dr. D. Stebbins, Northampton, Mass  415
340-343 Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. Merle d'Aubigne ... 417-420
344. Dr. Chalmers to Miss Brewster  420
345. Dr. Chalmers to Miss Brewster  1  421
346. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Williamson  421
347. Dr. Chalmers to Miss Marshall, Glasgow  422
348-350. Dr. Chalmers to Charles Spence, Esq  423-427
.35L Dr. Chalmers to M. Descombaz, Lausanne  427
652. Dr. Chalmers to Mr. John Craig  430
353. Dr. Chalmers to J. Barclay, Esq., Tongue  430
354. Dr. Chalmers to   431
355. Dr. Chalmers to Rev. Dhanjibhaf Nowroji  432
356. Dr. Chalmers to Miss Mackean  434
357. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Alexander Anderson, Aberdeen. . 434
358. Dr. Chalmers to Sir Harry Vemey  435
359. Dr. Chalmers on visiting a Family in which a sudden Death
had occurred  _  435
360. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. M'Corquodale  437
161. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. M'Corquodale  438

CONTENTS.

No. Page
362. Dr. Chalmers to Miss M'Corquodale  439
363. Dr. Chahners to Miss M'Corquodale  441
364. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Rutherford, of Edgerstone  442
365. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Usher  443
366. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Henry Wood, Edinburgh  444
367. Dr. Chalmers to William Buchanan, Esq., Glasgow  445
368. Dr. Chalmers to Wilham Buchanan, Esq., Glasgow  446
369. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Campbell  448
370. Dr. Chahners to Miss Young, Burntisland  449
371. Dr. Chalmers to Miss Young  449
372. Dr. Chalmers to Charles Cowan, Esq  451
373. Dr. Chalmers to the Rev. Dr. SomerviUe, of Drummelzier . 451
374. Dr. ChaUners to Dr. SomerviUe  452
375. Dr. Chalmers to Miss SomerviUe  453
376. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Charles Nairne  454
377. Dr. Chahners to Dr. Begbie  455
378. Dr. ChaUners to Mrs. M'CleUand  456
379. Dr. ChaUners to Mrs. Bryce, Aberdour  457
380. Dr. Chahners to Miss Burns  458
381. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. EUiot  459
382. Dr. Chalmers to Mrs. Anderson  461
383. Dr. Chalmers to Miss Abercrombie  463
384. Dr. Chahners to Mrs. Mackay  464
385. Dr. Chalmers to James Cunningham, Esq., Edinburgh  466
386. Dr. Chalmers to Frederick Adamson, Esq  467
387. Dr. Chahners to Misses WaUace  470
388. Dr. Chalmers to Miss Wood  471
389-410. Dr. Chahners to Mrs. Keith Dunlop  473-504

CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

[So great an interest has been expressed in Dr. Chalmers's Corre
spondence with Mr. James Anderson and Mr. Thomas Smith, that we
commence this volume by completing that Correspondence. Dr. Chal
mers's answers to Mr. Anderson's last letters unfortunately have not
been preserved, but these letters appeared to have merit enough of their
own to warrant their insertion.]
No. I. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. James Anderson.
KiLMANY Manse, 22d February, 1812.
Mr DEAR Sir — It grieves me to disappoint the hopes I had
myself raised, but the truth is, that I overrated my strength
when I last wrote you. I was very much fatigued on the
night of my arrival, but expected to be quite fresh and active
next day ; instead of which I felt myself quite powerless and
exhausted, and am still in a very useless state. I am too well
aware of the effects of a Sunday's exertions upon me to think,
in these circumstances, of attempting Dundee on Monday at
all. I regret it the less, that I find you have every prospect of
matters going on as they should do. Had I been in possession
of the requisite strength, I meant to prepare myself for resist
ing the proposal of a Scottish Bible Society, in case it had been
made by Dr. Nichol or others. Be strong, I beseech yoU, on
this head. When I meet you I will go over the mystery of
this society at greater length. In the mean tiiiie, it may well
be illustrated by the following comparison :
Suppose the town of Dundee to be in want of water, and a
general subscription proposed for bringing it in pipes from a
good and copious spring at a distance. Each individual sub
scription tells for the benefit of the whole. Some inferior
spring is discovered in the Seagate, which can only supply
V. A

2 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
half the street, with water of less value than the former, and
at a superior expense to the individuals benefited. An asso
ciation in the Seagate for digging wells would not be more
ridiculous than a Scottish Bible Society. It would injure the
general subscription, and thereby affect the interest of the
whole town. And this unlucky diversion would be found to
carry along with it more expense and less benefit to the very
promoters of it. When I say that a separate society must
produce an inferior article, I am quite correct. The power of
capital multiplies beyond its own rate of increase. X20,000
a year can effect more than twenty times what £1000 a year
aan effect. And think of the privilege which the London So
ciety has of working off Bibles at a University press. This
explains the cheap rate at which they can afford Bibles.
There is one circumstance which should never be forgotten
in the administration of your society. You may overdo the
supply of home objects — this is the great mischief to be ap
prehended from the Scottish. To prove its utility, it mujt do
something ; and to manifest its importance, it will make that
something as much as possible. The peasants of Scotland
purchase Bibles for themselves. This is too fine a habit to
Jie repressed or tampered with. Our people think a Bible
worthy of its price. They should be left to make the sacri"
fice. It endears the Bible more to them. And you may con
ceive the mischief that must accrue from an officious society
substituting its own bounty, and issuing Bibles from their pub
lic repository in the same business style that they would dis
tribute soup, or shoes, or greatcoats, or breeches. The auxil
iary societies in England often detain one half for home ob
jects. But remember that in England the habit is yet to
form. In Scotland the habit is formed already ; and to do
any thing which can trench upon this habit would be to do
. an incalculable mischief If the man who, at this moment,
depends upon himself for a Bible, and actually buys one, is led
by the indiscreet administration of your funds to depend upon
the society, what becomes of that man when this dependence

MR. JAMES ANDERSON.

fails him ? He has lost the habit of purchasing for himself-
and the security that Bibles shall be read, and possessed, and
valued by our people, is transferred from the deeply-seated
principles of their own hearts to the precarious exertions of a
society irregular in its movements and uncertain in its dura
tion. Send as much as possible to the London Society ; avail
yourselves as little of your privilege as auxiliary societies as is
absolutely necessary.
Yours truly, Thomas Chalibers.
No. II. — Mr. James Anderson to Dr. Chalmers.
Dundee, lliA Tvme, 1812.
My dear Sir — I am ashamed I have been so long in ac
knowledging your kindness at Kilmany, and the happiness I
enjoyed under your roof Could I maintain the impressions
I there received, I would deem my Christian course rapidly
progressive ; but I am here in a widely different scene — ^little
favorable to sober thinking. My mind, distracted with the
bustle and cold-heartedness of business, recurs with difficulty
to the contemplations of religion ; and the want of a friend
with whom I can communicate on these subjects deprives me
of that excitement which is the life of every pursuit. I, how
ever, feel myself much more decidedly attached to Christian
ity, and I hope, by the blessing of God, to attain the stability
of a true disciple of Jesus. I every day see more and more
the propriety of deriving my religion from the uncommented
oracles of God, and of forming my system on the connected
declarations of the New Testament. I wish to unshackle
myself from the vassalage of text-books, summaries, and hu
man systems. I wish to give the Bible a fair trial ; for if it
alone is not sufficient to make a Christian, " we are of all
men most miserable." I at present, therefore, confine myself
to the perusal of the Bible, and occasionally some hook of
practical morality. I find many things which I do not un
derstand — many passages, indeed, totally unintelligible ; but
these difficulties are to be got over, not by a religious com-

4 CORRESPOinDENCE of dr. CHALMERS.
mentary, but by a classical criticism. I conceive every duty
of a Christian to be comprehended in the single word transla
tion — a translation of the Scriptures into his own tongue, and
a translation of their truths into his own heart and conduct.
All we have to do is to ascertain the doctrines, and to believe
them ; to ascertain the duties, and to practice them ; to make
the Bible our vade mecwm, our book of reference, our book of
trust. I will rejoice, after my opinions are settled, to exam
ine those of others ; but I think it is inverting the process to
begin with the latter. My objections to the school of theo
logical orthodoxy are three : First, its tenets are not authori
tative, and therefore may be wrong. Next, its tenets are not
progressive. The New Testament gives you Christianity in
its growth ; a system of divinity displays it at some given step
of its progress, or at best at its maturity. The latter is a re
ligion of results. It has been formed by a man who has be
come unconscious of the steps of his own cogitations, and who,
from familiarity with demonstrative truths, now regards them
as axioms. He, from the sublime height of his own concep
tions, looks down with contempt on the man who complains
that he has removed the ladder by which he first ascended;
and, accustomed to the wide ken of his own exalted region,
wonders at those whose views rest within a narrower horizon.
How different the system of the Bible ! It leads you on
step by step, and accommodates its lessons to your capacity.
While perusing it, one naturally fixes on the truths which are
most congenial ; familiarity with these prepares us for others
more remote, until we at length embrace the whole scheme
of the Gospel. Thus, I may first delight to dwell on the Gos
pel morality ; a second perusal may show that faith is also
necessary ; a third perusal may convince me that morality
and faith must be united, and that it is not a union of sepa
rate acts, but of consequential duties ; and I may finally come
to the conclusion that our salvation resolves itself into a sim»
pie and disencumbered act of acceptance. But if you at once
come forward with this last proposition, you present me with

MR. JAMES ANDERSON.

a system in which I can not sympathize, and which, however
well founded, rests on what must be to me a metaphysical
distinction, until I arrive at it by a process of individual ex
perience. My third objection is, that theological orthodoxy is
too stimulative. It begets a disreUsh for the simple excite
ment of the Gospel. It urges you by such a multiplicity of
motives that you become too passive for a New Testament
impulse. It clothes the doctrines in so much metaphysical
acumen that you consider their Gospel dress as slovenly, and
it anatomizes the precepts so much, that the simple exhibi
tion of a teoa suggests no ijjeas of vitality. We revel in a
kind of religious epicurism, and lose all taste for sober fare.
These and similar considerations have made me resolve to
study, in the mean time, only the New Testament. I may not
thus so weU prepare myself for classing with a particular sect ;
but I will have greater security in my own principles, and in
my intercourse with others I will be more ready to observe
the maxim, " I have yet many things to say unto you, but you
can not bear them now."
I will soon write you again. And requesting your prayers
for my progress, I remain, my dear friend, yours,
James Anderson.
No. III. — Mr. James Anderson to Dr. Chalmers.
Dundee, \6lh July, 1812.
Mt dear Sm — I have expected a letter from you for two
or three weeks past, but have been disappointed. I wish our
correspondence could assume a more decided and regular form,
and that I might be able to leave the generalities, which have
hitherto occupied me, and proceed to the characteristic parts
of Christianity. I must, however, once more beg of you to
permit me to state the sentiments under which I peruse my
Bible, for even on this point I feel perplexed, and I see it oc
cupying so prominent a place in the systems of matured Chris
tians as to disconcert me with regard to the very first stepr
of my progress.

CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

I have resolved, then, to make the Bible the rule of my
opinions and conduct ; not so much from any deep sense of
sin or consciousness of my own insufficiency, as from a con-
vicfion that the Bible is a revelation from God, and a determ
ination to submit to that revelation, whatever it may be. I
have divested my mind of that repugnance to the adoption
of truths which arises from their disagreement with our prior
conceptions ; but I do this in such a state of passivity, that
I would adopt without hesitation, if I found it in the Bible,
that scheme of salvation, a consciousness of the insufficiency
of which is believed by many Christians to be a necessary
preliminary in any attempts to become a Christian. As I do
not allow my prior conceptions of Divine mercy to obstruct
my admission of the declaration that sinners will be con
demned to everlasting punishment, so I do not permit my pri
or conceptions of Divine justice to facilitate my admission of
the declaration that there is no salvation but in Jesus. I
open the Bible to ascertain the will of God, and so conscious
of my inability to judge of His counsels that I would, with
perfect security, expect salvation from ceremonial observances,
had the Bible declared that with these God would be satis
fied. But I at the same time allow that it is possible that
such, a procedure maybe presumptuous, and that God might
have declared that He would not permit the truths of the
Gospel to be investigated until we approached them under a
conviction of their necessity. Here, then, I feel embarrassed.
Had I read only the New Testament, I do not think that such
embarrassment would have existed ; but I have found, both
in books and the conversation of Christians, great stress put
on this very question, and I do not know whether to refer it to
their being wise above what is written, or to my own imper
fect acquaintance with Scripture. There are many topics of
a similar nature, concerning which I am reduced to the same
state of perplexity. For example : Leslie, the bookseller,
whom I believe to be a sincere and experienced Christian,
asked me, a few days ago, to write an appendix to a small tract

MR, JAMES ANDERSON.

he is reprinting. I did so ; and, having given a short account
of the nature and beneficent exertions of the Religious Tract
Societies, I concluded with a few exhortations — among other
things recommending to the reader frequent prayer to God.
When I carried it to him, he (with a frankness which in a
dependent tradesman I consider no mean proof of the sin
cerity of his principles) told me that he did not approve of
my recommending prayer, " because,'' to use his own words,
" prayer is sinful in the unregenerate." This opinion I heard,
at the moment, with extreme disgust ; but a little reflection
soon convinced me that it is possible his opinion may be true,
for the arguments which he used were at least plausible. Al
though I retain my former opinion, I have a sense of insecu-
jity from these repeated obstacles and difficulties, and I feel
a disappointment at not finding the scheme of Christianity so
well defined as I expected. I would be ashamed to say it to
any one else ; but I confess to you that, at this moment, I
have no adequate and well-defined conceptions of the plan of
salvation, or of the economy of that intercourse which subsists
between a Christian and the Godhead. I perceive that there
is, if I may so express it, much more of business in the un
seen realities of the Gospel than I formerly conceived ; and
that these realities, whatever they may be, are something as
distinct from my simple and generic notions twelve months
ago, as the ideas which a clown entertains of the atmosphere
are from those of one acquainted with its chemical anal
ysis. What, however, the specific peculiarities of the system
are I do not yet perceive in a clear and uniform manner ;
and the diversity of opinion, among conscientious, candid, and
enlightened men on this subject, is to me the greatest of all
discouragements in my progress. One recommends prayer,
another says that faith must precede 'prayer ; and thus I am
left in doubt as to the propriety of employing such prayers as
I at present am most incHned to use. Do you conceive that
this prayer, "O God : so guide me in the investigation of thy
Gospel, that I may arrive at a distinct knowledge of that faith

8 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
which is the source of acceptable prayer" — do you conceive
that such a prayer, put up to the Deity upon a conviction of
His omniscience and omnipotence, would be heard, although
not made in the name of Christ, or accompanied by a request
for the Spirit's operation ; or would you consider it as an ad
dress to the Unknown God ? Or, to take another instance,
do you think that the prayer of that man would be sinful, who,
upon being presented with a Bible, and told what it professed
to be, should pray to God so to direct him in the investigation
of its evidences that he might detect its falshood if it was un
true ? Such prayers I should deem efficacious for the follow
ing reasons : Because belief in the existence and superintend
ence of a Deity I consider to be faith — and, although not that
faith which will secure salvation, yet such a faith as will ren
der a prayer for further convictions acceptable ; and because
Jesus recommended prayer before (if we may judge from the
arrangement of the history) the scheme of saving faith was
unfolded, and when His hearers were so far ignorant of His
nature as to be astonished that He used a style more authori
tative than the Scribes.
I have many other subjects to discuss with you, but I will
not abuse your patience at present. Of the need I have of
assistance, you have ample proof in the unsettled and contra
dictory nature of my letters. I am still undecided in the very
fundamentals of rehgion, and in moments of gloom I often
dread I will relapse into a state of obdurate skepticism. I
am, my dear sir, yours truly, James Anderson.
No. IV. — Mr. James Anderson to Dr. Chalmers.
Peterhead, 28(A September, 1812.
My dear Sir — 1 was never more anxious to be with you
than since I came here, for my mind has been distracted by
the most violent emotions respecting a subject intimately con
nected with my future happiness, and perhaps my eternal
salvation — I mean my future profession. . . . My father
expresses himself averse to my becoming a clergyman, for

MR. JAMES ANDERSON.

many reasons, which he enumerates, and adds, " that a desire
to advance the cause of Christianity may be gratified by a
well-intentioned and well-informed layman as effectually, and,
in many cases, with more effect than by a clergyman." I en
deavor to bring my mind to this simple deci'uon — ^in which
way shall I most promote the glory of God ? But a thousand
other considerations intrude in spite of me, until at last I get
bewildered in questions of personal comfort and worldly esti
mation. What I most dread is, that my religious progress
would not be so great in the situation of a merchant as that
of a clergyman ; for, were I able, amid the distractions of busi
ness, to acquire and maintain that tone of elevated Christian
ity, to which the pursuits of a clergyman are so favorable, I be
lieve my exertions in the cause would be more useful on ac
count of the greater extent of my means, the absence of pro
fessional obligation, and because my influence would be ex
erted in a sphere to which clergymen have little access, and
which of course is little preoccupied. On all these points I am
most desirous to have your opinion. My father further says,
that if arrangements can be made with the Bank of Scotland,
whose servant I am at present, he is fully inclined to give
me another winter at Edinburgh. " This,'= he says, " may
prove useful whatever your future destination may be, and it
wiU afford time for us all to consider and implore direction
for our government in meeting the allotments of Providence."
This is my present situation. We return to Dundee on the
6th or 7th of October, and I will then either visit or write
you. I have a dependence on your counsel and friendship
which Christianity alone could inspire ; and I feel grateful to
my God that He has brought us together. The affairs of time
are slowly shrinking into their due dimensions — the realities
of an eternal world are gradually expanding before me— I be
gin to take refuge from the cares and the prospects of life m
the bosom of my Savior, and to realize that period when,
through His merits, the faithful shall worship before the
throne of God forever.
A2

10 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
Since I came here I have read " Edwards on Necessity,"
and I have read it with rapture. I have as much confidence
in his theory as in any mathematical proposition ; and I find
that it leads at once to a thorough solution of what appeared
to me the greatest difficulties of the Bible. It is the centre
pillar of Christianity ; and if there is one subject more than
another in which I should like to have my language and con
ceptions modeled to strict propriety, it is this. But as yet, al
though I see the gross absurdity of the Arminian system, my
new opinions sit uneasily upon me, and it will require some
time to assimilate them with the train of my ordinary concep
tions. What is true, -however, must ultimately prove familiar. I
see, by to-day's paper, that Wilberforce has refused to stand
during the approaching election, and is to retire from public
life. This I consider one of the most alarming features of the
times. Such a man would not have quitted his post if he had
not seen that his exertions were fruitless ; and when worth
loses its sway over public opinion a country is near its down
fall. His memory will ever be cherished ; and, although
Britain yield to the fate of nations, his name will emerge
from the ruins of her greatness a monument to the heroism
and the triumphs of Christian principle. Even at this mo
ment he is known throughout Africa, and his name circulates
in their dreary habitations as that of some mysterious being
who curbs the fury of the whites. I ever am, my dear friend,
yours most truly,' James Anderson.

No. V. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Glasgow, 13th November, 1815.
Dear Sir — After a week's separation from you, which, to
say the least, has been veiy tedious to me, the slight com
munication I can produce by writing is very acceptable.
The weather, during the last week, has been very bad, and it
gives me some comfort to think that only two days have

MR. THOMAS SMITH. n

elapsed since you left this, which would have answered for
our walk.
I have read with great interest the accounts of the Mora
vian missionaries which you were so kind as lend me. These
people seem to have more religion and knowledge of their Cre
ator than any I have ever heard of The mild description
they give of the inhuman conduct of the captain of a vessel who
carried some of them 1000 miles from their place of destina
tion, gives an example of forgiveness which, I dare say, is to
be found among no other people but themselves. And surely,
when we read of an instance of forgiveness, so far above what
we would count a prodigy of virtue, we need not be surprised
to hear of the spiritual enjoyment they feel, which no doubt
is the reward of their Christian conduct. From what I have
met with in these journals, I see a very strong inducement to
a religious life. Indeed, when I consider that it is a people
now living who possess spiritual advantages which make
them superior to the pleasures of this world, I feel this induce
ment presented with such plainness and truth that it is calcu
lated to make a deeper impression upon me than the most
elaborate composition : showing to what extent the Christian
duties might be performed, and their rewards experienced,
founded on the consolations of ancient Christians.
From the consideration of the advantages these Moravians
enjoy, I derive great encouragement to proceed on the good
work which, I trust, is begun within me ; nor do I derive less
when I recognize in each temptation, as it presents itself a de
vice of the powers of.darkness, and know the triumph it pro
duces to a higher order of beings when they know that their
attempts are baffled. I remain, my dear sir, with much es
teem, yours affectionately, Thomas Smith.
No. VI. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
Edinburgh, 15(A November, 1815.
My dear Sir — I read vidth much affection and pleasure
four very interesting communication. I have been thinking

18 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
much of you ; and I trust that the tenderness I feel will nev
er be wounded by any woeful apostasy on your part to the spir
it and the practices of an alienated world. As to its grosser
profligacies, it is my delight to think that you are purely and
nobly superior to them ; but do all you can to strengthen
your abhorrence of them. Let not the withering example of
others so much as harden your feelings against the exhibition
of them ; for it is not enough, my dear sir, that you keep
aloof from the practice of external ungodliness, you should also
cherish a most delicate recoilment of mind from the intrusion
of every gross and unworthy conception, recollecting that it
is to the pure in heart that our kind and amiable Savior
has promised the blessedness of seeing God.
We read in the Bible of the first love — a phrase which
has been much commented upon by theologians, and which
is supposed to embrace all that peace, and joy, and ecstatic
affections that are felt by the heart, on the first admission of
confidence in a God, whom it sees through the medium of the
Gospel to be a reconciled Father. I wish you every enjoy
ment of this kind, which consists with our present state ; and
many may be those sacred hours of communion with Heaven,
which give you the blessed proof of experience that the way
you have chosen is, indeed, a way of pleasantness, a path of
peace. I have great hopes of you. I love the spirit which
animates yoUr letter. I sympathize most cordially with all
your taste and admiration for those Heaven-born men who
have long been the hght of the world ; and you will put it
down to the right cause when you ascribe it to my anxious
and tender regard for you that I point your attention to that
part of the Bible where certain are charged with leaving
their first love. Oh ! do, my much-loved friend, cultivate a
suspicion of yourself Keep in firm bond of dependence with
the Savior. Pray unceasingly for the progress of His work
in your heart ; and while you strive mightily, let it be by His
grace working in you mightily. Be assured that there is a
call and a significancy in the following directions : Let him

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 13

that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. Work out
your salvation with fear and trembling. Mix trembling
with your mirth. Pass the time of your sojourning here in
fear. Do aspire after a realizing sense of the holy and the
heart-searching God. I want you not to be painfully in
tense in His service ; you are in earnest, and with God's
blessing you will feel your way ; and I trust you will come
experimentally to know that the way of sanctification, while
a way of watchful, unceasing diligence, is also a way of
peace, and that in quietness and in confid'^nce you shall have
strength. May I crave a remembrance from you in your hours of in
tercourse Vidth God. Give me a part in your daily prayers
as you have in mine ; and let the affection, which I believe
to be mutual, and equally strong and sincere on your part as
on mine, be thus kept alive, and receive its constant aug
mentations on this side of time, tUl it ripen to the love of a
pure and happy eternity.
I looked into Watts' " Sermons'' the other day. I was
much struck with the title of one of them, " The hopeful
youth falling short of Heaven." I had not time to read it,
but presume it wiU be excellent. You can not, my dear sir,
you can not err on the side of caution and extreme jealousy
of yourself It is not a jealousy which will disturb you, but
it will direct you to the right source of strength and influ
ence, and to the diligent use of that strength in every matter
that comes before you. I should hke you to read that ser
mon, and to have your opinion of it. . . .
Give my kindest comphments to Miss Fortune when you
see her. I intend being at home on Saturday — come and
sup with me at night, spending a precious hour with me in
my study. Let me know if you can read my letters easily,
for, if not, I shall make a more careful exertion afterward.
I beg you will always write me at very great length, as close
as you can, and filling up the folded spaces of the last page.
Tell Mrs. C. that I have not gotten her promised letter, and

J4 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
am disappointed. You say there have only been two walk
ing days for a whole week in Glasgow. Every day has been
fair in Edinburgh, and I have walked every day. But what
to me is a still more interesting point of comparison, I have
lived in a clergyman's house, and he is suffered to remain in a
state of the most enviable tranquillity. None of that feasting,
and clamoring about attentions, and petitioning about poor,
and drudgery with the work of institutions, and hard-driving
at a multiplicity of secular and never-ending affairs ; all of
which, unless simplified and abridged, would disgust any man
with a place where mere spiritual work is undervalued, and
the demands of a clergyman for leisure are neither understood
nor sympathized with.
Be assured of my warmest regard and unceasing prayers
for you. Yours very affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. VII. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
Blochairn, 21st December, 1815.
My dear Sir — Lest we should miss each other to-day, it
occurs to me to state to you, in reference to our conversation
of yesterday, that you should not make it a capital aim to ob
tain clear and immediate views on the doctrine of election ;
and even, though my argument be not thoroughly acquiesced
in, I can say, for your comfort, that however luminous my
own conceptions may be to my own mind, I have repeatedly
failed in my attempts to reach the convictions of others who
were men of powerful understanding.
But what I am mainly in earnest about is, that you do not
for a single moment slacken or suspend the practical work of
sanctification on the solution of any speculative difficulty
whatever. If to your faith you add the splendid list of ac
complishments set before you in 2 Peter, i., 5-7, you will nev
er fall, but make your calling and election sure. You do not
see that election inscribed on the records of Heaven ; but you
are told in plain language what is the instrument by which

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 15

you make it sure to you on earth. That instrument is dili
gence (2 Peter, i., 5, 10) ; and I trust you will never let
down a diligence of which I trust to see the prints upon your
character in time, and to share the rewards along with you
in eternity.
See 2 Peter, iii., 16. I rejoice that you are so impressed
with the reality of a powerful and insidious tempter, and I
would have you not to be ignorant of his devices. He may
turn an anxiety after Christian doctrine into an engine for his
purpose ; and I beg that you will be frank enough to let me
know, when you judge it for your practical benefit, that our
conversation on that particular subject should be suspended.
It would furthermore give me great pleasure that you
wrote me an occasional note, though you had time 6nly for
half a dozen lines : you should not, my dear sir, stand upon
difficulties with me, and I have to entreat a little more con
fidence from you in this way than I have yet witnessed.
Thomas Chalmers.
No. VIII. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Glasgow, 22d December, 1815.
My dear Sir — I read the note you gave me to-day with
much interest — ^this, indeed, has been the case with all I have
received from you — ^but I feel very grateful to discover in
your last such a kind and anxious attention to my most sub
stantial welfare. You have placed my desire to become ac
quainted with a particular doctrine of Christianity in a light
in which I think I should myself have viewed it, had I de
voted much of my time and thoughts to the subject ; but, as
the matter stands at present, I trust I am far from neglecting
the very few duties I can perform in obedience to the Divine
will, in the pursuit of a subject that must have the same ef- •
feet on my ultimate salvation, whether I am convinced of the
exact manner of its operation or not. These are my present
feehngs on the subject. I know well, however, that I might
become so interested in the business as to attend to it in prej-

16 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

udice of more important duties. It is in this view that I see
the importance of your warning voice, and that I beg you to
lift it often, and oftener than you think there is occasion for
it, because I fear very much that you have formed too high
an opinion regarding my present state, both as to my religion
and morals. It requires a long acquaintance to discover the
exact character of any person. Ours, indeed, has been inti
mate ; but there are circumstances which, I think, may have
operated with you too favorably toward discovering the true
state of mine ; and I hope you may take this hint and act
upon it, faithfully pointing out what you see amiss, and I, in
return, shall make it my serious business to reform.
As to the doctrine of predestination, without much anxiety,
I have obtained a view of it which most entirely satisfies
myself ; and I only wait for the explanation of what, I must
say, at present appears to me irreconcilable, viz., that under
the belief of this doctrine and its actual operation, it is in the
power of a person predestined ta be saved, by any misconduct
on his part, to forfeit his election, or vice versa. This really
puzzles me a little, and I look to you for assistance. I do not
forget, however, that, puzzle me as it may, if I act conscien
tiously in the discharge of ray duties to God and man, and
possess a firm faith on the merits of my Savior, both to enable
me to accomplish this and to save me from my deficiencies,
that I have placed myself in as good a situation to deserve
reward as I possibly could ; and with this comfort, which I
think substantial, I shall quiet my mind, and, trusting in my
Savior, I shall net be troubled, though all the questions theo
logians ever started were brought to bear against me.
I am aware you may think this quite unphilosophical, but
I am happy in my ignorance, and have the authority of a sage
for saying that he that increaseth wisdom iucreaseth sorrow.
My dear sir, I must now conclude ; and I am happy I can
say at present, what I should never have said in your pres
ence, that I love you above all my friends on earth. Amid
all the changes this world can produce, in this I trust I shall

'HR. THOMAS SMITH.

17

not change, and shall carry it with me to a land beyond the
world's influence. Thomas Smitb.
No. IK. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
Bjlochairn, 23d December, 1815.
My dear Sir — ^Your kind note was highly gratifying to
me, and, in addition to every other argument for a frequent
interchange of them, I think that one mighty advantage is,
that it may reduce to a point many an agitated topic, and
facilitate the precise solution of many a question which would
not be set at rest by the fading and the desultory conversa
tion of whole weeks.
Your question is, " How comes it that a man predestined
to salvation has it not in his power to faU away from it ?"
I answer, that every man may, if he mil, commit sin unto
perdition ; but the man predestined to salvation wills not,
and does not, commit any such sin. God, who decreed His
salvation, decreed and foreknew all the steps that went be
fore it. He knew the effect of every one circumstance upon
His volitions ; and should the practical effect of our views or
predestination be that we turn careless and fall away, then
God foresaw this, and knew our final destruction from the be
ginning, and we shall afterward know from the event that
we are not foreordained unto life.
I trust that a thorough and well-grounded faith in this doc
trine wiU at length be Ibrmed in you ; but, in the mean time,
make a vigorous use of all that is clearly and distinctly un
derstood by you. I am much pleased with your humility in
thinking that I have overrated your religion and your mor
als ; but I trust I do not overrate them when I say that you
hunger and thirst after righteousness ; that, measuring you
by others, you stand at a wide distance from all the gross and
vulgar profligacies of this unhallowed generation ; and while
I fearlessly offer this tribute of respect to your character, will
you permit me further to say, that the effect of all your doings
would be hurtful did the consciousness of them go to wean

18 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
you from dependence on Christ, or turn your eye from Him
as all your desire and all your salvation ? Go joyfully to
God in His name ; follow closely in the path of His exam
ple ; feel your need of His Spijit in every enterprise ; have
no doubt of your forgiveness through the merits of His blood,
coupling with faith in this one testimony the acceptance of
every one saying about the necessity of holiness and self-de
nial, and the mortification of all that is sinful, and the adorn-'
ment of the whole man with the graces of the Spirit, and the
dedication of the whole life to the will of Him who poured
out his soul unto the death for you.
My heart is greatly enlarged toward you, my dearest of all
earthly acquaintances ; and it is iny prayer that God may
more and more purify, and exalt, and Christianize that friend
ship which it has pleased Him to put into our bosoms.
Yours ever, Thomas Chalmers.
No. X. — Dr. Chalmers To Mr. Thomas Smith.
Blochairn, 29tk December, 1815.
My dear Sir — ^When I can not be present with you in
person, I find that it in some manner fills up the disappoint
ment to sit down to an exercise in which I feel my heart to
be altogether present with and alive about you.
I have been thinking more of your very valuable contribu
tion to our scriptural conference of yesterday, and the use I
make of it is to endear me the more to our plan, quite as
sured that much will result from it. Let it convince us more
and more of the prodigious fertihty of the Bible ; how much
lies hidden and unobserved, even after many perusals ; and
surely, if it be true that a man may read it a hundred times
and find something on his next reading which he missed on
all his former ones, a joint reading bids fair for multiplying
our lessons, and must give a double advantage to each of
them who are embarked in it?
Do, my dear sir, feel how various and how animating a
field lies before the man who has resolved on being the alto-

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 19
gether Christian. He ijtiay look for indefinite attainments in
knowledge, as well as for an ever-increasing lustre of accom
plishments and of character ; and my earnest, and feryent,
and often-repeated prayer for you is, that, sanctified wholly
by the truth as it is in Jesus, we may, after running our des
tined course as fellow-helpers on earth, mingle with the pure
families of heaven, and be found faultless together in" the
presence of God with exceeding glory.
My heart is greatly enlarged toward you, and I entreat that
you wiU put up with all my warnings, and all my anxieties,
and all my devoted earnestness in behalf of your best inter
ests. For myself, I have great need of your prayers. May
they ascend often, and with affectionate earnestness, to the
throne of grace. Be assured that I approve much of your
prudence and reserve in the matter of your acquaintances. I
trust that the conversation of yesterday will not lead to any
precipitate measures on your part. And, on the other hand,
that a growing experience as to the best way of walking to
those who are without, and a growing strength and intrepid
ity of character, and last, though not least, a growing affec
tion for others in the Christian and spiritual sense of the
term, will at length enable you to be of use to some of those
deluded, unhappy young men, each of whom, let it never be
forgotten, has a soul as unperishable as ours, and none of
whom are beyond the reach of that grace which teaches and
enables us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live
soberly, righteously, and godly in the world. My kindest af
fection to you, my very dear sir, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XI.  Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Glasgow, 2d January, 1816.
My dear Sir— When we are separated it is my most agree
able employment to write to you, and were I once fairly em
barked in the business, I know you would have occasion rath
er to complain of the frequency of my letters than the want
of them.

20 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
I pursued our yesterday's topic of consideration for a part
of the day with some success, but during the greater part of
the evening I was employed in a manner contrary to the dis
position in which we should be employed at the beginning of
a new period of time, and I was thus unfitted for continuing
my beneficial train of thought. At this season of the year I
have been always inclining to the (iesponding tone when I
think of the small progress I have made in the different stud
ies in which I am engaged. But I never, till this time, felt
the disappointment at the" past and anxiety for the future, in
regard to my religious improvement, so strong as at present.
I have, indeed, felt something of the kind formerly, and have
formed resolutions of a good tendency, but this feeling was
never very strong, of course it was not permanent ; and the
resolutions, I am ashamed to say, were formed chiefly in a
dependence on myself to execute them, and thus made, you
well know, only to be broken.
It is not so with me now, I hope ; my resolutions, founded
on the experience of the fate of the past, are not so extrava
gant as not to admit of the probability of these being execu
ted. This is well ; but I have learned also from what I have
already attempted, that in my own strength I can not accom
plish my desires ; that the more my dependence is upon my
self, the greater the certainty of my failure ; and the more my
hope rests on the assistance promised me from a quarter
where there is no deceit or weakness to perform, the more the
certainty is of my success. It is on this foundation that I
now look forward with joy to the progress of my Christian
career, and firmly trust to attain that standard of obedience
and high.tone of moral sentiment, with the description of
which you have often delighted me.
Yours very affectionately, Thomas Smith.
No. XII. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
KiLMARDiNNT, 3d January, 1816.
My dear Sir — You have not yet arrived at an adequate

MR. THOMAS SMITH. ai

estimate of the interest I take in you, if you think you can
either write me too frequently or at too great length. .
You speak of uncongenial business or society in the even
ing, which broke up in some measure the religious frame of
your mind on the preceding part of the day. Now, mark
well that there will be no such interruptions in the Millen
nium ; there are none such in a Moravian village at this mo
ment ; and there would be much fewer than there are in
Glasgow had we a more extensive Christian community.
The direct road to this is just to make as many Christian in
dividuals and Christian families as we can ; and in the exact
proportion of our success shall we be rewarded by a freedom
from aU these temptations which the deadening and secular
izing influence of the great majority of companies brings
along with it. Let us ever keep by this object, then, as our
great aim and purpose of our lives here below, combining, at
the same time, all that discretion and skill which are neces
sary in the important work. Let us pray for that most de
sirable wisdom, the wisdom of winning souls — not forgetting
that He who says, Keep thyself pure, also says. Lay hands on
no man suddenly ; and taking care, at the same time, never
to convert the latter direction into a shelter for cowardice, or
a plea for denying Christ before men. Oh, my dear sir, you
are right to feel your shortcomings, and it is at the same time
right to strike the high aim of being perfect, even as God is
perfect. It is only wrong to conceive such a purpose in a de
pendence on ourselves ; but who shall hmit the power of His
Spirit % Who shall question the provisions of the Gospel for
the accomplishment of its own avowed object, to redeem us
from all iniquity, and to form us again after the image of
Him who created us ? Do turn from the contemplation of
your own worthlessness to Hini for whose sake God will cover,
as with a cloud, all your past sins, and make no more men
tion of them ; and by whose power resting upon you He will
enable you to wing your ascending way through the career
of practical Christianity— He wiU send a purifying influence

22 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
into all the services of the inner man — He will bless your
solitude with a sense of His holy but reconciled presence —
He will adorn your walk in society with all that is graceful
and honorable^He will keep you in thought, 'as well as in
conduct, undefiled by the sickening profligacies of this world
— He will work you up to a meetness for the inheritance here
after, and give you a foretaste of its enjoyment even here, by
mingling with all your struggles, and temptations, and diffi
culties the smile of an approving God — the radiance of an
anticipated heaven. Believe me to be, my dear sir, yours
most affectionately,' Thomas Chalmers.
No. XIII. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Glasgow, 3d January, 1816.
My dear Sir — In my note to you of yesterday I mention
ed something of my forming resolutions. I have to-day been
thinking that it is a dangerous matter to form resolutions un
less there is a pretty certain prospect of the person who forms
being able to accomplish them. The consequence of such
resolutions as are made without consideration, and soon tres
passed against, is to leave the mind impressed with the facil
ity of destroying its best intentions, and in a state to overleap
its most serious projects. I wish you would say something
on this subject when you are at leisure. Foster, in his essay
on '' Decision of Character," seems to have neglected this
means of destroying the quality he so strongly recommends.
With much esteem and regard, I am, my dear sir, yours, &c.,
Thomas Smith.
No. XIV. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
KiLMARDiNNY, 4th January, 1816.
My dear Sir — I feel much interested in your letter of yes
terday's date, as it touches on a truly important subject — that
of resolutions. If you simply mean by a resolution a purpose,
it should be your purptise at this moment to forsake all sin
and to attain all righteousness — a purpose which can only

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 23
be carried into accomplishment by prayer for the promised
aid believingly preferred, and daily persevered in. But if by
a resolution you understand a purpose accompanied with a
vow, this is a matter of very great caution, and postponing the
full discussion of it to our personal interviews, I shall just ob
serve, in a hurried way, that there is one set of such resolutions
which it appears to me to be safe and competent for a man
to make and to adhere to, and another set which it would be
extremely hazardous. I shall illustrate the two sets by ex
amples : I could, on a deliberate view of all the effects on
my moral character produced by attendance on the theatre,
resolve to give up that attendance, and keep by the resolu
tion. I could, on my experience of its effects upon my health,
resolve never to sup out at night, and keep by that resolu
tion. These two cases represent a number of others where I
might resolve with success, and where the kind of resolution
taken might be of the utmost subserviency either to my tem
poral or eternal interest.
But, again, I would not resolve never to be angry. It is
my wish to be delivered from this work of the flesh ; but I
think I shall the better bring this about by fearfulness, and
watchfulness, and humble persevering prayer to God in Christ,
that He would root this evil thing out of me- more and more.
I see symptoms of uneasiness in your letter, which most
powerfully interest me in the state of my dear and much-loved
friend. Should the uneasiness be grounded on any failure in
the first set of resolutions, which I believe not to be the case,
I would construe it into the token of a declension, from which
it should be my most strenuous attempt to recover you.
Should it be grounded on any failure in the second set of res
olutions, then this uneasiness is an essential step in the prog
ress of a Christian. You are rising in your conceptions of the
spirituality and extent of the requirements that lie upon you ;
and you are making purposes to fulfill them ; and you are ex
periencing your own incompetency to the task ; and God is
humbling you into a closer dependence on the aids of His

24 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
grace, and on the promises and provisions of His Gospel.
Never let go your aspirings, but know that you must be shut
Up unto Christ, as all your sanctification and strength, ere you
shall ever succeed in realizing them. You come short of your
aspirings, or, in other words, you come short of duty and con
tract guilt. A sense of this will lead you daily to Christ for
forgiveness ; and, going to him on the other errand of obtain
ing reformation also (1 John, i., 9), you will make constant
progress in the joys of the Christian faith and in the dili
gence of the Christian practice. Be not restlessly or excess
ively anxious ; and if I have not cleared up your difficulties,
look forward to our conversations. Yours, &c.,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XV. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Glasgow, 5th January, 1816.
My dear Sir — I am glad you have said so much of reso
lutions ; those which I ever formed were not attended with
enough of solemnity in the making, and thus, perhaps, it is
that they have been less binding, and I have more readily
found the means of avoiding them. I never made a resolu
tion or purpose, accompanied with the determination of car
rying it into effect, and at the same time sealed it with a sol
emn vow. My resolutions have been made and noted in my
journal ; I have often the reading of them to remind me of
them ; I have my prayers to God t» enable me to fulfill them ;
and I have the attempts which I make to resist the habits
which might lead me to forsake them ; and to all these com
bined I trust for the accomplishment of my purpose. As to
the subjects of these purposes, they are such as may be ac-
comphshed by perseverance ; and, by the attention of a few
weeks, I have sometimes found myself in a much higher state
of obedience to God's will, in so far as one particular trans
gression was concerned. These kind of trials have been my
employment for some time past ; but now I have made a
general determination to examine my conduct as a whole

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 25

composed of those things I have attempted to root out of it,
and I find that, examining each separately, there is a sad
want in it, that I have only reached the mere surface of the
business, and in many respects have remained satisfied and
consoled that I had done as much as I could accomplish.
This has caused me uneasiness, Which I am not unwilling to
suffer ; but, like a person who knows his accounts are in con
fusion, examines them, and finds them ten times worse than
he expected, so, though I knew the examination might be
painful to me, yet the extent to which it has been was never
calculated on. And it is in this state of the case that I was
induced to give way to my resolution in some degree, although
its consequences might have been, and still I hope will be,
more productive of good than any I ever yet made. I do not
wish to exculpate myself ; but since I have told of the un
easiness which the putting of this resolution into effect as a
cause of my in part having relinquished it, I must also men
tion, that a great deal of business, and an anxiety to have it
fiiushed, has operated heavily upon me, and withdrawn my
mind from its more serious occupation. Yours most sin
cerely, Thomas Smith.
No. XVI. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Stockwell Street, January 8th, 1816.
My dear Sir — This has been a most pleasant day with
me, it brought so long a letter from you — the longest I have
yet received ;* and to procure another, I shall continue to
write to you, trusting in my good fortune to say something
which may call forth an answer.
When, I sit down to write to you, it is not any thing I have
previously arranged and thought of which forms the subject,
but merely the idea which is uppermost at the moment. I
write to you generally in the evening, when I have leisure to
review the events of the past day, and it is the impression of
this review which is generally communicated to you. After
* For this letter, see Dr. Chahners's Memoirs, vol. ii., p. 30-34.
V. B

86 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
a quiet, retired, and pleasant Sabbath, I find its beneficial ef
fects often during the week, but more especially on the day
immediately following it. This has been my condition to
day, confirmed to me by your letter, which left me in the ex
act state in which I have found myself after some of our most
agreeable conversations, and I have enjoyed this under a
heavy and gloomy atmosphere such as generally has a de
pressing effect upon my spirits. I have been successful also
to-day in contracting my thoughts, and bringing them to bear
on the subject I chose from my chapter this morning : " If ye
had faith as a grain of mustard-seed," &c. ; and when I am
successful in confining my thoughts to a good scriptural text,
it generally happens that all goes smoothly and successfully
along with me ; and the reason of this is obvious. Should a
man direct his mind to a state superior and independent of
this, it places him high above all the adverse fortune which
can beset hira, and enables him almost to rejoice in the midst
of it, while, on the other hand, it allows him to enjoy as much
as he possibly can the success which may attend him. It
will not, indeed, permit him to exult immoderately ; were it
to do so, he would feel discontented when the novelty and
first charm of his prosperity wore off; but when he enjoys
the present happiness subordinately to a greater in store for
him, then, should his present joy be converted into grief, he
still possesses the ulterior prospect, and where his treasure is,
there — bursting through the surrounding objects  will his
heart be also. This is a temporal reward which is worthy of
being purchased at great expense. It is an insurance against
losses of all kinds, and there is less danger of failure on the
part of the guarantee than in any ever made on earth. Yet
this is only a subordinate and one of the most trivial advant
ages afforded by the Christian religion. It is, indeed, a relig
ion which ought to be highly venerated, and an interest in it
is to be desired in preference to every thing else.
There are several topics in your letter of to-day which I
should like to write you about, but it would branch out into

MR. THOMAS SMITH. a?

a correspondence too extensive to be carried on at present,
and must therefore be declined. I anticipate with much
pleasure the renewal of our personal interviews, which have
appeared to me far more valuable since I have experienced
their absence. This will be the last opportunity of ray writ
ing to you at KUmardinny, as I understand you return on
Wednesday ; until then, and thenceforth, I remain, my dear
sir, yours very affectionately, Thomas Smith.
No. XVII. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
Kilmakdinny, 9th January, 1816.
My dear Sir — Your letter received this da]} forms a most
delightful finish to this series of our correspondence. I could
have seen in it the happy Christian frame of the writer, though
he had not announced it to me. In point of expression, it is
free and powerful ; in point of spirit, it breathes a most serene
and tranquil elevation. I am charmed with the growing in
telligence it discovers on the highest of all subjects ; and,
above all, do I inwardly rejoice in observing that my excel
lent young friend is realizing the peace and the pleasantness
which are to be found even here on that way which leads to
the fehcities and the glories of Paradise.
Will you believe that, for the last twenty-four hours, I have
been the victim of a most distempered melancholy, and that
you have been the subject of it ? I hesitated for some time
whether I should reveal this to you, on grounds which I shall
afterward mention ; but I have now resolved on the clear
and simple maxim of keeping back from you nothing;, and
I do find that we have got greatly too far on in our intimacy to
stop short of the most entire, unbounded, and miiversal con
fidence in each other. The ground of my disquietude was an
expression in your note of the 5th, probably ill understood by
me, and which I shall explain more fully to you at meeting.
All I shall say further about it at present is, that your note,
received this evening, has chased from my agitated bosom all
its fears iirid all- its anxieties ; and it is with tears of grati-

28 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
tude and delight that I acknowledge how much I have been
reassured and comforted by your kind communication.
My dear sir, you may think all this extravagant, but it can
be accounted for. You are, in one sense, the child of my anx
ious efforts to consolidate and Christianize you. I have not
the vanity to think that I began the work ; but the work has
made progress since I knew you, and I have conceived a deep
interest in all its steps. I do not know one single dispensa
tion that would more imbitter my heart than that the work
should retrograde. I would feel all the grief of a bereaved par
ent ; it would spread a sad desolation over my spirits ; it would
be the crudest of all violence to my affections for one, whom
I trust I shall long hold sweet counsel with on earth, and re
joice with in heaven. Such is the state of my feelings to
ward you, and I hope that it both explains and apologizes for
my extreme watchfulness over you — a watchfulness which I
have sometimes feared you would dislike as obtrusive, and
suspicious, and troublesome. 0, my dearest of all earthly as
sociates, had the happiness of our meeting been without al
loy, it would have been too much for earth ; but the malig
nant tempter, whose power you so firmly recognize, has
thrown a mixture of bitterness into it ; he has tried to turn
the whole to anguish by raising before my fancy the glowing
image of your apostasy. Your kind epistle has cleared it
away, and I now enjoy a precious interval of repose. All is
hushed and tranquihzed within me, and I now write from the
fullness of a heart which feels no fear and harbors no suspicion.
Yours ever, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XVIII. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Glasgow, 9th January, 1816.
My dear Sir — I received your letter of yesterday's date,
and though I expect to meet you to-morrow, I shall take this
method of answermg a question proposed in it, which I see
has arisen from a most stupid, confused note of mine of the
5th current.

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 29

I made a general determination at the beginning of this
year strictly to examine the state of my mind. I did so-^
found it so far below my expectation, that it affected my spir
its so much as to make me give up the examination, and thus
to transgress my determination or resolution. This, as far as
I can make out, is what my note of the 6th would say, but
seems ashamed, as no doubt there is reason to be, of the
avowal. You may be thinking that I shall thus be diverted from my
attempt. But this is not the case, for I have since resumed
my review, and am at present going on successfully with it.
What I would desire at present is to know what are the
errors which I am most likely to fail into, and to apply my
self to the business of their extermination one by one. When
this is accomplished, I shall cultivate the virtues which ought
to exist in their stead, and the bringing these virtues to per
fection will form the business of a whole life, and at its close,
though the comfort of having succeeded in the attempt will
. not be enjoyed, yet the consolation of having seriously made
the trial will supply its stead. There is nothing I so much
delight in as in the idea of a character refined and ennobled
by a whole life's attention to the business. Such a character
would, in all probabiHty, enjoy more happiness and peace of
mind than any attainments in science could afford. It is a
discouraging fact, however, that there is not one in thousands
who can boast such a treasure — the road to it is exceedingly
unfavorable to those who have only for a short time traveled
on it, and to people surrounded by others of different opinions
about the reward to be attained, or who pursue a quite con
trary course, the temptations to deviate are innumerable.
Man, by his own strength, can not conquer them ; but, by de
pendence on another's, he undoubtedly can, and may realize
a finer and purer mind than the ancients ever thought of.
From the knowledge of Cowper, which his life and writings
give, I think he had attained this character ; but it is not in
a man who is well known to the public, and whose writings

80 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
are made with the view of pleasing them — nor in any public
character whose hfe is handed down to us — ^that I would be
inclined to expect these virtues, but rather in private char
acters, who are only known to a few around them, and by
whose example the world in general are never benefited.
But, my dear sir, I must earnestly beg of you to excuse all
the deficiencies of my last week's correspondence. Most of
my letters were written in the evening when I was very tired,
and all of them hurriedly. It was with a view to obtain an
swers in return, and in compliance to your request, that they
were sent to you. Amid all my faults, I shall always be
yours most affectionately, Thomas Smith.
No. XIX. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Glasgow, 20th January, 1816.
My dear Sir — I do not intend in this letter to say any
thing, either on one side or the other, regarding assemblies for
dancing — the subject of our late conversations. I think it bet
ter that you should begin the subject, and that I attend you -
as you prosecute it, and unreservedly give you any objections
which may remain with me after the perusal of your letters.
And of this freedom of remark I request you will allow me
the unlimited use ; for should I be only half convinced of the
danger of attending these parties, if it turns out they are dan
gerous, it might be a matter of afterthought and deliberation
whether the restriction had been properly adopted ; and on a
tempting invitation being presented, more reasons might ap
pear in favor of the restrictions being injudicious. Thus
swayed, I might overturn all my more impartial thoughts on
the subject, and commence imperceptibly the business of un
dermining a proper system of self-denial, which I intend shall
be considerately and judiciously planned, and as resolutely
and perseveringly adhered to. A few days ago we talked of
the frankness which ought to subsist among friends ; and I
think you were disposed to blame me for a want of it. If I
possess a reserved temper, I am equally insensible of it as of

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 31
many of my other faults ; and in our written correspondence,
I hope you will soon perceive that all reserve is banished,
and that you receive my sentiments upon any subject which
comes in our way exactly as they exist, and to the whole ex
tent of their existence. I sometimes am disposed to be very
silent in our conversation*, and this most probably has given
the appearance of reserve to my conduct ; but this silence is
of a very different origin indeed, and I blame you for its ex
istence. Our regular weekly correspondence, I think, will be produc
tive of much advantage. One thing has just now occurred
to me which well demonstrates this : Should I, when in sortie
unguarded time, be induced to think favorably of any amuse
ment which we have in a proper season examined and con
demned, from the mere circumstance of having your reasons
stated in writing to recur to, I shall examine what formerly
caused "me to renounce the favorite object, and the result oi
the examination will be to set me right and establish me in
the path chalked out. I am, my dear sir, yours with much
affection, Thomas Smith.
No. XX. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
20th January, 1816.
My dear Sir — In answer to your much esteemed note of
this day, I have to observe that I do not mean at present to
enter into the question of assemblies for dancing, but shall
satisfy myself with a few prefatory remarks. I am quite as
sured that, if you saw it to be against your Christian interest,
you would surrender every one inducement you have at pres
ent to attend them, and keep studiously and determinedly
away from them altogether. I am further assured that, could
I prove it to be as much your duty to keep away from them,
did they expose these interests to the hazard, though not to
the certainty of being injured, you would be as obedient to
the second demonstration of duty as to the first.
In a word, I presume (and it is with the most unfeigned

32 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

pleasure, and a heart filled with affection, that I can declare,
from all that I have observed in you, how I look on the pre
sumption as one of the surest and strongest I ever conceived
on any subject) that, should you see it to be your duty, either
on the first ground or on the second, to refrain from going to
assemblies, you would not hesitate a single moment to put
the principle of forsaking all into effect, and bring your habit
of general carefulness to offend in no point whatever to bear
on this one point which we have now selected for considera
tion. ¦ And now, my dear sir, there is even at this stage of the
business a way in which this great initiatory principle of the
Christian life may be put into exercise. As you would for
sake all in the way of shunning what you knew to be sinful,
so you may be in readiness to forsake aU whenever what is
more doubtful shall be proved to be sinful. In this state of
readiness, which it is competent for you at this moment to
put on, you wiU, I am persuaded, resolve against, and strive
against, and pray aga.inst all partiality and aU hypocrisy : it
will be the language of your heart, " Lord, teach me thy way,
that I may walk in it." Cleanse Thou me from the secret
fault of all unfair leaning, and all willful self-deceit. Let
me clearly see thy will and hear thy voice ; and here I am in
the attitude of a servant to obey thy orders, and be found at
the post thou art pleased to assign to me. It is my business,
also, to be most careful in this matter : woe be unto me if
I willfuUy mislead you. It is my prayer, my dearest of all
earthly friends, that much comfort and direction may be given
to us in this correspondence. It may strike out much of what
we are not at present anticipating. It may branch into many
a devious but important track of inquiry ; and I trust that
walking together as friends over the field of Divine truth, we
shall end our every excursion with some new spoils of heaven
ly doctrine to enrich, and comfort, and adorn us. May God
prosper us in this enterprise ; may He siuile propitious on our
every attempt to find out His will for our salvation ; and may

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 33
the great and ultimate results of all our converse here be a
common mansion in that country of perfect blessedness, where
there is no sorrow and no separation. Yours most affection
ately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXI. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Glasgo-sv, 23d January, 1816.
My dear Sir — I shall still delay entering upon any thing
which immediately concerns the question of the effect of a
dancing assembly upon a Christian character.
In your note you mention you are quite assured that if I
saw it to be against my Christian interests I would not go ;
and even go so far as to say that, were they to place these
interests even in a hazardous situation, I would be obedient
to this second call of duty. This is saying a good deal, and
to acquiesce complacently in it would be going farther than,
from the limited knowledge I have of the true state of my
mind, would be allowable.
To bring my mind to this subject totally free of any bias
to the one side or other, it would require some Httle time
to consider the value of the recompense which I place at
stake by acting in such a way as my long-established feelings
on the subject would induce me. Surrounded by all the
amusements and gayeties of life, I have considered them more
in relation to the delight they afforded, than their consistency
with the laws of Heaven and my own permanent happiness.
But, though surrounded on every side by a God and the ob
jects of His creation, I had almost forgotten the Mighty Being
from whose presence there is no escaping ; and the objects of
His creation, long looked upon merely in reference to them
selves, have failed to suggest the remembrance of their invis
ible Creator. In such a situation and circumstances, I can
not bring my judgment to an impartial determination on the
subject. But this need not prevent a determination being
adopted, which, if it is a just one, must lean to the side against
which my prejudices have hitherto been directed. I see the
B 2

34 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS
necessity of this ; and perhaps, were I to act prudently, I
would renounce the whole business from this moment. This
would be right in the mean time ; but the great obstacle to
this, which, I think, however much to be dreaded, should al
ways be kept in view, is the danger of a relapse into such a
frame of rajnd as may dispose the person who made hia reso
lutions of doing good to reject the grounds on which they are
founded. It is of great importance in this event that these
grounds be multiplied and embraced into a general and com
prehensive rule of action. And that, however trivial any ob
jection may be considered at present, it is of consequence that
they should all be brought forward, that there may be no lurk
ing seed of corruption which may spring up in the hour of
temptation. In the course of our correspondence upon this subject,
whenever you discover in me an inordinate desire to question
any thing you advance, I beg you will look upon it as arising
from the reasons I have above alluded to. From these rea
sons I really believe that any objections which I shall make
will arise, and not from a desire to mix in any company dan
gerous to the principles which I am so desirous, for the most
weighty reasons, to encourage the growth of, and to preserve
thern in a state of increasing strength and beauty, tiU death
shall deprive the mind in which they exist of its earthly hab
itation. My dear sir, in this matter we have entered upon there is
much reason to pray to Him whose honor it concerns, that He
would give us a distinct view of the case, that the judgment
we form may be such as we shall have cause never to be
ashamed of I remain, my dear sir, yours very sincerely,
Thomas Smith.
No. XXII. — ^Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
Charlotte Street, 2ith January, 1816.
My dearest Sir — I would hurry at once into the subject
did I not feel that our system of correspondence admitted of

MR. THOMAS SMITH.

that free and excursive method which can stop, and deviate
and be arrested by any one point that happens to be started
in the course either of our writing or our talking communica
tions ; and you will not, I trust, feel impatient though I should
still be lingering among the preliminaries of our argument.
May God keep you in health and prolong our stay here, if it
so please Him, that our notes may swell out to thousands and
thousands more ; and praying, as I do, that He may give each
of us a single eye to His glory, and fill our understandings
with the light of His blessed Spirit. I trust that much in
teresting matter and much consoling and edifying remark
may jass through each of our hands. You tell me it is say
ing a good deal to say that you would not willfully do a thing
which put your religious interests to hazard. It were surely
not saying too much of a man, whose ruling principle it was
to keep entire the property of his word, to say of him that he
would not willfully put that property to hazard. It is not
saying too much of a mother, whose honest anxiety is for the
health of her child, to say that she would not willfully put
that health to any hazard. It is not saying too much for your
friend, whose earnest aspiring is after the purity and integrity
of your religious character, to say that he would not willfully
put you into a situation which hazarded that character. And
if for your friend you just substitute yourself, be it your ear
nest aspiring to keep entire and to advance the reign of Chris
tian principle within you, then, I say, what is not less evident
than in the three first examples, that you would not willfully
put to hazard your Christian interests.
I suspect, my dear sir, when you hesitate about pronounc
ing on yourself in this matter, you complicate the matter by
the doubtfulness which still exists in you about the particu
lar question that is between us. But, conceive that doubt
fulness done away — conceive it clearly made out that the act
of spending some hours at an assembly for dancing carried
along with it the chance of one to two, or one to ten, or one
to a hundred, that you come away a worse man and a worse

30 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

Christian than when you went, then I mistake my dear friend
altogether if I conceive that, upon such a hazard being at
tached to such a big and momentous interest, he would not
resolve to shun the temptation altogether, and class this en
joyment among the all things which, in the act of taking to
the path of his eternal interests, a disciple of Jesus is bound
to forsake.
I do not look on this note as lost to the question. I mean
to sift it thoroughly, and am sure that it will open up some
deeply interesting traits of Christian speculation. But stiU it
will be the power, not so much of argument as of simple prin
ciple acting on a single, and affectionate, and impressed^eart,
that will carry the question to its practical conclusion. It is
the darkness of our depraved wiUs and of our entangled affec
tions that makes it so difficult to pull down the strongholds
of obstinacy within us. I speak of the general nature of man
— for of you I have nothing to say but aU that is kind, and
tender, and respectful ; and I have to crave of you, my dearest
sir, that you will look again at this matter, and tell me wheth
er you ought to run your Christianity in the way of a clear
ly made out hazard ; and if you say you ought not, would you
willfuUy, and knowingly, and by a self-originating and delib
erative step, do that which you ought not to do ?
I hope I shall be able to advance some way into the argu
ment next week — but much is to be done for a clear outset 
and, in the mean time, I am highly gratified by the conclu
sion of your much valued and most interesting note. Oh, that
we wer§ more in the habit of carrying all our doubts, and of
committing all our ways, and of subordinating all our wishes
to that Father who is in heaven, and whose yoke is easy 
not because He permits any relaxation, which is merely of an
earthly nature, but because He gives a peace which passeth
understanding, and sheds an animating glory over the whole
life of him who is devoted to the wUl of God in all His works
and in all His ways.
Yours with the utmost regard, Thomas Chalmers

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 87

No. XXIII. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
Charlotte Street, 28th January, 1816.
My dear Sir — I know well that it is a less trial of deli
cacy to talk on reUgious opinions than to talk on rehgious feel
ings, and the same is true of writing. I have not heard
whether my last Sabbath's attempt was approved of by my
dearest friend ;* but I shaU make a second similar attempt
this evening, and shall only add at present that, though I
should not be surprised at your not answering me in kind, yet
I would be highly pleased if you did so answer me ; and I
trust that the day is coming when not one barrier shall stand
in the way of that full communion of soul, which I long to be
more and more established between us in what remains of our
earthly intercourse.
My prayer, then, for you in particular is, that your health
may be firmly restored — that you may, for many years, see
much of the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living —
that you may get as much prosperity as you will feel inclined
to employ to the entire honor of Him who gives it — and may
meet with as much adversity as is necessary to refine and
exalt your affections away from the vanities of a treacherous
world. I pray particularly that God might purge away from
your bosom every one reservation you might be disposed to
make upon the integrity of His right to all your substance
and to ah your services — that not one taint of that conform
ity to the world, which He bids you abstain from, might re
main upon your character — that, with a noble consistency of
principle, you might be enabled to make one entire surrender
of all you have and all you are to His entire claim of author
ity over you — that all that friendship of the woi Id, which is
enmity against God, may he renounced by you as a fair but
ruinous temptation — and all that love of the world, which is
opposite to the love of the Father, may be extirpated in its
very least degrees and remainders from your soul.
* See Dr. Chalmers's Memoirs, vol. iL, p. 34, 35.

88 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
And while I thus pray, with all the fervency of a most
longing and affectionate regard for you that you may never,
never be brought under the power of those entanglements
which would make the latter end worse than the beginning,
it would be to me a high matter of gratitude to God that He
speedily accomplished upon you the promise of all that peace,
and all that pleasantness, and all that respect and acknowl
edgment even from those who at first were gainsayers, which
are generally found to succeed the first victories of the aspir
ing Christian over the trials which thicken around him at
the outset of his career.
My prayer extends from yourself to your relations, aU of
whom I love. May God prolong the life of your brother, and
bear up the weight of your father's old age. May Miss Smith
be a distinguished ornament to her family ; and may all the
graces of the Spirit form upon her into one lovely asserablage.
In reference to the tenderness which I feel for you, and
which it delights me to think is not without a kind return
of good-wiU on your part, I pray that God would subordinate
the whole of this unlooked-for intimacy to His own wiU and
His own glory. May he root out all that is idolatrous — all
that would occupy his own place in our heart — all that would
offer to depose duty from its lawful demand on our time, on
our attention, on our talent. May he enable me, in particu
lar, to introduce a httle more self-government into this affec
tion, that it might not run away with me — that it might not
distress me by vain and needless anxieties — that it might not
make me too obtrusive of my own will, or my own way, or
him who is the object of it — that I might be preserved from
saying any thing which may make my brother to offend 
that I may, at aU times, be enabled to acquit myself with wis
dom — and that, as you occupy by far the highest place in the
scale of my earthly friendship, the union might be perfected
in Heaven, and we be found faultless in the presence of God
and before the throne of His glory. My dear sir, yours most
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 39

No. XXIV. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers.
Glasgow, 31st January, 1816.
My dear Sir — Your letter goes upon a wrong track when
it supposes me to have said in mine, that, were the propriety
of dancing assemblies doubtful, I would hesitate about relin.^
quishing aU thoughts of attending them. I merely meant
you to understand that I might be so influenced by allure
ments to go to them, that their true hurtful effects upon the
character might be obscured, and that thus misled I could
go to the assemblies, though the effect might be dangerous.
My intention in saying this was to put you in fair possession
of the knowledge that those allurements did exist, and that
you might be enabled to write more to the purpose, by guard
ing me against any influence of this kind. And I feel no
hesitation in saying that I shall not go to these companies
if I am persuaded there is any thing of even a doubtful ap
pearance about their propriety.
At this moment I am neither more nor less decided on this
subject than when it was first started. I am placed, in one
respect, in a better situation than I was then. I have un
dertaken carefully to examine the different grounds of the
reasons why I either should go or not, as they concern a Chris
tian life, and by the result of this examination I am resolved
to be guided.
The difficult matter appears to be how to judge of the
merits of the case. Many go to these assemblies who possess
the best characters, and rank among the most religious in
town ; and many do not go to them from reason of their hurt
ful influence upon the character, and this latter class are at
least as far advanced in Christian attainments as the former.
If we are to form an opinion of the propriety of these parties
from the attendance or absence of the people accounted relig
ious around us, I think it would just land us in the doubtful
point. This is what I most anxiously wish to avoid ; and
for other reasons it would Certainly be much better that this,

40 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

and any other question of the same kind, was decided on oth
er principles than the example of the world. Its customs
and morals vary with every generation ; and if we consider
that though we are blinded by the example of others to do
good or evU, yet we shaU be judged and receive our sentence
jocording to the true nature of our actions ; whether done in
concert with our neighbors or not, we shaU find no great rea
son to rest satisfied with our conduct merely because that of
others is the same. Yours with much affection,
Thomas Smith.
No. XXV. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
Charlotte Street, 6th February, 1816.
My very dear Sir — You may think -it strange that pre
vious to discussing the effects of dancing assemblies on your
own mind, I should resort, as my first argument against them,
to the pernicious effect of your example on the minds of oth
ers. I do it for a reason which will afterward evolve itself;
and I come direct to the assertion, that within the limits of
such a room the ears of the young are exposed to improper
conversation ; opportunities are afforded them of beginning
and of perfecting improper intimacies ; occasions of gin are
multipUed ; actual parties may be formed for the commission
of wickedness ; and whether the young, in whose behalf I am
anxious to perpetuate the preventive system, be actuaUy
drawn into such parties or not, at all events their delicate ab
horrence of evU is blunted, and the safeguard of that natural
and instinctive repugnance which forms the defense of youth,
and which, to my eye, constitutes its finest and its loveliest
ornament, is enfeebled by the rudeness of such an exposure.
Now, my dear sir, it is possible for a family party to keep all
its members together ; but why go to a place were a vigilant
and fearful anxiety of this kind is necessary ? But, in point
of fact, this vigilance is not kept. Young men of decent fam-
Uies are at Uberty to expatiate over the whole surface of the
room that contains them, and I aver it, on what I have learn-

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 41
ed both from yourself and others, that this liberty can not be
taken without such exposures as serve to harden and famil
iarize them with what is gross ; or, in other words, they are
in a far more direct way, by being at an assembly, to corrup
tion, both of principle and of practice, than if at home they
were surrounded with the salutary influence of affectionate
parents, and delicate sisters, and sober family habits, and re
hgious converse, mixed up with the judicious tempering of
cheerful society, by intercourse among congenial neighbors, a
varied and improving reading, or the vigorous prosecution of
some great acquirement in knowledge, or any thing else that
can make home agreeable, and harmonizes with the virtue
and the sober-mindedness of a character still untainted by the
profligacies of a world lying in wickedness.
Now, it is not enough that you say I would never leave
my party — I would never go among the half-intoxicated ac
quaintances I have at the other end of the room ; or, even if
I did, I would not be influenced by any example of theirs.
What you would not sufier from all this others would, and
you, by your presence, have sanctioned an avenue- of inter
course between the corrupt and the untainted — ^have leveled
one barrier of defense between the purity of domestic and the
danger of general society — have multipUed the points of con
tact between the younger and the older in wickedness — and
have contributed your share to the general amount of that
mischief which results from the letting in of a worldly influ
ence on minds not yet trained to the darkness and deceitful-
ness of the world's ways. More of this in my next. Yours
most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXVI. — Mr. Thomas Smith to Dr. Chalmers^
Stookwell Street, 8th February, 1816.
My dear Sir — Your note has afforded me great satisfac
tion. I think it has begun a revolution in my sentiments of
the consequences which arise from attending assemblies.
All along I have considered the propriety of my attending

42 CORRESPONDENCE OP DR. CHALMERS.
them almost exclusively as it was calculated to affect myself,
and I have paid very little attention to the effect my attend
ance might have upon others. Your note has opened a new
field of objections, arising from this quarter, and I see that they
are to have more effect upon my ultimate decision upon this
subject than any thing which has yet been brought forward.
I do not mean to say that what produces a baneful effect upon
the minds of others will not also produce the same upon mine ;
but I do not recollect of being thus affected at any amuse
ment of the kind which I have engaged in, nor do I see their
impropriety in so strong a light as you have done. I know
that such improprieties, and great exposures to depart from
every delicate feeling, do exist in an assembly, and which, if
not strictly guarded against, may produce the worst conse
quences to those who expose themselves to its influence.
These, I trust, I should be enabled to overcome, but they are
such as I would be afraid to expose any person for whom I
had a regard to the danger of encountering.
This, I think, ought to decide the question (whether there
is ground to beheve that these assembUes would have a bad
effect upon myself or not), that I perceive there lies danger
in them to others who might be influenced to go from my ex
ample. Knowing this, were I to go, it would surely evince
the most direct disobedience to one of the most generous feel
ings of the heart — love to our neighbor. Were I to appear
at an assembly with the feeUng that I myself was safe from
its poisonous influence, and knew how to guard myself and
therefore had nothing to do with those around me, it would
then be time to fear that all Christian influence had depart
ed from me. I should then have reason to believe that my
avidity to gratify a taste for worldly amusements had so blmd-
ed me to all perception of the dangers resulting from them,
that I was gradually indulging myself to an extent from which
I could not recover. I would not at any time have gone to
any place had such a prospect of its consequences been set
before me ; and it is only from considering deliberately any

MR, THOMAS SMITH. 43

doubtful step that we can arrive at the right conclusion how
to proceed. I consider it a fortunate circumstance that this
subject was started ; it is dreadful to think that indulgence
in this single amusement might have been the origin of sins
which would lead to utter condemnation, and that in this un
common manner I have been diverted from it. I am, my
dear sir, yours very afiectionately, Thomas Smith.
No. XXVn. — Dr. Chalmers to Mr. Thomas Smith.
Charlotte Street, 16th February, 1816.
My very dear Sir — I vrill not disguise the satisfaction I
felt on receiving the information conveyed by your note — a
satisfaction which you have kindly cleared of every aUoy by
your subsequent assurance that the resolution stated is the
unmingled effect of conviction, and that so far from having
been led to it by a respect for human authority, the suspicion
of such an influence had suspended and kept back your reso
lution longer than it would otherwise have been. And in re
turn for this most gratifying intimation, I have to assure you
that the joy with which I rejoice over the friend of my bosom
is not founded on the mere act of his abstaining from assem
blies, but on the evidence which this act affords of a mind
fearlessly resolved to take the line of principle, and to foUow
wherever conscience and revelation sfaaU lead the way.
Your intimation leaves me at entire liberty, in taking up
the subject of example, to announce my sentiments not more
strongly than I would have done — for sorry should I be did
even a respect for your feelings influence me to the suppres
sion of truth — but more strongly than I would have been in
clined to do. The deUghtful spirit which breathes through
your last note saves all my dehcacy on this point ; and let me
express myself as strongly as I may, I rejoice to find that I
speak in fuU harmony with the sentences which have already
flowed from your pen.
Suppose, then, a man anxious for his own Christianity to

44 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
go to an assembly ; to be aware of the exposures which were
to be met within the four corners of the room where it was
held ; to wrap himself up in all the defenses of that caution
and vigilance which are prescribed to him ; to keep studious
ly aloof from every questionable association ; nay, so far to
command his spirit as to put it into trains of pious contempla
tion, and, after having acted his part so nobly and so weU, to
retire with all the triumph of conscious satisfaction, because
his conduct had sustained no injury and his principles had
sufiered no pollution. Combine all this gratification at the
safety of self with an inconsiderateness and unconcern about
the others who had not acted their part as he did, and who
have therefore sufiered more by their attendance than they
would have done had they kept within the inclosure of the
family mansion ; and with all the semblance of a Christian
does this man exhibit the very essence of selfishness — not
confining a trifle to himself which he withholds from others,
but satisfied that he alone, of all the people there who have
the capacities of an immortal duration as well as he, should
bear away his chance for immortality as good and as entire
as he brought it, and making it no subject of care or of con
cern at all, though the people with whom he is surrounded
should, by the history of that evening, have made themselves
more the children of hell than before, should have drunk in
more of the poisonous spirit of the world, should have strength
ened the barrier which Ues across the path of their return to
God, and thrown themselves at a wider distance from the of
fers of pardon and the calls of repentance than ever. This
is not considered by many, but I tremble to think of the aw
ful responsibility which inconsideration brings along with it.
The people who did not consider were the people whom God
pours an exclamation on and denounces anger against, "Ah!
sinful nation" — and note the clause — '' children that are cor
rupters." These corrupters did not consider. They did not
think of the mischief they were doing. They felt not the
awful weight of criminality and of condemnation they were

MR. THOMAS SMITH. 45

bringing upon themselves ; but they did not escape for all
this ; and let it never be forgotten that the frequenters of as
semblies are just such inconsiderate corrupters, and that their
power of corruption is just so much the greater as their char
acter and credit stand before the world for the degree of
Christianity they have attained. The more an example is
looked up to, the more responsible is he who shows it for ev
ery flaw and every deficiency which may be f9und in it.* I
am, my dearest sir, yours with much affection, Thomas Chalmers^

[Free Church Manse, Ha-htick, 20th April, 1849. — Dear Sir — I
beg to inclose for your inspection a series of letters addressed by our
venerated friend, Dr. Chalmers, to different members of the family with
¦whom he lodged in Hawick, about the commenceraent of his ministry,
or duiing the short period when he officiated as assistant in the neigh
boring parish of Cavers. It is singularly interesting to observe the
strong and enduring grasp which his warm heart had taken of a fam
ily who had shown some kindness to him in the days of his youth, but
who, while moving comparatively in circumstances of humble hfe, were
not remarkable for any of the high mental endowments by which he
was himself so eminently distinguished. When his vast mind was
most thoroughly engrossed with the magnificent schemes which are
likely to tell on the well-being of many coming generations, he seems
never to have lost sight of them. And even at the period of the Dis
ruption, when great principles were struggling for the ascendancy, and
the burden and responsibility of every onward movement were resting
almost exclusively upon himself, we find him, like his Divine Master at
Bethany in the days of old, turning aside from all matters of public and
most engrossing concern, that he might sympathize with them in their
afflictions, and send to them those brief but precious communications,
which fell like the balm of the sweetest consolation over their sorrow
ing hearts. In this respect alone these letters are valuable memorials
of our venerated father ; and if there be few men in the history of this
fallen world who have held a larger place than himself in the affections
of his brethren of mankind, it is perhaps so far to be accounted for bj
the fact that the loving-kindness of his own nature was so childlike in
its simplicity, and so active and untiring in all its manifestations, that it
seemed scarce possible for the most callous heart to resist it.
* This correspondence was interrupted by that illness of Mr. Smith
which ended in his death. See Memoirs, vol. ii., p. 37-61.

46 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR CHALMERS,
These letters, moreover, are possessed of additional interest, inas
much as they embody in themselves incontestable evidences of the great
moral change which, under the teaching of the Divine Spirit, he was
made personally to undergo. In the earliest of these communications
there are beautiful traces of the native kindliness of his disposition. At
the same time, there is nothing to indicate that the love of Christ was
constraining him, or that he sought for principles of action or for ele
ments of enjoyment elsewhere than within the dark and cloudy horizon
of this brief and mortal life. But ere long the light breaks upon him.
The great realities of the eternal world are brought vividly before him.
The well-being of the never-dying soul becomes the one thing that is
needful. And the correspondence, which commences almost, if not al
together, in the spirit of a man who was living without God and with
out Christ in the world, exhibits hira-, as it advances, rising step by step
in the scale of Christian attainment, till it closes at last with the clear
est and most impressive discoveries of the unsearchable riches of the
Savior's grace. Believe me to be, dear sir, yours very truly,
J. A. Wallace.

Rev. Dr. Hanna.]

No. XXVIII.

St. Andrews, I2th October, 1802.
Dear Mrs. Kedie* — The bearer of this is Mr. Carstairs,
who means, if conveniert, to live in your house about a month,
or perhaps more. I ha . j been endeavoring to prevail on him
to remain till Christmas, at which time I propose being in
Hawick myself You know there was one fault I used to
charge you with — too great an anxiety about giving satisfac
tion. I can assure you, in the case of Mr. Carstairs, such an
anxiety is altogether unnecessary.
I will thank you to send one of your daughters to Mr.
Armstrong, bookseUer, and inquire for a book, entitled " The
Economy of Human Life." I intend it for them, and they
wiU find it well worth their attentive perusal. You will de
liver them the inclosed sheets.t which they can read over at
their leisure. There is one foolish idea which is apt to get
into the minds of young people, and which often renders one's
instructions less effectual than they would otherwise be and
* See Dr. Chalmers's Memoirs, vol, i., p. 58.
t The letter marked No. XXIX.

MISSES KEDIE. 47

that is, they sometimes imagine, when you give them advice,
it is because you suspect they are worse than others, and
therefore require it. With regard to your children, I give
them advice, not because I think them worse than others, but
really because they are better than others, and I am anxious
they should remain so.
We have had much stormy weather here of late. A sloop
belonging to my father has been wrecked lately on the west
coast of Scotland and totally lost. She had thirteen passen
gers, and among the rest an officer and his lady. All the
Uves, however, were saved by means of the boat.
By some mistake, I received the letter you sent me along
with the clothes only a few days ago. I got quite free of my
sore throat a few days after leaving Hawick, and have con
tinued so ever since. With best comphments to your hus
band, I am yours sincerely, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXIX.
Anstbuther, 11th October, 1802.
My dear Girls — You must not suppose from my long si
lence that I have given over thinking of you. I can assure
you there is nothing in which I take greater pleasure than
in young people who I have reason to beUeve are well dis
posed, and are careful to preserve themselves from the dan
gers and temptations of bad company. I hope, on the other
hand, that you have not forgotten the many advices I gave
you about the necessity of attending to your conduct, and the
snares to which the young and thoughtless are exposed. I
hope you have not forgotten the solemn promises you both
made me that you would keep yourselves free of all vicious
and improper acquaintances. I beg you would both serious
ly reflect on the awful effects of being led astray by wicked
example. What an affliction it would be to your parents in
their old age if you disgraced yourselves by folly and miscon
duct ! You would be despised by aU who know you ; you

48 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
would live a life of dishonor, and die tormented by the hor
rors of a guilty conscience. I tremble to think that all this
is possible, and must therefore earnestly request you to lay to
heart the importance of a sober, and decent, and virtuous
life. You will receive the following advices, not as if I suspected
that you are worse than others, and therefore had more need
of them. I hope and believe that you are both sincerely re
solved to conduct yourselves through life in a manner that is
praiseworthy and respectable. 'But you are young and igno
rant of the world — ignorant of its arts and temptations — ^ig
norant of the deceitful villainy that abounds in it — ignorant
of the dangers which beset the young before they reach the
years of reflection and experience. You are therefore un
qualified to direct yourselves aright without the assistance of
those who are more advanced in life, and who are at the
same time sincerely attached to your interests. When I think
of you I can not help feeling all the anxiety of an affection
ate friendship, and beg you would read the following advices
with a real disposition to be made wiser and better by them.
You must guard against all temptations to falsehood and
deceit. You must scorn the meanness of falsehood, and never
suffer any consideration of fear or interest to deter you from
speaking what you know to be the truth. You must be par-
ticulariy careful in the choice of your company. Never take
up with those whose conversation is profane, or impure, or
corrupting. It is highly proper that you should have com
panions ; but let them be equally regular and well-disposed
as yoursdves. It is highly proper that you should have
cheerful and happy amusements ; but let them be blameless
and innocent.
I must further request of you to reverence the authority of
your parents ; to pay a sacred respect tj religion ; to be reg
ular, and, above all, sincere in your prayers ; to fear and love
God in your youth, that you may enjoy an age of consolation
and peace.

MISSES KEDIE. 4&

You have often heard me insist on the advantage and pro
priety of keeping within doors at night. You must both be
sensible that running in the streets at night exposes you to
idle and disorderly companions. I therefore hope that you
have enough of work and amusement to keep you both at
home after it is dark, and that you will, for your own sakes,
resist the pleasure of running about with your acquaintances
at such late hours. You must both give up such a danger
ous and corrupting practice, and set about contriving some
amusements which may make you happy within doors.
Think not that to be sober and religious you must give up all
play, and amusement, and cheerfulness. This is by no means
necessary or even proper. Be happy, and enjoy the company
of your acquaintances — only let these acquaintances be well
chosen, that you may suffer nothing from their conversation
or example. I am not sure if both of you can write. I ex
pect a letter from your mother in a few days ; I will thank
one of you to write me at the end of her letter, and in par
ticular tell me if you can read my hand. I have been at
some pains in making this letter as plain and distinct as pos
sible, and I am much afraid, after all, that you wiU feel some
difficulty in making it out.* I am engaged in constant and
busy employment for the whole winter, which will prevent
me from writing you as often as T could wish. I, however,
will grudge no time or trouble that may have a useful effect
in preserving you from corruption and in improving the pur
ity of your characters. I hope you are getting on in under
standing the meaning of words. When I next come to Ha
wick, I mean to put you both upon a method which I think
will be of great use to you in that respect. If Miss Brown
is still with you, give her my best comphments, and tell her
that, though she refused to accompany me to Fife, I am de
termined to see her in Hawick before the year is done, which
is now less than the space of three months. You may also
* The original letter extends over twelve quarto pages, and is vmt-
ten in half-text and in the. plainest handwriting.
V. 0

so CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
give my advice to your brother, that he be dUigent and atten
tive to hjs learning. Remember me to William Walker, if
he has yet returned from the west country, where I under
stand he went to spend a few weeks. My sincerest wishes
attend you. May Heaven preserve the purity and innocence
of your youthful years I May He defend you from the pollu
tions of the world, and prepare you for a life of usefulness and
honor. I am your well-wisher and friend,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXX.
Elie, 26th July, 1816.
Dear Mrs. Kedie — I am now on a visit to my friends in
Fife ; but, before I left Glasgow, I received your kind letter
and present. I was grieved to hear of your, daughter's ill
ness, and sincerely hope that she has now cornpleted her re
covery. Mrs. Chalmers had just got a daughter a few days
before your parcel arrived, and I have great reason to be
thankful for the very expeditious recovery she has met with.
She joins me in thanking you for your welcome remem
brance of me ; and I can assure you that my eldest daughter,
Anne, was not long of trying your biscuits, and did most
heartily approve of them.
My whole family consists of two daughters. Give my best
compliments to both your daughters and your son. I retain
a veiy warm remembrance of Hawick audits neighborhood;
and I am hopeful that, before other twelve months have gone,
I may again have it in my power to visit it.
I trust your son-in-law will never be in Glasgow without
seeing me, and giving me all the news of the place and of
your family.
It is my prayer that you may long be spared in health and
comfortable circumstances among them ; that you and your
children may receive an abundant blessing from Him who is
the giver of every good and of every perfect gift ; that you may
receive an interest in the sure mercies of our great and all.

MR. KEDIE. 51

sufficient Savior ; and that, redeemed by His blood, and sanc
tified by the power of His Spirit, you may aU be made perfect
in hoUness, and meet for an inheritance of glory. Believe me
to be, my dear Mrs. Kedie, yours with much regard,
¦ Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXXI.
Edimburgh, 6th September, 1831.
My dear Mr. Kedie — If your mother be still in the land
of the Uving, tell her from me that the blood of Christ cleans
eth from all sin — and why not from her sin ? Tell her to
lean the whole weight of her dependence on the foundation
which God hath laid in Zion, and she will find it broad
enough, and strong enough to bear her. Tell her to look unto
Jesus, who poured out His soul unto the death, that she and
all who trust in Him may live, and may find rest and rejoic
ing in her soul.
I feel the deepest sympathy with you and your afflicted
family on this occasion. I pray that you may have that com
fort which God alone can give ; and, above all, that this chas
tisement from His hand may yield both to you and to your
sisters the peaceable fruits of righteousness.
It is now twenty-nine years since I lodged in your house,
and I have still a pleasant and a grateful recoUection of aU
the kindness I received from your mother, and of all the af
fection which both she and her family bore to me.
Give my kindest regards to your married sister, Janet ; and
tell your younger sister, Betty, that from her childhood, when
I used to hear her read in my room, I have always remem
bered her, and with feelings of very great regard.
Let us think that our time is coming when we shall lie on
our dying beds, and let us make no delay in seeking our peace
with God, and keeping aU His commandments. Believe me,
my dear sir, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

52 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. XXXII. Edinburgh, 6th October, 1840.
Dear Mr. Kedie — I have just now received your kind
letter, and both I and Mrs. Chalmers feel very much obliged
by your remembrance of us. Is it your elder or younger
sister who has lost her husband ? Give my best regards to
them both ; and let it be the care of us all to perfect hoUness
in the fear of God. Give it as my charge to your dear sis
ters, Janet and Betty, that they mind the one thing needful,
which is the care of their souls — the guilt of which the blood
of the Savior alone can wash away, but whose grace wiU
never fail those who put their trust in Him. Oh, that we re
ceived the Spirit from on high, who might enable us to puri
fy ourselves even as Christ is pure.
If you have any parcel to send in, address it to Edinburgh,
No. 7, Inverleith Row. We are very grateful to you for your
generous offer of some Hawick bakes, which have long been
famous. I am, dear Mr. Kedie, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXXIII. Edimburgh, 22d January, 1843.
My dear Mr. Kedie — I am very much concerned to hear
of your poor sister's illness. My memory is failing me, and I
don't recoUect the name either of her husband or that of your
younger sister, though I shall ever retain a very affectionate
remembrance of themselves. I understand it is your elder
sister whom you represent as now sinking in the arms of
death. It is my earnest prayer that she may fall asleep in
Jesus ; and, if she be still alive, assure her from me that the
blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin — and why not from her
sin 1 We are all of us by nature great sinners ; but Christ
is a great Savior, and there is no sin beyond His atonement.
Tell her to cast aU her care and all her confidence on him •
and so she may look with joyful expectation to that eternal

MR. KEDIE. 53

Ufe which is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He casts out none who come unto Him, and all who come
unto God by Him shaU be saved to the uttermost.
Read to her the 23d Psalm, some of the first verses of the
14th chapter of John, and some of the last verses of the 5th
chapter of 2d Corinthians ; and should God by this time
have been pleased to take her to Himself these passages and
reflections wiU not be thrown away upon her surviving rela
tives. Tell Betty, your younger sister, how much I desire both
your and her salvation. I was not so earnest as I ought to
have been in pressing this great concern upon you when I
lived under your roof. But bettpr late than never ; and it
mightily concerns us to know, that in turning to Christ, we
must turn from aU our iniquities ; that we must give up the
sins both of our hearts and of our lives, and become holy crea
tures, else we shaU not enter the kingdom of God.
Give my best regards to your sisters, also to your wife and
daughter, whom I expected to see in my house here last sum
mer. But we all went to Ireland ; and, indeed, I am so very
much taken up, that I have no time to show that attention
to my friends which I would Uke. I am, my dear sir, yours
very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXXIV.
Edinburgh, 11 th June, 1844.
My dear Sir — I feel greatly obliged by your kind letter
of the 17th June, and have much value for the strong and un
abated friendship which you have ever shown toward me.
I fear I shall not be able to avail myself of your welcome
invitation to Hawick, as I have much to do which necessarily
detains me at home. Give my best regards to your son. You
speak of a former communication of his, which I hope I ac
knowledged at the time. I rejoice to jinderstand from you
that he is a deacon of Mr. Wallace's, and am persuaded that
he will make a duty not only of doing all he can for the good
of his own particular Church, but that, through the medium

54 CORRESPONDENCE OP DR. CHALMERS.
.  .  _i 
of the Hawick Association, he wUl exert himself for the good
of the Church at large.
Give my most cordial remembrance to your only surviving
sister, dear Betsy, of whom and of all your family I pray that
we may meet in Heaven, after a life of faith and holiness
upon earth. Ever believe me, my dear Mr. Kedie, yours very
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXXV.
Edinburgh, 5th jtpril, 1846.
My dear Mr. Kedie — I very much grieve to hear of your
sister's iUness, and, from the concluding part of your letter, I
can infer your great earnestness about her soul. It is most
true that it is a very serious, solemn thought when one thinks
of meeting with an angry God ; and had we only ourselves
and our own merits to trust in, there would be nothing for
any of us but a fearful looking for of judgment. But tell j^our
dear sister Elizabeth — dear to myself as to you — that when
she thinks of herself, what we all ought, as a great sinner, she
should also think of Christ as a great Savior, whose blood
cleanseth from all sin — and why not from her sin ? In and
through Him the anger of God is turned away even from the
chief of sinners. 0 that you, and she, and we all could be
led to place full confidence in Him, to cast our burden upon
the Lord, who is both willing and able to sustain it. It is
true that a work must be wrought in us as well as for us, that
the clean heart and the right spirit must be created ; for with
out holiness no man can see God. But still let us go to Him
for all our wants, for all we stand in need of and go as we
are. His blood can atone for all our guilt ; His grace can
wash away all our pollutions, and sanctify us wholly. He is
able, and as willing as He is able, to do all for us.
Let the following texts be pointed out to your dear sister :
John, iii., 16 ; Luke, xi., 13 ; Matt., xx., 28 ; Rom., iii., 24-
26 ; Rom., x., 13 ; 2 Cor., v., 18-21 ; 2 Cor., xii., 9 ; 1 John,
iv., 8, 9, 10, 16, 19 ; Isaiah, xxx., 15.

REV. DR. JONES. 5.5

Give my kindest regards to your dear sister, and let me hear
Boon of her again. I ever am, my dear sir, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXXVI.
Edinburgh, 13th December, 1846.
My dear Mr. Kedie — It gives me real concern to hear
from you of your wife's serious illness. _ May God prepare us
for the whole of His will. He afflicts not willingly, and
makes all things vrork together for good to them who love
Him. It is my earnest prayer that you and yours may be pre
pared for the whole of God's will ; and let us never forget
that our best preparation is to be found in Christ, who cast-
cth out none who come unto Him. May the Holy Spirit draw
yourself, and all who are near and dear to you, to His well-
beloved Son, in whom all is s.' " and peace, and joy.
Give my kindest regards tc ..^ur dear wife, and also to your
sister, my very old friend, Betty. I felt much at parting with
her when I drove off in the coach after her affectionate fare-
weU. I ever am, my dear sir, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO THE REV. DR. JONES OF EDINBURGH,
No. XXXVII.
Kilmany Manse, lith November, 1812.
My dear Sir — I owe you much gratitude for your good
services, and though not able for much exertion in preaching,
I look upon myself as bound to make you a plentiful repay
ment for your most friendly and seasonable assistance to me.
You ascribed my iUness to the right cause when you laid it
upon the Dundee kirks ;* and this may serve as a lesson
against too much exertion, or too many engagements, in all
time coming. I shall certainly make up for my deficienciea,
* See Memoirs, vol. i., p. 304.

56 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
in as far as the Destitute Sick Society is concerned,* if God
spare me in health and strength for it — though I would cer
tainly prefer the summer side of the year for any undertaking
of that kind. My complaints have left me for the present,
and I regret, from the shortness of their duration, that I should
have had them at so unseasonable a time.
My prayer to God is that you may have many seals of your
usefulness — that you may be the instrument of reclaiming
many from darkness to the marvelous light of the Gospel —
and that the seed scattered around you in the course of your
ministrations may fall upon hearts prepared by Divine grace
to receive it. I wish you the truest of all enjoyments to an
evangelical mind, when I wish that you rhay see the pleas
ure of the Lord prospering in your hand — sons and daughters
turned unto righteousness — and the extensive field which
Providence has assigned to your labors growing richer every
year in the fruits of faith, and charity, and aU righteousness.
I owe you much gratitude, not merely for your substantial
services, but for your full and friendly communication of them.
Your letter gave me great relief; and while I admit only
your two first claims upon me for a sermon early, I can as
sure you that I shall always look- upon you as having the first
title to my future services. And, ceteris paribus, I shaU al
ways, in my journeys to Edinburgh, be decided by the time
of your sacrament. I have no immediate prospect, however,
of beuig in the city. My best compliments to Dr. Fleming,
and believe me, my dear sir, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXXVIII.
Kilmany Manse, 12th February, 1813.
My dear Sir — I should certainly prefer preaching for you
at one of your little sacraments ; and as to my not being able
to assist Dr. Fleming, you have perhaps forgot my former as
surance to you, that one engagement during one visit to Edin-
* See Memoirs, vol. i., p. 328.

REV. DR JONES 57

burgh is all that I can answer for at present. I hope that in
time I shall be able to make up for the actual disappoint
ments I have already given you both, but I must be cautious
not to lay the foundation of future disappointments ; and, be
assured, that though greatly and decidedly better, I am still
too frail a subject, and live at too great a distance from you,
to have any regular dependence upon.
I am glad to observe, by a note from Mr. Wright, subjoined
to your letter, that he has begun the penny-a-week operation
in his parish ; and it gives me still greater pleasure to under
stand that this mighty instrument has been put into action
in Edinburgh in behalf of the Missionary Society. There is
something very animating in the stir that is now abroad ; and
it is my hope and prayer that it may speedily redound to the
furtherance of the Messiah's kingdom. But while so much
is doing to push forward the limits of the visible church
among heathen, let it never be forgotten that, even within
these limits, there are many, and very many, who still stand
without, and let us not relax our efforts in the cultivation of
the home territory. It is my deUght to observe that, so far
from there being any interference in the two concerns, they
give life and energy to one another, and that, generaUy speak
ing, those clergy who are most assiduous in the way of vitE\l-
ly Christianizing their own districts, are ever readiest to gi\e
their assistance and their testimony to missionary enterprises.
It is the same with the great body of the people— give them
a share and an interest in the cause, and though the object
be foreign, I contend that it is accompanied with a home in
fluence, and that the inference is not merely understood, but
felt among them. If so much is to be done for sending the
Bible to others, with what consistency can we neglect it for
ourselves, or suffer it to lie beside us unread, unopened, and
unattended to ?
My best comphments to Dr. Fleming when you see him.
Mr. Tait will be a rare accession to the ministry in Edin
burgh He may be deficient in splendor, but he has a hearty
C2

58 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
good will to the business, and is, to a great degree, experi
mentally conversant in the work of close dealing with souls ;
and a single human being called out of darkness, though he
lives in some putrid lane or unheard of obscurity in your
great city, is a brighter testimony than all the applauses of
all the fashionables.
Yours with much regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XXXIX.
Kilmany Manse, llth January, 1814.
My dear Sir — I arrived here in safety on Wednesday, and
am not in the slightest degree fatigued or worse by my ex
cursion. This I attribute, in a great degree, to the very polite
system which obtains in Hanover Street. The truth is, that
any complaints I have are chiefly dependent upon the stom
ach ; and I have the misfortune to be extensively connected
with a set of people who worry you with what they absurdly
think kindness, and are so outrageous in pressing you to this
one thing and that other thing, that you have neither peace
nor liberty in their presence. I have just been telling my
wife that I enjoyed a most delicious exemption from all this,
and that I was never more happy than in the bosom of your
easy and enlightened family.
¦¦ I looked in upon Mr. Wright, of Markinch, on my road
homeward, and find him to be as you represented him  al
together a man of our own spirit. It is most refreshing to
meet with such, and grievous to think how thinly scattered
they are over the surface of our Establishment. , .
Since seeing you, I have been looking into the last number
of -the Moravian Accounts, and am quite delighted with the
gentleness, unction, and simplicity which pervade it. This
is Monday ; and to give you an idea of the deep retirement
of my situation, I am only in possession of the news of Tues
day last — a most interesting period. The frost here is the
most intense I ever recollect. It will be as severe in France
in spite of its southern situation, as forming part of a great

REV. DR. JONES. 59

continent — in which case, if the Allies do not find good quar
ters, they will be ill enough off.
My wife joins me in kindest remembrances to yourself, Mrs.
and Miss Jones. My best compliments to the young gentle
men. I trust that Mr. Thomas's cold has left him.
Yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XL.
KiLMARDiNNY, 3d January, 1816.
My dear Sir — I am here spending a few days, as I do
not find the Glasgow frosts to be altogether so congenial to
my feelings as the same kind of weather in the country.
I had not got over a single paragraph of your manuscript*
without a very warm and pleasurable impression of the friend
ship which dictated it. I trust I shall never forget the proof
it exhibits of a very cordial, open, and generous attachment
to myself ; and I do feel the very sincerest gratitude for your
spirited and able vindication.
I was particularly pleased with your bold assertion as to
your own experience of ministers who reprobated as unscrip- ¦
tural a ministerial address to sinners, and who even found
fault with yourself for so doing. This put me in mind of the
great comfort and direction I derived from your conversation,
some years ago, when I was greatly oppressed with anxiety
about being more formally orthodox in my sermons. I saw
that you were not at aU so fettered, and I liked the boldness,
and freeness, and urgency with which you entered immediate
ly on every one truth, for which the Bible gives its plaui and
authoritative warrant. You told me at that time, that as I
got older I should get more confi«lent; and I trust that any
confidence I have may not be confidence on any other ground
thau on the ground of Scripture, and on the revelation of Him
who bids us call no man master but Himself only.
-* A critique on some of the reviews of Dr. Chalmers's " Address to
tl.e Inhabitants of Kilmany." See Memoirs, vol. ii., p. 16, 17, and
Appp.ndix A, 491-494.

60 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
You have well answered that very strange charge of the
reviewer, that a mourning for sin and an easiness about par
ticular sins is a contradiction in terms. A mourning for one
particular sin and a being at ease about that particular sin
is doubtless a contradiction ; but it is really in the face of
all experience to say that a man may not contract a listless
habit of indulgence in certain offenses with a general habit
of anxiety about himself, on the score of sin and his salvation
from it. I think it one of the most frequent and famUiar ex
hibitions of human character.
Will you accept of my gratitude for the whole argument ?
It is a very complete and impressive one. You have very
dexterously alluded to the favorable review of the Observer.
It was really wrong to pit me in the way they did against a
whole description of clergymen. The review in the Herald
is much kinder and in a better spirit. I got it sent me by
Greville Ewing, with an intimation that he was the author
of it. I had a closet conversation, on the subject of the Ad
dress, lately with our friend Dr. Balfour, who dissents from
several of its positions ; but I have found in him an unquelled
kindness of temperament, which no differences, either in opin
ion or practice, can possibly extinguish. We see wonderful
ly little of one another, owing to his not walking and to my
not visiting. Dr. Lockhart is more in my way. I do not find
the preaching easier yet ; and the winter of Glasgow has
turned out differently from what I expected. The frost,
which I formerly found so bracing, condenses the smoke of
our pubUc works, and fills all our streets with a darkness that
may be felt ; but the goodness of my friends is unbounded ;
and should I be enabled, thjough an occasional change of air,
to weather this one season, I trust that I shaU be enough sea
soned and smoke-dried for the same kind of durability with a
stock-fish. My kindest love to Mrs. and Miss Jones, in which Mrs.
Chalmers joins me. We are concerned to hear of poor Mrs.
Pitcairn. I am glad to observe that David is picking up his

MRS. COUTTS. 61

spirits a little. My prayers are for your personal and minis
terial comfort. Believe me to be, my dear sir, yours with
great esteem and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XLI. Glasgow, 26th March, 1816.
My dear Sir — I have seen the Instructor of this month,
and recognise in your article aU the spirit and ardor of hon
est conviction, along with the evidence of a friendship to my
self, for which I can not be too grateful. I think it pretty
discernible in the reply, that there is the bUnking and the
evasion of a worse cause. It is ridiculous to deny a prototype
to the character of which you assert the reaUty. They are
met with on my daily path in dozens ; and I do think it a
pity that, in these argumentations, they can not refrain from
the invidiousness of petulant and personal observation. I re
main, my dear sir, yours, &c.,
Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO MRS. COUTTS.

[Mrs. Coutts was daughter of the Rev. Dr. M'CuIloch of Dairsie,
and widow of the Rev. Robert Coutts of Brechin. After her hus
band's death, she resided with her father, whose parish was situated a
few miles from Kilmany. Dr. Chalmers's removal from that neigh
borhood suspended an intercourse, afterward resumed at Edmburgh,
to which place Mrs. Coutts removed after her father's decease. Her
singular vivacity of temper and intellect especially endeared her to
Dr. Chalmers ; and it was at her house that his last visit was paid on
the day preceding his death. See Memoirs, vol. iv., p. 513.]
No. XLH.
, Kilmany Manse, 2ith October, 1811.
My dear Mrs. Coutts — My sister Jane left this for An-
ster about three weeks ago. She regretted the necessity which
took her away before making you a visit, from which she prom
ised herself much enjoyment. I follow her about the middle
of next month, and, though I will not promise, I have the firm

62 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
purpose of seeing Dr. M'CuIloch at Dairsie before taking my
departure. I would be very glad to understand that Mrs.
M'CuUoch's health admitted of ray spending a day with him.
I shall bring " Hannah More" with me if I do come, and
nothing but the want of a right opportunity has prevented
me from sending it. I have also to return "Henry's Life,"
from the perusal of which I have derived great pleasure. The
pigmies of the present age, when they think of his zeal and
his prodigious industry in the good way, may well feel hum
bled at the comparison. Have you read " Foster's Essays^?"
They are written in a strain of very profound and original
sentiment. The only essay professedly religious ,is, "On the
Aversion of Men of Taste to Evangelical Rehgion" — a most
masterly performance, in which he stands forth the sturdy
champion of all that is peculiar in the doctrines of the New
Testament, but pleads the importance of delivering them in a
phraseology and style of expression more congenial to the lit
erary habits of the age. He, of course, does not surrender a
single fragment of the sentiment, and even annexes the most
pointed reprobation to the mind that can suffer itself to be
seduced by the associations of taste frora the truth as it is in
Jesus. Yet, on the principle of being all things to all men
that we may gain some, it is right that the fishers of men
should accommodate their bait to the prize which they are
attempting to secure. He exposes the anti-Christian tenden
cy of those sentiments which issue every day frora the schools
of polite literature. And on the principle that Christianity
should be raade to extend her triumphs in every quarter, he
is for arraying her in the same academic elegance of style that
has hitherto been too exclusively appropriated to subjects of
general literature. You will of coursfe perceive that it would
be wrong in a country clergyman to be so far seduced by the
splendor of this elegant speculation as to refine himself from
the humble and cintutored people among whom Providence
has appointed him to labor. I may add (and it is a senti
ment in which Foster most cordially acquiesces) that, in every

MRS. COUTTS. 63

mind seasoned -with, that taste which is from heaven, the na
tive weight and importance of Scripture truth wiU be always
seen to carry it over all the repulsions of a homely or obsolete
style of expression. With best compliments to all at Dairsie,
I am, yours with much esteem, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XLIII.
Kilmany Manse, 19th December, 1814.
My dear Mrs. Coittts — I some days ago sent my concur
rence in the Glasgow appointment, finally decided thereto by
a long letter from Dr. Balfour, in which, among many other
things, he says that the consequences of my refusal would be
dreadful. 1 am most desirous to remain here till September, and it is
in the power of the Presbytery at Glasgow to grant me that
accommodation. May I request you to joLa your influence
vsdth Dr. Balfour to my request for that object, that he may
enable me to stem that rapacious spirit of impatience and
monopoly which looketh only to its own things and not to the
things of others, and conceiveth that every thing here must
be given up for the devouring and clamorous demands of the
people of Glasgow.
I am not insensible to the violent separation from a people
whom I love, and if I never had the lesson of sitting loose to
the world brought home to my feeUngs, I feel the greatness
and necessity of the duty now.
I have been thinking a good deal of the part which people
might take, separately from their minister, in the great busi
ness of promoting the growth and preservation of religion in
the neighborhood. And I have much to talk with you about
those fellowship meetings, &c., which private Christians may
form, and so obtain an interest in the unfailing promise of
Christ, that where two or three are met together in His name,
there He wiU be in the midst of them.
My prayer is, that you may be long preserved a blessing to

04 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

this neighborhood, and be enabled to exercise amotig your
acquaintances that most precious of all wisdom, the wisdom
of winning souls. .
O that God would put it into the hearts of the people to
be in earnest about His favor ! that the natural tenderness
that they now feel may turn into a deep and serious concern
about the things of eternity, and that a spirit of united prayer,
poured upon them for the object they profess to have so much
at heart, may be the blessed means of securing to them a pas
tor aijcording to God's own heart, who will feed them with
knowledge and understanding.
May I request your prayers for the last object in behalf of
my much loved and much regretted parish. Accept the as
surance of my warmest and most afiectionate regards, and
believe me to be, my dear madam, yours very sincerely,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XLIV.
Kilmany Manse, 27th January, 1815.
My dear Mrs. Coutts — I send you Alleine's "Alarm," of
which I was happy to find that I had a copy additional to the
one I have recently parted with. You may take your own
time to it, and it is my prayer that it may be the instrument
of a blessed and enduring change upon those whose good you
have immediately in view by it. I am afraid there is a dis
eased touchiness upon the subject of good works, and an un-
scriptural alarm about the danger of pressing the plain and
obvious work of repentance on sinners at the very outset of
their seeking after God. Let me take for an example the
case of a young female inquirer, addicted to the obviously
wrong thing of carrying it with petulance and disrespect to
her parents. I do not think it possible that I can at too early
a stage press upon her the obligation of the Fifth Command
ment. To the question. What shall I do ? I would give Paul's
answer to the jailer ; hut is there any thing in his answer so
fitted to engross the mind and monopolize the whole of its at

MRS. COUTTS. 65

tention, as to leave no room for the answer of John to similar
questions in the third chapter of Luke ? Give up this wrong
thing, cease your petulance to your father or mother. Their
doing so may induce in it the risk of their resting in a per
formance of their own, and so turning their attention from
Christ as their alone resting-place. But the scriptural way
of protecting them from their danger is not to remit the prac
tical urgency with which you exhort them to cast off their
transgression, for this would be in opposition to scriptural ex
ample ; but, along with the practical urgency, to give them
the information which the Bible gives respecting the ground
of acceptance — faith in the Savior, the necessity of the new
birth, the alienated state of the heart by nature from God,
which may consist with many acts of outward reformation ;
and the only way in which this alienation can be overcome,
even by a sense of God's love shed abroad in it by the Holy
Ghost. In the mean time, their giving up what is plainly
vrrong is a proof of earnestness. It is a putting of themselves
into the attitude of seekers. Nay, what is more, it may be
the expression of faith in its infancy — ^the beginning of the
good way ; the day of small things ; the smoking of the flax ;
the first evidence of a regard to the Savior, and such an evi
dence as He may reward with His promised manifestations.
(John, xiv., 21 .) All this may be going on without subjecting
ourselves to the necessity of waiting tiU a certain progress be
made ere we preach Christ in all His fullness and in all His
freeness. Both may be brought forward from the very outset.
The effect of the one is to throw the learner into the attitude
of service ; the effect of the other is to throw him into the at
titude of faith or dependence, or perhaps, most frequently, of
dim and confused expectation of some great privileges which
as yet he sees not in all their extent and in all their precious-
ness. Now, this compound attitude of service on the one
hand, and expectation on the other, is what I think I see
clearly exemplified in the New Testament, as by the disci
ples of John the Baptist, Nathaniel, Zaccheus, Cornelius, An-

66 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
na, and the twelve tribes. (Acts, xxvi., 7.) There has been
a sad deal of puzzling with these examples by the orthodox,
who, instead of quietly subraitting to them, have labored to
dispose of them. This I conceive to be wrong ; and, on the
other hand, these mod&res are still more so who shelter them
selves under these examples in their opinion about the suffi
ciency of works. Whereas in every one of them there was no
resting in present services whatever, but a carrying forward
to Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Do forgive this presumption in one who is so far behind
you in the school of Christ, and who feels himself at the mere
threshold of the subject. Believe me to be, my dear madam,
yours with great regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XLV. Glasgo-w.
My dear Mrs. Coutts — I have many apologies to owe
you for delaying my answer so long to your most interesting
letter. It came to me at a time when I was highly excita
ble, and touched upon the most excitable topics ; and be as
sured that the gratifying intelligence it contained of something
like a good impression on the minds of my rfiuch loved and
much regretted people, was not less calculated to move me
to the tenderness of tears, than all the painfulness of a re
moval which in actual feeling was greatly more severe than
any thing I ever anticipated. I could not but feel how pure
and how soothing is the affection of Christians when I read
your kind and interesting epistle ; and surely, if in this dead
and darkened world it is found that the sympathy of our com
mon Lord can draw so powerfully and unite so closely, what
raust be the transports of cordiality which await us in the
great family of heaven, when that Lord who is now the ob
ject of faith so dull and so languid, and so oppressed with the
burden of sin and of sense, as I feel it tb be, shall become the
object of beatific vision, and all hearts shall join in one un-

MRS. COUTTS. 67

ceasing song to Him who sitteth on the throne, and to the
Lamb forever and ever ?
I thank you for your kind notice of Alexander Paterson.
WiU you deliver to him my assurance of the deep interest I
take in his progress and stability as a Christian ? Tell him
from me that he must look to the things of others as well as
to his own things, and that, by mixing discretion with zeal,
I trust that he may do much through the private channels of
his acquaintance. Both you and he will be interested , to
know that two of my inqiiiring communicants at present have
assigned the reading of Alleine's " Alarm" as the first cause
of their earnestness in the matter of salvation ; and I trust
that this will encourage him to persevere in a method which
he found to be successful on a former occasion, of directing the
attention of others to such books as, by the influence of the
all-essential Spirit, may set a going in the souls of others such
a good work of seeking as may find its accomplishment in
their finding those things which belong to their peace.
Speaking of my communicants, do you know I have been
much interested in the young who have come forward ? They
are twenty-three in number, and, upon the whole, I am much
satisfied. In the country, the principle of accommodation to
custom is much stronger than in the town, and accordingly I
have found more of genuine conviction, and more of real and
inquiring earnestness, at present, than I ever recollect on any
similar occasion. But how Uable to delusion we all are upon
this subject ! It is by their fruits only that we can know
them ; and I think that in my attendance on the unhappy
men now under sentence of death, one of the most heartless
circumstances in the matter is the total uncertainty we are
under of the actual state of thgir hearts. One of them is a
Roman Catholic, and I was much struck at the outset with
his fluency and doctrinal knowledge, and, above all, his intrep
id composure in the dreary prospect before him. I thought,
at the same time, that there was a want of softness and con
trition in his tone, different from what I would have expected

68 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
of one who felt his own demerits and obligations to a Savior ,
and now I am strongly inclined to suspect that his priest has
been ministering a peace to him which I fear is no peace.
He is to suffer to-morrow, and I this night got a message
from him, through the medium of his own clergyman, that
he wishes to be attended by him exclusively.
We have great reason to be thankful that we have got com
fortable lodgings, and all enjoy an average share of health.
My dear wife is taking weU with her new situation, and
Anne is making rapid progress. Miss Pratt and my brother
Charles are also w^ith us. I limit myself to a given number
of visits, and have had a pretty severe contest to maintain
with my friends upon the subject. We dined last week at
Mrs. Dinwiddle's with Dr. Balfour's people : her kindness is
unbounded. There is one circumstance I can not but admire
in Dr. Balfour. I have found it necessary to take my own
way in several things which went contrary to his wish and to
his opinion, and I am sure that my conduct in reference to
him has been such as would have impressed an ordinary man
¦wAYl the idea of my being a captious, cross-grained, and truly
cappernouted personage. Yet there is a Christian kindness
about him which survives all this — which remains unquelled
in the midst of all annoyance, and which has compelled such
a reverence for him on my part, as I trust will last during all
the remainder of our earthly pilgrimage. . . .
0 write us soon, for a letter from you is indeed a very great
refreshinent. Tdl me of any good you know to be doing in
your neighborhood. I will not say much of the state of things
here tiU I know more about it. I have heard some serraons
from others since I came here. Dr. Balfour I think the most
useful and impressive of theai all. Mr. Love preaches in a
line which to me is highly interesting. It must be unaccept
able to the Independents, those men of simple assent, who
make it so very simple that it appears to me to take in only
one truth, when, in fact, the Bible takes in many, and further
more tells us that he is instructed in the mysteries of the king-

MRS. COUTTS. 69

dom of heaven who lays up in the treasure of his understand
ing things new and old. It is true in the most absolute and
unconditional sense of the word, that by faith we are saved ;
but it is a faith in the whole of God's testimony, and if you
give me this, you give me a Christian who feels as much
peace as the doctrine of Christ's sufficiency warrants him to
do, and aspires after as much repentance as the teaching of
Christ lays upon him, and prays for as much aid from the
Spirit as Christ is commissioned to bestow, and aims at all
that variety of grace and accomplishments which the law
and the example of Christ oblige him to. There is a way of
dividing Christ so as to make some part of it stand on the
foreground, and some in the distant and almost unperceived
background of our conteihplation ; but I fear that many a
zealot of orthodoxy will have been found in this way to have
in fact rejected Scripture by rejecting the profit which all
Scripture is fitted to confer upon the entire believer. Yours
very affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XL VI,
Glasgow, 28th February.
My dear Mrs. Coijtts — Your most refreshing letter I got
a few days ago, and what I shall first reply to is your inquiry
after my health, which, I can assure you, never was better
than I now feel it to be. I take my own way as to invita
tions and parties, and when I do go from home, it is general
ly to some mercantUe villa in the neighborhood, where I spend
a few days- and am let alone, and am suffered to eat, and
study, and take exercise just as pleases me. I am surround
ed with kindness, and the only thing I regret is, that I am
sure the aspect of determination by which I hold out against
its numerous and ever-plying proposals, must carry in it the
expression of gruffness to the natives of this dinner-giving
city. There is no help for it, however ; and I please myself
with thinking that, under God, I am indebted to all this reg-

70 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ularity for the degree of strength and freedom from all that
is physically unpleasant which I now so happily enjoy. . .
The weather has got fine and agreeable, and could we only
realize more of the presence of God in our souls — could we
carry about with us a more affecting sense of eternity — could
we live in a more simple reliance on the promises of Christ,
and glory more in His cross, and, renouncing every depend
ence, adrait the record of God about His Son as the exclusive
and unraingled ground of all our securities and all our hopes —
could, I say, our spiritual interests be in a state of prosperity,
we, in every other respect as to health, and circumstances,
and kind friends, and agreeable family tempers and affections
among us, have great reason to bless God, the giver of aU
comfort, and the God of all consolation.
I have very much of what I could caU a picturesque mem
ory — that is, I retain a vivid impression of aU the visible
scenery which is spread around a much-loved and much-re
gretted neighborhood. I have at this moment a panorama
of Dairsie before the eye of my fancy ; and the Manse, and
Osnaburgh, and the front of your father's house, and Craig-
foodie, with the whole mountainous line which defines your
northern boundary, pass in bright succession before me. I
should not have mentioned this, but to assure you that, as the
places have taken a riveted hold on my memory, so the per
sons have taken an equally firm and obstinate hold of my af
fections. I bear on ray heart a great degree of tenderness for
you all. I think I see a strong mark of nature now in the
names that crowd so many of Paul's Epistles. His affection
for the people drew him out to name them, and he had a
pleasure in so doing. I feel the same pleasure in desiring you
to remeraber me to Dr. M'CuIloch and Miss Collier,* whom
I love in the Lord ; Misses M'CuIloch, Nancy, and Robina ;
Mr. Swan, whose spiritual progress I rejoice in ; and last,
though not least, Alexander Paterson. Do you know if he
received a letter I sent him some weeks ago ? I should have
* Who frequently resided at Dairsie, with her friend, Mrs. Coutts.

MRS. COUTTS. 71

written Miss Collier and Mr. Swan before this, but they shall
come next in turn. Will you tell Miss Collier that I met
her brother once, and only once, since I came to Glasgow ?
I have had a good deal of debate with the ladies about their
female societies of late, and they have turned a good deal
quieter upon my hand. My business is also simplifying, as I
refv(se every work that is not strictly ministerial. The load
is enough to crush the shoulders of twenty clergymen ; but
I think it is their own fault to submit to it. May God pros
per your soul. Do let me have a letter soon from your quar
ter. Mrs. Chalmers joins in comphments. I am, my dear
Mrs. Coutts, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XLVIL
Burntisland, 18th December, 1817.
My dear Mrs. Coutts — I received yours while at Anster.
One of the ingredients in the mortification I felt at the very
unexpected recaU I got at Kilmany* was, that it completely
put an end to my hope of seeing your much-loved neighbor
hood during this excursion. I left Anster last week with the
purpose of preaching at Dunfermline, but have been arrested
in my progress by a cold, which has hung about me for some
weeks, but which I am hopeful is now getting away.
I ijever do leave Glasgow without returning to it with a
new experimental lesson on the positive hazard and criminal
ity of involving myself in too many preaching engagements,
and I very much fear that, unless an invariable rule be laid
down and acted up to, the urgency of people who, in the
shape of kind friends, and zealous lovers of that which is good,
and most confident advisers of that which it is duty for me to
attempt, wUl at length coinpel me to retire, either by death
or by resignation, from the work of preaching altogether.
Your letter refreshed me greatly ; and I never do get a
favor of that kind,, either from you or from Miss Collier, with
out the feeUng that it is altogether suited to me ; for, in
* See Memoirs, vol. ii.( p. 137.

72 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
truth, my dear madam, I feel that I have got no farther than
to the threshold of those great topics which constitute the life
and the aliment of a beUever. I long to reahze the joys, and
the exercises, and the habits of experimental religion ; to love
Christ as fervently as good Samuel Rutherford — whose let
ters I am now reading — seems to have done ; to have more
devotedness, and more spirituality, and more of the real feel
ing and desire of one who is crucified to the world, and alive
only unto God. But all this I am most woefuUy short of It
comes to me all in word and not in power ; and little do you
know what a barren and in every way heartless subject you
have to deal with. But the error lies in thinking that I can
work ray own way to my own enlargement ; in not practicaUy
clinging to Christ as my alone sufficiency ; in not simply lean
ing upon the promises which are yea and amen, and praying
in faith to Him from whom every good and perfect gift Com
eth. I entreat your prayers, and those of your respected fa
ther and Miss Collier. I wish you had told me more par
ticularly about her; The wheeling variety of my present sit
uation may diminish my intercourse with my old acquaint
ances, but sure I am that it has not abated the regard I feel
for the Christian society of your neighborhood. WUl you
give ray kindest remembrance,s to your father. Misses Collier,
Coutts, and M'CuIloch ? TeU Alexander Paterson how much
I regretted the shortness of my interview with him, and what
a pleasant thing it would have been to me to have gone over
to Dairsie from Kilraany with hira on the Sunday evening
that I preached there. Believe rae to be, ray dear Mrs.
Coutts, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XLVIII. Trackboat, 26th September, 1$18.
My dear Madam — I am thus far on my way to Glasgow
— looking behind me with most affectionate regret, and be
fore me with a desolate feeling of coldness and apprehen
sion. God has not been pleased to turn my taste and my

MRS. COUTTS. 73

liking toward my present situation. I am sure I do the peo
ple of Glasgow great injustice ; but I have never yet had any
homeward associations with that town. Still there is in it a
great quantity of Christian worth; and it is, in truth, a most
unseemly exhibition, that I should receive so much in the
way of affection, and render so little back again. But it is
the glare, and the publicity, and the continual controversy,
and the jarring of human faction, and the total want of that
kind and famiUar intimacy which gave such a charm to all
my intercourse with Dairsie and Kilmany, that have with
ered up the scene of my present duties, and spread something
like the aspect of wilderness over the whole extent of it. 1
have great need of your prayers that I may be more submiss
ive to the vsdll of God — that I may give myself entirely over
into His hands, that I may be enabled to do His work, and
look not any where on this side of time for my pleasant rest
ing-place. Oh, that I could find a readier access to the con
science — that I could manifest the truth more powerfully
and more permanently — that I could keep by the simplicity
that is in Christ, and beware of making His cross of none
effect by the words of man's wisdom !
I think more favorably of Fife, in the Christian sense of the
word, than I did on any former excursion. There is more
seeking than I ever observed before ; but such is the delusion
of the human heart, that one may find rest in the conscious
ness of being a seeker. One may please himself with his
earnestness, and, going no farther, may cease to be earnest
any longer. One may receive an impulse, and yet stop short
of salvation. One may, in fact, be establishing a righteous
ness of his own, when, like Paul, it should be his supreme de
sire to win Christ, and to be found in Him, and so submit
himself unto the righteousness of God. Believe me, my dear
Mrs. Coutts, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
V. D

74 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMER.S.
No. XLIX.
January, 1817.
My dear Mrs. Coutts — ^I received your kind letter some
time ago, and never receive any letter from you without rec
ognizing the style and character of one of the great spiritual
family. It is a family composed, I believe, of the professing
of many different creeds, and the members of many differ
ent denominations, and yet the difference can not be such as
to impair that oneness which the Great Head ef the Church
ascribes to all his followers. But I have seen so many ex
amples of late of satisfying evidence, that the root of the mat
ter might be in the mind of a Presbyterian, and an Independ
ent, and a Baptist, and an Episcopahan, and an Arminian
Methodist, and even a E.oman CathoUe, as disposes me very
much to withdraw my attention from the distinctions of man,
and fix it on the message of God, as it comes to us in its di
rect and original form in the book of His own counsel. There
is danger of resting in the face of such grounds, of being satis
fied with names without ideas, of the kingdom of God coming
to us in language enly and not in power, of holding converse
with an argumentative theologian, while an utter stranger to
converse with the Author and the Finisher of Faith. And
therefore it is that, when satiated and bewildered among hu
man iUustrations of the truth, I think it a good escape for the
mind to look to the truth as it is in the Bible — to sit down
to it just as I was reading it for the first time, with the con
scious ignorance and docility of a child — to stir myself there,
that I may lay hold of God, and lay hold of Christ, just as
God has set Him forth to me.
I have been greatiy refreshed by a visit from a truly spiritual
man, Mr. Erskine of Linlathen. His whole soul is in Chris
tianity — resting aU his hope on the basis of Christ's death 
and dissolved in tenderness and admiration at the blended
love and holiness of God as manifested in that transaction.
I know nothing that more realizes Christ to us than when we
read Him in one of His own living epistles, than when we

MRS. COUTTS. 7s

see His workmanship before us in the heart and habits of a
fellow-Christian. Mrs. Chalmers was complaining, and so seriously, some
weeks ago, that I was much alarmed for her. Appearances,
however, are again more favorable, and I desire, from this
lesson, to learn the precariousness of aU -earthly blessings —
to build my foundation somewhere else than in this vale of
suffering and of change — ^to cast it deep on the faith of the
Gospel, that I may have the Giver of eternal life for my friend,
and eternal life itself for my inheritance.
I saw lately the observation, that justification was only
the means to an end — that the great and ultimate object of
Christ's undertaking was to redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify us unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works. Is there no danger of an inquirer being satisfied with
justification as the object in which he terminates ? It cer
tainly is not the object in which Christ terminates, nor will
the accomphshment of it be enough to make out that trav
ail of His soul upon us by which He is satisfied. Let us,
therefore, while we lodge all our security for acceptance on
His propitiation, go zealously on in co-operation with Hira,
as the Lord our strength and our purifier — that He may be
magnified in our bodies — and that, by growing in holiness,
we may be fit for the only happiness which Heaven has to
offer. I remain, my dear madam, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. L.
Glasgow, 8th February, 1822.
My dear Madam — It grieves me to have deferred writing
you so long. I had a very heavy arrear of correspondence
upon me, which I have not yet liquidated wholly. I sympa
thize most deeply with you all in the result of your applica
tion to Lord Elgin.* I am not at all clear that it is right
* An application to Lord Elgin, as Patron, relative to a ministe
rial appointment.

76 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
to urge his lordship in the face of a private engagement. I
see nothing for it but quietly to wait that counsel of the Lord,
which alone shaU stand after all human desires have been
tried and found ineffectual. There is one very open and dis
tinct fine of duty for all who feel concerned in the religious
prosperity of your most interesting parish, and that is, to mul
tiply as much as in you lies the lay securities for the growth
and transmission of a Christian spirit among the families. In
this view I hold all your schools to be of capital importance,
and I would not have you to underrate the capabUities even
of the humblest laborers in the cause. I should not be sur
prised if Alexander Paterson, in his day and generation, shall
be found to have turned raore unto righteousness than many
of the most esteemed and evangelical clergy of our Church.*
At the same time, it is of prime importance to a parish that
there be in it a sound, and scriptural, and, withal, an exem
plary clergyman. I am delighted with your account of Mr.
Simpson, and also with the testimony that Alexander Pater
son has borne of Mr. Cook in Kilmany.
I have been reading Thomas a Kempis lately on the " Imi
tation of Jesu s Christ' ' — a very impressive performance . Some
would say of it that it was not enough evangelical. He cer
tainly does not often affirm, in a direct and ostensible manner,
the righteousness that is by faith. But he proceeds on this
doctrine, and many an incidental recognition does he bestow
upon it ; and I am not sure but that this implies a stronger and
more habitual settlement of mind respecting it, than when it
is thrust forward and repeated, and re-repeated, with a kind
of ultra-orthodoxy, as if anxious to vindicate one's soundness,
and to acquit one'sself of a kind of exacted homage to the form
of sound words. I think it of mighty importance to lay down
the extent of the required sanctification, and strenuously to
urge it. I have been thinking of the Savior's expostulation
* See a very interesting Memoir of Alexander Paterson, entitled
"The Missionary of Kihnany, by the Rev. John Baillie." Edin
burgh, 1853.

MRS. COUTTS. 77

with Nicodemus in this view — " If thou beUevest not when I
tell you of earthly things, how can ye believe when I tell
you of heavenly things?" If we believe not in the change
that must take place upon the earthly subject, even man, ere
he can be admitted to the Kingdom, we may feign, but we do
not really put any belief in the change, from wrath to com
placency, that has taken place in the mind of the Heavenly
Lawgiver toward those who flee for refuge to the great pro
pitiation. The earthly thing which Christ had spoken of was
regeneration ; the heavenly thing which He proceeded to speak
of was the atonement. If we believe not the one, we have no
real belief of the other.
But nothing can be more precious than Romaine. His
three treatises on " Faith" are all overrun with the flavor
of the very essence of the Gospel.
I have no news. A perpetual bustle, and, at the sarae time,
a stir and an activity in Christian things, which I regard as
hopeful in this place. May God bless you and yours. I al
ways rejoice in a letter from Dairsie. I offer ray most affec
tionate regards to the venerable Doctor, Miss Collier, Miss
Coutts, Miss Nancy, Mr. Simpson, and last, though not least,
Alexander Paterson. Mrs. Chalmers joins me in best com
pliments. I am, my dear madam, yours very affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LI.
St. Andrews, 23d 4pn7, 1827.
My dear Madam — I had very great pleasure in the receipt
and perusal of your much esteeraed letter. But why, my dear
Mrs. Coutts, do you talk of intruding upon me ] Our inter
course has of late been rare, and our correspondence far less
frequent than it ought to have been. But I. never can forget
the Christian kindness and encouragement which I enjoyed
under the roof of your excellent father, and all the friendly
converse that I have had both with yourself and Miss CoUier.
Dairsie is one of the most memorable portions in my retrospect

78 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
of the past ; and all the feelings which I had then are undi
minished by change of scene or distance of time.
My mother's was indeed a most triumphant death. Her
peace and joy were altogether in believing. Her Christianity
was objective, and that of one who looked outward. She
read Owen's " Spiritual Mindedness" some months ago ; but
she remarked that when she looked only to herself, she found
that all was corruption, but that all her trust was in the Sav
ior. She expressed an abundance of peace, which flowed
through her heart like a mighty river.
Mrs. Chalmers and our children are well. Do give my
kindest regards to Miss Collier and Mr. Simpson, in which
Mrs. Chalmers joins. Believe me, my dear madara, yours
most affectionately, "Thomas Chalmers.
No. HI.
.CoLINSWELL, BY BuRNTISLAND, 2d April, 1834.
My dear Mrs. Coutts — Miss Young is just leaving us ;
but I can not let her go without assuring you both of the
gratification and the gratitude which I felt in consequence
of your kind and liberal offer of Thursday last. It is true
that the means for my first enterprise are already provided ;*
but, should I succeed, I have still a second in reserve, re
specting which I may, in the course of months, communicate
with my friends, and you among the number, ray only anxiety
being that you do not raake an inconvenient sacrifice.
I observe that, in spite of my explanatory letter, there is
StiU great misrepresentation of our objects. It is a marvel
ous time ; and though I feel it my duty to labor while it is
day, yet I can not help the presentiment of a dark midway
passage that must be described ere the world shall emerge
into the peace and righteousness of its latter-day glory.
Meanwhile, I can not describe how inexpressibly soothing
it is to be sustained by the countenance and affection of one's
oldest and best-tried Christian friends. You have had much
* See Memoirs, vol. iii., p. 445, 446.

MRS. COUTTS. 79

to exercise you ; and it is my earnest prayer, that in the Ught
of God's reconciled countenance, ever growing into brighter
and more cheering manifestations, you may increase day by
day in that peace and joy which passeth all understanding.
Ever, believe me, my dear Mrs. Coutts, your most attached
and grateful friend, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LIII. Penicuik, 12th July, 1834.
My dear Mrs. Coutts — Ma,y God grant the fulfillment of
your wishes in regard to the effect of my own solitude upon
my heart and principles. It gives me a fresh view of my
native ungodliness, that even in this deep retreat I cleave so
much to the things of sense and of time. I am never better
than when I take a simple and objective view of the great
propitiation, and look on the sunshine of God's reconciled
countenance to be an element I am as free to rejoice- in as I
am to breathe the air that i§ around me, or to open my eyes
on the light of Nature.
I beg you will excuse the brevity of this letter — a poor re
turn for your deeply interesting communication. But the truth
is, I am ordered to work as little as possible. The most promi
nent of my symptoms is an almost perpetual noise in my head,
which is aggravated always by exertion.*
Give me a place ajid an interest in your prayers. Ever
beUeve me, my dear Mrs. Coutts, yours very affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers,
No. LIV. Burntisland, 9th July, 1841.
My VERY DEAR Mrs. Coutts — Be assured that I feel very
calm and confident on the Church question — not on the
ground of the Parliamentary Returns, or in the assured pros
pect of any thing being done in our favor by the present or
any future government, but on the ground that our way of
* See Memoirs, vol. iii., p. 433-444.

80 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
duty is clear, and that if our ways please God, He wiU make
our enemies to be at peace with us.
Should the Establishment be broken up, I think that, if
true to our principles, there is a very great field of usefulness
before us, and that we need be at no loss for turning our
selves to such openings for the Christian good of the people
as will araply compensate for all the hardships to which we
might in consequence be exposed. Ever believe me, my dear
Mrs. Coutts, yours with the greatest esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LV.
Morningside, 13th December, 1842.
My dear Mrs. Coutts — It gives me great pain to decline
your application for myself, though I shall transmit your re
quest to Mr. Hanna, and it will afford me great pleasure if
he can comply with it.
I never do preach but with a serious invasion on my press
of study, and so a very hurtful encroachment on an object to
which I should hke, if I were permitted it, to devote all my
strength for the remainder of my days, and that is, the com
pletion of my theological lectures for the benefit of ray stu
dents and as an offering to the cause of theological education.
The troubles of the Church, ,and my implication therewith,
have deprived rae of years of preparation ; and one of the
cruelest effects of any pubhc appearance I make is, that it is
followed up by a host of applications, some of them from my
best and dearest friends, which I feel it most difficult, bUt,
withal, most necessary and incumbent upon me to reject.
This distresses, but it must not influence me. I may not be
able to justify these refusals to others ; but the constant feel
ing of exhaustion, wherewith I am at all times haunted and
weU-nigh overborne, forms to my own mind and conscience
a sufficient exoneration. I ever am, my dear Mrs. Coutts,
yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.

MISS COLLIER. 81

LETTERS TO MISS COLLIER.
No. LVI. Kilmany, nth December, 1814.
My dear Miss Collier — I some days ago sent my letter
of acceptance to Glasgow. I know well that there is a dis
position to withhold sympathy from that suffering which a
man entails upon himself by his own voluntary act. In cases
like the present, however, I am not sure that this is altogeth
er fair ; for, independently of my not being my own master,
but the servant of another in the determination of this matter,
I could not have escaped suffering by the adoption of either
side of the alternative ; for by accepting, I bring down upon
myself all the bitterness of regret at being torn away from
a much-loved parish and neighborhood, and by refusing, I
would have brought down upon myself the severest remon
strances from the most eminent Christian friends I have in
this world. As it is, I feel myself in a situation altogether
unUke any former experience I ever had. And if, to allevi
ate the pain of my approaching separation, I must sit as
loosely as possible to the things and the people around rae, I
trust I may learn from it the stUl greater and more salutary
lesson of sitting loose to aU the interests and concerns of that
world which the hkeliest of us all must soon take our departure
frora. This tenderness about leaving ray people is one thing,
and may exist in a breast where there is no serious concern
for their souls, which is another thing. And O that the same
God who sent forth His mighty Spirit to convert three thou
sand souls at the utterance of one sermon, would so arm me
with arguments, and so press them home with efficiency upon
the hearts of a people made willing and obedient in the day
of His power, that the few remaining months of my residence
among them might witness the accession of many sons and
daughters to righteousness. We would have been much the
better of a visit from you had your engagements permitted
it. My wife regrets your absence on this occasion. Wil'
D 2

82 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
you let us know when we may have the pleasure of seeing
you? Never forget that a private individual is invested with the
care and the keepership of others, as well as a minister of the
Gospel ; and it is my prayer, that wherever you are, you may
be a leaven for good by your example, and conversation, and
prayers. I earnestly crave the benefit of your intercessions
in behalf of myself and of my parish. My wife joins in most
cordial compliments and wishes. I am, my dear madam,
yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LVII.
Kilmany Manse, 20th April, 1815,
My dear Miss Collier — I was greatly concerned to see
Mrs. Coutts so poorly on Tuesday, and I send this messenger
to you, asking to kifow particularly about her.
May her spirit be upheld in this the day of her extremity ;
may she he enabled to throw herself upon the Savior. The
Bible has taken many ways of stating to us His sufficiency,
as if, lest one way of it should not be apprehended, another
way may send horae the truth with demonstration and power.
Thus it sometimes sets Christ before us in the light of the sec
ond Adam, and tells us that He is raore than able to repair all
the raischief done by the first Adam. Well, then, all this guilt,
all this misery, all this helplessness, by which I feel myself bur
dened and overdone, was entailed upon me by the Fall ; and the
very errand on which Christ came was to sweep the whole ca
lamity, in all its extent and in all its soreness, away from me.
Let us do Him the honor to believe that what He came to do
He is able to do. Let us be ready to say " Yea" to His ques
tion, " BeUevest thou that I am able to do this ?" — and ac
cording to our faith, so shall it be done. It is my prayer,
amid the trying circumstances in which our friend now is, she
may feel the richness of this truth, that the Great Intercessor
liveth ; that He is full of tenderness ; that He is indeed a
merciful High-priest ; and that He knows well how to succor

MISS COLLIER. 83

her, for there is not one of her temptations which He Himself
has not struggled with. There is no want of willingness in
God ; it is in our own heart that the straitening lies. Ho
calls' upon us to lay hold of His strength, that we may make
peace with Him ; and adds that, in so doing, we shaU make
peace with Him. Wonderful assurance I It is just saying.
Lean, and you shall be supported ; throw yeurself upon me,
and I will bear you up ; cast your burden to me, and I will
sustain it. Oh that this faith were wrought in us with pow
er, and the precious fruits of faith were getting more discern
ible every day upon our hearts ; that we were dying unto the
world, and unto aU its distinctions and pleasures ; that the
realities of the spiritual and unseen world were taking a raore
effectual hold of us ; that we were walking by faith and not
by sight ; and, knowing our insufficiency for these things,
were drawing by prayer out of the fullness that is in Christ
Jesus, all our light, and help, and direction.
Do write me by the bearer. Yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LVIII. Glasgow, 1815.
My dear Miss Collier — I received your letter with much
joy, and felt greatly refreshed by the perusal of it. Be as
sured that you can not derive a greater satisfaction from our
correspondence with each other than I do myself; and I look
back to our many walks and many conversations as those
seasons which memory loves to dwell upon, when I took sweet
counsel together with a Christian friend. I have not yet met
with any thing here that can replace what I feel the want
of, though, at the sarae time, 1 feel my heart slowly opening
itself to the impression of that kindness, and worth, and ster
ling Christianity which surrounds me. But I am as yet too
much lost, and my attention too much divided among the
general society of the place, to have many strong drawings
in the way of individual friendship. This general inter-

84 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
course, indeed, has the effect of keeping me asunder for some
time from my best friends. I can not see much of Dr. Bal
four. Mrs. Dinwiddle arrived a week ago, and I had to re
sist her kindness, which I the more regret, because I know it
to be genuine and sincere ; but I shall spend a day with her
in about a fortnight. There are some very interesting peo
ple among my own hearers, whose acquaintance I mean to
cultivate ; but at present the invitations come so thick upon
me, that I, who have restricted myself to a limited number
of teas and dinners, have nothing for it but to put many of
these away frora me. The following are the texts I have
preached upon since I carae to Glasgow: 1 Thess., v., 25 ; 2
Cor., X., 12 ; Mark, xii., 37 ; Romans, viii., 7 ; Acts, xxvi, 25 ;
PhU., iv., 13 ; Matt., iii., 2 ; Job, ix., 30-33 ; Psalm Ixxxv.,
10 ; Luke, i., 74, 75 ; 1 Cor., iii., 1 ; Luke, ii., 14.
I do find in myself a tendency to speak beyond my strength,
but I have great reason to be thankful that I am pretty well
in health. Grace and Anne are both weU. Miss M. Balfour
is with us at present. Charles came a few days ago, and we
have two boarders ; so that, with Miss Pratt, our home estab
lishment is pretty extensive at present ; and, as I refuse call
ers before twelve, and go out only a certain number of times,
1 trust I shall have a sufficiency of time for the preparations
of the pulpit. I have only been visiting sick persons since I
came, but I trust that I shall extend this part of my duty. I
have been twice with two men under sentence of death, and
mean to visit them occasionally tiU the day of their execu
tion. One, a Roraan CatlioUc, is very much impressed, and
seems to be mainly right in his doctrinal notions. The other
is very ignorant, and I thought very hard at my first visit. I
think, however, that I have made progress with him since ;
but, alas ! appearances are most faUacious, and it is, indeed,
a work of great seriousness, and demanding a feeling of de
pendence on God for wisdom to divide the word of truth
rightly on such an occasion.
TeU Mrs. Coutts that I mean to write her shortly. I should

MISS COLLIER. 85

have written her before I wrote you ; but the truth is, I sat
down to this letter under a general impression of debt to your
neighborhood, and as you are my most recent creditor, you
were most in my mind at the time of my beginning to write.
I can not describe the soft but mournful tenderness I feel
when I think of your neighborhood, nor will I disguise the
very warm affection I have both for yourself and Mrs. Coutts,
and the friendship and veneration I feel for Dr. M'CuIloch ;
along with these, will you remember me to Mr. Ewan and
Miss Robina? Your sister, Miss Mary, I desire to be remem
bered to. Tell Alexander Paterson how much I am interest
ed in him, and that I trust he will never let go the begin
ning of his confidence. Give my kindest regards to him, and
let him send rae by you, if he does not incline to write him
self all the Christian news of his neighborhood. Give my
best and ray friendliest greetings to Mr. and Mrs. Walker, and
assure them of my good- will for themselves and family. Oh,
how it melts and subdues me when I write all these names,
and think of the dear neighborhood with which they are as
sociated. May power from on high ever rest on many of its
famUies, and may the grace of the Lord Jesus be poured in
rich effusion over your much-loved land.
My wife and I both were greatly moved and interested by
your kind letter. I hope you will soon see us in Glasgow.
Let me know of your movements ; and may the Lord guide
and protect them.
We live in Charlotte Street, have a garden, and are most
eligibly situated. May God prosper you, and give you His
peace to rule in your heart. Yours most affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LIX.
My very dear Miss Collier — I received your highly ac
ceptable communication ; and you know how much the kind
and Christian remembrance of an old and valued friend acts
as a sweetening infusion in that compound of many ingredi-

86 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ents which make up the life and history of a city minister.
I have much reason, however, for thankfulness, and trust that
I am finding ray way, through the leadings of a good and a free
Spirit, to, the habits of a more even and simple reliance upon
Him in whom I desire t(3 find all my completeness and all
ray rest. How precious to know, that it is by keeping in
raemory the truths which we received at the first — that it is
by holding fast the beginning of our confidence, and not cast
ing it away — that it is by cleaving unto Him in whom we
ought always to abide, with an utter sense of our emptiness
and of His fullness — that it is this attitude of quietness which,
after all, is our only attitude of strength, and by persevering
in which we are made more than conquerors. My dear mad
am, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LX.
Glasgow, 3d June, 1816.
My dear Miss Collier — I mean, if God will, to go from
this in the middle of July, and stay away six weeks. I shall
be much of that time in the neighborhood of KUmany, and,
of course, some days in Dairsie. All this, however, is only ex
pressive of my intentions, and not of my promises, of which I
am most fearful ; and as my object is to rest, I trust I shall
not have the fatigue of urgency to undergo on the subject of
preaching, as I must be very sparing of rayself during my ab
sence from Glasgow. I still feel the overdoing of too much
exertion in the business of Glasgow. The preaching is heavy
for me ; and the teasing invitations, pressed with a degree
of rudeness that is very provoking, I find it difficult to ward
off from me. I arn sorry to say that Dr.  is most egre-
giously culpable in this respect ; and I have learned frora him
of how little avail the mere feeling of kindness is toward the
happiness of others, unless a consideration and a respect for
convenience and liberty go along with it. I wish I could re
port favorably, either of myself or others, as to the most sub
stantial of our interests. I hear sometimes of good done, and

MR. WILBERFORCE. 87
I am convinced that, to a certain degree, there is a reality in
the matter. Of one thing I am getting every day surer,
that no human power, either of argument or of address, can
work the progress of a single inch toward the conversion of a
human soul. It is of my might and my wisdom, saith the
Lord ; and till we feel our dependence upon this, I am con
vinced that He will humble and mortify all our sufficiency.
I fed my need of your prayers, both for my personal and min
isterial welfare. This is Monday, when I am sadly liable to
be driven out of the mildness and endurance of the Gospel,
by the feebleness of yesterday's fatigue, and the annoyances
with which a selfish and inconsiderate public beset me. I
have this day had to ward off four dinner invitations, and to
fight a stout battle about two of them. I trust that this mat
ter will at length find an adjustment in the people's letting
me alone, But I must give up this querulous strain.
Give my kindest compliments to Dr. M'CuIloch, Mrs.
Coutts, Miss Coutts, Mr. Ewan, and the two Misses M'CuI
loch. I sigh for the repose and pure air of your charming
neighborhood. I ever am, my dear Miss Collier, yours most
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, ESQ., M.P.
No. LXI. Glasgow, 9th February, 1818.
My dear Sir — The concluding paragraph of the Prince
Regent's speech* has given great satisfaction to the friends
of religion in this quarter. It, at the same time, by suspending
measures till the specific proposal of government be known,
has given a temporary check to their operations for adding
new churches to the Establishment in Glasgow. My own
apprehension is, that if government shaU offer to carry this
* Recommending to the attention of Parliament the deficiency in
the number of places of worship connected with the Established Church,
tks compared with the increased and increasing population.

88 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
into effect by a pecuniary grant merely, it will do but Uttle
for us here in proportion to the needs of our population, and,
at the same time, will do as much as will satisfy and set at
rest the lukewarm friends of the cause.
What I think would be most desirable in any legal enact
ments on this subject, would be to afford facilities to the en
terprise of individuals, who, on their own risk, might com
bine to build churches in connection with the Establishment,
and thus extend the object of government, and that without
any expense to government. You know what Mr. Gladstone,
of Liverpool, has done in this way, having added two church
es to that town at his own risk. Now it is my conviction
that, a proper encouragement being held out to individuals,
much may be done in the same way in the larger towns of
Scotland. For instance, if government were so far to countenance
such speculations as to vest the individuals who carae for
ward with funds for the- erection of churches and the main
tenance of their clergy, with the right of nomination for a
hundred years, after which the patronage might fall either to
the crown or to the magistrates and council, I have no doubt
that in a very few years indeed we should see at least half
a dozen of additional churches in this place, and that without
any expense to government at all. A great collateral ad
vantage that I could anticipate for such an arrangement is
this — a purer exercise of patronage. It is a great security
for our getting a good evangelical clergyman when the patron
is strongly interested in the popularity of his choice ; and we
can not be too grateful when we think how wisely and mer
cifully God can bring about the extension of His kingdom
among men even out of the sordid dements of human inter
est and human passion.
' May I submit to you another observation on this point ? A
church without a local district annexed to it in the shape of
a corresponding parish, is not the best arrangement for getting
it fiUed with hearers. Give the preacher a superintendence

MR. WILBERFORCE. 89
over a certain range of population, and his week-day atten
tions among them will at length bring them to his Sabbath
ministrations. The habit of church-going has got most woe
fully into desuetude, and nothing should be overlooked which
can help to restore it. I think that I speak what is practi
cally and experimentally true when I affirm the mighty oper
ation which lies in the raere attaching of a certain portion
of town, over which the minister has the official right of ex
patiating through the week, to the church where he preaches
on the Sabbath.
You may remember my former communications on the sub
ject of the Edinburgh Professorship. I wish that no further
application should be made to government on this subject. I
feel as formerly on the suitableness of such an office to my
taste ; but I know of nothing which more effectually neutral
izes a man's usefulness in this age of party violence and im
putations than the appearance of receiving any thing frora
government. Even for the sake of the interests of loyalty
and good order, I would rather decline any benefit frora the
patronage of the state, knowing well that the only way in
which a man's testimony can have weight among his citizens
on the side of loyalty, is that they be thoroughly convinced of
its being a disinterested testimony. Permit me to say that
this conviction of mine stands most intimately associated with
all that I have observed of the conduct of you and your friends
in Parliament.
From a letter I received some time ago from Lady Grey, I
was glad to observe that you approve generally of my views
on Pauperism. I have another article on the same subject
in the next number of the " Edinburgh Review."
I can not conclude without expressing the very warm af
fection that I entertain for you. It is my earnest prayer that
your life and your labors may long be preserved to us. I beg
my most respectful compliments to Mrs. Wilberforce. Believe
me, my dear sir, yours with most cordial esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.

«0 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. LXII. Glasgow, 28th December, 1818.
My dear Sir — I have no one topic connected with busi
ness about which to write to you ; and, indeed, I always grieve
for any necessity of this kind, thinking, as I do, that there
ought to be a general combination on the part of all your
friends to let you, as ranch as possible, alone. There is posi
tively nothing which they ought more to study than to abridge
the numerous exactions which are perpetually made upon
your attention and your time, and to sufier you that undis
turbed repose which it would be desirable that you could be
permitted to enjoy.
The chief impulse under which I write is that produced by
your last letter — on ray review of the various letters I have
received during the currency of the year that is departing
away frora us, and which breathes so kindly and so affection
ately toward me, that I can not but send you the warmest
acknowledgments of my gratitude and regard.
I further take the opportunity of stating, in reference to a
certain confidential subject on which you did me the honor
of addressing me some months ago, that I have introduced
the matter into several companies, and in general found that
the task of vindication was altogether superfluous. I in par
ticular recollect having started the topic in one of the high
est of our circles here, when our then member, Mr. Finlay,
was present ; and I had the utmost satisfaction in hearing
the cordial testimony he bore to the entire consistency and
integrity of your parliaraenta^y conduct. Such is the worth
lessness of mere partisanship, that none can stand out with
any degree of oonspicuousness to the public eye without be
coming the subject of vile and calumnious aspersions. But
it is a satisfaction to know that, even in this alienated and ac
cursed world, there is often so willing a tribute rendered to prin
ciple, even in quarters where the natural enmity of the huraan
heart is most apt to be provoked with the exhibition of it.

MR. WILBERFORCE. 91
I beg to offer my affectionate regards to Mrs. Wilberforce.
She will perhaps be interested to know that Mrs. Parker is in
my immediate neighborhood, and that I have the felicity of
occasional intercourse with her. Believe me, my dear sir,
yours with the most cordial esteem, Thomas Chalmers.
No, LXIII. Glasgow, 25th June, 1822.
My dear Sir — I promised to write you on a subject, the
interest of which for the time has gone by. I have long
looked with a most approving eye to the part you take re
specting the Catholics of Ireland ; and I simply wanted to let
you know, that the evangelical party in our Church are fast
hastening tpward the same enlightened spirit of Christian and
liberal poUcy in regard to them. There are still a few sturdy
old clergymen among us who have not yet got the better, and
never wiU, of the sore recollections of their covenanting fore
fathers. But with the exception of these, and of some others
who take the opposite side of the question from political mo-
lives, I do think that the Church of Scotland would like tha
removal of the existing' disabilities. What a piece of kingly
munificence would it have been had his raajesty been enabled
to carry the deed of emancipation to Ireland along with him.
I have not forgotten the very great exertions you made
in behalf of three Canada emigrants about two years ago ;
and I really think that it ought to be a principle with all
your friends to form themselves into a cordon of defense, for
the purpose of protecting you from all manner of intrusion.
I hope that you received ray last, written about a fortnight
ago. You honored me by asking my sentiments on the sub
ject of public affairs, and I ventured a few affirmations on a
matter that I am far from being quaUfied to pronounce on.
I see that the public funds are to be held inviolable, and there
is assuredly something ndble in the principle of it. I can not,
however, get the better of a principle that I have long held

92 CORRESPQNDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
on the subject of taxation, and that is, that all taxes fall ul
timately on land, the capitalist finding an indemnification for
his taxes always in an increase of profit, and the laborer in
an increase of wages. I should like to see the whole revenue
of the government raised by a land-tax, equally including
stockholders as the mortgagees or co-proprietors of the soil.
The burden would thus appear to fall exclusively upon one
class. But, in truth, they pay all at present directly or indi
rectly ; and were they made to pay all by a direct levy, they
would find almost instant indemnification for a measure that
would look very formidable at the outset by a fall of price in
all the comforts of huraan life.
We had a visit frora Mr. Gray, of Sunderland, lately, one of
the good men of the Church of England. It is truly refresh
ing to have a visit from such ; it always puts me in mind of
a saying of Brainerd's, that he has heard hundreds speak
about religion, but not above one or two speak religion. We
Scotch speak about it — look at the matter intellectuaUy —
come forth with our didactic and metaphysical speculations
about the thing ; but the evangelical English, as fkr as I can
observe, possess the thing ; and, possessing it, they have by far
the mo^t eflective ingredient of good preaching, which is the
personal piety of the preacher himself
It is my prayer that you may long be preserved among us.
May you 'taste the comforts of retireraent, and may a fore
taste of Heaven mingle with them. It is a sad world, surely,
when one can not bustle his way through it, even in pursuit
of what is good, without the danger of being bustled out of
all his spirituality. This I feel every day. But Christ did
not pray that His disciples should be taken out of the world,
but that they should be kept from the evil of it. With most
affectionate regards to Mrs. Wilberforce, believe me, ray dear
sir, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.

MR. WILBERFORCE. 93

No, LXIV. Glasgow, 8th July, 1823.
My dear Sir — I feel obliged by your kind inquiries respect
ing myself I at one time thought of writing you an explan
atory letter on the subject of my departure from Glasgow ;
but I was assailed with such a torrent of unexpected abuse
because of it on the part of my best friends, that I resolved
to wait their attentions ere I should write one word upon the
subject. I believe it is now pretty obvious to them all, that
a University where young raen are reared for the public offi
ces of the Church, is a higher station in the field of Christian
usefulness than any one of these offices. I was not unmind
ful of this consideration when I made my choice ; and it was
a choice that I embraced more readily, as I had long found
that the fatigues of action were encroaching too far on the
tastes and habits of a- studious life, and more particularly as
the pressure of my fatigue was greatly aggravated by the va
rious, and, to all appearance, interminable controversies that
had been raised against me.
Meanwhile I am much engrossed with the concluding du
ties of my present office, and preparation for the duties of my
new one ; and this engrossment must last till the summer of
1824. I expect, ere I leave Glasgow, to have perfected my
parochial arrangements, and to leave them on such a footing
as to make it obvious to all that it is not I who have resolved
the problem of pauperism for St. John's, but that the human
nature of the people has done it for me, and will do it for any
other that simply lets the arrangement alone. The difficulty
of the problem does not lie with the poor — it lies with the
rulers and managers of the poor. The barrier is not in the
necessities of the lower orders — it is in the obstinate preju
dices of the higher orders ; and I lay my account with a far
more formidable obstacle to the abolition of this great moral
evil in the Parliament of England than in the people of En
gland.

94 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
May I be permitted to say, that I have long regretted the
very inconsiderate encroachments which even your friends
make upon your time and ease. I should rejoice in a calm
and tranquil evening of life for you ; and my prayer is, that
you may have many happy days on earth, brightened with
the hopes and the foretaste of Heaven, in the bosom of your
family. I feel the utmost gratitude for aU your attentions to
myself, and shall ever reflect with a pleasure, not perhaps
unmixed with some pride, on the intercourse that I have had
with yourself and the other distinguished philanthropists of
England. We expect Mr. Clarkson in Glasgow next month. There
has been a coraraittee forraed for promoting the abolition of
slavery. With most respectful compliments to Mrs. and Miss
Wilberforce, I am, ray dear sir, yours with great regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXV.
St. Andrews, 28th October, 1825.
My dear Sir — Mr. Collins showed me a letter from you,
wherein you made a reference to me on the subject of the
London University. I was then in Glasgow, and in the
midst of many engrossraents. I now avail rayself of a rao-
raent's leisure for a few slight remarks on the way in which
a Christian education may be made to keep pace with the
general education which such an institution is so fitted to
advance. I have no leisure for any publication on the topic,
however short.
There are many difficulties attendant on the introduction
of Theology araong the other professorships, and raost of which
have been already adverted to in the deliberations which have
taken place on the subject. And I am not sure that you got
rid of these difficulties by generalizing the course into a mere
series of lectures on Natural Theology and the Evidences of
Christianity. For my own part, I have now long thought
that the most powerful of all those evidences is founded on

MR. Wli.EEKFOKUK. 99

the adaptation of the Gospel to the moral wants and condi
tion of our nature — a subject which might be treated in a way
that is quite philosophical, and that would harmonize with the
tone and habits of speculation which may have been acquired
by the students at the other classes ; but still a subject which
can not be fully expounded without a reference to the peculi
arities of the evangelical system. And if to keep clear of
these peculiarities you restricted the professor to certain text
books, as those of Paley and Butler, and others that were
specified, this were laying a fetter upon the business of the
professorship, which no man of genius or of vigorous and ex
cursive powers could with any comfort submit to.
How would it do, instead of making a regular professorship
for this subject, to make a lectureship of it, consisting of a
course of three months, and -in which, if the teacher gave sat
isfaction, he could be invited indefinitely to repeat his course
in future years — and whom you get quit of, should he go astray
or give offense, by simply ceasing to invite him any more ? By
such an appendage to the University, you might perhaps se
cure a theological infusion without the hazards to which a
regular professorship of Theology might expose yon. You
might, at all events, by such a device, fed your way to a right
and permanent arrangement of this difficult question.
On the whole, 1 should think it best of all that a separate
institution were formed, neither connected with the London
University, nor even recognizing it, but whose real design was
to accommodate the defense and illustration of religion to that
higher intellectual state of the public which must be the re
sult of such an institution. You are aware that some of our
ablest authorship has proceeded from endowments of this sort,
as the Boyle Lectureship, and many others. But I would not
give it a preaching, but rather a professorial aspect. The
whole expense of it might be limited to the erection of a fab
ric, having at least one ample hall, where a general course
on Natural Theology and the Evidences could be dehvered
once a year, by a lecturer who might be changed or con-

96 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
tinued at the pleasure of the directors. He should be remu
nerated chiefly, if not solely, by the fees of attendance, which
ought not to be higher than those in the University. In this
way you might nevtralize the whole apprehended raischief,
and even convert the higher scholarship of the metropolis
into a positive good ; for, be assured, that in like manner as
a reading Catholic population, though taught in schools whence
the Bible has been excluded, is a better subject for a Chris
tianizing process than a non-reading population, so a highly
educated public, even though formed in academies whence
Christianity is kept out, is still a raore hopeful subject for the
formation of Christian philanthropists than a rudely ignorant
and unlettered public. In every possible stage of mental cul
tivation, Christianity may be exposed to an incidental bane ;
but she possesses an inherent antidote wherewith to counter
act and to prevail over it, so that, in the long run, I antici
pate the greatest good from all those leanings of the pubhc
and popular mind toward a higher scholarship. Only let
them be followed up by Christians with such expedients as
might suit the spirit and philosophy of the times, and more
especially in London.
I shall be most happy of a further correspondence with you
upon this subject. I oiler my respectful compliments to Mrs.
Wilberforce, and I have the honor to be, my dear sir, yours
with greatest esteem, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXVI.
St. Andrews, 22d January, 1828.
My dear Sir — I have been much gratified by the receipt
and perusal of your letter, and more especially by your con
gratulations" upon the subject of ray recent appointment. I
do not commence the duties of my new charge till Novem
ber next ; and, along with the labors of my professorship here,
I fill up the intermediate time with the still higher labors of
a very arduous preparation.
I am very glad to observe that this new arrangement has

MR. WILBERFORCE. 97
at length reconciled you to my movement from Glasgow ;
though,, independently of any such ulterior view, I felt the
obligation, in point of Christian usefulness, to accept of my
present office, and should have continued so to feel, though I
Jiad remained here to the end of my days. I am sensible that
ih this feding there are some of my best friends who do not
sympathize with me, overlooking, I think, two considerations
which had decisive effect with myself The first is, that a
Univer^ty stands to a single church in the relation that a
fountain-head, whence many streams issue, does to one only
of these streams. The second is, that inoral philosophy stands
to Christianity in the relation that law does to Gospel — that
the preaching of John the Baptist did to the preaching of the
Savior. In reply to your kind inquiries regarding my children, I
have to inform you that I am the father of six daughters,
the eldest fourteen years, and the youngest one month, and of
nearly equi-distant ages. I have lost none of my children,
and have much reason to be thankful that Mrs. Chalmers
(who begs her most respectful compliments to you)^ though
delicate on the whole, is remarkably well at present.
It is the cordial wish of myself, and, I am sure, the wish
and the prayer of all your Christian friends, that you may be
spared to spend among us a long old age of piety and peace.
May you still have many days of rest and of rejoicing on the
borders, of heaven ; and may that Book, which spoke power
fully to myself, and has spoken powerfully to thousands, repre
sent you to future generations, and be the instrument of con
verting many who are yet unborn.
With my respectful regards to Mrs. and Miss Wilberforce,
f have the honor to be, my dear sir, yours with greatest es
teem, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXVII. St. Andrews, Itth June, 1828.
My dear Sir — I should have replied sooner to your most
E

98 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
welcome communication ; but I have been from home, and 1
lid not receive it till yesterday, when it was too late to reply
to it by the post.
Mrs. Chalmers and I are both delighted with the prospect
of having you for a guest. We remain here tiU late in Oc
tober, it being far the best place for the prosecution of those
studies which are so indispensable to the arduous office upon
which I am so soon to enter.
We shall have two rooms at your service, and promise you
all the gratification which a most thorough retirement and
the most cordial welcome can afford. We both are quite
alive to the honor and the enjoyment of such a visit.
It is not necessary to write at present on the subject of a
Scottish tour, seeing that the movement should be a circular
one, and that your coming to St. Andrews, by Edinburgh, is
just taking our side of the circle first. Your return should
be by the north of Scotland and the west coast ; but the de
tails of the ulterior journey had far better be discussed in
conversation. We trust that Mrs. Wilberforce and your daughter wiU ac
company you. I have the honor to be, my dear sir, yours
with greatest esteem and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXVIII. St. Andrews, 15th July, 1828.
My dear Sir — Mrs. Chalmers and I have been made quite
happy by your last. It will give us great pleasure to see your
son. We can accommodate him as well as the ladies, who, I
think, wiU enjoy Scotland ; and I fondly trust that you will
be much the better of the journey. The house we at present
occupy is very commodious, and has some pretensions to the
name of classical — it not only having in it the study of George
Buchanan, but having lodged Dr. Samuel Johnson when he
visited St. Andrews.
Our autumns are generally drier than our summers, but
there is no such great or regular difference as would lead me

MR. WILBERFORCE. 99
to fix on any particular month in the way of preference. On
the whole, I would not think it advisable to travel in Scot
land after the end of September.
We have the greater and the smaller Highland tour — the
former taking you as far north as Inverness, and farther if
you choose ; the latter a smaller sweep by Perth, Dunkeld,
Blair, KiUin, Argyleshire. The former would also compre
hend Argyleshire. You commence either from St. Andrews,
and terminate what is purely Highland in the journey at
Glasgow, whence you could make smaller excursions to Stir
ling and the Trosachs.
Abstracting from all detentions on the score of society, you
could make the larger sweep from St. Andrews to Glasgow
by moderate journeys in a fortnight, and the smaller sweep
in nine or ten days. I make allowance for the remarkable
scenes on the journey.
In fixing your itinerancy, my only difficulty relates to the
larger tour, because there are three great northern roads, and
I know not which of these should be surrendered. I am anx
ious to secure the middle road, as being the more character
istic across the Grampians. But I would be unwilling to sac
rifice the eastern, which takes you by Aberdeen, and carries
you to some remarkable objects on the coast. I would very
much defer to Mr. Charles Grant's opinion, who, by-the-way,
is extensively acquainted in Inverness-shire. My letters of
introduction will be a few to the aristocracy, but chiefly to the
more meritorious clergy along the line of your journey, who
will be delighted to show you every attention, and whom you
wiU find to be at once intelligent and congenial.
May I request to know your movements when you have
fixed them. With most respectful compliments to Mrs. and
Miss Wilberforce, in which Mrs. Chalmers joins, I have the
honor to be, my dear sir, yours with greatest esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.

100 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. LXIX St. Andrews, 31sf July, 1828.
My dear Sir — Your final determination for this season, on
the subject of a Scottish tour, could not fail to disappoint us,
though it is impossible not to acquiesce in the reasons of it.
The expectation of seeing you had begun to awaken a great
competition for the pleasure of your society ; and, among oth
ers. Lord Leven, who, with his friend, Captain Thornton, hon
ored me lately with a short visit, was confidently looking for
ward to a visit from you. We shall be exceeding glad of
meeting with you any where, though the seclusion of St. An
drews would certainly have afibrded greater advantages for
intercourse than I can hope to have in Edinburgh. But
there, too, we should feel it a gratification and an honor to
have you under our roof
I have just returned from Glasgow, where I have been vis
iting the afflicted family of my friend, Mr. Parker, who died
suddenly within these twelve days.
I observe the struggle and opposition that you have had to
encounter in the erection of your chapel. Such is the iden
tity of the anti-evangelical spirit aU over the world, that I
recognize the perfect identity of your experience with all that
we have had to contend against among ourselves. Our Gen
eral Assembly, however, is now far better disposed to these
erections, and the chapel cause has been making great prog
ress of late in Scotland.
Mrs. Chalmers joins in kindest regards to yourself and with
our united respects to Mrs. and Miss Wilberforce, I have the
honor to be, my dear sir, yours with greatest esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXX.
Edinburgh, 2ith November, 1832.
My dear Sir — I received your letter of the 3d of October,
by the hands of Mrs. Wellman, only two or three days ago ;

MRS. GLASGOW. 101

and it was read, both by myself and Mrs. Chalmers, with
great interest and emotion. I receive it as the most unequiv
ocal expression of your friendship which could possibly be
given, that you have thus laid open to me the personal and
famUy trials wherewith a mysterious but merciful Providence
hath exercised you ; and we particularly rejoice in your own
distinct and declared experience, that though clouds and dark
ness are round about Him, and there is much of the inscrut
able in His deaUngs with the children of men, yet is there
wisdom in all His ways and kindness in aU His visitations.
We felt deeply the death of your daughter, whom we saw
last in June, 1830. May we all grow in a well-founded hope
of that inheritance above, where sorrow and separation are
unknown. With our united and respectfiil compliments to Mrs. WU-
berforce, I have the honor to be, my dear sir, yours with
greatest esteem and regard, Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO MRS. GLASGOW OF MOUNTGREENAN.
No, LXXI. Glasgow, 24tA April, 1819.
Dear Madam — Your interesting and kind letter reached
me at least three weeks after it was written, and when I was
in the midst of all that heat and hurry which are unfortu
nately too much associated with the business of the sacrament
in our large towns. I have since had a small excursion into
the country, and this is the first day of my return home. I
think it necessary to state all this, for it does require expla
nation that a letter so replete with valuable and friendly ob
servations should have remained for such a length of time un
answered. The notice that has been excited by my pubhcations is cer
tainly beyond all that I could have ventured to anticipate ;
and my attention has been a good deal exercised on the ques
tion — in how far this was due to the pure and single ingre-

103 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
dient of Christianity, or to certain adventitious ingredients
which entered into my exposition of it ? and I trust that I
speak the genuine desire of my heart when I affirm the feel
ing of a much truer satisfaction in being made to understand
that any hearer has become more reconcUed than before to
the preaching of those who hold fast the simple and unac
companied Gospel, or that any reader has acquired either a
juster perception or a more approving taste for the doctrine
of the Bible.
In these circumstances I could not fail perusing your letter
with much interest and gratification ; and happy shall I be
that, by entering upon the fellowship of confidence and afiec-
tion with Christ, you experience in your person the fulfillment
of aU His promises, receiving from Him power to become one
of the children of God, created anew unto good works, and
rendered a new creature in Him who died for you.
Be assured, dear madam, that you can not think too ex
travagantly either of your own native guilt or native help
lessness, and that on such a feeling as this you need lay no
limitation whatever. And, on the other hand, you can not
think too confidently either of Christ's power, or of Christ's
wiUingness to expiate the one and to perfect His own strength
in the other. It is my earnest prayer that neither of us be
permitted to stop short with approving of this process intel
lectually, but that we shall be led by the good Spirit of God
to enter upon the process actually and experimentaUy. I
have just room to add, that I do not know a more stimulating
kind of reading than the lives of religious persons  Philip
Henry, Matthew Henry, Doddridge, Halyburton, Newton, are
among the most useful subjects of religious biography that at
present occur to rae ; but let all our reading be subordinate
to the Bible.
After the many kind encourageraents which you have had
the goodness to afford rae, I assure you of my hearty inclina
tion to visit Mountgreenan, and will certainly never be in
your neighborhood, with health and any degree of leisure at

MRS. GLASGOW. 103
ail, without offering my respects to you. I am greatly en
grossed at present, however, and from the circumstance of my
relations being all situated on the east side of the island, I
have it rarely in my power to be in your neighborhood. Be
Ueve me to be, madam, yours with great regard and esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXII. Anstruther, 13th August, 1819.
My dear Madam — I am here upon sea-bathing. You were
from home when I was last in your neighborhood, and I fear
that I shaU not be able to make out my meditated visit to
Mountgreenan for some time. Your last letter interested me
greatly, and the question about sin, I trust, proceeded from a
mind more enUghtened, both as to its existence and its enor
mity, than before, and therefore having more of its magnitude
in view as residing in her own character, while in respect of
its absolute magnitude it is actually becoming less"
The topic to which you adverted has puzzled and mortified
mauiy an aspiring disciple of Christ. He becomes the sanc
tification as well as the redemption of those who believe in
Him, and why, then, is He not now my complete sanctifica
tion ? Just because we do not yet completely believe in Him.
In proportion to the strength and consistency of our faith is our
experience of His faithfulness. He gives power to become
the children of God to as many as receive Him. (John, i.,
12.) But not to keep Him just brings us back to the con
dition in which we were when we had not received Him ;
and so is it worthy of remark, that unless we keep in memory
the truth which we have learned, we have believed in vain,
and are not saved. (1 Cor., xv., 2.) The great exceUence
of the Gospel is, that the same principle which stands connect
ed with our acceptance in the sight of God (Acts, xiii., 39),
will also, if admitted and kept in the heart, maintain within
it the principle of aU holy and a.fiectionate obedience. (Gal.,
v., 6 ; 1 Johft, v., 4.) But faith is a progressive principle.

104 CORRESPONDENCE OP DR. CHALMERS.
In its ihfancy it often fluctuates into feebleness, and appears
to fade away altogether. It says nothing against, but for the
supremacy of its infiuence, that when away from the mind
of man, he relapses into the sin and the vanities of nature,
and that it is only when present in the mind that this new
and implanted principle insures the ascendency of the Spirit,
and subordinates the flesh to its pure and prevailing influ
ence. It is of importance to know, that the privilege of a
Christiail in the world consists not in an exemption from the
motions of the flesh, but in a power of Control over them.
There is a conffict betweeli nature and grace, even unto the
end. (Gal., v., 17.) Paul describes this Conflict in his own
person. (Rom., vii., 9-25.) Sin was present, but it had iiot
the dominion, when he recurred by faith to Christ as his help
er. To feel the ihstigatibns of sin is one thing, to walk after
these iiistigations is another. Coinmit yourself to Jesus as
the Lord your sahctifier, and you will experience the same
reason of gratitude that Paul did when he uttered the ex
clamation, Ronl., vii., 24, S5 ; and in !Rom., viii., 4, you find
that, through Christ strengthening him, he, and every true
believer after him, walks after the Spirit.
I have often thought that " whosoever is born of God com-
mitteth not sin" would be more intelligible, and apparently
mCre consistCiit with experience, were the first word render
ed, lyhich I think it might be, " whatsoever," viz., the new
principle of regeneration — the love which faith worketh' — the
radical element of the new man, out of which no sin can pos
sibly emerge, and which, in proportion to its growth in the
Christian, will more and more prevail over the old man, and
expel sin from the whole man, compound as he is in his pres
ent state of the two put together.
Out of aU this observation I would say, in the first place,
that the best practical attitude for obedience from one hour
to another, is to live in faith on the Son of God from one hour
to another — is to feed the flame of gratitude all the day lono-,
by trusting all the day long — is to commit yourself in good

MRS. GLASGOW. 105

earnest to Him under this one and that other temptation,
and then see whether He will not keep that which is so com
mitted — see whether, when the Lord is besought earnestly.
He does not indeed and in truth return the answer, " I will
make my grace sufficient for you ; I will perfect my strength
in weakness."
Let rae say, in the second place, that though the existence
of sin be compatible with a state of safety (1 John, i., 8), I
know not a worse symptom than when a professing disciple
is willing, on this account, to lay down the armor of hostility
against it. It is a war in which no quarter must be given
— a war of extermination — a war with self, and with tem
per, and vidth willfulness — a war which is never slackened
by the offers of pardon or the hopes of impunity. It is re
markable,, that after John has brought^forward the things
stated in chapter i. of his first Epistle, and verses 7 and 9, he
should say, in chapter u., verse 1, he wrote these things not
that they might securely sin, but that they might sin not,
and foUows up this with another ample declaration of the
grace and forgiveness by which the Gospel is characterized.
Did I think that natural talents were enough for an intel-
hgent perusal of the Epistle to the Romans, I would recom
mend this epistle to none more readily than to yourself But
in the actual truth of the case, let me recommend the perusal
of this admirable compendium of Christianity with earnest
prayer — ^with sustained and persevering attention — with a
constant feeling of dependence on that Spirit, who, by the
Word as His instrument, can alone effectuaUy teach you, by
taking of the things of Christ and showing them unto you.
I have read with impression lately Alleine's " Alarm to the
Unconverted," and I am now reading Doddridge's " Rise and
Progress of Religion." The former is a very close and vigor
ous performance. Its occasional coarsenesses of imagery and
expression I feel persuaded that you will now overlook ; nor
do I know a more pleasing coUateral transformation that
takes place on an inquirer than when, in spite of accompani-
E

106 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ments which at one time would have utterly repelled him,
his taste becomes reconciled to the phraseology of evangel
ical writers from the weight and preciousness of the matter
which it conveys. Believe rae, my dear madam, yours with
great esteem and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXIII. Glasgow, 30th April, 1821.
My dear Madam — I send you my book on National Re
sources. I should like your frank and expUcit avowal re
specting the merits of my theory, which to me is still as con
vincing as when I first conceived it.
I look back with no common emotions of interest and de
light to the hours of enjoyment I had while under your hos
pitable roof; and it is indeed ray earnest wish and solicitude
that your decided tendencies to the best of subjects may end
in a blessed consumraation. There is no possibility of com
ing forth with any prescription as to the time that might al
lowably be given to hterature, and elegance, and society ; and
it would obliterate the character of Christianity altogether
were she made so to deal out her aUowances by hours and by
quantities. The great object is to keep the heart with all
dihgence, and if it were right, every thing else would find its
right and natural adjustment in the system of one's concerns,
and from a code of restraint the law of the Gospel would rise
to the high distinction of being a law of liberty. For the
right keeping of the heart, I know not a raore summary and
thoroughly evangeUcal expedient than we find in Jude, 20, 21.
It may, however, be affirmed, that it is a good discipline
to maintain self denial in reference to aU our natural indulg
ences, and we can not be too thoroughly aware, that just as
it constitutes the crime of idolatry whether the image we faU
down to worship be of gold or of baser materials, so it is quite
a possible thing to feed the defection of the heart from God
by a refined as effectually as by a coarser species of world-
liness.

MRS. GLASGOW. io7

I crave my most respectful regards to Mr. Glasgow, whose
kind reception of me I felt to be truly gratifying. I am, my
dear madam, yours very affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXIV.
My dear Madam — I have at length perused your paper,
and though to me there is no task more fatiguing and more
formidable than that of transferring my mind to a new sub
ject, with the view of critically appreciating the argument
that has been raised upon it, yet I trust I have been enabled
to seize upon the principle of your composition, and on ra
tional and deliberate grounds to acquiesce in it. I have nei
ther Alison nor Jeffrey by me, and am unable to estimate
the whole amount of the difference between your theory and
theirs ; yet I can perceive a very important novelty in the
compromise that you have struck between Socrates and Plato ;
in conceding to the forraer his principle of utility, as indeed
the inherent or pervading principle of all beauty ; and to the
latter, that as our impressions of utility vary in different in
dividuals with the accidental circumstances or affections, the
character ef beautiful which we assign to visible objects will
depend on the character of our own emotions. I felt myself
on raore faraiUar ground, and where I was perhaps better able
to estimate the value of your argument when I approached
toward the conclusion of your essay. It is, indeed, a most im
portant truth, that in morals and theology, the soundness of
the affections stands raost intimately linked with the sound
ness of the understanding ; and I can perceive how this very
principle does indeed shed a most beautiful light on the de
partment of Taste, the correctness of which will, according to
the views that you have so ably unfolded, depend on the cor
rectness of the heart and feelings.
You still, I apprehend, leave as wide though not so exten
sive an empire as does Alison to the law of association. The
physical pleasure that certain sounds or sights confer, from

108 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
their suitableness to the bodily organ, is no doubt an ingre
dient of beauty which has its primary and immediate resi
dence in the object itself though the remembrance of this in
time past will influence to a certain degree, too, the present
emotion wherewith the object is regarded. But, saving on
this ground, the principle of utility seems to have no other
instrument than association for working its influences upon
taste. Mrs. Chalmers and our family are still at Ardincaple, and
I do feel the sea-bathing to be of great benefit, and retirement
a very great luxury. I took the liberty of recommending a
few Christian duodecimos to you when we last met. May I
add to the list Romaine's " Life of Faith," and Romaine's
" Walk of Faith." I think he unfolds the most peaceful, andj
at the same time, the most powerful way of prosecuting the
good work of sanctification.
I again beg my most respectful compliments to Mr. Glas
gow, and with every assurance of esteem and attachment to
yourself I entreat you to believe rae, my dear madam, yours
very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXV.
Glasgow, 15th November, 1821.
My dear Madam — I am glad you have looked into Ed
wards ; I think that the great strength of his argument for
the agreement of his doctrines with moral distinctions, lies in
an Appendix that is subjoined to aU the later editions of his
works; I am quite aware, however, that he has failed to
convmce some of the ablest and most accomplished under
standings. I feel both amused and interested by the lucu
brations of Mr. Stewart on this subject in his Prehminary Dis
sertation. Edwards, though the profoundest of aU writers on the more
deep and hidden tracks of speculation, is also the plainest and
most practical on the more popular topics of Christianity ; nor
have I read any thing more urgently, and even appallingly

MRS. GLASGOW. 109

impressive, than are some of his sermons. His works are now
formed into a complete edition, and I think of them that
they should hold a place of supereminence in every theologi
cal library.
We must have more conversation on the subject of Ahson
and Jeffrey on Taste. I have still the haunting impression
that Alison would concede to yon the opinion that you have
formed, and at the sarae time affirm it to be in entire unison
with his own theory. If I recoUect him right, he denies the
power of caUing forth the emotions of taste to any qualities
strictly material, independent of their association with some
thing else, or that there is nothing either in color or form to
awaken these emotions. There are, at the same time, inher
ent quaUties in external and visible objects which may be
conceived as disjoined fixjm either their color, or shape, as the
usefulness of a horse. This nsefiiln^ might enter into our
impr^sion of the beauty of the animal, or in other words, it
may be something inherent in the horse that constitutes part
of its beauty, and yet a something reducible into the prin
ciple of association, because that something is not addressed
immediately either to the eye or the ear, or any of the senses.
The sight of him suggests his usefulness, and it is not what
is immediately before you, but what the mind is led to con
ceive from it, that is the cause of the emotion in question. I
speak rather in the obscure and floundering style of one whose
mind is not made up on the subject, and I am sure you must
think me provokingly stupid in regard to it.
It dehghts me to witne^ the approximations of one who
has so much both of hterary accomplishment and inteUectual
vigor, to a doctrine that is stUl an offense and a derision
among the pMlosophers of our existing generation ; and when
I think of the great moral distance that there is between an
appreciatiBg taste either for Alison or Stewart upon the one
hand,, and a relish for the writings of Guthrie, or Romaine,
or Owen, or John Newton, upon the other, I can not but re
joice in the infusion of the latter into a mind before strongly

no CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

impregnated with the former, as the hopeful evidence of one
who is under the workings of a high and heavenly uifluence ;
and it is indeed my earnest prayer that, through the Word
and Spirit of God, you may become every day vidser unto sal
vation. With most respectful comphments to Mr. Glasgow,
beUeve me, my dear madam, yours with great esteem and
regard Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXVI.
Friday, Uth July, 1822.
My dear Madam — In the pubUshing of your Essay there
are two things that must be taken into account : First, the
taste of the pubUc has decUned prodigiously of late years for
all the topics of pure and abstract speculation. The talent
of our land has now forced its way into the chaTnnel of peri
odical literature ; and there is certainly a force and a spirit
in our magazines, and reviews, and even newspapers, which
might have done credit to the best of our British classics. But
certain it is that a separate and independent essay on such a
topic as you have chosen is not fitted to meet the present di
rection which the demand for reading has taken. No merit,
or power of argument, or of matter, that is of so scientific a
character, will countervail the present tendencies of the popu
lar tastes — and the slow sale of Brown's " Lectures" is a very
striking instance of it. The same remark applies, I believe,
to Stewart's works, so that both he and Playfair, to widen the
circulation of their views, have thrown them into Encyclo
paedias, these great periodical eddies of literature in our day.
But, secondly, to make a work of abstract speculation no
ticeable and an object of demand, it should be brought out in
the permanent form of a book. It is a heavy additional draw
back on the circulation of an argument that is purely phil
osophical when it is offered to the public in a pamphlet.
Brown's Essay on " Cause and Effect" appeared at first in
this ephemeral form, for it had a teraporary importance from
the Leslie controversy ; but, to stamp endurance upon it, it

MRS. GLASGOW. Ill

had to be dilated into a volume. The same is true of a most
profound metaphysical pamphlet of Edwards, which might
have come out still-born, or speedily died away from all gen
eral observation, had it not been incorporated with his "Es
say on the WiU" in an appendix.
The suggestion that I would found upon all this — but with
the utmost deference, and in the hope that you wiU give it no
further place than you really think it entitled to — is, that the
Essay should appear, in the first instance, in one of our most
distinguished periodicals (say the " Christian Observer"),
where it might caU forth a world of -observation and argu
ment, and give a direction, perhaps, to other illustrations of
the principle on your part ; and when enough of materials
have been thus digested and accumulated for a volume, let it
pass into this state, as Cunninghame's last work did, which,
in fact, was brought out by a gradual preparation of this very
kind. With most respectful compliments to Mr. Glasgow
and Miss Dunlop, I entreat you to beUeve me, my dear mad
am, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXVII. Glasgow, 15th November, 1822.
My dear Madam — I do not know whether Mr. Gollins has
written you in regard to the dedication ; but you must reaUy
permit us both to say that there are many serious and weighty
objections against the appearance of it. I have already been
made the subject in print of most gross and ungenerous im
putations, on the score of the interested connection which is
alleged to subsist between myself and that house ; and any
thing so very eulogistical printed by them would, I am sure,
give a color to these imputations, and altogether form such
an exhibition as might revolt even many who at present en
tertain no suspicion of that kind.
I fear that this would be an insuperable barrier to the pub-
hcation of your work by that house, if the dedication be per
sisted in ; and I farther entreat your forgiveness when I say

113 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
that, though pubUshed in any circumstances, I should be dis
tressed by the appearance of it. It is no doubt most flatter
ing to myself that I should stand so high in the estimation of
one whom I myself so highly and so sincerely esteem. But
I would infinitely rather that the world was not admitted as
a spectator upon this gratification, which to me were far more
precious and satisfying, if, undisturbed by the public gaze, it
were left in the state of a friendship that none but the parties
themselves should know, and which none dse could appreci
ate. I look earnestly forward to a favorable deliverance from
you upon this point, after which I shall have occasion to ad
vert to other particulars connected with the publication.
With most respectful compliments to Mr. Glasgow, and
most affectionate prayers for your own advancement in all
that is good, and gracious, and heavenly, I entreat you to be
lieve me, my dear madam, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXVIII.
2d April, 1823.
My dear Madam — I felt exceedingly grateful for your let
ter, and much interested by all that you mention on the sub
ject of the Essay. I have read it deliberately since I saw
you, and I do think that it will most assuredly work its way
I left a copy with Dr. Charteris, of Wilton, in Roxburghshire,
about a, month ago, who is much pleased and interested ; and
it has been read with very inteUigent approbation by some cul
tivated ladies in that neighborhood. I expect, however, soon
a still more solid and profound testimony from Mr. Douglas,
of Cavers, author of the " Hints on Missions," who has much
exercised his talents on the philosophy both of taste and met
aphysics. The subject is such that I should look for a very
gradual sale. Mr. AUson's first edition lingered for many
years in the market, but I trust that yours will obtain an ear-
lira: impulse than his did from the reviews and journals of the
day.

MRS. GLASGOW. 113

It grieves me to say that some recent accessions of labor
and employment make it quite imperative on me to husband
my time to the utteriliCst, and more particularly to abridge
all ttiy excursions from heme. I have, on this account, de
clined Mrj Wilson's invitation, and I really can perceive no
outlet from my accumulated urgencies till the summer of
1824. I beg my most respectful compliments to Miss Dunlop and
Mr. Glasgow. I am, my dear madam, yours with great es
teem and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXIX. Glasgow, 21s« August, 1823.
My dear Madam — I have to apologize for delaying to ac
knowledge your kind attentions to me. However much I am
gratified by your opinion of what you have seen of my coming
volume, I can not but feel assured that your partialities in be
half of its unworthy author have enhanced your estimation of
it. I can not feel too grateful for ybur expression of friendship
toward me.
You are kind enough to interest yourself ih my preparation
for the Moral Philosophy. I am far from satisfiedj and must
just flounder my Way through the new materials of the sub
ject next winter iit the best manner that I can.
Lean, however, see it to be replete with interest ; and that,
so far from detaching one's regards from the first and greatest
of causes, I do not know how one can labor more directly or
more importantly in its service than by a right elucidation of
aU the topics connected with moral science. I trust that I
may at length be enabled to find my way to your favorite sub
ject— ^the action and reaction that taste and principle have
on each other. I was glad to understand from Mr. Collins
that Foster appreciated your views. I hope that you have
seen the last " Edinburgh" on newspapers. It gives us a
singular view of the present state of the reading public ; and
I am more persuaded than ever that the readiest way of ob-

114 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

taining public attention to almost any subject is through the
medium of periodicals. I would strongly advise extracts from
your work in some of our monthly publications, as to them the
whole talent of our writers, and the whole attention of our
readers, seem to have taken, what, I think, a very unfortunate
direction. I trust that the good old fashion of entire, and in
dependent, and systematic treatises will again be restored, as
there is really nothing more fitted to superficialize an age than
the sketches, however forcible, and the sallies, however Uvely,
that have given such currency to our ephemeral literature.
I beg my most respectful compliments to Mr. Glasgow and
Miss Dunlop ; and I entreat you to believe me, my dear madam,
yours with much esteetn and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXX.
St. Anbrews, 24tA August, 1824.
My dear Madam — I have never lost sight of my promise
to send you a sermon on Colossians, iv., 5. I find that it does
not by any means exhaust the subject, and, indeed, forms only
the part of a projected treatise on the kindred subjects to that
of which it treats. It is on this account that I would take
the liberty of requesting you to send it back when yo.u are
done with it ; at the same time, you are most welcome to
take a copy, and make any use of that copy which you please.
But I shall require it, both for the preparation of my treatise,
and also, perhaps, for preaching occasionally.
After the bustle of Glasgow, there is a peculiar charm in
the calmness and tranquillity of St. Andrews.
With most respectful compliments to Mr. Glasgow, I have
the honor to be, my dear madam, yours with great esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXXI.
St. Andrews, 26th October, 1824.
My dear Madam — I received vour kind letter of the 7th of

MRS. GLASGOW. 115

October by the hands of Miss Dunlop, whom I had very great
pleasure in meeting when last in Edinburgh.
I feel the exceeding justness of your remarks on the subject
of my sermon. There is a great want of specification in its
advices, and I fairly confess that I should feel it very difficult
to condescend upon the details of our conversation, as becom-
eth Christians, with the people of the world, and as yet am
reaUy not quaUficd for more than the very general bearings
and landmarks of the subject.
But what interested me far more, though very painfully and
with deep sympathy for yourself was the account that Miss
Dunlop gave me of Mr. Glasgow. His illness was subsequent,
I observe, to the date of your letter, and I can not think with
out emotion, of the exercise that your mind and feelings must
undergo. We have had experimental proof, on such trying
occasions, of the efficacy of prayer ; and sure I am, that how
ever general this direction may be, it is pertinent and particu
lar enough to have been often followed up by a special bless
ing even in those cases that looked most hopeless.
My syUabus of lectures is, indeed, a very imperfect exhibi
tion of the great subject to which I should like to devote much
of my future attention. I must model and remodel many
times over ere I can bring it to that state in which I would
like to leave it conclusively. Mrs. Chalmers, and our chil
dren, I have reason to bless God, are in very good health.
She feels deeply with myself for the situation of Mr. Glas
gow, and desires, along with me, her best and kindest re
gards. I entreat you to beheve me, my dear madam, yours
with the greatest esteem and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXXII.
St. Andrews, 26th February, 1825.
My dear Madam — ^Your kind letter of 11th December I
should have replied to long ago. I enter fully into the diffi
culties of your situation, and am grieved to hear from most

116 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
recent accounts that Mr. Glasgow's health is not improved ;
but surely, if aught should reconcile us to these adverse visit
ations, it must be their undoubted efficacy as the instru
ments often of a great revival to the soul that is exercised
by them. There is nothing of which I am more thoroughly
aware than the utter difference which there is between a spec
ulative and an experimental conviction of the same truth. I
may know that there is peace with God through Christ, with
out that peace being actually mine : I may have the most
orthodox notion of the ground of acceptance, without person-
aUy resting on that ground and having the sense of my own
acceptance : I may have a just perception of the truth as it
is in Jesus, without any real part in it ; and this appears to
me to be the use of affliction. It loosens us from the earthly
dependence, and forces us to feel and to sound, as it were, for
a heavenly one. Instead of merely looking to the solidity of
that foundation which God hath laid in Zion, we are led ac
tuaUy to lean upon it. That which was formerly a thing of
contemplation, comes to be a thing of personal interest ; and
whereas the understanding alone was formerly concerned with
the doctrine, the heart, and the hopes, and all the feelings of
our nature come into busy engagement with the truths of rev
elation, which the mind now gladly seeks to in the absence of
those worldly blessings that were wont to be enough for it.
It was therefore with no common interest that I read of
your spirit of adoption, and your sense of peace in Christ
Jesus—most precious experiences, which I pray you may ever
be enabled to retain, and which I can assure you are worthy
of whole worlds to be realized.
There has left us for Glasgow a very particular friend of
mine, Mr. Craik, a student of St. Andrews, and of most ex
traordinary eloquence and power. He has just delivered a
course of lectures here upon English Poetry, and with very
great force and felicity, both of imagination and languao-e.
He is to deliver the same lectures in Glasgow, and, though I
fear it is out of the question that you should be in Glasgow

MRS. GLASGSW. 117

during any part of his stay, yet, aoquamted as you aJe with
the most Hterary and cultivated of the mercantUe class in
that city, I should deem it a kindness if you would simply
state to any of them the kind of entertainment which they
may expect by attending Mr. Craik. They wiU find in ev
ery one of his lectures a very rich feast, -both of inteUect and
fancy. Mrs. Chalmers and our family are all in good health. With
best wishes and prayers, both in behalf of yourself and Mr.
Glasgow, I have the honor to be, my dear madam, yours most
respectfuUy, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXXIII. Glasgow, 22d September, 1825.
My dear Madam — I have the utmost desire to meet with
you, and contemplated writing you, when I should be at Fair-
ley next week, upon the subject. I am glad to understand
that Mrs. Parker has asked you to be there along vidth our
famUy. I shaU yet be other four Sundays in Glasgow, and
have therefore time enough for postponing the consideration
of any ulterior arrangement tUl next week.
I am much gratified by being made to understand from you
that Mr. Glasgow is in a more comfortable state of health.
May the Giver of all grace sanctify the various trials and ap
prehensions to which we are exposed in this our earthly pU-
grimage. This is the day on which I preach a sermon at
laying the foundation of Knox's monument, a subject not at
aU points congenial to me, but which was put upon me by
the excessive urgency of some of my friends. I am, my dear
madam, yours with great esteem and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXXIV. Glasgow, 12th October, 1825.
My dear Madam — I spent all last week with my friend
Mr. Wood, and got quit of my sore eyes in a few days. WiU

118 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
you have the goodness to say to Dr. Allan that I made use
of his prescription with great effect.
I found it a very tough and arduous undertaking to dehv-
er myself on the subject of Predestination in one day. How
ever, I am now done with the subject ; and, while quite as
sured of the doctrine, I feel equally assured that it leaves aU
the incitements, and all the obligations, and the whole work
of practical Christianity, frora its coraraencement to its con
summation, precisely where it found them. It is worthy of
all observation, that while the Gentiles are represented as the
objects of a previous Predestination, we are made to under
stand, at the conclusion of the chapter, that this was made
good by their acceptance of the free offer of the Gospel ; and
that those decreed reprobates, the Jews, only became so
through their rejection of that offer ; and that the whole ar
gument closes with a " whosoever," a wide and a welcome
proclamation to all who will. Our business surely is not with
the decrees, whereof we know nothing, but with the instant
declarations which are sounding in our ears, with the word
that is nigh unto us, with God not in the act of ordination
millions of centuries back, but with God in the act of urgent,
and kind, and honest entreaty at this moment. Let us there
fore leave the secret things which belong unto God where
they ought to be left, and proceed on those revealed things
which belong to ourselves and to our children.
May I be permitted to say, that if I may judge from my
own feelings, the trials wherewith you have been exercised
must greatly enhance the regard and the interest of aU your
friends. It is a difficult,- but, to a Christian, not an imprac
ticable achievement, to count it all joy when he falls into di
vers tribulations. A believing view of eternity would absorb
all our griefs and aU our provocations. May the God and the
Giver of all comfort prove a resting-place to your spirit, and
may you be enabled to hide yourself in the pavilion of His
residence till all calamities be overpast. I am, my dear mad
am, yours with the greatest esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.

MRS. GLASGOW. 119

No. LXXXV.
St. Andrews, 13tk December, 1825.
My dear Madam — I feel myself a good deal goaded at
present with the necessity of having my third volume on the
Christian and Civic Economy of Great Towns in readiness
for the press by January. It has been got up in a sad hur
ry, and with none of that leisure and care which I should
like to bestow on aU my future literary preparations. But
it is ray last engagement, and I am glad, by getting quit of
it, to be whoUy emancipated for the pursuits of my new pro
fession, which are only commencing now in good earnest.
I observe by your last that you have been exercised afresh
by the death of relatives. May these visitations lead us to a
truer estimate of the worth of things, that we may neither be
elated by this world's abundance, nor cast down by its ad
versities and its crosses. It is remarkable, that in the para
ble of the sower, the cares of this life are enumerated along
with its pleasures among the thorns which overbear the good
seed of the word of God. I have often thought, too, of the
sorrow of this world being adverted to as a counterpart to
godly sorrow, and of the property which is ascribed to it —
" that it worketh death."
I am delighted with the justness of your views on the sub
ject of Predestination. In regard to the union of fear and
love, I feel the importance of what you say in regard to the
former affection as an instrument for the conversion of sin
ners. It is exceedingly good to mark the gradual operation
of this feeling in bringing the inquirer onward from the be
ginning of wisdom to the state of being perfect in love. I did
touch upon this matter in a sermon on the text, " Some save
with fear, and others with compassion, making a difference."
But it would require to be much more fully illustrated.
I do not know if you have seen " Leighton on Peter." I
am sure that you would rejoice in that book as a very high
Christian feast. I am , my dear madam, yours with the great
est regard, Thomas Chalmers.

ISO CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. LXXXVI. St. Andrews, 7th June, 1826.
My dear Madam — I fear that my first Sunday at Glasgow
must be so late as the first Sunday of August, or August the
6th. I mean to approach it by a very unusual route-^by East
Lothian, Berwickshire, Roxburghshire, Dumfriesshire, Gallo
way, and Ayrshire. On this line I visit several of ray ac^
quaintaiioes, and more especially a sister, married only yester
day to a clergyman in Kirkcudbrightshire. If perfectly con
venient for you, I would come from Irvine to Mountgreenan
on Saturday, the 5th of August, and return from Glasgow on
the evening of Sunday the 6th, to spend a week there. J
trust, however, that you will decline receiving rae, if either
the state of Mr. Glasgow's health or any other circumstance
should render it unsuitable.
I will not disguise it, that, next to the happiness of your
own society, I value the quietness and retirement of Mount
greenan, and would gladly avail myself of these advantages
for a more intense work of Sabbath preparation than I have
yet been able to fulfill. The truth is, that I have found the
study and society together greatly too much for me on my
recent visits to the west ; and I should vastly desiderate that
entire command of the forenoon which you have ever had the
goodness to allow me, and which, intermingled as it was with
recreation and converse of the highest order, has inspired me
with the pleasantest recollections of your place and neighbor
hood. I am, ray dear madam, yours with the greatest esteem
and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXXVII.
St. Andrews, ith December, 1826.
My dear Madam — I am much interested by what you
say of Mr. Cunninghame. When I had the pleasure of meet
ing him at Mountgreenan, he interested me much more than
I had ever before been in the study of prophecy, by the as

MRS. GLASGOW. 121

sertion that he made, both upon his own experience and
span that of others, of its spiritualizing tendency. I have re
solved to make a deliberate effort upon that subject, but have
scarcely had time to begin. I have, however, been reading
some proof-sheets of a new publication by Mr. Irving — ^that
ic, the translation of a prophetic work from the Spanish. It
seems very able. I believe it will make me a millenarian ;
and I can certainly conceive from it that the study of proph
ecy should have a very powerful effect in strengthening one's
practical Christianity. I am glad that your work is speed
ily to be made the subject of a review, which I sincerely
hope will do justice to it. That ray mind is not absolutely
established on the side of its theory does not affect the ques
tion of whether or "not I think it should have been published.
Both Alison's and Jeffrey's books on the same subject are val
uable accessions to English Literature, even though their the
ories do diverge somewhat from each other, and though I can
not say that either has made me a decided proselyte. The
same applies to what Brown has written upon this subject.
Successive authors might make successive approximations to
the truth, and, though one is doubtful as to the truth of any
of their promulgated systems, yet he may not be' at all doubt'
ful of its worth as a contribution to the mass of literature on
that subject. I must repeat, however, that, I should have
preferred your work to have come out, in the first instance,
through the medium of some of our best journals, as being far
the most noticeable way in the present direction which the
public have taken toward periodical literature. I experience
this in the dull sale of my own works on Political Economy.
I am, my dear madam, yours very respectfully, Thomas Chalmers.
No. LXXXVIII. St. Andrews, 21st February, 1828.
My dear Madam — Accept of ray best thanks for your
friendly congiratulations on the subject of my recent appoint-
V. F

ISa CdRRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS
ment to Edinburgh. The preparation is a work of great la
bor, and indeed I may say that it is now my main though
not my only employment, as I have at present the teaching
of two classes besides. In the course of my reading for the
Theological Chair, I have fallen in with a French work of
Leibnitz's, entitled " Essais de Theodicee sur la bonte de Dieu,
la liberie de I'homme, et I'origine du mal." I am sure it
would interest you. He is a Necessitarian ; but, though not
so close in argument, is far more illustrative and philosophi
cal than Edwards. He has, besides, a richness and an ele
gance which the other has no pretensions to. He gives much
information about the state of moral and metaphysical science
in the Continent at that period ; and, though he has not just
resolved the question of the originof evil, yethehas advanced
such plausibilities upon the subject as serve to reconcile us in
the mean time to a suspension of our judgment till " the day
shall declare it," even the " day of the revelation of the mys
tery of God." I do not recommend this work for its practi
cal piety, but rather for what may be called its philosophical
orthodoxy ; and it is most interesting to follow the specula
tions of one so illustrious in science on the sublime doctrines
and mysteries of our faith.
My work of practical piety at present is Boston, one of our
Scottish authors. I am now reading his " Fourfold State,"
and I think his little treatise entitled " The Crook in the Lot"
is very precious.
I fear that my engagements are such that the composition
of a sermon on any special topic at present is out of the ques
tion. The subject that you advert to, however, is one on
which there must be some impressive treatises ; and it occurs
to me to say, that if I remeraber right, there are French tractt*
which have been published by the Continental Society, and
some of which, I am confident, must bear upon Scriptural read
ing. I know not a cheaper and more productive benevolence
than the distribution of such pamphlets, when well chosen.
We are all pretty well. May the God of aU mercy ever

MRS. DUNLOP. 123

be with you, and in His precious Bible may you never want
for refreshment and consolation. Beheve me, my dear mad
am, yours with greatest afiectiou and esteem, Thomas Chalmers.

No. LXXXIX. — Letter to Mrs. Dunlop.
Skieltns Manse, Biggar, 8th June, 1842.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I was much impressed by your
fareweU sentence at our parting in the Meadows on Saturday
afternoon, and have felt ever since that I could not do ade
quate justice to the common sentiment which I beheve act
uated us both, without addressing you a few lines upon the
subject. In one respect om- experience is very much at one. In
early life my feUowships, and of course my preferences, were
aU on the side of that cold and moderate system of Chris
tianity which is sometimes dignified by the appeUation of ra
tional. I have heard you complain that you almost never
heard any exposition of the evangeUcal system from the pul
pit ; and that when that mode of preaching became raore fre
quent and fashionable, it came upon you with a sence of nov
elty. With me, again — and here perhaps we differ in our
histories — ^that system was not unknown, but then it was the
object of antipathy and distaste ; and nothing can be raore dis
tinct than my two mental states in reference to Christianity
before and after the age of thirty, since which time the pecu
liar doctrines of the. Gospel have risen every year in ray esti
mation ; and I have long been persuaded that the only way
of salvation is through the knowledge of Christ and of Him
crucified. To me the most precious verses in the Bible are those which
give a specific and pointed direction to the overtures of recon
ciliation in such terms as warrant the reader to apply them
to himself individually. For example, "The blood of Christ
cleanseth from all sin." Why not from my sin ? — " Come

124 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
unto me all." Why not I ? — " Whosoever cometh shall in
no wise be cast out." Let me come, then, sure of Heaven's
- welcome and of Heaven's good- will. — " liany man open the
door of his heart, I will enter and be at peace with him."
Let me take to rayself the encouragement of this blessed say
ing, " Every one that asketh receiveth." Let me ask till I
receive, seek till I find, knock till the door be opened. I have
often said that there is not a greater help to the way of peace
than a prayerful reading of the Bible. The profitable way
of reading is to read it with application, and as if God, through
His word, were holding individual converse with me.
I was much gratified by your favorable opinion of my
daughter Grace. Though I say it myself, she is no ordinary
person, and therefore it is that she has lived beyond the
sight and sympathy of ordinary minds. She is with me here
at Skirling, as well as Mrs. Chalmers, and I hope that both
of them will benefit by the change of air. Mrs. Glasgow* I
always regarded as a very inteUectual person, and she blend
ed the spiritual with it during the last years of her hfe ; and
I remeraber well the pleasure I felt in observing how she con-
genialized with the horaely but substantial writings of the
good old Puritans, and that notwithstanding her refined liter
ary taste. It is this union of the literary with the evangel
ical which raakes Grace so interesting to me.
It is ray earnest prayer, my dear Mrs. Dunlop, that the
evening of your life may be more and more irradiated with
the hopes of the Gospel, and that you may have great peace
and great joy in placing your full rehance on that meroy
which, in the economy of our redemption, stands associated
with a truth which never fails. I am, my dear madam,
yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
* Mrs. Dunlop's sister.

MRS. PARKER. 125

LETTERS TO MRS. PARKER.
No. XC. Glasgow, 7th May, 1823.
My dear Madam — ^Mrs. Chalniers desires me to say that,
as soon as Dr. Rjfiiny authorizes the movement, she will raost
gratefuUy avail herself of your kind invitation.* Blochairn
has often been a most precious and important asylum to rae,
and it is there that I have always been most protected from
all that could interfere with mental exercises. With kindest
compliments to Mr. and the Misses Parker, I entreat you to
believe me, my dear madam, yours most gratefully,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XCI. Blochairn, 1st July, 1823.
My dear Madam — I feel the utmost gratitude for the very
perfect accommodation that I here enjoy, and shall never for
get the lasting obUgations under which you have laid both
myself and my family. We have a few callers, but nothing
oppressive in this way. _ Dr. Lockhart and his lady have paid
us a short visit : we feel exceedingly comfortable, and, I am
sure, are greatly better off than we could possibly have been
in any situation that had been selected by ourselves. Grace
has been thrown somewhat aback by cold, but has certainly
made progress, upon the whole, since she came out to Blo
chairn. I can not adequately express the thankfulness I feel for that
kind Providence which has conducted me to the arrangement
that I now enjoy. I would have sunk under the accumula
ted weight of my prospects and preparations had it not been
for this precious season of tranquiUity. I have now the like
ly anticipation of such a readiness for my new office as may
warrant the hope of getting over the approaching winter with
some degree of comfort. With kindest compliments to the
* See Memoirs, vol. ii., p. 472.

126 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
Misses i'arker and Mr. James, I entreat you to beUeve me,
my dear madam, yours with gratitude and esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XCII. Blochairn,' 11 <ft Jjrfy, 1823.
My dear Madam — Mrs. Chalmers was interrupted in her
purpose to write this letter, and as she is still in bed, and our
messenger with us at present, I have to state from her that
she knows you will be gratified to hear that Grace, in spite
of short and temporary fluctuations from one day to another,
is making steady and general progress, and is certainly much
stronger and better than when she first came out. I have
great satisfaction in adding that Mrs. Chalmers herself is evi
dently improved by her country residence ; and there are ad
ditional grounds of thankfulness for all the convenience and
pleasure enjoyed by myself in this most retired and romantic
spot. Yours most affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XCIII.
9th October, 1823.
My dear Madam — Mrs. Chalmers fixes on Friday week,
being the 17th of this month, as the one that would suit her
intended movement, for your servant being at Blochairn. We
had proposed to move on the Saturday, being the 18th, and
we think it well that the turmoil of the Synod is over before
we enter into Glasgow. The remaining few weeks will no
more than suffice for our preparations previous to our depart
ure. There is one point of negUgence on which I can not reflect
without compunction. I have not visited those humble neigh
bors whora I should have plied with ministerial advice and at
tention. I have only seen Mrs. Sibbald once, and Mrs. Smith
but for a single moment, when I left a promise that I have
not, frora bad health, been able to fulfill. Walter's wife I

MRS. PARKER. 187
have never visited, and, on looking back, I can offer no other
explanation than that I have aUowed my prospective labors
to encroach a great deal too much on my present duties.
We shaU always look back on Blochairn with feelings of
peculiar interest and delight, and will never fail to join with
the recollection that kindness from which our family have de
rived such inestimable benefits.
Yours very affectionately, Thomas Chalme&S.
No. XCIV. Blochairn, 20th October, 1823.
My dear Madam — We have delayed leaving this delight
ful neighborhood for two days longer than we originally pur
posed, and only take our final departure this morning. We
fear that this may have somewhat disturbed and deranged
the operations of your servants. Our Uttle Grace, in virtue
of a severe toothache, had become quite feverish on Saturday,
and we were apprehensive of the consequences of a removal.
I myself had been laid up, and am now greatly the better of
the repose and retirtement of one rural Sabbath. We are
tiow in full equipment for moving. There is, indeed, an im
pressive necessity now for beginning our ojperations at Wind
sor Place as soon as possible. But we do leave this inter
esting mansion with deep emotions of regret. My walks have
supplied me with many local associations that will serve to
impress with vivacity upon my remembrance an abode where
with I shaU ever connect the most inestimable blessings to
my family.
I shall not trouble you any further with the expression of
a gratitude that, I am sUre, both with Mrs. Chalmers and
myself, will never be effaced, but remain indelible under all
the varieties of our future history in the world.
Yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers

128 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. XCV.
St. Andrews, 5th January, 1824.
My dear Madam — I should have written long ere now of
Mrs. Chalmers's arrival and of her excellent health. I have
the utmost reason to bless God for the state of my famUy.
We have greatly humanized the appearance of our house
since Mr. Parker saw it, and I beg that he will give up his
benevolent alarms upon that account. The public rooms are
both most comfortable, and, with the exception of our bed
room, they are all in a very fair and habitable state. The
truth is, that my Glasgow friends, were not in fair circum
stances for a right judgment upon the matter, as they saw
the house in a wholly dismantled state and without furniture.
I have Mrs. Chalmers's'authority for saying that it is a much
better habitation than she had been led to apprehend it.
It will, I am sure, give you much pleasure to know that
hitherto I have had great peace and comfort in St. Andrews.
The weather has, upon the whole, been uncommonly fine,
and the walks are deUghtful. It is not that I have little sen-
sibihty toward Glasgow, the place I have left, but that the
air, and the tranqtiillity, and the style of occupation of the
place I am in, are all so very congenial to my habits, that I
have so much of enjoyment in St. Andrews ; and it gives me
the utmost pleasure to connect the facilities of my present
condition with my residence in Blochairn. It is to that ar
rangement that I owe such an amount of preparation for my
class as has made an undertaking practicable that otherwise
would have been most oppressive.
I feel that I have been wanting in my duty not to have
written you sooner, and greatly wanting in it not to have writ
ten Dr. Rainy,* whose unwearied friendship and assiduous of
fices of kindness to my family have given him as high a place
in my gratitude as he before had in my esteem and regard.
Mrs. Chalmers joins in kindest regards to the whole fam-
* Mrs. Parker's brother.

MRS. PARKER. 189

ily, and our chUdren — who, by-the-way, attend a most excel
lent school at our very door — send their best wishes to Miss
Anne Parker. May the protection of heaven ever be over
you ; and may the sense of God, as God in Christ, be ever
present, both to cheer and to sanctify the hearts of all in
whom you are interested. I am, my dear madam, yours with
the utmost gratitude and esteem, Thomas Chalmers.
No. XCVI. — Ietter to Mr. Parker.
S(r. Andrews, 25(A February, 1825.
My dear Sir — It gave me the utmost satisfaction to hear
from Mrs. Parker of Mr. James's* academic honors : I had
before been^ apprized of them by the London newspapers.
The letter I received some time ago from Mr. Charles took
no notice of his providential escape at Guadaloupe. I was
much impressed with Mrs. Parker's description of it, and I do
sincerely hope that a circumstance so awakening will not be
lost on your son, who has been deUvered in a way that so
strikingly announces the hand of an unseen Preserver.
Mrs. Chalmers and the family are all in remarkable health.
The weather here is quite marvelous for the season. We
have had a succession of the finest vernal days — or, I might
say, weeks — that I ever recollect, though we can not but have
an overcast before the winter has altogether passed away.
With kindest and most respectful compliments to Mrs. and
the Misses Parker, in which Mrs. Chalmers joins, I am, my
dear sir, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. xcvii; St. Andrews, 2dth June, 1825.
My dear Madam — As Mrs. Chalmers is somewhat taken
up with the children, she has requested me to answer your
very kind letter to her. We are both very sensible, and have
had much experience of the charms of Blochairn, and have
resolved, with much gratitude, to avail ourselves of your kind
* The late Vioe-Chancellor, Sir James Parker.
F 2

ISO CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
offer of its accommodations. The only condition is, that Mrs.
Rainy shall not in the least be put out of her way by our in
trusion, which can not, however, with the arrangements which
are before us, last longer than a fortnight, as our various ex
cursions to Fairley, Mosshouse, &c., will take up the great
majority of our time in the west.
We had very great pleasure in the visit of Mr. and Mrs.
with Miss Babington. There is a Jife and a refreshment in
the converse of religious people, of which we here stand em
inently in need. Since they left us, we have been much
gratified with a visit from Mr. Thomas Erskine, author of
some most valuable treatises, and a truly spiritual as well as
richly-gifted intellectual man. He regretted having missed
the society of the venerable Mr. Babington, to whom, by-the-
way, I have written to the care of Mr. Parker.
Mr. Erskine sends the kindest inquiries after Dr. Rainy
and Mr. R. Brown, whom he had formerly met with in Glas
gow. Yours with great esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. xovm.
Blochairn, 13th September, 1825.
My dear Madam — We have been very happy here in the
midst of great quiet and of the most unbounded kindness.
The scheme of our future rtiovements is somewhat erabarrass-
edby a public sermon which I have to preach in the middle
of next week ; and I find, in consequence, that it will answer
best for us to come down to Fairley on Monday, the 3d of Oc
tober, being Monday fortnight. But, should any other week
be more convenient for you, I beg that you will mention it.
I am glad to understand that Mr. Parker is so much bet
ter, and that Mr. James purposes to stay with you till the 10th
of October. I am very desirous of some conversation with
him, and more especially since I understand that his studies
have been directed to Political Economy.
Mrs. Chalmers joins me in kindest comphments to you and

MRS. PARKER. i31

the Misses Parker. Both the families here are in great health
and enjoyment. I am, my dear madam, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. XCIX.
GtASGow, 3d August, 1826.
My dear Madam — Your very kind letter I received yes
terday. I can assure you that it is with no ordinary regret that I
bereave myself of your society during this excursion. It was
my firm purpose to have been a week at Fairley ; but the
composition of a preface for Mr. Russer^s " Sermons'' render
ed it, in the first instance, necessary that I should be in the
immediate neighborhood of Glasgow, and, in the second in
stance, desirable that I should have the command of six en
tire days for study in the week — an advantage which I be
hooved to forfeit by the steam-boat passages to and from Fair-
ley. This last advantage I secure at Mountgreenan, for I
drive there on Tuesday evening, and back again on the morn
ing of the Monday after.
What I desiderate is a visit to the west, without the en
cumbrance of any duty or task work, when I should enjoy the
society of ray friends ; and I do sincerely hope that, in a fu
ture summer, I shall be able to avail myself of your great
kindness, and make Fairley the head-quarters of a little tour
along the Firth of Clyde, which I have not yet explored,
along its coasts and through its islands.
I beg my kindest regards to Mr. Parker, who, I trust. Will
get fast well, and to Miss Parker. I go to Blochairn to-mOr-
row. I am, my dear madam, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. C.
St. Andrews, 19th January, 1827.
My dear Madam — It at all times gives both to me and to
Mrs. Chalmers the utmost refreshment and real pleasure to

. 132 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
hear from yourself and your family. I hope that the imag
ination of my time being too much engrossed for a correspond
ence that we feel so desirable, will not diminish either the
regularity or the frequency of it. The truth is, that my time
is not so engrossed here as it was in Glasgow ; and, besides,
the habit into which I have got of setting apart an hour a
day to letter-writing, enables me to overtake all the duties
which in this way are laid upon me.
I am much interested by your information regarding Mr.
James. I saw an advertiseraent the other day of a work on
" Political Econoray," by a member of the University of Cam
bridge. Its specific subjects were those that we had very fully
discussed on my last interview with him at Blochairn ; and,
which is not always the case, we agreed in our sentiments.
I was tempted by this circumstance to conceive that he might
have been the author. I am sure that his decided Christi
anity would prove a far highex gratification to you than his
first-rate talent ; and I pray that your anxieties and supplica
tions for the souls of your relatives might bring down that in
fluence which alone can convert and sanctify. I would an
swer every letter, if James would but write me. I am, my
dear madam, yours with greatest esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CI.
St. Andrews, 18th August, 1828
My dear Madam — As I leave Mrs. Chalmers to fiU up this
letter, I have just room to say, that I received your son's valu
able present of Schleusner's " Lexicon." I am quite sensible
that the best ingredient of a gift is the disposition which it
indicates in the giver ; and I prize very highly indeed the
friendly regards of your family toward me. At the sarae
time, I can not but further remark on the great worth to me
of the particular book which he has selected, fitting in so ex
actly as it does with my present professional studies, that, from
the moment of its arrival, I have made, and will continue for
some time to make, daily use of it.

MRS. PARKER. 133

I beg my kindest regards to the Misses Parker, and Mr.
James and Mr. George. May you have great comfort in
them ; and may the afflictions and trials of earth ripen you
and yours for heaven. Believe me, my dear madam, yours
most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CII.
Edinburgh, nth November, 1828.
My dear Madam — ^We were both much gratified by your
letter. A notice from an old and tried friend is peculiarly
welcome to those who have the feding of being strangers in
a strange land. In many respects I have made a great per
sonal sacrifice by renouncing the comfort and ease of St.
Andrews ; but the call of duty appeared quite clear and im
perative. Mrs. Chalmers has left our old and beautiful house
with very great reluctance ; and we have not altogether met
with very reconciling circumstances since our arrival. But
we are in the best hands, and all, we trust, will end well.
I can not,express the tenderness that is felt by us all, and
more especially by myseK, for the various members of your
much-loved famUy. We feel it a great alleviation to the
sorrow of our removal from St. Andrews that we are so much
nearer to you. May the God of all comfort and grace uphold
you in the midst of your trials. Anne says that she will write
to your Anne soon. Our address is 11 Argyle Square. I
am, my dear Mrs. Parker, yours raost truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. cm.
Edinburgh, 30th January, 1829.
My dear Madam — I gladly avail myself of the opportunity
by Mr. Smyth to offer you a few lines. We are all in a con
valescent state now, though Mrs. Chalmers perhaps feels more
overdone than she did when her labors in the sick-room were
more abundant.
You have really rendered us a substantial accomraodation

134 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
by taking Anne from us in our state of danger and infection.
It was a great relief both to myself and Mrs. Chalmers her
being taken out of the way ; and it was made all the more
complete that you kindly assured us of her presence being no
inconvenience to yourself We both think that the time of
her return to us should be now drawing near ; and Mrs. C.
calculates from the number of her music ticket that she
should be with us by the 12th of February.
I received a letter full of cordiality and of most gratifying
friendship from Mr. Charles, to which I shair reply in a few
days. He little knows the value that I set upon his attach
ment ; and never, in fact, did I feel myself so blended by all
the ties of memory and of the heart with any family.
I sincerely hope and pray that the impression on Grace's
mind may prove a lasting one, and form the anointing that
reraaineth. We feel not enough our responsibility for the souls
of our children, and how much it is our duty to pray, and to
labor, and to watch for them. May the Giver of all grace
prepare all the members of both our families for heaven. He
willeth all men to be saved ; and what an encouragement to
us that He makes this the express ground of our duty to in
tercede for all.
I beg my kindest regards to the Misses Parker, Mr. George,
and the two Annes, in which all here join ; and I entreat you
to believe rae, my dear Mrs. Parker, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CIV.
KiRKALDY, 24th April, 1829.
Dr. Alexander Chalmers of Kirkaldy died on the 22d, at
half past one in the morning.
My dear Madam — The interest you take in our famUy has
determined me to send the above intimation, though I believe
you did not know my brother. He was a mighty favorite
with us all ; and, meanwhile, we are greatly solemnized by

MRS. PARKER. 185

the Warning. But this is so very different from being spiritu
alized by it, that there is a loud call for prayer and persever
ing energy, in order that, instead of a transient emotion, it may
ripen into a practical and an enduring principle. The anoint
ing which remaineth can alone accomplish this. I entreat
you to beheve me, yours with greatest affection and esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CV.
Burntisland, 28th Septetnber, 1830.
Mv DEAR Madam — I received your kind letter only to-day,
I having come here for a little retirement, and that I might
prosecute the work of my preparations at leisure. We have
long heard of your illness, and I heartily reproach rnyself for
not having written sooner. I can truly say that there is no
individual out of my family whose acquaintance I am so glad
to retain and so anxious to improve with the closest possible
intimacy. I know that I wiU annoy you if I speak of grati
tude, though that is a feeling which does and which ought to
burn stiongly in our hearts. But you will at least permit me
to Speak of friendship, and under its impulse it is my fervent
hope and prayer that you may be speedily restored to health,
and be long spared a comfort to us aU and a blessing to your
family. Health may fail, but the hope of the Gospel will not fail
you. The more firmly you cherish it, the more surely will
all its objects be reahzed.
I go to London myself in about a fortnight. It is a great
annoyance to me, but I am under a kind of moral compulsion
to take the journey.
In reference to your application for a sermon in behalf of
our colonies, it would be quite unfair in me not to let you
know how the matter stands. I am overborne with the
work of my own proper vocation, and I really can not en
gage for any other work but at the expense of what I esteem
a higher duty, and therefore with as great pain to my con-

136 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
science as to my convenience. I am, my dear Mrs. Parker,
yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CVI.
Edinburgh, 1st February, 1831.
My dear Mrs. Parker — I have always the utmost pleas
ure in hearing from you, and should be sorry to let any oth
er beside myself reply to communications that I so highly
value. Your letter of the 25th of January has greatly re
lieved us ; for when I was in Glasgow a month ago, I had
not so favorable a report of your health as you have yourself
sent me. May the God and Giver of aU mercies perfect your
recovery, and enable you to bear up under the inclemencies
of this severe winter. To-day we have a perfect terapest of
drifting snow, and the winter may be said to have fully atad
fairly set in.
Mrs. Chalmers has relapsed this winter, to a considerable
degree, into her wonted delicacy ; and when I think of her
present family duties, I am not without uneasiness. But let
us roll over all our anxieties upon God, casting our burden on
Him, and He wUl sustain it. With kindest regards to both
the Misses Parker, in which all here join, I am, my dear Mrs.
Parker, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CVII.
Penicuick, near Edinburgh, 19th July, 1834.
My dear Mrs. Parker — I write by my children, who, I
expect, will be with you in about a week. I am much in
terested in Grace, who, I think, is somewhat more impressed
at present than usual ; and I should rejoice in any opportu
nity you had of keeping the minds of either of them alive tc
the great matters of their everlasting concernment. I earn
estly wish, in behalf of us both, that we might be blessed
with the high privilege of a thoroughly Christianized family.
I am to write Mr. Dow. I take the greatest interest in his

MRS. PARKER. 137

parochial operations. What has been done for Fairley is quite
beautiful, and will tdl, I think, most beneficially in the way
of example. I hope you continue to have great comfort in
the services of your new church.
I live in great repose here, and have been ordered an en
tire cessation from study, which I am strictly observing. I
think that this summer will determine whether or not my con
stitution has received a permanent shock.
Give my kindest regards to Miss Parker and to Captain
and Mrs. Darroch when you see them. I ever am, my dear
Mrs. Parker, yours most gratefully and truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CVIII.
Burntisland, 14«A September, 1836
My dear Mrs. Parker — Nothing but circumstances pre
vents me from avaiUng myself of your kind invitation, the
days I spend at Fairley being always the sunniest and most
delightful I spend any where.
I beg my kindest regards to Miss Parker, and also to Mr.
and Mrs. James, if still vrith you, and to Captain and Mrs.
Darroch. It is truly refreshing, amid the storms of a world
that lowers hostiUty and menace against all who offend it, to
turn one's thoughts to those in whose friendship and kind af
fections they feel the most perfect confidence. I ever am,
my dear Mrs. Parker, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CIX.
Ardgowan, 27th October, 1836.
My dear Mrs. Parker— I can not say it was officious, but
I must say it was greatly overkind of you to pay the noddy. I
am never happier than when enjoying your hospitaUty ; but
you must ever aUow me to pay my way to and from your
much-loved abode.
I find that Sir Michael had, after aU, sent a carriage for

138 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
me to your house, which I regret we left before it had ar
rived! We have just lunched — Mr. Patrick Stewart is one of the
party. I like the Duke of Somerset exceedingly — ^plain, un
affected, and very intdUgent. Lord James Stewart and his
lady are here, whom I had met before in England. These,
with the Duchess and Dowager Lady Stewart, make up all
the strangers, so that I do not feel the visit to be so cold or
formidable as I had apprehended it to be.
I am not to annoy you with my expressions of gratitude ;
but I raust be permitted to say, that every visit to Fairley riv
ets more closely the deep affection which I fed for you and
yours. May the providence and grace of our All-kind Father be
richly experienced by you all, that, after a Ufe of discipline
and preparation here, we may all meet again in the blissful
realms of light and life above.
With kindest regards to Captam and Mrs. Darroch, I ever
am, my dear madam, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. ex.
East Kilbride, 2d November, 1836.
My Dear Mrs. Parker — I received this day your most
welcome letter ; and though I leave the greater part of this
sheet to be filled up by Margaret (who owes you much for
your great goodness to her), I can not give it over to her with
out letting you know how much I felt interested at Ardgow
an by the decided piety of Lady Stewart, and the promising
dispositions of Sir Michael. Here, too, there is much that
claims ray gratitude in the palpable usefulness of Mr. H., in
the acceptance he meets with araong all classes — the kindness
of the higher ranks, and honest, heartfelt cordiality of the gen
eral population.
In point of beauty and fertiUty, it is a far better parish than
I expected it to be ; and the manse, now building,, seems a

MRS. PARKER. 139

very perfect one. Ever believe me, my dear Mrs. Parker,
yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXI.
Burntisland, 5th Septembet, 1837.
My dear Mrs. Parker — It is very much to the regret,
both of Mrs. Chalmers and myself, that our engagements have
so multiplied upon us as to make it impossible that we^hould
visit Fairley this season — the place of all others in which it
is my deUght to Uve and to luxuriate, for nowhere do we en
joy more of kindness within-doors, and more of beauty aU
around us.
I have great reason to be thankful that Mrs. Chalmers en
joys so much better health this season than she has done for
several years. It is of mighty advantage to her that we now
live out of Edinburgh, and, between Morningside and Burnt
island, I tmst that, through the blessing of God, she may be
long spared to me.
May He, who is the Giver of all that is necessary both to
life and to godliness, shed all blessings, spiritual and temporal,
on yourself and all the members of your family. Ever be
lieve me, my dear Mrs. Parker, yours with greatest esteem
and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXII. London, 15th July, 1838.
My dear Mrs. Parker — I should have written you long
ago ; but Mrs. Chalmers's repeated illnesses have protracted
our stay in France, and so prolonged our journey homeward,
that I have waited tiU now in vain ere I could state, with
any degree of certainty, the likelihood of our future move
ments. We are now thus far on our way to Edinburgh, and
should have been in the steamer which went off last night
but for another relapse, which we are hopeful, however, wiU,
through God's blessing, allow of our taking the next opportu
nity by sea, which is on Wednesday evening, taking us home

140 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
on Friday, the 20 th, from which day I am quite at your dis
posal. May I therefore beg that you will write me at Edinburgh
" on receipt of this, and tell me the day that you have fixed
upon, when I shall hold myself in readiness to leave home
two days before it. I quite lay my account with the possi
bility that, in consequence of my delay, you may have made
another arrangement. This would deprive me of the grati
fication of seeing Miss Parker before her change of state, but
not of visiting Fairley, as I am engaged to visit Sir Andrew
Agnew as soon as possible after the 1st of August, and I could
not do better than take Fairley in ray way. I do hope that
these unlooked-for postponements on my part have not em
barrassed you. A few days at home would certainly be con
venient ; but, to make it possible for rae to move any day you
may choose to name, I have sent some commissions forward
to Edinburgh by post.
I feel the greatest possible interest in you and yours, though
I have not had the opportunity of expressing aU my sympa
thies on the late melancholy event in the history of your be
reaved household.* May these affecting changes teach us to
sit loose to a world that will soon pass away from us, and to
seek our portion in Him who is the same to-day, yesterday,
and forever. Ever believe rae, ray dear Mrs. Parker, yours
most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
Ne. CXIII. Edinburgh, 5th November, 1838.
My very dear Mrs. Parker — I can not, now that Mar
garet is on the eve of returning to us, refrain from pouring
forth the feelings of a most cordial and affectionate gratitude
for all the goodness that we have reached at your hands ; and
it is ray prayer and my trust that the friendship begun here,
and the fruits of which we have so richly experienced, may
at length be transplanted and take root in Heaven, where
* The death of Mrs. Parker's youngest son.

MRS. PARKER. 141
may it be God's blessed will that the two families shall meet
in full company together, and partake in the services and the
joys of a blissful eternity.
Anne and the baby are with us. He, I do fear, is in a very
precarious state, though somewhat better to-day. Mr. Hanna
is at Belfast ; and we have just heard from him of the death
of his younger brother, John — ^the last son but himself, and a
sad blow, in which you, my dear madam, will know fully to
sympathize with both the parents. I ever am, my dear mad
am, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXIV. Edinburgh, 1st June, 1839.
My dear Mrs. Parker — I should long ere now have com
municated the intended marriage of EUza with Mr. M'Ken-
zie, the minister of Dunkeld. I have long felt that ours is
more a family relationship than an ordinary friendship, and
nothing but the extreme pressure of employment would have
prevented an earUer notice of this arrangement. It is pro
posed that the marriage shaU take place in August.
I feel somewhat languid and overdone after the fatigues of
the Assembly. If God be pleased to spare me, there are few
things which I should like better on this side of death than
an evening of life spent in complete retirement from all pub
lic business, and devoted to the enjoyment and converse of
those Christian friends who are looking heavenward. Let
us hope and pray that all our present divisions may be over
ruled for the good of the Church and the glory of the Re
deemer. Mrs. Chalmers is at present in tolerable health, and all
unite in most affectionate remembrances and wishes to you
and yours. I am, my dear madam, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

142 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CXY.
Balblair Cottage, 23d August, 1839.
My dear Mrs. Parker — I can not resist ray inclination to
tell you how much I have been gratified by my visit to the
land of your nativity. I have been two nights here in a sum
mer cottage of Mr. Dempster's of Skibo, now looking on the
scenes of your infancy, and greatly dehghted with the beau
ties of the neighborhood. Yesterday I went down to Dor
noch, and on my way visited the Manse of Criech, determined
to make myself personally acquainted with the localities of
your birth-place. The old gentleman was at family worship t
but we were conducted to the west room up stairs, whence I
looked down upon the church with the old burial-place to
the east of it, and from the gable window on the church of
Kincardine, and the mountain barrier with Ducairn Brae and
the hills of Strathcairn beyond it. We took a hurried leave
of the old gentleman. I was delighted with the beauty of
the ride all the way to Dornoch, which looked in its greatest
perfection on a glorious sunshine day with its tide full. I
can not imagine a finer feature than the Dun of Criech, and
the exquisite Uttle bay behind, and on the east side of it.
Nothing could exceed the blandness and- cordiality of our
reception by Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy ; when, besides his son
George, we found Mr. and Mrs. M'Pherson of Golspie, with
their two daughters, Mr. M'Kenzie of Rogart, Mr. Campbell
of KUdrum, and Mr. M'Kay of Clyne. I had a meeting in the
Cathedral of about 300, and was honored by the presence of
Mr. Gunn and other grandees of the district. Mr. Dempster
of Skibo was along with us; and we had a very pleasant din
ner-party of twenty-two in the inn afterward.. The Cathedral
is a very interesting relic, now completely renovated and re
stored, of the olden time.
Will you tell Dr. Rainy that far the most interesting geo
graphical acquisition I have made was from a hill behind Bal
blair Cottage, whence I could see in greatest possible beauty,

MRS. PARKER. 143

and through a Clear atmosphere, the abrupt and precipitous
outline of the hiUs in Lochbroom, Benmore, Assynt ; the hills
of Edderachilhs ; Benhope, which sends its waters to the Pent-
land Firth ; Benklibreck, in the very centre of Sutherland ;
and the end of Loch Shin ; and the beautiful Vale of the Oykd.
Since beginning this letter I have been with General Munro
of Teaninich, to Cromarty, Fortrose, Avoch-house, and Rox-
haugh, in which places I renewed my acquaintance with the
two Ladies Mackenzie, the latter of whom I had not seen for
thirty-gight years. I am now at Rosskeen with Mr. Car-
ment, and am going forward to Dingwall and Inverness.
May the God of all grace bless and sanctify us and ours ;
and, with my best regards to Mrs. Cardwell, who I rejoice to
hear from Mr. George is better, I ever am, my dear Mrs.
Parker, yours. most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXVI. Edinburgh^ 31s( January, 1840;
My dear Mrs. Parker — I afti always dehghted to hear
from you, and only regret that the amount ofother correspond
ence not so welcome or agreeable, should preclude my writing
you so frequently as I could wish. Mr. Cochrane, our secre
tary, would reply to your letter in behalf of a new extension
church, for which we shaU most cheerfully do all we can. It
is altogether a fit object for our largest possible aid ; and I only
regret that the unfortunate juxtaposition of another question
now agitating the country, and menacing the Church, is for
the present keeping our cause at abeyance, insomuch that
our Supplementary Fund, which should by this time have
reached £100^000, does not exceed £40,000^-enabling us to
allow,as yet, only £400 for each of the next hundred church
es : T trust, however, that times will improve.
With best regards to Mr. and Mrs. James Parker, and Mr.
and Mrs. Cardwell, and earnest prayers for the spiritual well-
beiog of aU who are near and dear to us, ever believe me,
my dear Mrs. Parker, yours most affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.

144 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CXVII.
28th April, 1840.
My dear Mrs. Parker — I most sincerely hope that you
will accede to our joint request. There is nothing I would
more enjoy than a few quiet weeks in secluded intercourse
with yourself an opportunity we may never dse have on this
side of that death which is coming nearer to us every day,
and which I pray may not find us unprepared for the great
and solemn change. I ever am, my dear madam, yours most
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXVIII.
Burntisland, 29th September, 1841.
My dear Mrs. Parker — We have heard with great in
terest of your brief visit to Dunkeld, and are delighted when
circumstances prevent that raore direct and personal inter
course in which I always have the greatest pleasure, if I can
even hold converse with you through the medium of any of
my family. But this is not enough to satisfy the demands
of my heart for a more frequent association with the best and
truest of my friends ; and as I am really not able to come West
this season, I have most earnestly to beg — and in this I am
joined with equal earnestness by Mrs. Chalmers — that you
will manage to spend as much time with us as you can this
winter. We leave this for Edinburgh on the 9th of October,
and have no other prospect than that of being constantly at
our home there till April. You will find us very domestic
and very quiet, as your nieces, the Misses Brown, can attest,
whose visit last winter gave us so much pleasure. We do
hope, therefore, that no obstacle will stand in the way of an
arrangement which would afford so much real delight to
our family. We can promise you all the repose and inde
pendence that you require ; and feel assured that, with the
blessing of God upon our intercourse, your visit might be pro
ductive of great profit as well as comfort to us all. Let me

MRS. PARKER. 145

entreat, therefore, that you will entertain the proposal. We
shall leave you to name your own time, our only desire being
that you will not make your visit a short one.
With the kindest regards of us aU, ever believe me, my very
dear madam, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXIX. Edinburgh, 7th JamUary, 1842.
My dear Mrs. Parker — It is a great disappointment to
us all that we are not to have the pleasure of a visit from you
this winter, and we very much regret the cause of it.
It is my earnest prayer that the sarae Providence which
has hitherto watched over you, may still preserve and prolong
your days in the midst of us, and that, under God's blessed
wiU, we may still have much intercourse in this world.
The state and prospects of the Church are well fitted to
loosen our attachment to all that is earthly. The issues of our
present contest are as uncertain as ever ; and I can well see
a fixed purpose on the part both of government and of the
higher classes to flood our Church with'Moderatism. It is
difficult as yet to say what the friends of a pure and scriptu
ral Christianity ought to do ; but I trust and pray that they
might be ready for a sacrifice rather than give up their prin
ciples, or surrender the religious good of the people of these
lands. Let us hope that our way will be made clear before
us ; and, meanwhile, it is well to be fitill, and know that the
Lord reigneth. .
With best regards to Captain and Mrs. Darrochy^deral
Darroch, and Mr. Rainy, I ever am, my dear mp^^. yours
very truly, 'J^^ojiij^^/Sbaluers.
No. CXX.
Edinbur,^^^''^'''''"*""' 1^42.
My dear Mrs. Parker— I ef^ ^^"^ ^^°^^'^7 *° Present
you with my views on the sukf*^ °^ y°^^ much-esteemed let-
V. ^

146 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ter. Meanwhile I inclose a specimen of what we are doing,*
and what I beheve might be done in every parish, were it not
for the indolence or the fears of those who have the natural
influence over its people, and whose part it is to take the
charge of them. With but a zealous and inteUigent agency,
I never found any failure on the part of the humbler classes.
Our collectors met yesternight for the first time, and the
united contributions amount to the rate of more than £300
in the year — a proportion to the number of our people which,
if carried over the whole of Scotland, would yield half a miU-
ion annually.
May I beg that you will let our friend at Gourock know
that the Sabbatical question of which she wrote you I have
treated in a sermon, to be found in vol. ix. of the series of my
Works. I have a raost delightful recollection of my last visit to you.
May the Giver of all grace pour His best blessings on you and
yours. Our family are at present in their usual health, and
unite with me in warmest regards. I beg to be cordially re
membered to Miss Hutchison, Captain and Mrs. Hay, and
Miss M'CaU. I ever am, my dear Mrs. Parker, yours with
the greatest affection, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXXI.
Edinbursh, 14th January, 1843.
My dear -Mrs. Parker — I received your truly munificent
nroposal some days ago, but I have not yet reported it to the
treasurer of the Provisional Fund, as I think it possible that
you may, perhaps, on reflection, prefer sending what you have
to givt through the medium of a Fairley Association, should
such be v^ujg^ jyjy reason for at least offering this sugges
tion IS, thati,ere, in Momingside, the large and smaU .sub
scribers have }^L,^^^ their contributions in this way, and with
great go'^ effect .. the way of example on our httle parochial
community here. .,^ ^^^^^,^ ^ ^^^^.^ ^^^^ alternative to
* iBClosed was a tra^ ,,„„,, , , , „ , ,
" What should the People do?"

MRS. DARROCH. 147

you, I, of course, wiU most gladly abide by whatever decision
you may think it right to adopt.
I inclose an address which I am now distributing among
my friends. Sir James Graham's letter is convincing many
that instant efforts must now be made to raise funds — that,
in fact, the crisis has already arrived, or, at least, that aU
should now act as if it had.
May the wisdom that is from above animate and direct
our Church on the present eventful occasion. Ever believe
me, my very dear madam, yours most affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO MRS. DARROCH.*
No. CXXII. Edinburgh, 4th February, 1844.
My DEAR Mrs. Darroch — I wrote Mrs. Cardwell last Sab
bath, and imagine that she must now have left for England.
A week has since intervened, but it makes no difference in
the feehng, which will long remain with rae, of the great
and yet recent calamity wherewith we have all been visited.
The sense of recency will subside, but never on this side of
death the sense of a very great and mournful bereavement.
Such a friendship, so steadfast and so exuberant of aU that
was kind, and beneficent, and generous to me and mine, I
never expect to be replaced in this world.
I wonder that people should make a question of our know
ing each other, and having the Christian attachments of the
present Ufe renewed and perpetuated in a future state. The
passage in 1 Thess., iv., 13-18, leaves no doubt in my mind
on this subject — a passage given to us for the express purpose
of mitigating our sorrow because of those who, like your dear
and sainted mother, have faUen asleep in Jesus. The proper
and the obviously intended comfort here presented to us is,
that we, their followers in the same faith and hope, shaU be
* Mrs. Parker's eldfest daughter.

148 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ever with the Lord, and therefore ever with them also. And
then as to the idea that aU special affections will be lost in a
general and equal charity for all alike, we should ever recol
lect that our Savior on earth exemplified a more intense
friendship for some than for others, as in the case of John,
who is signalized among all the other disciples as the one
whom Jesus loved. Now, the very character He had on
earth He has borne up with Him to heaven, and we, if like
unto Him, may indulge the very preferences and special Uk-
ings which He did. And on these grounds I do cherish the
hope, that not only will I know, and recognize, and renew my
acquaintance with her in heaven, but that I will continue
there to be on the same cordial, and intimate and affectionate
footing with her which has subsisted here for the long period
of nearly thirty years, and that without a flaw.
The comforts of religion are the only comforts which should
be urged on such occasions, for they are, indeed, the only com
forts which avail us. Could we have but a realizing sense of
that secure and blissful place where are the spirits of the just
made perfect, it would greatly soften and alleviate the trial
which now lies upon you. And it would do more than con
sole : it would help to transfer and to elevate our affections
from earth to heaven. Never, I believe, had a family greater
cause for rejoicing, even under the weight of this heavy be
reavement, than the children, and relatives, and friends of
her who has now left us for a season, but whom we shall
meet again, if but followers of them who through faith and
patience are now inheriting the promises.
Every such dispensation should have the effect of keeping
us closer by the Savior. What a privilege it is that we have
free access to God through Him, and to God in the endear
ing character of a Father reconciled to His strayed children,
and rejoicing over them to do them good. He founds an ar
gument on the kindness of our earthly parents which I think
should tell with immense power upon you in your present
circumstances. You can not fail to recollect — thev will come

MRS. DARROCH. 149

to your memory with a touching and tender impression that
might weU-nigh overwhelm your feelings — all the goodness
you have experienced at the hands of your earthly parents,
their longing earnestness for your well-being, their efforts, and
attentions, and sacrifices to make you happy. It is on these
sure premises that the argument of our blessed Savior raust
come to your heart with resistless demonstration — " If ye
that are earthly parents know how to give good gifts unto
your chUdren, how much raore shall your Father in heaven
give good things to those who ask Him ? Ask, and ye shaU
receive ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and the door shall
be opened unto you."
My kindest sympathies and regards to Major Darroch and
to the general, whom I love ; and beUeve me, my very dear
Mrs. Darroch, yours with sincerest affection, Thomas Chalmers.
No. cxxin.
Edinburgh, Morningside, 2d February, 1845.
My dear Mrs. Darroch — How the visions of the past
flit on my remembrance whUe writing to you. It is a mat
ter of very great thankfidness in regard to your brother that
an outgoing has at length been opened for him. But when
one thinks of the shortlivedness of aU that is earthly, and
looks back on the days both of Blochairn and Fairley as now
to be numbered with the times before the Flood, it makes us
sit loose to the prospects of this world, and to acquiesce in
the sentiment of the poet, that there is nothing bright hut
Heaven ; or, rather, to present it in a more authentic form,
that the fashion of this world passeth away, but that He who
made the world endureth forever.
I most thoroughly sympathize with feelings so naturally
awakened, and so touchingly expressed on the occasion of
this sorrowful yet sacred anniversary. It is good to recall
the memory of the righteous, for it is a memory which is

150 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
I have not seen Winslow's work, but I am reading with
the greatest interest our old friend E. B. EUiott's work on the
Revelation. I will do him the justice to say that I think it
far the completest and most satisfactory exposition of the
prophecy which I have read, though he does our Free Church
the very grossest injustice by his rash and most ignorant de
liverance upon our question.
Do give my best regards to Mrs. Cardwell when you write
to her. Ever believe me, my dear Mrs. Darroch, yours raost
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXXIV.
JFaikley, 15th June, 1845.
My very dear Mrs. Darroch — I have been here for several
days, and much both in the house and grounds, which are so
familiar to me. I never felt such an experimental impression
of the precariousness of all things here below as now, when
the scene of my brightest recollections is so transformed by
the disappearance of her who gave its chief interest to the
village and neighborhood, and to all their society. Yet I
can not say how thankful I am that I am so kindly, nay, ur
gently entreated to make as much a home of the house as
possible. Our head-quarters are with Miss M'Call, but my
forenoon study is your dear mother's bed-room ; and I can
evidently see that both Mr. and Mrs. George are disappointed
if I do not follow it up by dining with them, which I am all
the more inclined to do, that it gives me the opportunity of
talking and taking an afternoon round with them. I rejoice
to find that he is obviously progressing in health and strength,
though I think he is perhaps inclined to exert himself too
much, and not to make a sufficient use of his sofa. You may
well believe that the well-known relics and meraorials of
other days inspire a pensiveness which is melancholy no doubt,
but still which I love to indulge in. Let me die her death,
that I may share in her blessed resurrection.
We remain here till Wednesday the 25th, or other ten days.

MRS. DARROCH. 151

We thence go in a body to Arran, and are, besides, engaged to
spend some time at TilUchewan. I think it better to trans
port my faxnily by one movement from Arran to TUUchewan ;
either during my visit there, or at the termination of it, I must
spend some time, though it should only be one day, at Gou
rock. I know not how it is with younger people, but I confess
that the twenty-eight years of converse and correspondence
with you and yours have established in my heart a most in
tense and steadfast feding of relationship to you all. Give
my best regards to Major Darroch, and to the general, whom
I love. I am reading to-day a book which I am sure would
have been rich and precious as marrow to the dear and de
parted saint who is now in Heaven, " Owen on the Glory of
Christ." He died at sixty-seven,* and it is his last work —
the work of one who writes as on the borders of eternity. I
am only two years behind him, and four years behind what
her age was when, seventeen months ago, she entered into
rest. I am, my dearest Mrs. Darroch, yours very afiection
ately and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
Monday morning.
Since writing the three last pages, I called on your brother
yesterday evening (Sunday). He asked me to conduct fam
ily worship, which brought to me the vivid and afiecting
recollection of similar occasions. The identical form wai
brought in, and the identical man-servant sat on it, along
with four maid-servants. These things tell powerfully on mj
memory, as do the pictures in the dining-room, and the paper
in the drawing-room. I am glad I have come here ; and
what makes it all the more satisfactory is, that I am on sucl
pleasant and kind terms with your brother, who begs that
over and above my study and my dinner, I should also tak
my siesta in his house.
I have not yet thanked you for the great enjoyments which
my family had in Gourock House, and more especially my
Uttle grandson. T. 0.
* The aee at which Dr. Chalmers also died.

152 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS;.

No. CXXV.
WisHAW, 29fh July, 1845w
My very dear Mrs. Darroch — We arrived here to-day,
at twelve, by the railway. Nothing could exceed the kind
ness of Mr. and Mrs. Tennant, with whom we spent a very
pleasant evening, and had a very delightful — and to me aU the
more so that it was a smaU — party, consisting of themselves
along with Drs. Forbes and Rainy, both of whom I hold in
high estimation.
I am at present with my brother here, and expect, if God
wiU, to reach home on Thursday.
This excursion to the West has given me a higher opinion
than I ever had before of the Christian worth and friendship
which we have so abundantly experienced in the various
quarters that we have visited. And certainly there is no
place which stands dearer to all my recoUections and regards
than Gourock. I love the general, and ray next letter will
be addressed to himself some time next week» I hope. May
the Spirit work effectually in him and in all of us. I shall
never forget those words of death-bed experience and mani
festation uttered by her who has gone before him, and which
read so impressively upon her tombstone — " Let me die the
death of the righteous, let my latter end be like theirs."
It was proposing a great deal too much that I should take
east with rae the precious MS. which you had intrusted to
my keeping for a few weeks. I had looked it all over, but
had not read it all thoroughly. I hope, however, that my
next visit wiU be one of greater quietness than I was permit
ted to enjoy in any other house than your own. It were alto
gether delicious to read with you within doors the sentences
that flowed from the pen and were dictated from the earnest
heart of her who is now enshrined in blessedness and glory
among the spirits of the just made perfect. Oh that, like her,
I could live a life of faith on the Son of God, and then should
I live a life both of love and of holiness. May the Giver of

MRS. DARROCH. 153

all grace sanctify and elevate my affections, and save me from
all those evil influences which war against the soul. I ever
am, my dearest madam, yours with the greatest affection,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXXVI.
MoHziE, 13th August, 1845.
My very^dear Mrs. Darroch — You must not forbid my
writing to you, for I have great pleasure in keeping up a cor
respondence that originated in the most precious recollections
of other days, and is fitted to perpetuate and to foster them.
I omitted to leave the inclosed with you (copy of a mar
riage service), having reserved to myself a short-hand copy
of it, which I shall put in the portfolio of dear Mrs. Parker,
along with the precious death-bed sayings of Mrs. General
Darroch. The blank paper which you have left me of that
truly valuable record can just accommodate in short-hand the
other record, which I have only read this day for the first time
since I uttered it in the drawing-room at Fairley. I am glad
to observe that there is no want of keeping between them,
arid that on that occasion I spoke in the degree I did of the
coming death and the coming eternity.
Have the goodness to tell Mr. East* how thankful I am for
his work, with which I hope to make myself acquainted soon.
It will give me the greatest pleasure to see him on his way
through Edinburgh. When I am at home, his best chance
for seeing me is at nine to breakfast. I fear, however, that
I shall be a good deal from home aU this month, and also part
of the next. I am to make a point, however, of remaining at
home afterward for many months. Believe me, my very dear
Mrs. Darroch, yours most sincerely, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXXVII. Edinburgh, 5th February, 1847.
My very dear Mrs. Darroch — This is very, very sad. I
* The Rev. Timothy East, of Birmingham.-
G 2

154 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
like the general, and always liked him ; nor am I at all sur
prised wljen you tell me of the manner in which he is affect
ed by your utterance of Bible texts. It is quite in keeping
with the way in which he was moved at family worship on
ray last visit to Gourock House. May God, by His Spirit,
though in His own mysterious ^way, bring home that truth to
his mind, the Imowledge of which is life everlasting.
Perhaps he will recollect my name, and if he do, I should
like my message to him to consist of the following verses,
which might be read to my dear old friend as he is able to
bear It : John, xiv., 1 ; 1 John, iv., 8, last clause ; 1 John,
iv., 10 ; 1 John, i., 7, last clause ; Isaiah, xliii., 2, first clause ;
Isaiah, xiv., 22 ; Isaiah, xiv., 21, last clause ; Luke, ix., 56 ;
John, iii., 14-17 ; 2 Cor., v., 19.
May He who is a very present help in the time of trouble,
be present with you all on this solemn occasion. What a
world of change and utter vanity we hve in ! May we die
unto it daily, and live unto Him who liveth forever.
God bless and sustain you all, my very dear Mrs. Darroch.
Yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. GXXVIII.
Morningside, 14th February, 1847.
My dear Mrs. Darroch — Having not heard from you
since your note of Monday, I flatter myself that there has
been no change for the worse.
Meanwhile, let us humbly hope and earnestly pray for the
merciful dcaUngs of God's free and wUling Spirit with his
soul. What an encouragement and what a liberal warrant for
those intercessions which God vriUs us to make in behalf of
aU men, and on the express ground, too, that He wills aU
men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Couple this with the declaration that whatsoever we ask for,
which is agreeable to the will of God, that we shall receive,
and I can imagme nothing more complete in the way of au-

MRS. DARROCH. 155

thorizing us to ask till we receive, to seek till we find, to
knock till the door of salvation be opened, that we and those
who are near and dear to us may enter in.
Yours with great affection, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXXIX.
Edinburgh, Morningside, 21st February, 1847.
My very dear Mrs. Darroch — I was prepared to receive
your affecting inteUigence ; but, however much looked for, the
event itself never fails to strike and to solemnize us. This
is as it ought to be ; but how little, alas ! does the mere pa
thos or tenderness of natural feeling avail of itself to make us
wisely and practically, and to good or saving purpose, consid
erate of our latter end.
I always liked the general, and ever felt as if there was
the force of a natural affinity between us. I am much in-
- terested by what you tell me of his latter end. " God is
love," and that is a consideration which ought always to keep
us from despair, either for ourselves or others, though without
prejudice to the moral influences of another lesson, no less
emphatically true, that " God is holiness."
What a blessed economy, what an exquisite skillfulness in
it ! how unsearchable are its riches, in that, by virtue of its
provisions, these two attributes of the Divinity are so fully har
monized ; mercy and truth have met together, righteousness
and peace have entered into fellowship. May yours, my
dearest Mrs. Darroch, be all the comfort and all the sanctify
ing influence which this contemplation is fitted to administer,
as in the glass of the Gospel you look at theblended love and
hoUness of the Godhead.
I beg that you will offer to the major my most affectionate
condolence, and to all your family ; and when you write dear
Mrs. Cardwell, teU her of my heartfelt regards. What a
retrospect ofother years is now present to my memory ; and
in vivid picture there is also th^t family burial-place to the
south of your house where the general is now lying. May

156 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
your chUdren learn wisdom at his grave. My dearest mad
am, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO GENERAL DARROCH.
No. CXXX.
Burntisland, 23d June, 1841.
My dear General — Before making a specific reply to
your question, I would first premise that it conveys to my
mind no assurance of parliamentary support to our Church
from any individual, of whom I am told no more than that
he belongs to a certain party in the state, on whatever side
he may happen to be.
Having made this general statement alike applicable, ei
ther to Conservatives merely as such, or to Liberals merely
dS such, let me now state what appears to me at present the
great difference between them.
Should the Conservatives prove the dominant party, and if
their coUective mind is to be interpreted by the recent declar
ation (too authentic, I fear, of Sir Robert Peel's), then the dis
solution of our Church as a National Establishment must
be the inevitable result. Should, on the other hand, the Lib
erals be the dominant party, and if their collective mind is
to be interpreted by the various sayings of Lord Melbourne,
which, all taken together, indicate a downright indifferency
to the whole matter, then, without one scintilla of affirraative
confidence in thera as a body, there is still the possibility that,
under them, we may at least be let alone by the Legislature
— so let alone as we have been during the last two years. In
this view of the matter, the two terms of the alternative, on
which you have to balance your decision, are the certainty of
destruction or the chance of safety.
I have only to add, that the declaration of Mr. Stewart con
trasts favorably with the acts of Colonel Mure, by which I
mean his late votes in the General Assembly. And further-

GENERAL DARROCH. 157
more, that whereas nothing can be more annoying than the
lame and impotent defenses made of the Church, even by the
best of her lay friends, whether in or out of ParUament, due,
of course, to the want of a distinct understanding on the ques
tion, I must say that I have not read a more clear, distinct,
and able statement for the Church, by any of our merely sec
ular and political supporters, than the one I read to-day from
a reported speech of Mr. Stewart's in the town of Greenock.
I am sensible that, instead of presenting you with any de
cision of mine, I am only presenting you with the data, in
which, perhaps, you may find some help in coming to your
own decision on this subject.
You will perceive from the above that the declaration of Sir
Robert Peel necessarily influences and affects my views upon
this question, and makes rae look on the Conservatives as
now standing in a different relation to the Church from that
in which I at one time regarded them both with confidence
and pleasure. How I long for a Wilberforce party in Parlia
ment, consisting of men who would make it the polar star of
their public and parliamentary conduct to adopt such meas
ures as were best for the moral and religious well-being of the
population. I ever ara, my dear general, yours most respect-
fiiUy, and with the utmost regard, Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — Since writing the above, I have seen a gentleman
who has been strenuously insisting that the policy of Scot
tish Churchmen is to send as many Conservative members,
pledged to Non-intrusion, as possible, so as that they might
favorably influence Sir Robert in the cause of our spiritual in
dependence. I ara not able to decide, among these confiicting
dements, what our best policy is in the matter of these elec
tions ; but in the matters which properly belong to us, I be
heve that our true policy is a fearless course of principle, and
thorough determination rather to separate from the state than
give up, by ever so little, our own final jurisdiction in things
ecclesiastical.

158 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CXXXI.
Morningside, Edinburgh, 10th August, ISiS.
My dear General Darroch — I have long meditated a
letter to you, and I am greatly encouraged to use this free
dom by the uniform urbanity and kindness which I have ever
experienced at your hands. Nothing can exceed my grateful
recollection of our last interviews ; and I fondly hope that
the lessons which I read in the affecting memorials of the de
parted upon the tablets behind your house wiU make an in
delible impression upon rae. " I see it all now," and " this
is real life," carry more of an experimental demonstration for
the truth of rehgion and the reahty of eternal things than
any dying testimony that I remember to have met with in
the biographies of the good and the faithful. It is well that
you have recorded these precious and inestimable sayings on
the tombstone of her who poured them forth in her last and
closing accents upon earth. May they teU effectually upon
us all, and lead us to be followers of them who, through faith
and patience, are now inheriting the promises.
I begin to feel raore than ever the rapidity of time, and
the urgency of the call for readiness against the day of our
great and coming change. And I should say, that the first
and greatest step toward this condition of gladiness is, just to
accept of the forgiveness which God holds out to all on the
footing that Christ hath died for us. This forgiveness is ours
if we trust in Him who hath set forth His own Son as a pro
pitiation for the sins of the world. On this foundation, on this
foundation only, do we stand in secure reconciliation with
God ; and so standing, might we plead with all confidence
for the fulfillment of His own promise, that He would pour
forth His Spirit upon us, and shed abroad His love in our
hearts, and make us new creatures, and prepare us for the
everlasting enjoyment of Hiraself in heaven, where there is
fullness of pleasures at His own right hand.
It is truly my earnest prayer, dearest sir, that such might

DR. RAINY. 159

be your blessed experience in time, and such the portion of
your eternity. The world is fast receding from us both.
These days and years are flying over our heads with a speed
which seems to increase with every new revolution of the
seasons. And it is a world, too, in which, by our Savior's
own statement (John, xvi., 33), we should be ever laying our
account to meet with tribulation. But what a deUghtful
counterpart to this is the other statement, that in Him we
shaU have peace ; may this peace, my dearest general, be
yours ; may you have great peace, great joy in believing. I
can truly say of this world, that in it I would not live alway.
One's path here — and I have the frequent experience of it —
is beset with vexations and discomforts on every side. But
what a deUverance to take refuge from all these in the love
of a pitying Savior, and in the firm prospect of that eternal
life which is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I have been pondering some of the other death-bed sayings
of dear Mrs. Darroch. They have been furnished to me by
your daughter-in-law, one of my best-loved friends. I have
been greatly affected by the perusal of them. They form al
together a most precious and animating record of her who has
gone before us. Let us die the death of the righteous, let our
latter end be hke theirs. Truly hers was a latter end of
peace, clothed upon with the righteousness of Christ, and look
ing confidently forward to its rewards, she died, as did my own
mother about eighteen years ago, in the triumphs of the faith.
I ever am, my dear general, yours with the greatest regard,
Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO DR. RAINY OF GLASGOW.
No. OXXXII. Edinburgh, 11th February, 1844.
My dear Sir — I have not been more moved for a long
time than by the replies of Mrs. Darroch and Mrs. Cardwell

160 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

to my letters, which both arrived by the same post — ^the one
frora London and the other from Gourock — and the perusal
of which at the same time I felt to be peculiarly impressive.
The powerful reaction of their mother's death upon each of
their minds wUl, I trust and pray, be signaUy blessed to them
both. I know not a death, indeed, within the whole compass
of my recoUection, more fitted to be spiritually fruitful than
hers. Verily, though dead, she yet speaketh, and her memory
is blessed. I think it was you who gave me Fisher's " Catechism,"
the doctrine of which (the Marrow doctrine) is very conge
nial to me. Let me recommend three recentiy pubUshed Es
says on the Assurance of Faith, by Anderson, Erskine, and
Cudworth, which I think you would like. I shall be glad,
when you have read it, that you tell me what you think of
Anderson, who is new to me, but whose views I think are very
clearly given and very precious. They are quite at one with
those of Fisher, whose Catechism you gave me. Had I lived
a hundred years ago, I would have joined the Marrow men.
I do hope that dear Mrs. Parker's death will tell benefi
cially upon all her children. I can not rid myself (and most
assuredly I have no wish to do it) of the feeling of a very
strong and special affinity — as strong as that of blood or kin
dred — to them all. By this death I feel as if I had one tie
less to earth and one tie more to heaven.
Give my very kindest regards to Mrs. Rainy ; and, with
earnest prayer for God's best blessings upon you and yours,
ever believe me, my very dear sir, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
N.£. — The three Essays I mention are bound up in one
small volume, entitled " Essays on the Assurance of Faith."
Johnstone here is publisher. T. C.

MRS. BROWN. 161

No. CXXXIII. Edinburgh, 6th March, 1847.
My dear Sir — I am anxious to know if you think that
larger sacrifices and exertions are necessary to keep our coun
trymen from dying of hunger. I have a very strong persua
sion that we greatly underrate the magnitude of the distress,
and I should have the greatest value for your testimony upon
the subject.
I send you one or two documents that have at least some
relation to the matter in question.
I have the utmost liking and respect for your son, as one
of the most inteUectual, and, I hope, pious, and altogether
among the best conditioned of my students. Kindest regards
to Mrs. and Miss Rainy. I ever am, my dear sir, yours very
truly, Thomas Chalmers.
How I rejoice to observe the notice which is taken of your
brother's patriotic efforts in the government volume of Cor
respondence on the Highland Destitution. T. C.

No. CXXXIV. — Letter to Mrs. Brown.
Kensington Place, 3d May, 1818.
My dear Madam — In this season of very painful interest
and anxiety to us all, I fed inclined to write a few things,
knowing, weU, at the same time, how powerless the words or
the wisdom of man are in such an hour of heavy trial as that
which has come upon you, and that it is God alonte, who hath
sent the trial, that can send out of His sanctuary the need
ful help and consolation. He alone can prepare you for the
whole of His wiU, and bring you out of this arduous struggle
between the feeling of nature and the faith of His own Gos
pel, and teach you to suffer as weU as to do, and gently calm
your heart into a settled acquiescence in that order which,
for wise and righteous reasons. He hath been pleased to in-

162 CORRESPONDENCE OP DR. CHALMERS.
stitute, and by which we are made to understand that it is
through much tribulation we shall enter into the kingdom of
God. Our first prayer in the matter of trials should be, " Lay
not upon us trials beyond what we have strength to bear."
But if we see the likelihood of a trial approaching ; if the
progress of the event looks threatening ; if explaining the wiU
of God by what has happened or is like to happen, we have
reason to fear or to conclude that such is His appointment —
then our next prayer should be, " Give us strength to bear
this trial." It has been well said, that duties are ours and
events are God's. We are sure that He does not affUct wiU-
ingly. We are sure that there is mercy in all His visitations,
and that His chastening hand yiddeth the fruit of righteous
ness. It is said of God by His own Son, who was meek and
gentle, and wept over the sufferings of nature, and had compas
sion on the widow of Nain — it is said by Hira, that if a tree
bring not forth fruit. He purgeth it or pruneth it, that it may
bring forth more fruit. The desire of our heart runs too much
to the creature, and He, in kindness, taketh away from us the
dearest and best-loved object, that this desire may be checked
and restrained, and turned in the right and salutary direction
toward Hiraself It looks very dark and overwhelming to us
in the mean time, but that is because we are ever regarding
the world as our all. It would not look dark did we thor
oughly feel ourselves to be strangers and pUgrims in the
world — did our eye carry our mind forward to eternity — did
we see time in its true character as a rapid journey to our
stable and ultimate home — did we contemplate death as a re
moval, and think believingly of that city which hath found
ations, and whose builder and raaker is God.
It is a cruel flattery of human wishes to disguise the utter
most extent of the possibility to which we are liable. Your
excellent son may recover, but he may not ; and your mind
should be familiarized to both terms of this alternative, and
you should be feeling your way to Him who, after he has

MRS. BROWN. 163

driven away all your earthly props, can give you His own
word and His own promises to rest upon ; and it is not a pain
ful or fatiguing search to which I am now directing you. It
is not a search, the labor and the difficulty of which are be
yond the reach of agitated, and oppressed, and fearful human
ity ; for He is not far from you, and He has revealed Himself
a very present help in the time of trouble, and He is ready,
even now, to meet your approaches ; and He asks you not
merely to draw near, but to draw near with boldness; and
for what ? — ^that you may have grace to help you in the time
of need.
The veiy last chapter I have read is the sixth of John. I
have got, I think, some comfort and establishment from it. It
is a marvelously free overture that is there made to the help
less and the sinful. If we receive by faith the body and the
blood of Christ, He will dwell in us, and we shall be complete
in Him.
Let us not, however, remit our prayers for the recovery of
the interesting patient in subjection to the will of God. My
last excursion with him to Roseneath raised very high my
estimation of his reUgious earnestness. He at that time dis
covered a mind deeply and seriously at work about the con
cerns of the soul, at the same time weaned from all delusive
confidence in his own attainments, and evidently seeking for
a surer foundation. I walked with him some weeks before
thrpugh his own properties, and there witnessed the fruits of
his beneficence, and heard the blessings upon him of those
who were ready to perish. I heard him afterward express
the sense he had of his own nothingness, and confess Christ
as the alone Author of salvation. Let us hope the good deeds
done in his body were done unto that Great Judge who will
acknowledge and reward them, and proceeded from that faith
which gives an interest and a part in his better righteousness.
Be assured of my sympj^thies and my prayers, and believe
me, my dear madam, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

164 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

LETTERS TO MR. ROBERT BROWN.*
No. CXXXV.
Anstruther, 24th July, 1818.
My dear Sir — I take the liberty, of doing now what I
should have done during my last excursion from Gla,sgow,
that is, congratulate you on your returning health, and express
my earnest wish that all the earnestness inspired by your re
cent visitation may indeed yield unto you an abundant sup
ply of the peaceable fruits of righteousness. I am quite aware
of the consciousness you have of a want of permanent interest
and seriousness about these things, and many are those who
feel an unsatisfied longing which they know not how to ap
pease ; and never do I myself approximate more nearly to a
full and settled state of mind in reference to God, than when
I feel divested of every thing in myself, and am seeking to
the offered righteousness of Christ as my hiding-place and my
plea before Him.
We are apt, from the very frequency of a term, not to ex
tend our attention to its real meaning. The righteousness of
Christ imputed to those who believe is a phrase so familiar
that it loses its impression. But hearken diUgently to this
joyful intimation, and your soul shall live. Your sin put to
Christ's account, and His righteousness put to your account,
totally alter your relation with God. To this new and de
Ughtful relation you are invited. It is unto all and upon all
who believe ; and not till this be really apprehended by you
will the darkness, and the distance, and the enmity of heart,
which are between God and the sinner, be done away. Give
earnest heed to this word, and the daylight will dawn in your
heart. Trust in Christ, and you will be sealed with the Holy
Spirit of promise, and, through the love of God shed abroad
in you, be a new creature. .
My poor father is upon the bed of his last sickness. He
was struck with palsy on Friday, and has since been inartic-
* Married to a sister of Mrs. Parker.

MR. BROWN. 166

ulate. He has an inward peace, of which we all know the
cause ; and it softens the whole distress of this mournful oc
casion. He accepted long ago of justification by faith ; and
the faith that is in him has been the living principle of a life
both of prayer and of performance.
May I entreat your zeal and exertion in behalf of my par
ish. Make no premature exertion in your own person, but
you may perhaps help me to some new agents. Let us not,
at the same time, hurry this matter. But I would feel as if
my lines had fallen to me in pleasant places, and I had in
deed a goodly heritage, could I bring St. John's under a
thorough system of moral and spiritual cultivation.
Mrs. Chalmers unites in best compliments to you and Mrs.
Brown. Our children are well.
Do give me a letter addressed to Anstruther, Fifeshire.
Yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXXXVI.
• Anstruther, 10th August, 1818.
My dear Sir — I received your most interesting letter, and
I can assure you that you mistake the nature of my engage
ments altogether, if you think I vi^ould delay to answer it.
Such an interesting topic as it embraces, so far from being ex
traneous to any business of mine, ought, in fact, to be incorpo
rated with it, and to constitute its main and favorite article.
It is weU that you have aU these restless and unsatisfied
longings. They will serve, I trust, the salutary object of
weaning you from yourself Be assured that, long after the
mouth has learned to ascribe all sufficiency to Christ, the
heart may still adhere to a remainder of feeling respecting
its own sufficiency, and the remainder must be given up, and
the whole matter of salvation be given over to Him who is
the alone Author of it. Even after we profess the righteous
ness of Christ to be all our justification, there is still a tend
ency on our part to work for it. Now, the first Christians
had peace and joy from the outset. They trusted in Christ,

leo CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
and were then sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. The
Spirit came to them, not in the act of their performing the
work of the law, but in the act of their hearing with faith.
The question of acceptance is a question between you and
the Lawgiver. Roll over this cause upon Him who alone
hath magnified the law, and made it honorable by fulfiUing
it in your stead. Let not any righteousness of your own en
ter as an element into the solution of it ; for this will darken
and perplex the solution, and take off altogether from its clear
ness and its certainty. There remains another question be
tween you and the Son : " What shaU I render unto the Lord
for all His benefits ?" Doubt not that He has completed for
you the benefit of justification, and the less you doubt of this
the more powerful and ardent will be the gratitude which
prompts this latter question. And O, how complete is that
Gospel, which not only inspires a sentiment, but affords power
for carrying it into effect, which gives strength as well as the
will to render^back to our Savior those mercies which are
well-pleasing in His sight, and which,- perfumed by the in
cense of his merits, ascend also as spiritual sacrifices accept
able unto God. My best compliments to Mrs. Brown. Be
lieve me ever, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXXXVII. Dunblane, 9th July, 1819.
My dear Sir — I know that I do not need to urge upon
you any attentions that may be right or necessary toward our
Sabbath-school teachers. You are fuUy persuaded of the ex
cellence of the institution, and of the importance of extending
its interests as far as you can. But I beg leave to suggest to
you that, while you may carry personal exertion to a degree
hurtful to your health, you may, without fatigue, do as much
good by the simple and easy putting forth of your personal in
fluence. In other words, ifyou are still unwell, I charge you
to spare yourself as to the work of your own particular school ;
and I ofler the hint that, though you may be apt, on that ac-

MR. BROWN. 107

count, to regret the diminution of your usefulness, you may,
in fact, more than replace aU that you lose in this way by
usefidness in another way, even by the stimulus of your occa
sional intercourse and conversation vidth those of them who
have health for personal fatigue and exertion in the direct
work of a teacher.
May I suggest that it were desirable that any attentions
which you, or Mr. M'CuUoch, or Mr. Falconer can bestow,
should be somewhat equahzed by their being a little extend
ed to those of the teachers who have not got in so far within
the limits of that organizationship which subsists among the
members of our society. At the same time, do not overdo.
A smaU party once in the month or two months would be a
very fuU contribution to this object.
I have to entreat an interest in your prayers. I feel a
woeful bereavement of spirituaUty — an exceeding dimness as
to any sense or perception of God — ^no distinct impression of
the evU of sin — and I am sure no adequate thoughts of my
Savior, either as to the worth of His sacrifice or the glories
of His character. Many think me profound in the mysteries
of the kingdom of Heaven : I know myself to be the veriest
babe ; and that there may be talk and argumentation about
these things without the spiritual discernment of them. But
let me comfort myself in this, that even to the simple exer
cise of trusting does God award His promises and encourage
ments ; and they who walk in darkness and hs^ve no Ught
may yet trust. I have just been reading Alleine, I hope with
profit. There is a closeness, and a pertinency, and a power
in the writings of the good old Puritan, of which we fall great
ly short in these days of feebleness and degeneracy. Ofier my
most respectful compUments to Mrs. Brown, and believe me,
my very dear sir, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
I desire to be particularly recomraended to your brother.
I hope that both you and he have had great comfort in your
respective surveys T. 0.

168 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CXXXVIII. St. Andrews, 10th April, 1826.
My dear Sir — Both Mrs. Chalmers and I received with
deep emotion the distressing intelligence conveyed to us by
your letter. We had, indeed, observed it before in a newspa
per, and were informed of some further particulars by a gen-
tleraan from Glasgow. But we had not learned, till we re
ceived your letter, the very mournful circumstances in which
poor Mrs. Francis Brown has been left by the death of her
husband — a situation so powerfully fitted to call forth the
sympathy of all her friends, and to exercise their faith in the
mysterious providence of that God, who, however dark in His
ways, does all things wisely and well.
That, indeed, is a great alleviation which you have speci
fied, even the apparent religious state of your brother previ
ous to his dissolution. And I must confess that I felt a pe
culiar gratification in your description of the letter which you
received upon this subject, both on account of her who wrote
it and of her to whom it was addressed. Theirs is the fel
lowship of one common suffering. May they partake largely
of one common consolation, and may the death of a friend so
near and dear to both, unite their hearts and their hopes in
that Gospel, the faith of which can irradiate even the dark
est visitation.
I enter fully into the anxieties which you express because
of Mrs. Francis Brown, whose situation can not fail to draw
forth the tenderest solicitude of all her friends. I can scarce
ly imagine any thing so painfully and peculiarly interesting
as her present situation ; and I pray that, in the desolations
of her state, she may experience an upholding confidence in
Him who bears respect to the stranger in a strange land.
I was much touched and gratified by the last half of your
letter, and by the just and striking reflections at the close of
it. I feel with you that the world has a sad power of fas
cination over the heart, and that, to wean us therefrom, there

MR. BROWN. 169

are crosses and extremities in life which, appear to be indis
pensable. May your soul prosper raore and more under the
discipline of God's providential hand ; and let our experience
of the vanities of the creature effectually shut us up unto God
in Christ as the strength of our heart and our everlasting por
tion. Give my affectionate condolence to Mrs. Brown. Assure
her both of my own sympathy and that of Mrs. Chalmers, and
of my prayers for her comfort and spiritual improvement in
this the hour of her visitation. Wc long also to be remem
bered to your Mrs. Brown ; and I entreat you to believe me,
my dear sir, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXXXIX. Edinburgh, 17th April, 1832.
My dear Sir — I can assure you it was not without emo
tion that I heard of the death of your excellent, steady, con
sistent, and altogether exemplary mother, whose memory I
shaU ever cherish as one of the finest specimens I ever knew
of cardinal worth, and all those virtues which raark a stead-
fast, and, withal, a sober-minded Christian, well-grounded in
the faith, and thoroughly intelligent both in the doctrines and
moralities of the Bible.
Mrs. Chalmers fully participates in the feelings which I
now express, and we unite in ofiering our sincere condolence
and sympathy on this affecting occasion. May it prove a les
son to us all of the evanescence of the passing world, and the
wisdom of being followers of those who through faith and
patience are now inheriting the promises.
Nothing brings home more experimentaUy to ray heart the
lesson of-my native Carnality than the constant need which
there is of having the doctrine of mortality so repeatedly told
to me ; and it does show how prone we are to cleave to the
dust of a perishable word, that, though told of death over and
over again, yet do We persist in living here as if here we were
to live forever.
V. H

170 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
May we at length learn wisdom, and, living a life of faith
on the Son of God, may we, when our last change arrives, be
found in readiness for a blessed translation into His presence,
where there is fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore.
With our kindest regards to Mrs. Brown, I ever am, my dear
sir, yours raost truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXL.
Edinburgh, Morningside, 1st June, 1845.
My very dear Sir — I should have responded sooner to
the melancholy intelligence of a month back, respecting your
daughter Isabella. The intimation was a moving one to us
all ; and the invariable effect upon rayself is, that it makes
me feel as if domesticated in the household of mourners by
being thus made a partaker in the griefs of so affecting a
bereavement. I have often reflected upon it as a singular mark of the
Divine forbearance to myself, that, though now about thirty-
three years a family man, my household has never yet been
visited by death. I feel as if this laid upon me a fearful re
sponsibility ; nor am I ever raore powerfully impressed by the
languor and weakness of faith, than when I contrast the vivid
interest that we fed in the temporal good of our children,
with the sad practical insensibility of our hearts to the well-
being of their unperishable souls.
I rejoice to understand that you and your family are at
Fairley. I expect to spend a fortnight there soon. It wiU
be to rae the scene of many pensive reminiscences ; but I
shaU feel it a comfort, now that the burden and heat of our
day are over with us both, to hold feUowship with yourself as
one of ray old friends and associates through years that have
long passed over us.
Offer my kindest regards and sympathies to dear Mrs.
Brown, and also to the Misses Brown and your sons. May
the bereavement under which you suffer be sanctified both to
you and yours. Let our affections be weaned from a world.

MR. PATRICK CHALMERS. 171
the dearest and nearest objects of which may be so speedily
withdrawn from us, and, seeking the city which hath foun
dations, let us be foUewers of them who, through faith and
patience, are now inheriting the promises. Ever believe me,
my dear sir, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO MR. PATRICK CHALMERS.
No. CXLI.
Kilmany Manse, 21st May, 1812.
Dear Patrick — I have been too long of answering your
letter, from t\e perusal of which I obtained the truest satis
faction. It would give me great pleasure to hear that you
had read the books recommended in my last, and how you
liked them. I look upon Baxter and Doddridge as two most
impressive writers, and from thera you are raost likely to carry
away the impression that a preparation for eternity should be
the main business and anxiety of time. But, after all, the
Bible should be the daily exercise of those who have de
cidedly embarked in this great business ; and if read with
the earnest sense and feeling of its being God's raessage — if
perused with the same awe, and veneration, and confidence
as if the words were actually coming out of His mouth — ^if,
while you do read, you read with the prayer and the desire
that it might be with understanding and profit, you are in a
far more direct road to " becoming wise unto salvation," than
any other that can possibly be recommended to you. There
is no subject on which people are readier to form rash opin
ions than rehgion. The Bible is the best corrective to these.
A raan should sit down to it with the determination of taking
his lesson just as he finds it ; of founding his creed upon the
sole principle of " Thus saith the Lord ; " and deriving his
every idea and his every impression of religious truth from the
authentic record of his will and of his doctiine.
I was at Anster last week, and found them all in tolerable
health. There is now a very fine appearance on our fields.

172 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
The good weather was long of setting in, but it has set in at
last, and the country is in all its glory. I have purchased a
horse lately. I ride about ten miles a day upon it, and find
myself ranch the better of the exercise. The keep is rather
expensive, but health and comfort are worth the purchasing ;
nor will I grudge the whole rent of ray glebe upon my riding
expenses. I let my grass-field again this year at £8 &d. per
acre, and get about forty guineas for my land. This wUl
nearly all go upon the horse-tax, maintenance, and person that
takes care of him. My beadle takes care of my horse and
garden for 10s. a month.
People here are all in their usual state of health. Are you
to be over soon ? I expect Sandy to be with me a few weeks
soon. My Sacrament is to be held on Sunday, the 21st of
June. Let me hear from you. I am yours truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXLII.
Kilmany MaSse, 18th November, 1812.
My Dear Patrick — I have been most negligent in not
writing you sooner. I hope you are to be on this side soon,
in which case you will of course spend some time at Kilmany.
Mrs. Chalmers has neither seen you nor Charles. Will you
write me soon, and give rae an account of your employments
and your prospects ? I am no judge of farming, nor am I
competent to offer any observations upon it. I trust that you
continue to give satisfaction to Mr. Cowan, and should rejoice
to hear that the concern was now a prosperous one.
I hope you have never lost sight of the important subject
of your last correspondence. It would give me pleasure to
understand that, amid aU your other pursuits, you kept firmly
and perseveringly by the Bible. If we would only think of
it as God's raessage, as a letter from our greatest friend, as a
record of His will for our salvation, I know not what apology
could be thought adequate to justifying our neglect and in
attention to it. I should like to hear from you on this sub-

MR. PATRICK CHALMERS. 173
ject. It is the greatest and the happiest event of life, when
the mind takes a decided hold of eternity, and when it be
comes its first care to seek the kingdom of God and His right
eousness. I hope you have not merely begun, but are advanc
ing in the inquiry ; and I give it as the result of my own ex
perience and my own feelings, that you will never feel the
firmness of your ground till you have laid on the foundation
of Christ, and put your confidence in that name, than which
there is no other given under Heaven whereby men can be
saved. A true faith in Christ works by love, and love aims
at obedience. Again, a true faith in Christ is followed by the
gift of the Spirit(John, vii., 39 ; Gal., iii., 14 ; Rom., viii., 32) ;
the Spirit gives strength for the execution of the aim, and you
actually yield obedience. In this way your faith will not be
dead ; it will abound in fruit, and you will rise from one de
gree of grace unto another, till you arrive at a meetness for the
inheritance of the saints in light. May such be your progress,
and such your destination. Be up and doing ; and let the nu
merous caUs given us, both by the- Bible and by experience,
have the happy effect to stir you up in the ways of wisdom
and of piety.
You would hear of Mr. Johnson of Rathillet's death. Write
soon. Yours mOst truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXLIII. Anstruther, 18th January, 1813.
My dear Patrick — I ara glad to observe that your society
at Penicuick is fairly set agoing. I, however, must decline
the honor of being a member of it. The whole amount of the
advantage would be 45. id. additional to the cause, which I
have it in my power to send by nearer and more convenient
channels. The truth is, that I find I have gone too far in
the way of connecting myself with other societies, and have
frittered away in smaUs what would have raade a handsome
sum at home, where it would have done more good in the
way of example and effect among my immediate neighbors.

174 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
I am, besides, called upon to preach occasional sermons often,
and do not like to pass without a suitable offering to the col
lection. You must see that, having a neighborhood and a
parish of my own to attend to, I must resist these foreign ap
plications. I must stop somewhere ; and knowing that, from
my acquaintance in different parts, I shall probably be ex
posed to similiar applications afterward, I think it right to
begin with you, in the confidence that you will perceive that,
in refusing your application, I do it on proper and reasonable
grounds. I hope that your society will have a happy influence on the
minds of its individual supporters. If so much zeal and activ
ity should be employed in the work of sending the Bible to
others, it seems quite obvious that it ought not to be neglect
ed for ourselves, or suffered to lie beside us unread, unopened,
and unattended to. It gives me great pleasure to think that
this, in all probability, is the effect in your case ; and one great
sentiment with us all should be, that we ought not to think
that we have yet attained or are already perfect. The ca
reer of Christian -sanctification is boundless, and it is our duty
to press forward; and when one looks to himself and' feels
his woeful deficiencies in the mildness, the patience, the char
ity, the holiness of the Gospel, he raust perceive how much
he has yet to aspire after. We should, at the same time,
never forget in what way the above virtues are formed and
have their increase in the soul : they are the fruits of the
Spirit, Gal., v., 22. And as the Savior is the dispenser.of the
Spirit — as it is through faith in Him that the Spirit is given
— as without Him we ean do nothing — hence the necessity
of laying all upon this foundation, of a vital union with Jesus
Christ by faith, that He may be our sanctification as well as
our redemption.
I should have been happy to have heard of your calling on
Mr. Anderson. I got a letter from S  , but he says noth
ing of it. Could any prudent or effectual method be devised
of bringing S— ^ — 's mind under the influence of the truth, it

MR. PATRICK CHALMERS. 175

were most desirable. Give your attention to this particular.
There is a danger sometimes in the imprudent use of means ;
but prayer for one another is a resource which is always at
hand, and can never be carried to excess. Do write me soon.
TeU me of your numbers in the Bible Society of Penicuick.
Give me all the information you have about other parishes.
It wiU be a wonderful sum if the parish system can be real
ized over the whole country. Grace desires her kind love to
you. Yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXLIV. Glasgow, ^d September, 1818.
My dear Patrick — I received yours some time ago, and
yesterday had a visit from Mr. Thomas Thomson, with whose
appearance and conversation I was much pleased. I regret
that I was so particularly occupied, it being a day of meet
ings and of parish business with me. He went off this morn
ing for Edinburgh. I would not have known how to address
you but for him ; and I am glad to think that you have the
opportunity of iatereourse with such a family as that which
he belongs to.
I trust that the impression of my excellent father's death
will ever remain with us. His meekness, under all the crosses
and provocations of life, formed a most memorable trait of his
character. Above all, let us labor to emulate him in his ex
alted piety — a piety founded on the faith of the New Testa
ment in aU its peculiarity and in all its power. I hope you
will read his favorite authors, Newton and Harvey, but still
more that the Bible, accompanied with earnest prayer to God,
will be with you that daily exercise which shall at length
make you wise unto salvation.
Anster has now become sadly different to me from what
it was. I now feel toward it as if it had sustained a fatal
and irrecoverable mutilation. The remembrance of my fa
ther's Sabbaths, and of the whole routine of his week-day em
ployments, always stood associated with all my thoughts of

176 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

the place ; and these associations are now irretrievably broken
up. There is a tender melancholy in these recollections.
There is a sorrow which Nature herself prompts and awak
ens, but it is grace alone which can impart the go^ly sorrow
that worketh repentance unto salvation never to be repent
ed of.
I trust that you will give all your strength to the one thing
needful, and that your zeal, and earnestness, and integrity in
the service of your earthly master will, in fact, with you be
so many offerings to your Master in Heaven — spiritual sacri
fices unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Could the
love of God be instated in our hearts in its rightful supremacy,
every thing else would find its right place. Enter into recon
ciliation with Him through the atoning blood and justifying
righteousness of the Mediator, and render unto Him, as the
God of your redemption, the fruits of gratitude in all holy and
afiectionate obedience.
I shall be very glad indeed of an occasional letter from
you ; and be assured that the details of your situation and
employment — accounts of the neighborhood and country, and,
above all, the news of your spiritual progress and welfare,
would be highly interesting to roe. I am, my dear Patrick,
yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers

LETTERS TO MRS. MORTON.
No. CXLV.
St. Andrews, 6th February, 1824.
My ever dearest Jane — I should have written you long
ago, and, indeed, mean to write you at a rate of much greater
frequency than I have been in the habit of doing for some
time. I am now in far more favorable circumstances for do
ing so ; for, even though I do have the labor of an extraor
dinary preparation for ray new office, yet I am in very great
ease and tranquiUity when compared with the bustle and

MRS. MORTON. 177

manifold fatigue of my former occupation. All that I shall
require wiU be a regular exchange of letters with you, and
I shall regard each arrival from you as the signal for an im
mediate exercise in the way of writing, that will be at aU
times agreeable to me.
I can easily leave this for Anster in a chaise after break
fast, spend some hours and dine there, and then return in the
evening. This makes a very pleasant family — pop-in to my
mother and aunt. I took down Mrs. Chalmers and the two
eldest chUdren in this style on New Year's day. It rained
incessantly, but my aunt, notwithstanding, insisted on our
trailing to W. Anster with her. I made a second excursion
of the sort about a week ago.
We keep very much aloof frora the society, of St. Andrews,
while, at the same time, we are on perfect good terms with
them aU. They are very convivial, and we want a simple
and easy intercourse. Mr. Duncan, whom you may recollect
as our occasional visitor at Kilmany, is now professor of math
ematics, and in this respect is quite suited to us.
Perhaps there is no town in Scotland more cold, and mea
gre, and moderate in its theology than St. Andrews. I do
feel the Sabbaths to be very heartless in regard to the public
services, and Mrs. Chalmers half threatens to be a seceder
upon our hands. I will not hinder her ; but as to myself, I
do feel that, bating the deficiency of warm ministerial ad
dresses from the pulpit, I ought to make greater progress here
than at Glasgow, where I was cumbered with many things,
whUe here I may at least wait upon that which is good with
far less distraction.
I am more persuaded than ever of the nothingness of man,
that his wisdom consists in rehance upon God, in closing with
Him as his reconcUed Father in Christ Jesus, and casting
the whole burden, both of his fears and of his corruptions, on
that Savior whose blood should whoUy dissipate the one and
whoUy cleanse from the other. He permits us at times, as
He did His disciples of old, to be overtaken with a storm, and
H 2

178 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
even to have the visitations of terror because of unbelief. But
His voice is soon heard again — " It is I, be not afraid."
Give my kindest compliments to Mr. Morton, Elizabeth,
Miss Thorason, Mr. and Mrs. Edkins, Mr., and Mrs., and Miss
BUss. I am, my dearest Jane, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXLVI. St. Andrews, 9th June, 1824.
My dearest Jane — I would have replied to your welcome
epistle very soon after its arrival, but it carae on the eve of
ray setting out for Edinburgh to attend the General Assem
bly, the bustle of whose operations prevented me from attend
ing to any thing else. Be very sure that I shall punctually
exchange all your letters, and that, too, at pretty short inter
vals. I now go up to the General Assembly in the capacity of
elder for the burgh of Anstruther Easter — an honor to which,
I believe, I shall aspire yearly ; and in virtue of which, it
may, perhaps, please God that I should endeavor to serve the
interests of his Church upon earth. We lost one question
this year in the Assembly, but we gained two raore, and the
gain far raore than outweighs the loss. I do think that there
is a very great iraprovement in the spirit and temper of that
body. I never was more convinced of the benefit of my transition
to St. Andrews than on my return to it just now from Edin
burgh, where its tranquillity forms so delightful a contrast
with the fatigues of the great raetropolis. It was a most se
vere succession of one pressure after another, when I went
from the General Assembly to the anxieties and the manifold
distraction of St. John's in Glasgow.
I took Anster in my way. Poor Isabel is no better ; but I
am glad that Helen is with her, who reports most favorably
of her state of mind. I feel a most unfortunate barrier in
the way of oral communication with certain of my relatives

MRS. MORTON. 179

on the topic of religion. But I write her an occasional letter,
for which she seems grateful and well pleased.
In less than a fortnight I go to Glasgow, and am to spend
six weeks there in a course of ministerial duty. I have got
a vast deal of labor before me in the composition of my lec
tures, so that I fear it is utterly out of the question my being
in Gloucestershire this summer.
I rejoice to hear of Patrick's good fortune, and also of your
own preferment to a better house. May you long enjoy
health and comfort within its walls. Tell Mr. Morton that I
do not envy his trusteeship, and I fear that he will find it
land him in a peck of troubles. It is no doubt honorable to
be the object of so ranch confidence as the charge implies,
and I only wish he may not find it at length a very harass
ing and vexatious one.
But let us look beyond the toils and troubles of life to its
latter end. I have recently felt sorae very vivid gleams of
dehght when thinking of the sacrifice by Christ for our sins,
and how the whole guilt of them is removed thereby. Christ
crucified is the great corner-stone of the spiritual edifice ; and
the more simply that we keep by this truth, the more shall
we breathe of that pure deraent in which joy, and health,
and activity are raost felt. I need, however, to.be saved frora
constantly relapsing into a carnal and worldly frame of spirit.
We need, and we ought, to pray for each other.
Our children are all in good health. The -feather of St.
Andrews, of which we heard such formidable accounts, agrees
remarkably well with the family. Mrs. Chalmers desires her
best compliments. We move into a larger and better house
soon. I am, ray dearest Jane, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXL VII.
St. Andrews, 20(A August, 1824.
My dearest Jane— I should have replied long ago to your
etter, and, indeed, would have done it immediately, had it

180 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
not corae to rae in the midst of great and manifold urgencies.
I was then in Glasgow, whither I went for six Sundays, and
officiated in the chapel of St. John's. I think that I never
spent a season of more crowded occupancy between the prep
arations of Sabbath and the expected attentions, of which I
labored with all my might to acquit rayself to my old ac
quaintances. In returning home, I came round by Anstruth
er, where I saw Isabel somewhat recruited in health, though
it were wrong to hold out any intervals of ease that she might
enjoy as being more than a temporary respite from a state of
disease which, we have every reason to fear, is incurable. It
should raake us the raore thankful that, such being her pros
pect on this side of the grave, her prospect on the other side
of it is peculiarly bright and peaceful. You know that she is
very close, and with me she has been quite general. But
she is communicative with Helen, who represents her as in a
very happy frame of spirit, which has been growing upon her
from the commencement of an illness, of which she very ear
ly conceived that it was to terminate in death.
Since I came to St. Andrews, I have been wading through
oceans of business that had accumulated during ray absence,
and have been furtherraore pestered a good deal with anoth
er odious plurality, that we have done our utterraost to resist
and testify against,- though, we fear, without any success.
During the whole of this throng, however, I have never lost
sight of the obligation in which I stood to reply to your last
comraunication, nor have I abated in the least of that regard
which I entertain for you.
And if the principle of good- will raight remain entire in the
bosom of a friend, although he does, from circumstances, with
hold for a time the expression of it, will you refuse the same
justice to your Father who is in Heaven ? All the sensible
comfort that you enjoy raay be regarded as sorae such token
or memorial of His graciousness, as the letter of an acquaint
ance. But, though at times he forbears to send such a token,
it is not because He has forgotten to be gracious. He may

MRS. MORTON. 181

have other reasons for it. He may wish to exercise you again,
as He has often done in the times that are past. Your busi
ness, meanwhile, is to be stUl, and know that He is God ; to
build the hope of your safety, not upon your own faith, but
upon His faithfulness ; to look outwardly to His truth, instead
of inwardly to your own deficiencies. You will never mend
them by keeping your eye in the direction toward yourself
but toward the mercy-seat, whence grace to help will descend
upon you as well as mercy to pardon. I like that death-bed
experience of Dr. Dwight, who, when asked by his friends how
he felt, made no other reply than that there was mercy in
God through Christ Jesus. You, at least, have this reply al
ways to make under all the variety of your fears and your
feelings, and you hawre just as fuU a warrant as any other
sinner has for appropriating to yourself the benefits of the
Gospel mercy. Your fluctuations do not affect the truth of
God ; and if you will stick by that truth under all the clouds
and desertions that pass over you, this is a stronger effort of
faith than if you only kept it amid the smUes and the bright
ness of a cheering manifestation.
My visit to Glasgow and ray attendance on the General
Assembly together consume at once one half of my summer
vacation. Both I deem to be very important duties, and this
year they have only left me three months for carrying forward
the still very unfinished preparations of my office in St. An
drews. In these circumstances I could not, without most se
rious inconvenience, attempt Gloucestershire this season ; and
this inconvenience, so far frora being lessened, is in my mind
aggravated by a most provoking caU that I have recently had
to preach a sermon in Stockport. I had said some civil thing
,to them two years ago, when last in Manchester, in reply to
a deputation who then applied to me, and I was then under
the imagination that it would quite suit me to be in England
at any rate at the tirae of the anniversary. My circum
stances now have wholly changed ; but this is not enough for
these gentlemen, who call what I said a promise, and insist

183 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
on the performance of it. It can, at raost, be but a post-haste
expedition, within a fortnight of the sitting-down of our Col
lege, and the few days I shall give it in the month of Octo
ber I can very ill spare.
This letter has been delayed one post in consequence of a
visit from a Prussian clergyman, who came in upon me just
after I had got this length. He is a very pleasant, conversa
ble man, but it is with the utmost fatigue that I can appre
hend his broken English. Our family are, upon the whole,
very well. It is their school vacation at present ; and Mrs.
Tennant, with three of her children, who were play or school-
feUows of ours in Glasgow, are now with us. There is a
bathing process going on, against which Grace, in particular,
has a most violent antipathy. I think it might be of use both
to you and to Isabel were you to write a letter to her. I do
this occasionally. It is a curious thing that I should labor
under such difficulty in speaking to people whom, neverthe
less, I can address with aU fullness in a letter. With kind
love to all your family, believe me, my dearest Jane, yours
very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXLVIII.
St. Andrews, 23d December, 1824.
My dearest Jane — I am quite ashamed of the date of
your letter, but I have been much occupied. However, I
should have felt the impulse of poor Isabel's death, and sent
you off my first and recent impressions upon the subject.
There was much to soothe and gratify in her latter end.
Hers was a striking exhibition of the Spirit working silently,
yet effectually, on whomsoever He listeth, and doing His own
office upon the heart of a chosen one who has made a singu
larly quiet passage through the world, and of whom, I can
assure you, ray dear Jane, that I have the pleasing belief that
she is now in heaven. I know not when I felt so much grat
ification as last July in Glasgow, on receiving a letter from
Mrs. Chalmers, giving an account of a day that she had spent

MRS. MORTON. 183

in Anstruther, and stating both what she saw of Isabel her
self and what she had learned from Helen respecting her. I
hold it most interesting to perceive in one who knew naught
of the controversies of our faith, yet who manifestly had great
peace and great joy in the simple reliance of the faith itself,
to perceive how all the blessings of the Gospel might be re
alized upon such a one. Never was there a more patient
sufferer ; and the evident peace, and even joy, that were with
in, caU for our most grateful acknowledgments to that kind
Redeemer who suits His grace and His light to the trials of
those who are His own children.
Since beginning this letter (for it is now several days since
I began it), I have seen your letter to Helen. I grieve to
hear of your ill health, but sincerely hope that Clifton will do
you good. Have you met with my friend Dr. Stock there ?
Give him my kindest compliments, should you see him.
We are going to spend the New Year at Anster. Poor Isa
bel makes a blank in our sadly reduced family. My mother
has much of the comfort and complacency of a well-experi
enced Christian. Her physiognomy is raost expressive of that
abundance of peace which Isaiah corapares to a deep and
mighty river. Never was there a more cardinal person, or
one all the elements of whose character were more solidly
constituted. She is, I am confident, ripening for heaven ; and
it is my desire, though I miserably fail in the execution of it,
that I shaU contribute my uttermost to the peace and enjoy
ment of her remaining days.
It was quite necessary, in point of repose, that I should leave
Glasgow, but I must not disguise it from you that St. An
drews has its trials. There is a most inveterate hostility to
the evangeUcal spirit, and a sad public corruption, against
which I have hitherto remonstrated ineffectuaUy. Over and
above all this, our Sabbaths are truly barren and dreary, from
the miserable lack of unction in pulpit services. I have taken
up a Sabbath-school, which somewhat supplies the want to
myself and my family, it being held in my own house, and at-

184 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
tended by not more than thirty scholars. I was greatly de
lighted yesterday by a passage from the excellent Halybur
ton, who bids us suspect ourselves if our zeal runs all to pub
lic, to the neglect of private and personal Christianity. My
clear line is to give all my force to the latter when my way
is so iedged up against doing much in behfilf of the forraer.
My classes give me some precious opportunities, however. I
this year lecture upon both Moral Philosophy and Pohtical
Economy, and in both, particularly in the former, I can Uft
raany testimonies on the side of the Gospel. My students I
have great reason to rejoice in, being both well-educated, and,
many of them, remarkably well-disposed. I forgot to mention
that Mrs. Chalmers, under the destitution of evangelical truth
in our established pulpits, goes very often to the Dissenters, and
incurs some obloquy on that account, which we care not for.
Our dear children are all in good health, and we have the
advantage of a first-rate school for their education.
And now, my dearest Jane, let us resolve to put our trust
in that God who will not refuse his grace and guidance to
all who truly seek after Him. Let us linger not in confidence
to Him, seeing that He himself has laid the foundation, and
invites us to take our rest thereupon. In the quietness and
confidence of His blessed Gospel we shall have strength. I
am, my dearest Jane, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXLIX.
St. Andrews, 26th February, 1825.
My dear Jane — I trust that we shall get now into a more
regular train of correspondence than heretofore ; and nothing,
I assure you, would give me greater pleasure than if we could
sustain a monthly exchange of letters.
I was sorry to understand that a sort of discordant poUtics
had got in among the families of the coast-side. But for all
such matters I refer you to Helen, than whom and my wife,
when they do meet together, I never witnessed a more exclu-

MRS. MORTON. 185

sive brace of conversationists, keeping every other body out
of the concern, and sitting apart by themselves to their own
dear gossip, to the utter neglect of such poor outcasts as my
self or any others that happen to be in the house along with
them. Helen will probably come to St. Andrews soon, on her way
to Glasgow, where she proposes to spend some time with Mrs.
Charles. It deUghts me to observe what you write of Patrick, who
is a very cardinal fellow. I rejoice to hear both of his health
and prosperity. I have not heard from James these many
months. When there are long intervals of correspondence
between us, he always takes it into his head that it is I who
am in fault. I believe that it is very generally hiraself.
I ara readhig just now "Sheppard's Thoughts on Devo
tion." I understand him to be a banker in Frome, and a
great friend of Foster's. It is a very impressive book, and
combines two elements which seldom exist in union togeth
er — great science and great spirituality. I would recommend
it to you ; it is much prized by pious and intelligent Christians
in this quarter. I am, my dearest Jane, yours most truly and
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CL. St. AndHews, nth June, 1825.
My dearest Jane — I have of late had several offers to
leave the University and return again to the Church. I had
some time ago the offer of one of the vacant churches in Edin
burgh, and yesterday I was waited upon by a deputation from
Dr. Gordon's Kirk-Session, with the proposal that I should
succeed him. But it was not upon light grounds that I re
linquished the clerical for the professorial life ; and I am more
and liiore confirmed in the belief .that a chair in a college is
a higher station on the field of Christian usefulness than a
parish any where in Scotland. Could one acquit hiraself
rightly of his duties as a professor, it is incalculable the good

186 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

which raight be done to the guides and the clergy of our next
generation. I have met with things in St. Andrews which have some
what helped to alienate me from its college, but not'from a
college life or college occupations.
I rejoice to hear from you of the Christian good that is do
ing in your neighborhood. It is most true what you say, that
Christianity has a most refining influence on the general habit
and manners of even the poorest who embrace it. In the case
of Sandy Paterson of Kilmany, it transformed a clod-poll into
a perfect gentleman ; and it shows that a delightful society
awaits even this passing world, should the millennium ever
be established in it.
Mrs. Chalmers and I spent sorae days in Kirkaldy lately,
the occasion that you must have heard of, the loss of Sandy's
youngest child. Both he and his wife were in great tender
ness ; and in each of them there is, I trust, a reUgious feeling
mixed with it. What a blessing should they henceforth take
this direction ; and what a lamentable delicacy it is, a deli
cacy of which I feel myself the victim, that restrains one near
relative from urgently and affectionately, and in season and
out of season, being instant with aU who are near and dear
to us, that they should be up and doing for the salvation of
their souls.
We had a delightful visit two days ago from Mr., Mrs., and
Miss Babington. They left us this morning. He was the
great friend and coadjutor of Mr. Wilberforce in Parliament,
and after himself being a member for thirty years, has lately
retired from political life. He is the raost decided Christian
I know — a raan of education, judgraent, and of truly engaging
manners. It has given a great impulse to us both. I got ac
quainted with hira while in England about two and a half
years ago, and I feel rayself much obliged and honored by this
attention. The whole conversation was quite delightful.
We expect shortly a visit from my mother and aunt. They
will corae up in a chaise and return to Anster in the evening.

MRS. MORTON. 187

My mother, indeed, is a raost cardinal person. She is quite
well at present. James Duncan's wife is her great prot6g6e
just now. You are aware of her manifold trockifications with
the poor folk. The part relating to her which is to be most
rejoiced in is her solid and well-established confidence in God
as her reconciled father — a confidence which ministers the ut
most peace to her heart, and diffuses a calm and a compla
cency over the whole system of her affairs. I am, my dear
est Jane, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLL Glasgow, 4th October, 1825.
My dearest Jane — Perhaps I am never in more unfavor
able circumstances for writing at length than when perform
ing ray six weeks' campaign in Glasgow. You know that last
year I preached for that number of successive Sundays in St.
John's Chapel, founded by myself ere I left the place, and this
year I am doing the same. I wish to maintain this habit,
both to keep up my intercourse with my old people and the
exercise of preaching. But what with the exuberant hospi
tality of the one, and the necessary preparations for the other,
this raay well be called the hurricane season of ray year.
You perhaps know that Mrs. Chalmers and all my family
are with me on this occasion. It is rather an unwieldy con
cern, but I am the better enabled thereby to meet the de
mands of my very kind friends. It was a raost severe per
sonal fatigue when singly I had to cope with all the invita
tions of all ray acquaintances ; but now I can divide rayself
and accept of thera by proxy, insorauch that at present I have
my wife and a bairn with myself in one place, and a servant
and two bairns at a second, and my remaining bairn at a third.
I find it a great advantage to spend my mornings in prac
tical reading rather than in study. My present book is " Owen
on Spiritual Mindedness" — a book which, when you have per
fect leisure, I would recomraend to your perusal. May the
God of all grace and goodness perfect your recovery, and give

188 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS
you many days of comfort on earth to serve Him and be a
blessing to your family. Believe rae, my dearest Jane, yours
very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLII.
St. Andrews, 15th November, 1825.
My dearest Jane — I rejoice to observe that you enjoyed
Sheppard so. My own practice is to read a little before
breakfast of some practical treatise every morning. I have
already told you of several books that have thus fallen in my
way. I think that I have already recommended Romaine,
and I have now very great pleasure in recommending " Owen
on Spiritual Mindedness." It is a book which gives palpa
ble directions for the cultivation of this grace ; and I trust
that I may derive some important help from it.
We arrived here only a fortnight ago, haviag protracted our
stay in Glasgow as long as college terras 'would adrait of it.
Our three eldest children are in full attendance on Mrs.
Cowan — Anne considerably advanced in her rausic, and giv
ing us a regular afternoon deave with her practicings ; Eliza
fagging as she can at French and Geography ; and Grace
learning and losing her spell-book time about. I ara, my
dearest Jane, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLIII.
St. Andrews, 5th January, 1 826.
My very dear Jane — I would have written sooner, but your
letter expressed a wish for information about Anster, so that
I resolved to put off till I had finished ray new New Year's
visit there. The excursion was to rae a very interesting one.
Mr. Bell's assistant of Orail came for me in a gig on Friday
the 30th, and took me down there. I have long had a rev
erence and affection for Mr. Bell, and he is the only coastside
minister that was in office when I was a school-boy. I spent
Saturday and Sunday with him, having preached "to a full
church in the afternoon. On the Saturday I had a most de-

MRS. MORTON. 189

Ughtful walk with Mr. Tod, the assistant, from Crail harbor
along the beach to Fifeness, and onward to Banderston. We
returned by Balcomie, which we visited, and Pittorrie, my
grandfather Hall's house, which I recollect to have been in
when I was in frocks, and most distinctly recognized the room
into which I was admitted to see ray grandraother forty-three
years ago. There was a dinner given by Mr. Bell on Friday
to all the clergy of the neighborhood. The most interesting
of whom to me was honest cloghering and sniftering Mr.
Wilson, who is still cloghering on. I raade calls on Miss
Coldstream, Wilham Cowan, and Lizzy Hill, a servant of my
mother's thirty-six years ago. I left Mr. Bell in his gig
early on Monday morning, called at Barnsmuir, where Miss
Fortune, now of sixteen, bears a striking resemblance to her
mother. Christian Rankine. This whole road was to me full
of interest, presenting such well-known objects as Keplie
Docket, with the echo, Innergdly avenue. Third-part avenue,
Clishmacclash, &c., &c. I breakfasted in Kilrenny Manse,
and was most cordially entertained by Mary Forrester, whose
little son of nine weeks old formed an interesting novelty in
the group. Got to Anster early in the forenoon. The chaise-
full came down from St. Andrews, containing my wife, three
eldest bairns, and Miss Hutcheson of Glasgow, now with
us. I settled my trust accounts with my mother and aunt ;
they are both at present remarkably well. We had to leave
them before tea, from the darkness of the weather at present,
and boisterous wind that would have blown out the carriage
Ughts. Helen was still at Lathallan, but she has come to us
this day, and proposes to spend some little time with us.
I had great pleasure in hearing from Mrs. Duff, the sister
of Dr. Barron, of Gloucester, of your visit to him, and of his
favorable report of you. I sincerely hope that you continue
at least in tolerable health, and that you are enabled as here
tofore to cast your dependence and to feel your delight in our
all-kind and merciful Savior ; so free of access, and so willing
as well as able to save, even unto the uttermost, all who corae

190 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
unto God through Him. I am, my dearest Jane, yours most
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLIV. St. Andrews, 22d March, 1826.
My dearest Jane — I have had an excursion to the coast
since I wrote last. My mother in good general health, and
a state of mind which is truly admirable. Though quite by
herself now (Helen being at Kirkaldy), she is never without
resources, having always some work on hand, and, to use her
own language, God is very kind to her in supplying her with
many a comfortable meditation.
My object in going down was to preach at Kilrenny, which
I did to a very full audience. I went down to Anster on
the Saturday— ^walked to Kilrenny after breakfast — preached
there in the afternoon — dined with Mr. Brown, and walked
in the evening to Barnsmuir with Mr. Fortune. I spent the
night there, and he drove me up next raorning in his gig to
St. Andrews. I felt great interest in being with Mrs. Brown
(Mary Forrester) at Kilrenny, where her father was rainister.
The pleasure was damped, however, by the recollection of
poor Anne Rankine, who lies, with her infant at her side, on
the east of General Scott's torab ; and over her, in the church
yard wall, there is a marble tablet with an inscription to her
memory. There is no .slight resemblance between Miss For
tune and her mother ; and she is now older than Christian
Rankine was when in 1799 I was first introduced to Barns
muir. You touch on a matter of great importance and great ten
derness when you advert to the religious training of your
children. It is marvelous how obtuse we are on the subject
of their eternal interests. How little we persuade them to
the things which belong to their eternal peace, and how
little we pray for them. It is a sad evidence of the weakness
of our faith when the ipiperishable souls of those who are dear
est to us are not cultivated and not cared for. I am, my dear
est Jane, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.

MRS. MORTON. 191

No. CLV. St. Andrews, 12tA April, 1826.
My dearest Jane — I received yours in course, and am
truly dehghted to observe that you are in such health. May
your soul prosper more and raore, and be in health ; and araid
ail these intermediate concerns between us and death, that is,
the interests or cares of a present Ufe, may we forget not that
there is a great and enduring interest which ' overpasses all
and absorbs all.
It is out of the question my mother going to England. Mrs.
Chalmers has asked her to live with us, and there is the most
perfect convenience for it. Still, however, she cleaves to An
ster, and will not leave it, she says, as long as Ohirsty is her
servant. There is a peace and deep serenity about her spirit
which is altogether deUghtful ; and destitute as she is of all
teasing curiosity, I am quite sure that whenever she consents
to corae to us, she will be a most delightful inmate. I really
hope that such an arrangement may take place soon.
My practical author at present is Howe. The book of his
which I am now at hand with is his " Redeemer's Tears." I
never read a sentence pf his works before, and I think I shall
like hira vastly. He is more lucid than Owen, vnrites with
greater taste, and is often, I think, more striking, if not so
profound. He is a very judicious and learned as well as pious
author. There is more of tenderness, too, about him than
Owen. I am, my dear Jane, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLVI.
^ St. Andrews, 30th October, 1826.
I can not be thankful enough for Mrs. Chalmer's excel
lent recovery. She is now daily a few hours in the dining-
room. Her attendant has been one of the Misses M'Clellan,
our Helen's sister-in-law, who makes a very agreeable inmate.
Besides her, Miss CoUier is now upon a visit to us. You may

192 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
remember her at Dairsie. She is a very decided and cul
tivated Christian, and has lived for several years with Mrs.
Coutts. We are much the better of an influence of that sort
under our roof; nor am I aware of an interest of greater mag
nitude, or that should corae nearer to the heart of a parent,
than the Christianity of his children. I hope that I should
prize it as the most precious indication of God's friendship
and fatherly regard, that He visited any of my household with
such demonstrations of their sinfulness on the one hand, and
of Christ's sufficiency on the other, as raight lead thera to
that faith by which they are saved.
My book at present is Baxter's " Saints' Rest" — very ira-
pressive. I think him particularly so on the awful and af
fecting subject of our responsibihty for each other's souls. I
should like more of courage and wisdom in the work of dealing
with people on the great topic of their eternity. I am, my
dearest Jane, yours very affectionately, Thos. Chalmers.
No. CLVII.
St. Andrews, 10th January, 1827.
My dearest Jane — I have lately, connected with the New
Year season, made two distinct visits to Crail and Anstruther.
On the one occasion I preached at Crail, and on the other at
Kilrenny. When at Crail I visited Mrs.  .
The next, or the Anster visit, was still more interesting.
Mr. Fortune, now at Barnsmuir, sent his gig for me on the
last Saturday of the year. I got down to dinner, and met a
company of coast-siders — Mr. Brown, of Kilrenny, Mr. and
Mrs. Wilson, of Anster, Hall Pringle and his sister, from Lar
go, &c. I stopped at Barnsmuir all night. The two eldest
daughters are farther advanced than were Kirsty and Susan
Rankine when I first knew them, and, indeed, have a very
strong resemblance, both in mind and appearance, to the
Barnsmuir ladies of that generation. Miss Fortune is now
at Leuchars, waiting on Mrs. Watson, who has had a daugh
ter, and is, I understand, doing very well.

MRS. MORTON. 193

On the Sunday morning we walked in a family group
from Barnsmuir to Kilrenny — a beautiful day, and most in
teresting road, all the turns and objeots of which you well
know. I preached in the afternoon at Kilrenny, and stayed
all evening and night in the manse — interesting from the
presence of Maiy Forrester, who, in spite of her " twa bairns,"
is the sarae giggler as ever. She has a deal of genuine hu
mor, and is, I farther hope, in the way of receiving good im
pressions frora her husband, who is a most powerful and evan
gelical preacher. The monuraent to Anne Rankine and her
infant child in Kilrenny church-yard is a very interesting ob
ject : it is upon the north wall, a little way from General
Scott's large mausoleum.
After breakfast I went to Anster, where I found my moth
er trocking among wives — the same peaceful and independ-
.ent person as ever.
This narrative has occupied raore roora than I intended. I
shaU therefore conclude with a reraark of our exceUent moth
er's ;" she reads a good deal, and, among other books, " Owen
on Spiritual-mindedness." She observed, however, that she
had not so much comfort in reading those books' which led her
to a view of her own heart, for there she saw naught but cor
ruption. ; but she found great satisfaction from trusting in
Groi. I am, my dearest Jane, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLVIII.
Anstruther, 14(A February, 1827.
My dearest Jane — Our excellent mother died this morn
ing at half past eight o'clock. She was entire in reason and
recoUection to the last ; and though she lost all power of ar
ticulation within an hour and a half of her death, yet previ
ous to that she gave forth many tokens of her solid and es
tablished trust in the great Redeemer, and, interspersed with
these, many wise and judicious directions relative to the dis
posal of ordinary affairs:
V. 1

194 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS-
You wiU forgive the brokenness and imperfection of my
present narrative. My dear wife is nursing ; and though she
has been down in a chaise four times since the commence
ment of the illness, yet ean not be away from St. Andrews
for a night. She had a deal of precious converse with my
mother yesterday, who really was in a state of great ease ; but
¦5he syraptoms of approaching dissolution came on at eight at
night, and became more and more aggravated for upward
of twelve hours, when her sufferings were ended.
I ara the alone occupant of the house in the mean time,
and have all the superintendence. When to this you add
that I was up all last night, you wUl not wonder if in this
first letter on the subject of this great bereavement you find
me so hurried and so unsatisfactory. But it is an adequate
subject for a series of letters ; and I shall be most happy, in
my repUes to your future communications, to amplify on the
interesting topic of our dear mother's last moments. With
kindest regards to Mr. Morton, believe me, my dearest Jane,
yours most truly and affectionately, Thomas Chai.mer&.
No. CLIX.
St. Andrews, 24th February, 1827.
My dearest Jane^ — Mrs. Chalmers and I were again at
Anster to-day. I had gone down by myself yesterday on foot,
she carae this day in a gig, and we got up together. I am
stiU engaged among the details of business ; but I fed, be
sides this, an indescribable attraction in the place, softened
by the tender and mournful recollection both of years and of
people that have gone by. David Barclay took me to the
church-yard, where I visited the hallowed spot of my mother's
fresh and recent grave. I fed strongly inclined to inclose
our famUy burial-ground. It is bounded on the south by a
projecting stone that comes out from the middle of the east
gate of Anster church : that stone is the monument of Cap
tain Anderson, a remote progeaitor, who brought home in his

MRS. MORTON. 198
ship the wood-which roofed the kirk of East Anster when it
was first built. . . • The Chalmerses have just been
ninety years in Anstruther, and after the death of my aunt
Jane, there is no further prospect of our being connected with
the place.
A day or two after my mother's death I wrote down a few
memorabiUa of her la,st Ulness : this I shaU copy over in my
next or succeeding letter. I would have done it at present,
but my visit of this day has supplied me with topics which I
might have omitted had I postponed them. Perhaps ray
next visit in a week may supply rae with some other topics
of immediate interest, as I mean to rummage her scrutoire,
where I know that I shall meet with some records of her
deep and devoted piety. I have already met with a raost
interesting record of her charity in a small paper book which
she appropriated to an account of her various distributions.
I prize it as the best of legacies, and should like to prosecute
her Anster benefactions. There is one half of the book blank,
and I mean to begin where she ended. I feel a tender and
melancholy pleasure in doing so. BeUeve me, ray dearest
Jane, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLX.
St. Anbrews, nth April, 1827.
My dearest Jane — I have been again at Anster. The
business I expect to be finally settled by the month of June.
The house will be sold by the beginning of May. I like to
recaU the' associations of former years by taking an occasional
night in it. My aunt is complaining at present.
In my mother's scrutoire, which I have opened, there are
many old manuscripts, and, among others, the birth-day pray
ers and dedications of the last years of her life. I had great
pleasure in going completely round, about a fortnight ago,
among aU the people whose names opeur in her charity-book.
These amounted to eighteen, and I left with each of thera
a trifle for her sake. Maggy Hutchison was, perhaps, the

196 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

most interesting of the cases, who, with her -aged, bed-fast
mother, Mrs. Duncan, are breathing the atmosphere of con
tentment and piety. She was teaching a few children, and
there was an air of comfort and peace in the dweUing. I have
not forgotten a characteristic adage of hers, uttered at Mrs.
Wilson's table years ago, that " Nature was easily sufiiced."
My book at present in the mornings is Serle's " Christian
Remembrancer" — a highly spiritual performance. Believe
me, my dearest Jane, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXI.
St. Andrews, 20th October, 1827.
My dearest Jane^ — I enjoyed very much my visit to Ire
land, and was certainly treated there with great kindness, and
received many honorable attentions. I was in four counties,
Donegal, Derry, Antrim, and Down. The marine scenery of
Antrim is the finest I ever saw ; and there is nothing which
has impressed rae so much in visible Nature as the Giant's
Causeway, with the precipitous beach on both sides of it.
I was a good deal pushed by the kindness and attentions
of the folks at Belfast. Among others, a person wrote me a
letter, and transmitted along with it his album, requesting an
insertion from me there, along with the other eminent per
sons who had honored it by their hand-writing. I sent it
back without any reply ; and just because of my repugnance
to an act which carries with it the consciousness that I, too,
must be a very eminent raan like the lave of thera. It is a
most indelicate request ; and I do think, if people are ama
teurs and collectors of handwriting, the way is, just to get
hold of any scrap of a card or letter that he may have writ
ten to another upon any familiar occasion, and batter it upon
one of the pages of the portfolio. It is really too much to
make the man himself -accessory to this sort of vanity. You
can accomraodate, I have no doubt, your friends vidth abund
ance of my hieroglyphical scrawls.

MRS. MORTON. 197

Of all the books I have recently read, there is none which
has dehghted, and, I hope, impressed me more than Leigh-
ton's " Commentary on Peter." What a precious thing it is
to get a fresh and powerful impression of reUgious truth.
You are quite right, that in ourselves we neither can do aright,
nor feel aright, nor even beUeve aright. Yet that should not
hinder us from looking in the direction whence help cometh
It is a great matter that we are encouraged to persist in the
mere attitude of waiting. We would be in the right and
desirable state all at once. But it would appear that this is
not the way, for we are called upon to seek till we find ; to
wait the Lord's time, who in due time will raise us up ; to
give earnest heed to the word of His testimony till the day
dawn and the day-star arise in our hearts. May He, who is
all grace and good- will, give you great peace and joy in be
lieving, and cause you to abound more and more in the com
fort of the Scriptures through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Believe me ever, my dearest Jane, yours most affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXII.
22d November, 1 827.
My ever dearest Jane — I received yours of the 16th,
and am quite grieved to find that you are still the invalid. I
know that you are in good hands, and it is my prayer that
He, who can cause the peaceable fruit of righteousness to arise
from His visitations of distress, may be with you as a com
forter and a stiengthener on the present, occasion. I rejoice
that, in the raidst of the outward distress, you allege a hap
piness and a thankfulness to be within. It is certainly a
very great raatter of gratitude and rejoicing when God is
pleased to uphold a tranquil and even happy frame in the
midst of outward tribulations. But it is right to remember
that your safety does not even depend upon this, but on that
kind and all-powerful Savior, who never fluctuates, being the
same to-day, yesterday, and forever.

198 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
Fetch, then, all your supplies from Him ; lean upon Him :
do not even raake a fatiguing work of so leaning, but rest
quietly on the assurance that you are in the hands of one able,
and as willing as He is able, to sustain you. May the blood
of sprinkling be upon your conscience, and as you think of the
full and finished work of a Savior's atonement, may you de
light yourself greatly in the abundance of peace secured to
you by such a peace-offering.
All here are well. Compliments to all. BeUeve me ever,
my dearest Jane, yours raost afiectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXIIL St. Andrews, 4th March, 1828.
My dear Jane — I do think it pertinacious in Mr. — :  to
keep up this constant annoyance with his albura. When it
does come, I shaU simply transmit it with my inscribed com
pliments, and he may be thankful that I do not inscribe fur
ther ray reprobation of the system of albums, and the dread
in which I stand of the applications of album-holders. It is
still competent for him to batter my line to you about him in
the book, if he so chooses. I am, my dearest Jane, yours
very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXIV. St. Andrews, 13th March, 1828.
My dearest Jane — The album carae to me by Glasgow
some days ago. I was comforted to find that some of the con
tributors had written texts, which I have done too. It was
not your joking, but their pertinacity, which annoyed me. I
am always pleased with the ingredient of humor in your let
ters. ' I shall have an opportunity for sending back their al
bura to Glasgow. The best contributions in it are those of
OUnthus Gregory and Hannah More. It is a species of En
glish inddicacy which I could never tolerate, and the ladies
of that land are particular nuisances in that way.

MRS. MORTON. 199

You perhaps remember a venerable brown- skinned folio
that ray father used to read upon the Sundays. It was a
complete body of Boston's works, I have great pleasure in
the perusal of it It has formed a morning reading to me
for some time, and I have now got over his " Crook in the
Lot" and his " Fourfold State," both of them very precious,
and the latter abounds in very impressive passages. I, of
late, have betaken myself to early rising, getting up every
morning at six. This habit will be of great use to me in'
Edinburgh. My chief anxiety, as connected with that place,
is on account of Mrs. Chalmers, whom I particularly wish to
protect from a repetition of that throng and pressure to which
we were exposed in Glasgow. Believe me, ray dear Jane,
yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXV.
Edinburgh, 29th November, 1828.
My dearest Jane — I am now in a more amazing bustle
than I ever was in my hfe ; but it being the first month of
my residence in Edinburgh, I trust it will subside. I have
now a written paper in my lobby, shown by my servant to all
and sundry who are making raere calls of attention, which is
just teUing them in a civil way to "gang" about their busi
ness. If any thing will cheek intrusion, this at length must.
I used to have about twelve letters a week in St. Andrews ;
I have now upward of fifty, so that I must write you more
shortly, though, I hope, not less frequently than before.
Erskine's Essay to Baxter is one of the best things he has
written. His last work on the " Freeness of the Gospel" has
made a great, and, I trust, a salutary impression on Mrs. Chal
mers. It is exceptionable in regard to the wording of some
things ; but altogether, in respect of principle and substance,
is unspeakably precious.
We have got a governess from St. Andrews for a few
months till we know more of Edinburgh ; but our 'elder girls

300 CORRESPONDENCE OF DiR. CHALMERS.

wiU take lessons from without by-and-by. BeUeve me, my
dear Jane, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXVI. Penicuick, 11th September, 1829.
My dearest Jane — I received yours of the 1st vidth great
tenderness of feeling, in which Mrs. Chalmers abundantly
shared. We are both most thankful for the degree of recov
ery which the Father of mercies has been pleased to confer
upon you. He knows your frame, and it is now your part to
possess your soul in peace and in patience. Rest in the Sav
ior. He likes. His people to lean upon Him, and to support
them when their strength is gone. A day of complete and
glorious emancipation is coming, when they who beUeve in
Him shall be loosed from their infirmities, and sin and sor
row shall be alike unknown.
It was, indeed, a severe family visitation that we have been
called upon to endure. There is no death that has more sens
ibly moved and affected me. May the impression be lasting
and profitable to us all. The poor widow is bearing up won
derfully, and God will care, I trust, for her and her family.
Believe rae, my very dear Jane, yours most affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXVII. Edinburgh, 6th October, 1832.
My dearest Jane — I have spent a day with the Denbighs
I think much of her ladyship, both in respect of sound intelli
gence and good principles. She evinces great good sense in
this — that while she travels in Scotland, she selects as the
appropriate objects of her inquiries all that is special, and
peculiar, and characteristic in Scotch theology. She has
been in quest of our national and popular authors in this line,
and, besides, interests herself with the old points and passages
of our ecclesiastical history. I was ranch pleased with her
conversation as a whole, but with one drawback — felt, I be-

MRS. MORTON. 201

lieve, by aU parties during raore than the first half hour of
our being together : they neither understood readily ray
Scotch, nor did I understand readily theu: English. In this
respect of mutual understanding I am far better off with the
Enghsh of London than the English of the provinces ; and,
accordingly, for several hours we got on very ill — I a barba
rian to them, and they barbarians to me. However, it got
always the longer the better, especially after we had dined,
and after the whole matter was closed by an act of family
worship at their request, I retired from thera with the full
impression that the barbarous people had treated me with no
little kindness.
Miss Moreton gave me a sketch which she had made of
Mr. Morton — far the most vivid resemblance of a huraan
head and face that I ever saw done with the pencil. TeU
me if you would like to see it, and I shall send it to you, on
the condition that you return it, as Miss Moreton said she
could present you with a sirailar sketch afterward. I showed
it to Dr. Welsh, professor of Church History, and the raost en
lightened of our phrenologists. He pronounced upon it as a
very reraarkable head, and instanced, more especiaUy, activ
ity, with great shrewdness and intellect, as among the chief
characteristics. If you had any anxiety about it, I could get Dr. Welsh to
make a minute study of Mr. Morton's head, with the view of
drawing a character. It were a curious experiment as to the
soundness of phrenology as a science, besides being interesting
in other respects. I observe that Lady Denbigh has some
faith in it. Ever believe me, my dearest Jane, yours most
truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXVIII. 15th February, 1833.
My dearest Jane — These are peaceful times, yet not such
as should interfere with that most important of all history, the
unseen history of minds reposing in the faith of the Savior,
12

202 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

and ripening for heaven under the operation of His sanctify
ing grace. May such be the prosperous history of you and of
yours till we have obtained our secure establishment in the
land of everlasting quietness. Believe me, my dearest Jane,
yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXIX. Edinburgh, 27th February, 1833.
My dearest Jane — ^I received in due time your sprightly
communication, to which I might not have replied so soon,
but to express the great interest I fed in your proposed move
ment to us in summer.
Mrs. Chalmers was greatly amused by the new title where-
¦with you have dubbed her. I confess myself to have been
relieved by the Irish Church Reform Bill, the only flaw in it
(although that may be one of deadly raischief) being the sec
ularization of the sum which they expect from the sale of
Church lands. But you are quite right in possessing your
soul in patience and quietness under all the events of Provi
dence, assured always of this, that God reigneth. Ever be
lieve me, my dearest Jane, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXX.
Edinburgh, 6th June, 1833.
My dearest Jane — Since writing you last a letter, which
is probably waiting for you at Cupar, I have become wretch
edly bilious, and must make another retreat into the country
I shall go, probably, to Kinghorn, and if at all safe or right foi
rae, I will venture east for half a day to the hot, and confined,
and dusty town of Kirkaldy. If I ara not able for this, you
will have, I hope, the candor to put down ray non-appearance
there to its right cause — even that candor, the want of which,
I fear, has incurably disterapered the footing on which I stand
with some of my nearest relatives and connections in this
world. Oh, when will the system of human intercourse be

MRS. MORTON. 203

left to its own free and spontaneous workings, and cease to be
a constrained and hypocritical interchange of jealous exac
tions and claims of attention upon the one side, of cold, heart
less, and formal, but reluctant compUances upon the other ?
Give my kindest regards to Catharine, and ever believe
me, my dearest Jane, yours most truly and affectionately, your
bilious and beloved, your stomachic and sentimental, your
choUcal and cholerical brother, who, with sincere good- will,
subscribes himself ever yours, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXI.
Steamboat between Boston and Lincoln, 29/A July, 1833.
My dearest Jane — I have been detained a week longer
than I expected, and it wiU be, at least, the middle of August
before I reach Scotland. I beg you will write imraediatdy
on receipt of this, and let me know your movements. My
address, if you will write soon enough, is at the Rev. Mr.
Gray's, of Sunderland. I want particularly to know about
what tirae you purpose to be at Wopdhouselee, for it will de
pend upon this whether I shall go first there, or go immedi
ately to Kelton. Few things would give me greater pleasure
than sorae quiet day of converse with you at a distance from
bustle, and where we could talk over both the prospects of
the future and the recoUections of other days.
I spent yesterday at Boston, where I heard two very cold
sermons in the church, but a better one from a clergyman in
the evening, also of the Establishment. During the day I
was called upon by Mr. Aitken, formerly of Fife, and who tells
me that we had met before at a house in Gloucestershire ; he
farms in the neighborhood, and has a visit frora Mr. Morton
when he comes to Spalding.. I had lost my recollection of
him — an infirmity that, I fear, is growing upon me. But we
had sufficient points of sympathy in his being a Scotchman,
and, withal, brother to George Aitken, an old parishioner of
mine. He introduced his son to me, a fine-like lad, who is
learning a business at Boston.

M4 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
I hope I ara legible in spite of the dinnel of the steam-boat.
We are now approaching Lincoln, whose lofty Cathedral has
a very no})le appearance. Our passengers come chiefiy from
the fens — and araphibious-looking'creatures they are, with a
dialect not very intelligible to rae, and a certain degree of
shyness, which perhaps, however, it is natural for thera to ob
serve toward all other land animals.
May the God of all comfort stablish you more and more,
both in the promises and precepts of the Gospel ; and with
kindest regard to Catharine and Mr. and Mrs. M'Clellan, ever
believe me, ray dearest Jane, yours raost truly and affection
ately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXII. NoRHAM, 10th August, 1833.
My dearest Jane — I have been at Berwick to-day, and I
am now at a place eight miles up the Tweed from it. I
mean to work my way to Woodhouselee from this by the line
of separation bet\yeen the two countries, and always studjdng
to keep as near to it as I can, with one foot, if possible, in
England, and another in Scotland. This wUl bring rae down
Liddesdale ; and for night-quarters I raean to chap at every
raanse-door I can fall in with.
I am only sorry that I shall not be able to convoy you home
ward, but I will be able, I hope, to stop with you at Wood
houselee till the 23d. Give ray kindest regards to Mr. and
Mrs. M'Clellan and Catharine, and ever believe rae, my dear
est Jane, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXIII. Penicuick, 24th June, 1834.
My dearest Jane — The doctor prescribes for me one con
tinued holiday all suraraer, and I raean as much as possible
to take his advice. It were well if in this season of exemp
tion from all strenuous effort, I could find my rest and refuge
in God as the strength of my heart and everlasting portion.

MRS, MORTON, s05

having whom all the enjoyments of a world that passeth
away might be renounced without a pang. I am, my dear
est Jane, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXIV.
Penicuick, near Edinburgh, 25th August, 1834.
My dearest Jane — I am grieved to observe by your let
ter of the 10th that you have suffered so much lately from
ill health. WiU you let me know in your next which half of
your head it was that felt the greatest pain ? Any peculiar
syraptoms which I feel are on the right of my head and side ;
but of late I have become more confident of a full recovery,
and do feel that its holiday summer which I have spent, with
its exemption from fatigue and ease, has been of great use
to me. I am much interested by your aspirations after a nearer
conforraity to the image of the Savior, and I desire fully to
sympathize with them. It is well to look unto Him as our
example, as well as look unto Him as our propitiation. I hold
it a reraarkable expression, and a reraarkable coincidence, that
in both of these capacities He is said to be set forth to us, and
set forth by God. What a two-fold power of comfort and of
direction there is in this ; and if we give earnest heed unto
Him in the aspects under which He is set forth unto us, we
may rest assured of the promise given to those who hjjnger
and thirst after righteousness, even that they shall be filled.
T am, my dearest Jane, yours most affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXV.
Burntisland, 27(A December, 1 834.
My dearest Jane — I have come here for a few days dur
ing our Christmas vacation, and I gladly avail myself of my
first country holiday to answer your affectionate letter of in
quiry. I have been engaged in class-work for six weeks, and have

206 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
acquitted myself of it greatly beyond my anticipations. I am
much thinner, being now 168 lbs. weight, whereas I at one
tirae was 205 lbs., but muscularly I am as strong as ever;
and as to my head symptoms, noise, hissing, pulsation, ac
companied with numbness in my extremities, although they
continued with me till within these few days, I am marvel
ously free of them since I left Edinburgh. On the whole, I
think that even my head is knitting with greater strength
and soundness again.
As to my being a Tory, I ara certainly a Conservative,
though not in the party, but in the general and ordinary sense
of the term. I believe that under our late government the
country was drifting fast into a state of anarchy, and I fear
that our present administration forras in all human likeU-
hood the last barrier — ^may it be an effectual one — against a
treraendous civil war.
But to pass to more satisfactory topics. Have you read
Owen on the 130th Psalm ? This is my last great work ; and
I would strongly recomraend it as eminently conducive to our
establishment in that way, which is at once a way of peace
and of holiness. I am, ray dearest Jane, yours raost truly and
afiectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXVI.
Burntisland, 20th October, 1835.
My dearest Jane — ... In the hope that you will accept
of this ray contrite acknowledgment, I now proceed to the sub
ject which, whatever the diversity of our tastes or our em
ployments raay be in other things, should at all tiraes ceraent
by the feeling of a coramon interest those who possess as we
do the doctrines, and, I trust, the hopes of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. I am thankful to say that no reading so occupies
and engages me as the biography of those who have made it
most their business to prosecute the sanctification of their
souls ; and, in particular, let me name the "Life of Sir Mat
thew Hale," lately published by Williams, as also Venn's "Me-

MRS. MORTON. 207

moir and Correspondence." He is the author of the "Co'm-
plete Duty of Man," which I am now reading, and which, as
a practical system of evangeUcal doctrines and duties, I feel
inclined raore to recoramend, as a family book for the adult
sons and daughters of a family, than any I know. It is now
becoming a deep concern with me " to watch over the souls
of my children;" and we both have so strong a common in
terest in this, that I can not refrain from mentioning a book
which you would do well to encourage the perusal of among
those who are near and dear to you. I ever am, my dearest
Jane, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXVII. Edinburgh, 18th February, 1838.
My dearest Jane — There should be no such word as for
giveness between us. You altogether mistake ray feelings if
you think that there is any thing to forgive. I am well
pleased every time I receive a letter from you, but you must
hot think of tasking yourself to such an exercise. A letter
from any of your fanuly is tantamount to a letter from your
self, when occupied or unweU, which I am sorry to think you
often are. But bear up under the conviction that God is
faithful as weU as merciful to forgive aU who apply to Him
in the name of Jesus ; and be well assured that, as your
fears of alienation or displeasure on the part of your earthly
friends here turned out to be groundless, be assured that Still
more groundless are your apprehensions of displeasure in God,
whose darling attribute is mercy, whose strange work is judg
ment, and who rejoices in the confidence which His own crea
tures rest in His own name, as the Lord God merciful and
gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. And though He
says of Himself that He will by no means clear the guilty,
yet has He found out a way by which He might at once be
a just God and a Savior — just, yet the justifier of those who
believe in Jesus.

308 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
I saw your Alexander, whom I love, yesterday. We met
at the church door. John, who Professor Forbes tells me is
one of the ablest and raost scientific of his students, has lately
added skating to his other accomplishments ; and when I saw
him two days ago on the ice, I found him a good proficient
in that part of education also. I am, my dearest Jane, yours
raost truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXVIII. Edinburgh, 3d January, 1839.
My dearest Jane — Our place is not Eveningside. It is
true that it is on the other side of Edinburgh from Morning
side, and hence the denomination which I, in the fertility of
my genius, chose to annex to it. But remeraber afterward,
and address rae at Edinburgh, as the brilliancies of invention,
however congenial to rainds of a high order like yours and
mine, serve rather to bewilder than to guide the prosaic move
ments of a postman or letter-carrier.
Our family are at present in tolerable health. Thomas
Chalmers Hanna, my grandson of a year and a half old, has
been with us for some months — a delicate skift of a creature,
but a great favorite notwithstanding ; the object of a very
general attention ; the centre of a circle of friends and ad
mirers ; the little despot of an establishment, all the members
of which do him homage, and are subordinate to his sway.
I trust your health is raending, and, above all, that your
soul prospers and is in health. Let us keep on the foundation
of Christ's grace and righteousness, and there is no fear of us.
I fed quite assured that the raore we look to the Gospel in
its freeness, the raore shall we experience of its sanctifying
power, of its present salvation, the pledge and earnest of that
future salvation, which it so richly offers to all who will. I
ever am, my dearest Jane, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

MRS. MORTON. 209

No. CLXXIX. Kirkaldy, 6th April, 1839.
My very dear Jane — I should have replied a great deal
sooner to yours of January the 9th. I have only this week
finished the labors of our coUege session, where I ara very
much engrossed, and, even at the best, I can only write brief
ly and generally. I saw both John and Elizabeth very lately.
I rejoice to hear of his teaching a Sabbath-school. His is a
bright order of talent, and it is a great blessing when men of
power become also men of deep and decided piety, which com
bination I pray God that your son may realize. The stron
gest of my instinctive likings is toward Alexander — a fine
laddie-looking fellow, with an approach to a " lint-tap," and
at that age of tooth-shedding when chasms and vacancies oc
cur along the front gums. Every thing is beautiful in its
season. Part of my family is now at Burntisland, which I left this
morning, and am now with ray father-in-law at Kirkaldy.
Grace, Mrs. Hanna, and the grandbairn or oy, are now on this
side of the water — the last raending, the two forraer colded,
and not the better of that raw, penetrating east wind, which
is felt so severely along the coast of Fife at this season of the
year. That easterly haar, by-the-way, is an exception : it
may be the beneficial result of wise and beneficent laws, but
I can not say of it as I did of Alexander's toothless apertjires
— it is not beautiful in its season.
My kindest regards to all — Mr. Morton, Catharine, Anne,
Lucy, and John. May they rise around you and call you
blessed. I have been reading lately in Fisher's " Marrow of
Modern Divinity," a truly refreshing work, full of the free
ness and richness of that blessed Gospel, which holds forth,
on the footing of a gift, all that is most precious for sanctifi
cation here and everlasting salvation hereafter. I ever am,
my dearest Jane, yours most affectionately and truly,
Thomas Chalmers,

210 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CLXXX.
Kirkaldy, 23d October, 1839.
My very dear Jane — I have first to begin with an affect
ing piece of intelligence, the death of Captain Pratt, my fa
ther-in-law, which has brought me and Mrs. Chalmers to this
place, where we remain several days. The death even of our
most aged friends, however much expected, is always sure to
strike and to solemnize when it happens ; and it is, indeed,
raost marvelous that, familiarized as we are to this most cer
tain of all events, it always coraes upon us with the force of
a new lesson which we had yet to learn.
I have not seen the book entitled " Union, or the Church
made One," but I have read the other production of its au
thor, entitled " Maramon," and think that there is great truth
of principle in the work, and that, too, forcibly and impressive
ly propounded.
I have been a great traveler this year (as far as Suther-
landshire), and been acting the part of a sturdy beggar in be
half of Church Extension. The sum realized in the course
of my itinerancies has been about £14,000. I am scarcely
yet recovered from the exhaustion of these efforts, nor do I
mean to repeat them. With my best regards to Mr. Morton,
and earnest prayers for the health, and, more especially, for the
spiritual well-being of one and all of the family, I ever am, my
dearest Jane, yours very affectionately, Tho. Chalmers.
No. CLXXXI.
Edinburgh, 15th December, 1839.
My dearest Jane — I have not written you since the death
of our poor brother James — a touching and most melancholy
event — and of which I have already written to Helen, it hav
ing been my purpose to hold a special communication on the
subject with each of the surviving family ; but the bustle and
agitation of our various affairs in this place have sadly re
tarded the execution of my purpose.

MRS. MORTON. 811

We are greatly too reserved on the matter that principally
concerns us. There is an unaccountable deUcacy in speak
ing to each other of the things of the soul. I did feel that
sensitive repugnance in the case of poor James, though I oc
casionally dropped a hint or intimation in writing to him.
Still, I often had my compunctions on his account, and there
fore you can imagine the interest and satisfaction I felt in
your daughter Anne's letter, where she spoke of the confidence
he felt on his death-bed in the merits of the Savior.
Let us all address ourselves to Him as the alone refuge and
propitiation of sinners. We can not surely trust Him too
much ; nor is there teraerity or presumption in venturing our
aU upon so sure a foundation. Let us not fear that, if our
dependence be strong enough, we shall fail in our prepara
tions for eternity ; as, the simpler and stronger our faith, the
more fervent wiU be our love, the more abundant as well as
afiectionate will be our obedience.
I grieve to hear that you are unwell. CUng with full re
liance to Him who knows how to save us ; rejoice in the
midst of tribulation ; feel the peace and assurance of that
blood which cleanseth from all sin.
Give my kindest regards to all — to Mr. Morton, Catharine,
and all the family. Tell Anne how much I rejoiced in her
letter, and that I shall always be delighted to hear from her.
Mrs. Chalmers unites with me in all that is sympathizing and
kind. Yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXXn.
Edinburgh, 23d February, 1840.
My dearest Jane — I should have written much sooner,
but could not, under the suspense and uncertainty of dear Al
exander's iUness. God has been pleased to take him away
from you, and in the death of that very fine, engaging boy,
has given us aiiother demonstration of the evanescence of a
world, the best-loved objects of which are liable to be so
suddenly and affectingly wrested from our grasp.

212 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS
I rejoiced to hear from Mr. Morton that you were prepared
for the decisive intelligence before he left home. Often have
I thought of Mr. Wilberforce's remark, that the faith of im
mortality gives a certain firraness of texture to the mind.
Could we but realize our future and better world, it would
lighten the effect of those calaraities to which all flesh is
heir in this earthly pilgriraage.
I was glad, though only for, a raoraent, to see poor Ehza-
beth on the day of the funeral. We shall be anxious to hear
how she and Mr. Morton got horae.
I ara heartily tired of public life, and long, if God be
pleased to spare me, for such an old age as ray raother enjoy
ed, as if at the gate of Heaven, and with such a fund of in
ward peace and hope as raade her nine years' widowhood a
perfect feast and foretaste of the blessedness that awaits the
righteous. If I Uve, I shall be sixty on the 17th of March,
entering the seventh decade of my life. It has been a fond
speculation of mine, would that it were realized, to make that
decade a Sabbatical one, bidding adieu to all official busi
ness save that of my professorship, and spending the remain
der of ray days in the studies and exercises of sacredness. It
greatly enhances ray desire for such a consuraraation when I
think of the bright and beautiful serene which sat on the even
ing of ray mother's life. There are few things I should like
better, during the currency of such a latter-day period, than
the tranquil visit of two or three weeks to Chester Hill. But
let us not dwell too confidently on these visions of the earth
ly future, but rather look forward to the city which hath foun
dations, whose builder and maker is God. -I remain, ray dear
est Jane, yours very affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXXIII. Edinburgh, 20th March, 1840.
My dearest Jane — It gives rae real gratification and
thankfulness to observe the support which you experience

MRS. MORTON. 213
from the hand of God under the heavy affliction that He has
been pleased to lay upon you. He knows how to temper His
own visitations, and how delightfuUy alleviating must be
your recollection of those traits which mark a work of grace
on the dear object of our regret and tenderness.
I have now entered on threescore, and desire to give up
the remainder of ray days on earth to a busy work of prepara
tion for Heaven — a work of greatest difficulty, nay, impracti
cable, without the aids of that Spirit who alone can help our
infirmities, and perfect strength in weakness. I ever am,
ray dearest Jane, yours most truly and affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXXiV. Burntisland, 26th June, 1840.
My dearest Jane — I have not written you since poor
Mr. M'Clellan' s death. I have exchanged letters with Mrs.
M'CleUan, and I am glad to perceive that, though greatly dis
tressed, she has been so well supported under the heavy visit
ation. Our friends and contemporaries are fast breaking up ;
and each new summons wUl, I trust, prove a useful as well
as an affecting memento to us who are spared.
Our church matters are in sad confusion, owing to the faith
lessness and want of real patriotism in public raen. The Whigs
used us shamefully ; but this I very much laid my account
with, and have therefore been still more chagrined and dis
appointed with the treatment of the Conservatives. I have
heard that all is fair in poUtics, even as aU is fair in horse-
dealing. It is truly wretched, however, to think that the
morality of public and parUamentary men should be on a
level with the morality of a horse-market.
I mean to retire from all pubUc business, but I have some
closing accounts to wind up, which may occupy some weeks
yet. With best regards to you and yours, I ever am, my dearest
Jane, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.

214 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CLXXXV. Burntisland, 14fA July, 1840.
My DEAREST Jane — I am much mterested by what you tell
me of the Ducie family ; and knowing, as I do. Lady Denbigh,
I should like to hear from you of her safety. She seemed to
rae a person of great sensibility, as well as of great intdUgence
and worth.
I ara engaged with Mrs. Chalmers to be at Dunkeld on the
day of their sacrament, which takes place on the first of Au
gust. After our return thence, it is possible that we may
have to go to Ireland ; but this is not altogether deterrained.
It seems we held out some hope to the Hannas of Belfast ;
but I do trust that we shall not miss the opportunity and
great enjoyment of your society while in Scotland. I confess
that, as a chield gets aulder, the force of the Scotch proverb
that " Bluid is thicker than water," is felt with all the greater
force by him.
I look back with the greatest interest on the history and char
acter of both my parents, and particularly on the days of widow
hood of ray mother, who evinced a strength of Christian prin
ciple throughout, and a depth of peace and assurance, settled
on the merits of the Savior, which are not often equaled.
I mean to virrite Helen in a few days ; and, meanwhile,
with best regards to Mr.- Morton, Catharine, Elizabeth, Anne,
and all the rest of your famUy, in which Mrs. Chalmers joins,
I ara, my dearest Jane, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers
No. CLXXXVI. Edinburgh, 23d November, 1840.
My dearest Jane — I hope you would receive my last let
ter to you, which seems to have crossed your last letter to me.
I did not advert to your being at Cheltenham tiU Helen here
told me. She is in a quiet and complacent frame, and alto
gether I am much interested by her visit, as well as by the

MRS. MORTON. 316

prospect of your being with us in spring. There is something
affecting in the thought of a common gathering among the
merabers of a once numerous family, recalling, as it were,
their scattered forces, and meeting together once more ere
tirae shall complete its work on the remaining few, by laying
each one after another successively in the dust. With earn
est prayer for God's best blessings on you and yours, I ever am,
my very dear Jane, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXXVII. St. Andrews, 17th April, 1841.
My very dear Jane — You will be surprised at the date
of this letter ; but I have come to repose here for a few days
after the fatigues of the session, and the debilitating effects
of my late influenza. I am the guest of Professor Duncan,
still an inveterate, and, I fear, hopeless bachelor. By Octo
ber next, we shaU have been acquainted for fifty years, or half
a century. I told him lately that when we were first ac
quainted wo were " twa callants," but that now we were
" twa carls." You ean easily imagine the deUght I enjoy in
a visit to my own university, and under the roof of an hospi
taUty as free, and open, and easy as that which obtains be
tween two student lads.
I like Lady Denbigh. I greatly admired both her sense
and her piety when I met her in Scotland. I have no wish,
however, to be in London ; but should I go, I should rejoice
in availing myself of her very kind invitation, and also in
coming round to you by the railroad.
Let me know partictdarly of Catharine. May the Giver
of all that is gqod restore her to your wishes and prayers, yet
prepare us for His own holy and righteous wUl, and so spirit
ualize our hearts that their affections may be withdrawn
from the world, the nearest and dearest objects of which can
so speedUy be withdrawn from us. I ever am, my dearest
Jane, yours very affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.

216 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS

No, CLXXXVIII. Burntisland, 18th May, 1841.
My very dear Jane — Tho reason why I did not express
the delight I shall feel on your visit to Scotland is, that I
waited till I could express the still greater delight of a visit
from you in our own house. When I last wrote we were a
family of invalids, with no less than four of us occupying each
a separate apartment ; but now I have reason to bless God
that we are gradually getting better, and that we shall have
accommodation both for you and Catharine, with a method of
providing for Mr. Morton a most comfortable night-quarters
in the town, when he comes to spend days with you. You
we expect to have for weeks, or, still better, for months ; and
as sea-bathing, I understand, is good for Catharine, I can as
sure you that this is the best bathing quarter I know any
where, our house being a very small way frora a beach of
fine sand. Mrs. Chalraers joins rae in the earnest expression
of our joint wish that you will accede to this arrangeraent,
and we shall raanage to have Helen over too. I ara sure
you will admire the beauties of our scenery, and be charmed
with the kindness of our small and simple society, made up
chiefly of the Youngs, who are the magnates of this place,
and related to Mrs. Chalraers. Our children begin bathing
in June, and will have great pleasure in joining Catharine.
I raean to be constantly at home all suraraer, spending it
in quiet study, after having renounced all the bustle and pub
licity of other days. It is a favorite speculation of raine, that,
if spared to sixty, we then enter on the seventh decade of hu
raan life, and that this, if possible, should be turned into the
Sabbath of our earthly pilgrimage, and spent Sabbatically, as
if on the shore of an eternal world, or at the gate of the upper
sanctuary, in the outer courts, as it were, of the temple that
is above — the tabernacle in heaven. What enamours rae all
the more with this idea is the beautiful retrospect of my
mother's widowhood, all of which she spent in spiritual enjoy-

MRS. MORTON. 217

ments and in deep rdigious peace. With her the season of
final retirement from the woirld was a season of preparation
and piety, and I can image nothing raore impressive than my
recoUection of her dying scene. May we die the death of the
righteous, may our latter end be like his. With best regards
to Mr. Morton, Catharine, Anne, Lucy, and the young gentle
men, in which Mrs. Chalmers joins, I ever am, my very dear
Jane, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CLXXXIX. Burntisland, 30th August, 1841.
My dearest Jane — I am grieved to find frora your letter
that Anne is so poorly. May she be speedily restored to health
and strength ; and, above aU, raay God's will be our will. It
is good to be rerainded of the precariousness of this world's
blessings ; and surdy it is high time for us, in particular, tO be
looking heavenward and homeward. There is not a better
attitude, I believe, both for peace and holiness, than a quiet
resting in Christ as the Lord our righteousness.
Catharine left on Saturday with Mr. and Mrs. M'Clellan,
and ray brother Charles. She is now at Castlebank, and pro
poses to go to Wishaw and Skirling. She did not just take
with the bathing, and it is thought that going about a little
may be of service to her. I hope to see more of her here also,
for Charles, now at leisure, can conduct her to us at any time.
I have not seen enough of her, nor talked enough to her ; and
I can not sufficiently lament the engrossments which have
hitherto dispossessed better and higher themes, and restrained
my converse on them with my nearest and dearest relatives
more than it ought to have been. I have seen, however, as
much of your Catharine as makes rae like her very ranch,
and think highly of her. She is, indeed, a great favorite with
us all ; and I do hope, that when she coraes next, she will find
me more disengaged, for we have been sadly bustled of late.
May God give us grace and wisdom for being Christianly
useful to each other in our journey through this wilderness of
V. K

218 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
estrangement both froin the light a»d love of heaven. Beat
regards to Mr. Morton and the girls, and particularly to dear-
Anne. All here unite in kind remembrances. I am, my
dearest Jane, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXC.
Burntisland, 29th September, 1841.
My dearest Jane — I rejoice to hear of the betterness of
Anne, and do hope that all these family trials and changes
will issue in the spiritual well-being of us all. Would that
we could make them subserve our discipline for eternity, one
of the most essential preparations for which is delight in prais
ing God — a higher acquirement, I do think, than even delight
and devotedness in prayer. It is a great help, however, that
in the exercise of praise we should not trust to the mere re
sources of our own meditation, but seek help in the Bible.
And I have never, I think, approximated so much to the spir
it of praise, as when reading, not in a cursory manner, but
with intentness and fixedness of thought, on the subjects laid
before us in the Psalms of David.
The archetypes of the real words in Scripture wiU serve
us better than the conceptions which come at will or random
into our rainds, or when left to seek for thero, without this
aid, by dint of our own meditative energies alone.
I hope we shall begin to build in spring. If God be pleased
to spare us, I shall be delighted to have a visit from you when
we enter it. We are at present in the bustle of preparation
for pur departure to Edinburgh, whither we mean to go by
the 9th of October. I am, my dearest Jane, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXCL
, Edinburgh, 12th October, 1841.
My very dear Jane — That is a very precious tract which
you have sent rae, and written, too, by one of superlative
taleat, though not overborne with the drudgeries and prepar-

MRS. MORTON. 819

ations of any great literary office. It is altogether Uke hira
self; and I confess that I like to see a vital and practical sub
ject in the hands of such a raan as Foster. It reminds me
strongly of his Preface to Doddridge's " Rise and Progress."
Dear Catharine left us yesterday. She is a universal fa
vorite among her Scotch relatives ; and there is something to
me raost beautifully touching in the quiet, gentle, and unob
trusive style of her piety. May she be preserved a comfort
to you in your declining years ; and may one and all of your
children rise around you and call you blessed. I rejoice to
hear that Anne is raending so fast. May her and our souls
prosper and be in health ; and raay we all make sure of the
only thing worth minding, an interest in Christ, and access
through Him to our reconciled Father in heaven.
I write sparsely, you will observe. I am again sunk in ar
rears, and would really require to write with a rail-road speed
by means of a fifty-horse power to get over ray daily work,
¦with six letters a day to the bargain. I ever ara, my very
dear Jane, Thomas Chalmers
No. CXCII. Edinburgh, 3tst December, 1841.
My dearest Jane — I expected to write you at length dur
ing our holidays ; but I stayed in Edinburgh, and have found
myself quite overborne by its senseless and ceremonious calls,
so that I am forced to get through my twenty or thirty un
answered letters with as few sentences as possible ; and, for
this purpose, I am now skulking in another house than my
own. We were out at Castlebank the other day at a great New-
year's festival ; and I, as being now the patriarch of our im
mediate rdationship, give the New-year's day dinner to-mor
row. Yesterday I was at Duncan Cowan's ; and he, Alex
ander his brother, and I, forraed the three carls of the party.
My best regards to all. What a rapid flow of years and
seasons ! May we learn wisdom, and find our way to Him

220 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
who alone has the words, and who alone has the gift of life
everlasting. I ever ara, my dearest Jane, yours most affec
tionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXCIIL Edinburgh, 19th February, 1842.
My dearest Jane — Your letter of the 8th of January has
been long by rae unanswered. I have been soraewhat on the
sick list, and more especially frora want of sleep for several
weeks now. Mrs. Chalraers and I went this day week to
Castlebank in quest of sleep for rae, and we returned yester
day. I ara rather better, though far frora being perfectly re
stored to the use of ray sleeping faculties.
I enjoyed ray visit greatly ; and when, after.tea and supper,
the three matrons set them down by. the fire-side to their re
spective stockings, I thought it quite in keeping with the
quietness and domesticity of the scene.
We heard, while at Castlebank, that Catharine and Anne
had been in London. What a precious emollient, araid all
the varieties of human distress, is the faith by which I trust
that both of them are actuated. And what a mighty acces
sion to the comfort and true wealth of a family, when the
Gospel in its spirituality and power makes entry within its
threshold, and operates as a leaven for good both within its
own limits and in the vicinity around. I bethink me, when
I write thus, of these excellent ones of the earth, Mrs. Hes-
kine. Miss BUss, and Mrs. General Blackwdl, to aU of whom I
beg you will present my cordial and respectful acknowledg
ments. My next birth-day is coming apace, when I shaU have en
tered my sixty-third year. There is, upon that occasion, a
general convergence toward our house of the iraraediate re-
lationhood ; and I look for the families both of Skirling and
Dunkeld shortly.
May the Lord prepare us all for our last and greatest change.
I have got hold just now of one of Owen's little practical

MRS. MORTON. 221

works, which greatly interests me. It is upon the respective
dominions of sin and grace.
Give my best regards to one and all of your household. I
hope John is enayed to prosecute his studies, though busi
ness, of course, must first be attended to, and full acquittal
made of it. I am, my dearest Jane, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXCIV. Edinburgh, 17th March, 1842.
My very dear Jane — I received yesternight your very af
fecting letter, where, however, I can read of mercy mingled
with judgment, and am truly glad to find that both you and
dear Anne experimentally know what it is to rejoice in the
midst of tribulations. There is an expression which I think
was quoted by yourself in a letter of many years back, and
which I think singularly applicable to the present state of
suffering which God has been pleased to lay upon you both :
it occurs in Deuteronomy, xxxii., 36 : " For the Lord shall
repent Himself for His servants, when He seeth that their
power is gone." He will have respect unto your weakness.
It is not willingly that He afflicts you. He will cause that
when you are weak, then you shall be strong ; not, it may be,
by the removal of the infirmity, but by making the power of
Christ to rest upon you.
How delightful the attitude in which the pitying Savior is
represented to the eye of faith, as touched with a fellow- fed
ing — as having been Himself tried even as we are — and as
able (and willing as He is able) to succor them who are so
tried. I know not a more precious expression of His charac
ter, did we but realize it, than that used by the apostle when
he tells us of the meekness and gentleness of Christ. Let us
cast on Him, then, both the burden of our sufferings and our
cares, and He, not permitting us to be tempted beyond what
we are able, will provide a way of escape, that we raay be
able to bear it. I feel much obliged by the effort you have

222 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
raade, under illness, to inform me of your state. Give my
best regards to all under your roof, and may the visitation
which has come upon poor Anne prove a blessing in disguise
both to her and to the family.
I send a tract, written by a former student of mine, which
I think among the best I have read, it lays down the Gospel
with such simplicity and freeness. I should like to know Mrs.
Heskine's opinion of it, for it is not always that our Scotch
manufactures are adapted to the English taste. All here join
in the raost cordial and sympathizing regards to you. Be
lieve me ever, ray dearest Jane, yours most truly and affec
tionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXCV.
Dunkeld, 28th April, 1842.
My very dear Jane — I have written both Mrs. Chalmers
and George on the melancholy event of Mr. Weakner's death,
which, though I never saw him, has interested and affected
me not a little.
I have come here to recruit a little between the rising up
of my class and the meeting of our General Assembly, and ara
greatly dehghted with the beauty both of the weather and of
the scenery.
I have assisted at Mr. Mackenzie's sacrament, and been
much pleased both with his ministrations and those of sorae
of his auxiliaries — all ray own students — and I can not fail
to be gratified by the very superior and raore effective style
of the pulpit services now than in our younger days. I ara
quite sensible that talent is but secondary to piety — that gifts
are but secondary to graces in a minister of the Gospel, and I
therefore am all the raore thankful that, besides being raen of
power and high scholarship, very many of our young preach
ers are men of faith and prayer, who preside at fellowship
meetings, and have been the instruments of great and prom
ising revivals in various parts of Scotland. In short, araid
all our troubles, we have great reason to thank God and ro-

MRS. MORTON. 823

joice when we look to the rising generation of preachers and
young clergymen in our Church.
Mrs. Mackenzie was detained by bad health, and is stiU in
Edinburgh. We expect her, however, to-morrow (Friday).
Our main family anxiety at present is about our little grand
son Tommy, at Skiriing, who has fallen so unwell that Mrs.
Chalmers, though in delicate health herself, has gone tb Skir
iing, whcHce I wait for accounts, in which I am much in
terested. Give my best regards to all your family, and more especially
to Catharine and Anne — the nurse and the invalid — who, I
trust and pray, will be sustained in their respective lots by
Him who is a very present help in the time of trouble. I am
iure that there is not a better medicine for the soul than di
rect intercourse with Himself by prayer. To his care and
keeping would I commit you and yours ; and may He verify
on you all His own blessed declaration, that He will make all
things work tc^ether for good to those who love God.
I am dehghted with the acceptance of the tract I sent you.
It is the composition of another of my students, Mr. Bonar, of
Kelso- Ever believe me, my dearest Jane, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXCVl.
RossTREvoR, SVthJttly, 1842.
My very dear Jane — The danger of ray present situation
is not of bdng spoiled, in the eommoa sense of that term, but
of being soured and irritated by the turmoil of those manifold
calls, and invitations, and urgencies wherewith I am contin
ually beset, and by which all rest and freedom are denied
to me. I make my escape from this in a few days, leaving
my family for a week or two. Whatever the lionizers raay
iraagine, there is great discomfort brought upon the lion, who
has nothing for it but just to run off in the hope that both
his lioness and her cubs may be permitted the enjoyment of
some comparative repose.

224 CORRESPONDENCE OF BR. CHALMERS.
And yet the kindness of the people here is truly of a most
genuine and heartfelt description. What inspires me with
this conviction is, that there is so much of real Christianity
among them. Lady Lifford — a very excellent and devoted
person — comes here occasionally for summer-quarters. She
is not here at present, but she has been a leaven for good in
the neighborhood, and the savor of her example seems to have
told on the vicinity, where I have not met with a greater
number of families, within the sarae corapass, in any mere
country place, more ready to entertain, and that with obvi
ously congenial feeling, the best and highest of all topics. I
have refused all their dinner invitations, but go out in the
evenings, which generally conclude with the exposition of
Scripture and prayer. I ever am, my dearest Jane, yours
with greatest affection, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXCVII.Edinburgh, 30th November, 1842»
My dearest Jane — I have just tirae to say that our Con
vocation has done nobly, and that 400 good ministers are
ready to cut connection with the Establishment, should no re
lief from the effect of the decisions on the case of Auchterar-
der be granted to the Church. I ever am, ray dearest Jane,
yours very truly, Thomas Chalmer.i
No. CXCVIII. Edinburgh, 31st December, 1842.
My very dear Jane — I was rayself very ranch affected by
the death of Lady Denbigh, yet do not feel that I have a suf
ficient opening for a letter to his lordship. I quite agree with
you in thinking of her as about the raost amiable and esti-
raable, and, withal, inteUigent Christian I had ever met with.
I very much regret to hear of Anne's continued illness, whUe
Catharine's slight relief is matter of thankfulness, though I
hear from other notes later than yours that she has again
relapsed. I very much sympathize with you in all these fam-

MRS. MORTON. 225

ily visitations, and pray" that the sweetening and sustain
ing influences of the Christian faith may be so with you as
that you shall be enabled to rejoice in the raidst of tribula
tions. I enjoy Morningside, and on no account more than that
the society is of a so much more local and domestic character.
We had a Christmas dinner from Helen on Monday, with all
the relations and parish ministers. Yesternight we had our
cakes at Charles's house with the Cowans and others ; and
to rae, as patriarch now of the whole concern, belongs the
New-year's dinner on Monday, when the whole of the rela-
tionhood are asked, and the parish minister, with his new
married wife, is to come, and Patrick from Wishaw, now at
Merchiston, stops to take part in it. I remain, my dearest
Jane, yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CXCIX. Edinburgh, 29th January, 1843.
My very dear Jane — I received your last sorae tirae ago,
and after that a very beautiful letter from your Anne, which
gives me a view of her mind, for which her friends can not
be sufficiently thankful. There is no such accession of riches
to a family as that which is brought to it by the conversion
of one of its merabers to God. May you and yours abound
more and more in these spiritual treasures. I can truly say
that, if clearly confident of all under my roof being in a state
of grace, I should feel and rejoice in it as a nobler inheritance
than all which this vain and transitory world can bestow.
We have all been much affected by poor Miss Edie's death
— a most gentle and amiable creature, and latterly a most
spiritual and decided Christian. The last raessage to my
daughter EUza at Dunkeld was, that " to die is gain." The
death took place at Dundee.
I beg to offer you my very cordial and sincere congratula
tions on the prospects of dear Elizabeth, upon which I shall
not expatiate at present, as I raean, if God will, to write her-
K2

226 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
self soon upon the subject. Ever believe me, my very dear
Jane, yours most affectionately and truly, Thomas Chalmers
No. CO. Edinburgh, 9th April, 1843.
My very dear Jane — ^We have at length got into our new
house, and within these few days I have given up my class.
But another heavy work has been laid on me, that of Con
vener to the Financial Committee of our Free Church, so that
I must still claim the privilege of an engrossed man, and will
not be able to write so fully or frequently as otherwise.
It should be very solemnizing when one reflects on the
nearing of death and eternity. I am as old now as my far
ther was when I was ordained the rainister of Kilmany. Let
us be awake to the realities before us and above us. I feel
raore and raore the fundamental and all-pervading importance
of faith. Let us take God at His word, and we shall beUeve
that Christ's blood washeth from aU sin, and that He hath
made Him sin for us, that we raight be raade the righteous
ness of God in Hira. With confidence in these sayings, we
shall not only have peace and joy, but all the principles with
in us of new obedience. The benefit of the sacrifice and the
gift of the Spirit are inseparable.
My kindest regards to Mr. Morton and your faraUy, espe
ciaUy the invalids, Mrs. Chalraers has been very ill of late,
but is mending slowly. I ever am, my dearest Jane, yours
most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCL Edinburgh, 14th June, 1843.
My very dear Jane — You would have been struck with
the contrast presented by our out-going clergy between their
anxious and woe-begone aspect before they had taken their
decision, and their perfect relief and light-heartedness after it.
Never was thare a happier assembly, with a happier oollec-

MRS. MORTON. 227

tion of faces, than in our Free Church, with consciences dis
burdened, and casting themselves without care, and all the
confidence of children, on the providence of that God who nev
er forsakes the families of the faithful.
I am delighted to think that my daughterhood are so he-
loical on the subject. Rather than surrender the Christian
liberties of our Church, they would live all their days on doses
of porridge, and scud berrfit on the green of Burntisland.
There's a specimen of our Scotch lasses I If the evangelicals
of the English Church had but a tenth part of their pluck
and hardihood, they would either clear their Establishment
of its Puseyism, or scatter so corrupt a hierarchy to the winds.
I ever am, my dearest Jane, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. ecu.
Edinburgh, 24tA December, 1843.
My very dear Jane — I grieve to hear of your and Anne's
continued illness. But a realizing sense of the Gospel and
of its precious comforts will raake up for all. I have been
reading lately, and with the greatest interest, certain books
on the Assurance of Faith, which are full of corafort. 'They
give substantially the same doctrine with Hervey, in his
" Theron and Aspasio," and " Marshall on Sanctification" —
great favorites, both of them, if you recoUect, with my father.
John Newton also is very much in the same spirit, and so are
Boston, and Colquhoun, and Romaine. Their great lesson is,
to come unto Christ as we are, instead of waiting for qualifi
cations to come, which, separate from Hira, we never can ar
rive at. The proper guard against all abuse of this doctrine
is, that when we do come, it should be for a whole salvation,
for strength as well as pardon, for holiness as well as recon-
ciUation with God. But surely we can not too soon take up
with Him, that we may take Him along with us in the pros
ecution of this holiness.
But the great security for our being right is, that we draw

228 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

direct from the Bible. May you and yours have the fuU en
joyment of its exceeding great and precious promises. What
a precious chapter the 4th of Isaiah is ! I feel a growing in
terest in the Old Testament, where we have the truths of the
Christian presented to us in the types of the Jewish dispen
sation. I ever ara, my dearest Jane, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCIII. Edinburgh, 3d March, 1844.
My dearest Jane — I have been sadly reraiss in writing
you, but such is the number of ray students that I am greatly
overdriven. I have about three tiraes a greater number of
first year's students than I had last year in the university,
when preparing our young men for the Established Church.
I am obliged to teach two classes, and the whole number of
my enrollment is two hundred and nine. The truth is, that
our Free Church has given a great impulse to the ecclesias
tical profession, and young men preparing for business have
given it up for the ministry, and these, sorae of the best I
have. Altogether, it is the most talented and intellectual,
besides, I believe, the most pious and devoted set of students
I ever had.
Besides the ill health that is annoying you, the transition
which you are on the eve of making, away frora the situation
that Mr. Morton has occupied for thirty years, forms another
and a distinct trial. But there is a rich provision, both of du
ties and encouragements, in the Bible for all the varieties of
human experience. How precious, for example, are the clos
ing verses from the 29th to the end of the 6th chapter of
Matthew. He who says, "I will raake all thy bed in thy
sickness," says also, in effect, "that as the day comes, the pro
vision will come." I believe that never, since the day that
His promise was uttered, has it failed of accomplishment to a
single human creature praying in faith that it might be ver
ified upon him. It is remarkable , how our Savior restricts

MRS. MORTON. 229

the period for which He allows us to feel thoughtful within
certain limits, and forbids us so to feel for a single hour beyond
the next raidnight. Matt., vi., 34. But it deserves to be re
marked, that the proper translation for "take no thought" is
" be not thoughtful," the sarae in the original as Phil., iv., 6,
" be not careful," and it is so translated in Matthew, too, in
the older English translations of our Scripture. We are al
lowed to take thought on the subject of a provision for our
famUies ; nayj our not doing so is denounced as a highly crim
inal neglect, 1 Tim., v., 8. Only, in so providing and cast
ing our thoughts onward, we must not suffer our minds to be
corroded or distracted frora God and godUness by an excessive
or disterapered care (1 Cor., vii., 32), but oast all our care
upon God who careth for us.
The upshot of this whole arguraent is, that while we hava
no warrant to pray for a fortune, or for raore than what is
needful for the body, we have every assurance that if we pray
for daily bread — for day by day our daily bread — according
to the faith of this our prayer, so raost certainly shaU it be
done unto us.
My kindest regards to Mr. Morton, Anne, Catharine, and
all the others. I rejoice in the success of John,'s paper. I
ever am, my dearest Jane, yours most affectionately,
Thomas Chalmer."!
No. COIV.
Morningside, Edinburgh, 15th September, 1844.
My dearest Jane — My iUness arose frora over-occupation
and I have been forced to give ranch of it up. Matters weif
fast hastening to such an attack as I experienced ten years
ago, and which laid rae aside for a good many months. I am
getting greatly better of ray retireraent and repose, but have
quite the feeUng that, were I to plunge again among the end
less details and tracasseries which have so engrossed rae for a
long tirae, I should just be where I was again. In these cir
cumstances, my clear poUcy and duty are to take things easily

230 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
Did you ever see one of the Kelso tracts entitled, " Believe
and Live ?" I have mislaid my copy, else I should have
sent it to you. It makes so patent the perfect freeness and
simplicity of the Gospel, it would confirm you much in the
habit of which you tell me in your last, when you say you
are obliged to " be still." The little work I speak of is em
inently fitted to minister great peace and joy in believing. It
supplies you with a basis which you may at once lean upon
— interposing nothing between the Word of the Creator and
the reliance of the creature. As He speaks, so you believe.
As His word is, so your faith is ; and when positioned thus,
then do we experience that "in quietness and in confidence
we shall have strength." Let us keep fast this confidence
and the rejoicing of our hope even unto the end.
Yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCV.
Edinburgh, Morningside, nth November, 1844.
My very dear Jane — I ara glad you have read the tract
'¦ Believe and Live." Sorae complain of its being too free ;
I can only say that nothing short of such Gospel freeness as it
represents would come up to the exigencies of my own state ;
nothing short of the appropriating faith which can say that
Jesus loved me and gave himself for me — a faith which, the
stronger and more assured it is, will be all the more fruitful in
grateful and devoted obedience.
My session has comraenced. I have soraewhat less to do
than I had, but my strength is proportionally less. We have
all been laboring too much in the Free Church, but I hope
are learning wisdom in this respect.
Yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCVL
Edinburgh, Morningside, 5th January, 1845.
My dearest Jane — I have deferred too long my reply to
yours of the 22d November. Let me now send you the re-

MRS. MORTON. 231

membrances of the season, and the assurance of my earnest
desire and prayer for you and yours. We are all in average
health at present, only Mrs. Hanna alarms us somewhat by
the obstinacy of her cold. She and her son, little Tommy,
who is a very fine fellow indeed, spend the winter with us.
I was truly concerned to hear of Catharine's illness, and shall
be interested to know how she is. May the repeated intima
tions of the precariousness of aU earthly comforts lead us to
set our affections, and also to labor and pray that the affec
tions of our children may be set on things above.
I am reading with great interest a recent work, " EUiot on
the Apocalypse." It is a learned, and critical, and, I think,
very complete work. I look on prophetical studies as very
confirming, though I hold as of first importance a Bible read
ing, and practical books that may influence the heart on the
side of practical Christianity. With kindest regards to Mr.
Morton, Catharine, Anne, Lucy, John, and Thomas, in which
aU here join, ever beUeve me, my dearest Jane, yours very
truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCVII.
Edinburgh, Morningside, 4th May, 1845.
My dearest Jane — This is a very sad and sorrowful be
reavement. Death, though long looked for, is always sure to
strike and to solemnize at the last, and what an enhancement
of affliction when it tears away the object of a long-cherished
affection, and desolates the heart under the breach of one of
the nearest and dearest of all earthly relationships.
I was greatly moved by the brief effusions both of your
Anne and Lucy on the mournful occasion— different in char
acter, but the outpourings of such a grief as our blessed Sav
ior hath sanctioned and exemplified in His own person, both
when He wept at the tomb of Lazarus, and when, by the
mouth of His apostle. He bade the disciples, who were in heav
iness from the loss of their friends, to sorrow not even as oth
ers which have no hope. And what a precious alleviation to

232 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
thmk of the faith and piety of dear Catharine, of whora I am
thoroughly persuaded that she slept in Jesus, and so has add
ed one attraction raore to the place of glory and blessedness
above. May we who are left behind be followers of thera
who, through faith and patience, are now inheriting the prom
ises ; and may the sorrow of nature be ripened, and transform
ed into that godly sorrow, which worketh repentance unto sal
vation never to be repented of
I have often spoken of it as a signal instance of God's for
bearance and mercy, that, though now in the thirty-third year
of my family life. He has been pleased to spare me hitherto
the pain of a family death, none such having yet occurred
in a single instance within the limits of my own household,
even, indeed, since I was the master of a house, which is for
ty-two years ago, having entered the manse of Kilraany in
May, 1803. What a fearful reckoning and responsibUity does
this bring rae under. Let me no longer despise the forbear
ance and long-suffering of God ; but, watching over the souls
of those for whom I have to account, let us henceforth, both for
them and for ourselves, labor to realize an interest in Him
who alone hath the words, and who alone hath the gift of
life everlasting.
This sad event has-saddened and soleranized aU the rela
tionship here. Grace, I know, will be greatly afiected by it.
She left us a few days ago, along with Fanny, and they are
now at Fairley, in Ayrshire. Mrs. Hanna is in that neigh
borhood at present, and, in the raean time, better. But both
she and Eliza have had syraptoras which make me feel the
precariousness of all that is earthly. Indeed, ray own person
al feelings ought to be sufficient remerabrances for rae. I am
now raore than halfway from sixty to seventy, and certain it
is that, though free of any specific complaint, there has been
a general decay of strength during the last year, which tells
rae that I should forthwith set ray house in order and be in
readiness for the coming of the Lord.
But this' readiness is a duty which lies upon aU, of every

MRS. MORTON. 233

age and condition ; and may the death over which we have
been called to mourn bring the lesson forcibly home to us.
May the event be sanctified and blessed to all your family.
Though in itself not joyous, but grievous, may it yield to you
and yours the peaceable fruits of righteousness. Let us stand,
my dear Jane, more disengaged than ever from a world that
will soon pass away ; and with the feeling that we are stran
gers a'nd pilgrims here, let our doings plainly declare that we
seek a country beyond the grave — that our affections are set
on the things which are above^ — that we are looking forward
to a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is
God. Ever believe rae, ray very dear Jane, yours most af
fectionately and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. ccvni. Edinburgh, 19th October, 1845.
My dearest Jane — I observe from your letter of the 1st
that you still dwell on the thoughts of your dear Catharine,
and I would not forbid this, mellowed and mixed up as these
thoughts are with the sustaining hope that you will meet her
again. The GospeWJoes not lay an interdict upon your sor
row, though it would dissuade you against being swallowed
up of too much grief But you have fled to the best refuge ;
and He who is touched with the fellow-feeling of our infirmi
ties, knows how to adapt His succor to the necessities of all
who trust in Him. It is a shifting world, and I see more
and more of its vanity and precariousness. I can understand
the sentiment of Job, that I would not Uve alway ; that is,
alway here. The old patriarch knew that his Redeemer liv
eth ; and let us comfort ourselves with the blessed assurance
that, because He liveth, we shall live also. Let us verify the
experience of the apostle, who said that •' Christ liveth in
me," and then shaU we live a Ufe of faith on the Son of God.
When you write Mrs. Heslfine, remember rae to her and
also to Miss Bliss in the kindest manner. I should hke to
have a place not only in the recollections, but in the prayers

234 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
of these good people. I get an occasional note from Mrs.
Blackwdl — the effusion of a spirit breathing the utmost af
fection for all that is good and aspiring, I have no doubt, God-
Ward and Heavenward.
Last month I went to Anster, where, in Mr. BaUardie's
house, I married Mr. Couper of Burntisland, one of our Free
-Church ministers, to Miss WUliamson. I took ^ip ray night-
quarters at Barnsrauir for two nights — was loaded with kind
ness by the two Mr. Fortunes, the sons of Christian Rankine —
met with Mrs. Watson, who carae down from Leuchars on pur
pose to be with me — and we indulged together in the affecting
reminiscences of forty-five years back. I learned much from
her and Miss Menzies (still there) of the death-bed both of
Mrs. Fortune and Mrs. Brown, Christian and Anne Rankine.
Kindest regards to all, and ever believe me, my dearest Jane,
yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.

(Captain Rankine, of Barnsmuir, had three daughters : the eldest,
Christian, married to Mr. Fortune ; the second, Anne, married to the
Rev. Mr. Brown, of Kilrenny ; the third, Susan, married to the Rev.
Mr. Watson, minister of Leuchars, a parish not far from Kilmany.
The following series of letters is addressed to different members of
this much-loved family. — See "Memoirs," vol. iv., p. 441.]
No. CCIX.— To THE Rev. Mr. Watson.
Kilmany Manse, 16th December, 1814.
My dear Sir — Agreeably to a promise I made to Mrs.
Watson, whose interest in the matter I feel myself much in
debted to, I have to inform you that I have at length sent a
letter of concurrence in my late appointraent to one of the
churches of Glasgow. The prospect of my departure gives
me a greater tenderness than ever for all ray friends, and es
pecially do I feel a very deep interest in all those clergymen
who are placed around my much-loved and much-regretted
parish. Were I taking leave of the world, I would feel my
self released frora all those delicacies which are so apt to re-

REV. MR. WATSON. 235
strain the converse of huraan beings upon their greatest con
cern. Now I feel soraething of the sarae kind of eraancipation
upon merely leaving the neighborhood, and you will therefore
bear with me when I express the pleasure I have often felt
in witnessing the decided tendency of your mind toward pure
and Scriptural Christianity. It is my earnest prayer that you
raay abound more and raore ; that you may obtain grace to
be found faithful ; that you may be enabled manfully to hold
forth the Word of Life in the midst of all the contempt and
resistance it may meet with ; and that, rising superior to aU
the disgust which the peculiarities of the Christian faith ex
cites in the unrenewed heart, you may give a single and well-
sustained aim to the great work of fitting a people for eternity.
May God pour down such a blessing on your parish that there
may not be room to receive it ; but that, flowing over into
other parishes, it may prove a leaven for good beyond the
field of your immediate exertions. '
Give the assurance of my friendship and my prayers to
Mrs. Watson. She has been beyond measure kind and indul
gent to me, and I have every reason to be thankful for the
privilege of her countenance and society. Let her persevere
in seeking earnestly after the way of peace, and she will find
it. God never said to any, " Seek my face in vain ;" and if
she betake herself to the guidance of His Spirit, and the
faithful reading of His Word, she will find all the perplex
ities which darken the outset of every anxious and inquiring
Christian to merge at length in the delightful sunshine of a
mind resting upon the promises of God, and running with
enlargeraent and pleasure in the way of all His coramand-
ments. May she long live with you as a fellow-heir of the
grace of life ; may the influence of her example be felt and
followed by all her relations ; may her children rise and call
her blessed ; raay she have a part in the resurrection of the
just, and be a bright and shining star in that heavenly region
where there is no sorrow and no separation. Yours raost
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.

236 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. OCX.— To the Rev. Mr. Watson.
Glasgow, 26th January, 1818.
My dear Sir — Though it be long since I received your last
letter, and I have since seen you personally, yet I assure you
that I have too much value for a friendly connection with you
and your relations to let down our correspondence. I was
much pleased and impressed with the contents of your last
comraunication, in as far as they went to exhibit your own
earnest desire for a warraer spirit of Christianity in your neigh
borhood, though I fear that your representation of it in this
respect is but too just ; that the most satisfactory thing that
can be said of it is, that all is corafort and quiet in the enjoy
ment of the good things of this life. How strikingly does this
express the prevailing character of all neighborhoods in our
land ; how much does an interest in time pre'lorainate every
where over any interest in eternity ; how little, alas I do the
objects of the latter excite a real earnestness and a real seek
ing after them ; and how faithfully do I describe the heart of
every natural man when I say that it is altogether occupied
with the cares, and the interests, and the objects of the world,
to the exclusion of Him who formed it. The great problem
is, how to set up this in our own souls and in those of our
neighborhood ; and I am sure that no truth comes more for
cibly recomraended to us by all experienced in the utter pow-
erlessness of raan in this business. Our faith stands not in
his wisdora, but in the power of God. And this truth, instead
of quelling our activity, ought just to give the right direction
to it — even that of preaching His Gospel, or dealing out as
faithful stewards the treasure which He has been pleased to
put into earthen vessels ; and praying in faith for a blessing
from Him who alone giveth the increase under all the dis
couragements there of an unpromising soil. Know that your
labor in the Lord shall not be in vain, and forget not the
maxira which a devoted missionary, Elliot, transmitted to us
as the fruit of his own experience, "that prayers and pains
can do ansy thing," &c.

MRS. WATSON. 237

I can not express to you how much I feel interested in the
best concerns, both of yourself and of dear Mrs. Watson. I spent
an evening with much enjoyraent lately at Pilrauir. God
grant that all of us may so believe and so abound in those
fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, that we may
be found to praise, and honor, and glory in the day of reckon
ing. Yours raost affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXL— To Mr. Fortune. Glasgow, 1823.
My dear Sir — I have just received your raost distressing
intimation, the raore severe as it was wholly unexpected. In
Mrs. Fortune I have lost one of the raost intiraate and raost
interesting associates of ray early life, and I received the in
teUigence of her death as a solemn and affecting admonition
offered to ray own heart of the vanity of all that is below.
I beg that you will corapose your feelings under the over
whelming dispensation ; and still raore do I entreat, that from
the tomb of her that is nearest and dearest to you, you will
hear that voice of wisdom which bids us cease from time, and
give aU our hopes and preparations to eternity.
It is my earnest prayer that this awful visitation may work
a saving and a sanctifying influence, both to your own heart
and to the hearts of those related to her and raost interesting
to myself May this deep sorrow shut us all up unto Him
who alone can open for us the gates of that city where sin,
and suffering, and separation are unknown. Do remember
me in the language of truest sympathy to Mrs. Rankine, Mrs.
Watson, and Mrs. Brown. I ara, ray dear sir, yours very sin
cerely, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXIL— To Mrs. Watson.
Glasgow, 9th June, 1823.
My dear Madam — I have recently heard, and with great
tenderness and grief, of the increased illness of poor Mrs.
Brown. I think much of the dear sufferer, and it is my cry

238 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
and prayer to God that she may be upheld in the sore strug
gle through which God is pleased to bring her to Himself ;
that grace raay prevail over nature, and her affUction — which,
after all, is light in the high reckoning of eternity, because
but for a moment — may indeed work out for her an exceed
ing weight of glory. In her and in Mrs. Fortune I feel that
two of my most interesting ties with Fife are broken ; and I
do feel more solicitous than ever that you should spare your
self as well as you can the agitations of that trying scene
where you are now called to watch and to witness the ago
nies of one who is in every way so dear to us all.
There is a text that perhaps Mrs. Brown raight feel a pre
ciousness in; it is Deuteronomy, xxxii., 36. It. upheld the
peace and patience of one of ray old hearers on his death-bed.
He had lost the power alraost of thinking, and felt that the
sickness and the pain made such inroads upon his mind that
he could not be satisfied with any of its exercises ; and so
he simply laid it all upon God. He ceased even to try a
right process of meditation, but lay stiU in a sort of resigned
abeyance, hoping at the same time that, though his powers
of thought, and sentiment, and even prayer were altogether
gone, yet God's power and God's pity were unfailing.
There is a song of triumph that awaiteth all those who die
in Christ, and have corae out of great tribulation ; and even
here the rapture and the glory of it raay be partially felt ; it
is " unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in
His blood." Oh, there is a charm in the thought of its cleeins-
ing and peace-speaking power, and that by it the way of ac
cess for the guilty is now a consecrated way — consecrated by
the blood of aDivine expiation — and in which if we are found,
the justice of God will not overtake us, and His raercy will
rejoice over us.
I should be sorry to fatigue the raind of your rauch-loved
sister by too great a variety of topics. One text may perhaps
be her aliment for hours together. One precious clause is
often enough to uphold a dying Christian, and more might dis-

MRS. WATSON. 239

tract and annoy her. When Fletcher died, it was after many
hours of spiritual exultation, through which he constantly re
iterated that " God is love."
Say adl that is tender in my name to her on whom the
hand of God has been laid. He will at length compass her
about with songs of deUverance, and the merciful High-priest,
touched with the feeling of her infirmities, saith unto her, " I*
is I, be not afraid." Believe me, yours most affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXIIL— To Mrs. Watson.
Glasgow, 9th July, 1823.
My very dear Madam — The intimation from Kihenny
Manse reached us on Saturday, and aroused a deep emotion
among us aU, though we could not but feel relieved by the
thought that so great sufferings had terminated. After all,
they are but for a moment, and wUl now be looked back upon
by the glorified spirit as the instruments of her present com
plete purification — as the steps by which she hath reached
her present advancement in heaven. I have now only to
entreat that you and Mrs. Rankine wiU be calm. Be still, and
know that He who visited you with this sore bereavement is
God. It is not the violence of your grief that I fear : it is its
despondency ; and therefore would I have you to bear up 
to take such part, as health and strength will enable you to
do, in the cares and duties of every-day Ufe ; and instead of
giving way to overmuch sorrow, be assured that the calls of
family and relative obligation are partly the provisions of a
kind and wise Ruler for diverting the mind from that which,
if singly and exclusively dwelt upon, might overbear it al
together. And what a season, too, for growth in grace — for the fruits
of the spirit — ^for that righteousness which the chastening
hand of God yiddeth unto all those who are exercised there
by. Your hearts are now exceeding soft, and tender, and
broken under an awful visitation of Divine Providence, and

240 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
they offer a likely soil for the showers and influences of Di
vine grace. The sorrow of nature is not godly sorrow, but
it may be turned to it ; and now is the time for deep impres
sions of the worthlessness of tirae, of the vast magnitude of
eternal things, of the evil of sin, of the value of the Savior, of
the exceeding urgency of that Gospel call whereby we are en
treated to seek God now, and to enter into reconciliation with
Hira through Christ, that -we too raay be provided against
that day when we shall be summoned into His presence, and
that other day when we shall stand before his judgment-seat.
And what an alleviation to your present sorrows that you
are not called upon to sorrow as others who have no hope ;
that, on that death-bed which you have so recently witnessed,
there was a brightness and a glory which softened all its ago
nies ; that, amid the cruel sufferings of the flesh, there was a
Spirit that bore up her on whom God was pleased to lay the
hand of a refiner ; and that, in her case, death was disarmed
of its terrors and its sting, and she was more than conqueror
through Hira who loved her.
We must now give up all thought of the world as a rest
ing-place. It will jnitigate the evil when it coraes, that we
lay our account with it. Forewarned, forearmed — we should
not think any strange thing has happened to us ; and I know
nothing that more lightens the hardships of life, and more rec
onciles us to them, than that previous settlement of mind
which a faith in this prediction of our Savior is fitted to in
spire — " In the world ye shall have tribulation."
There are no deaths which could have carried horae this
lesson with greater energy to ray own heart than the two
which have occurred in your faraily. I desire to find that I
am sanctified, even as I feel that I am solemnized by thera.
May they shut us all up raore closely and raore tenaciously
unto the faith ; and, walking softly and tenderly under the im
pression throughout the remainder of our pilgrimage, may we
retain to the end of our days the attitude of strangers and
pilgrims who have not taken up with the world as a residence,
but use it merely as a road.

MRS. WATSON. 241

Give my most affectionate condolence to Mrs. Rankine and
poor Mr. Brown. I remain, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXIV.— To Mrs.Watson.
Skirling, 21sJ September, 1845.
My very dear Mrs. Watson — I feel deeply sensible of
your goodness in having joined rae at Barnsrauir, as it added.
prodigiously to the interest and the enjoyment I felt in my
visit to the place of ray tenderest recollections. ,
When in Kilrenny church-yard, I was so engrossed with
the tablet appropriated to dear Anne, that I have carried
away an imperfect remembrance of that which was raised
for Mr. Brown. I saw enough of it, however, to observe that
it was placed there by the parochial community as a tribute
and acknowledgment for the great worth of his Christian
services in the midst of them. I omitted, in the variety of
our other topics, to state the very great satisfaction which I
felt in such a testimony to his devotedness as a rainister of
the Gospel.
I can not expect, nor would I dare to .ask, for a sight of any
of Mrs. Fortune's letters, however intense the feeling might be
on my perusal of them. But there is one request which 1
have the boldness to make, and which I flatter rayself that
you will not deny. You stated that there were certain texts
or passages of Scripture to which Mrs. Brown often referred
in the course of her last illness. If you have any meraorials
of them, I can not express the value I would feel for a list of
them. You would not need to write them out. The chap
ter and verses will be sufficient.
I shaU, if God will, have returned to Edinburgh by the 1st
of October, after which a letter from you would be truly ac
ceptable. Give my love to your daughters,* and kindest regards to
Mr. Watson. * I forget if Christian has Rankine also in her name.
V. L

242 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
I entreat a place in your prayers.
I hope we shaU raeet in heaven ; but let ns never forget
that without holiness no man can see God.
I purpose writing to Mr. William Fortune in a week.
Since I have retired from public business, and have some leis
ure for looking back on my checquered existence, the scenes
and society of Barnsrauir form those parts of the distant ret
rospect on which I most love to repose. My dearest Susan,
yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXV.— To Mrs. Watson.
Edinburgh, 23d October, 1845.
My very dear Friend — I must delay no longer to ac
knowledge your very welcome letter with the packet I re
ceived from your daughters, and for the contents of which I
have the greatest value, both the testimony to one whom I
never can forget or think of without eraotion, and the letter
from Kilrenny, with your own precious notes respecting the
last illness of her who obviously died in the triumphs of the
faith. The picture you sent is superior to that at Barnsmuir, and
in some respects more impressive ; but there are in it a force,
and vivacity, and decision, which, though at the distance of
a thousand miles from aught that borders on the masculine,
yet are not so true to the original as the other, which pre
sents, I think, a more faithful exhibition of that sensitively
and exquisitely feminine expression which formed the peculiar
charm and grace of her character.
It were well if these tender reminiscences of the distant
past led us onward in thought to the rauch nearer futurity
which now awaits us both. My God, do Thou sanctify these
strong affections of nature, and raise thera to the things which
are above, so that we raay be prepared for that heaven where
our dear and blessed Savior has gone before us, and where
we may both love Him and love our fellows without frailty
and without a flaw.

MRS. WATSON. 243

I have written William,* and scarcely looked for a reply.
He has not written back, and this is very natural : he must
not be urged to write, it raust be done spontaneously, and
this is much better. There is in ray heart a derived and de
scending love from the mother to the children, which I feel
a pleasure in cherishing, though you are the only person in
the world with whora I could talk about it. I felt a comfort
and reUef in our recent conversations, and am not without
hope that ere another twelvemonth elapse we may have the
same opportunity for the same enjoyment.
Meanwhile, let us pray for the souls of these dear youth.
George I look upon as an altogether new acquaintance, and I
think him a very likeable person.
Give my best regards to Mr. Watson, and also to the Misses
Marianne and Christian, whom I had pleasure in meeting
and conversing with. If Miss Brown be with you, present to
her my kindest remembrances.
My winter campaign is on the eve of commencing, and I
gladly anticipate its engrossments by these few lines to you.
No bustle, however, of other affairs will lessen the interest I
shaU always feel in your communications, nor, I hope, prevent
my replying to them, however briefly.
I pray for a blessing upon your own soul. Heavenly Fa
ther, save me from being deceived by the mere counterfeits
or semblances of Divine grace. May ray love for my fellows
be genuine, heaven-born, spiritual love — such a love to my
brethren as is like unto the love of Thyself Let us feel to
ward each other as fellow-travelers to eternity ; and though,
reverting to the dear and long-departed object of my fondest
recollections, I have not lived with her in one raansion, may
I share with her in one blessed resurrection, and join her
among the choirs and corapanies of the celestial above.
I Uke Miss Watson's idea of getting a copy of the picture ;
but before that, I wish to corapare it with the one at Barns
muir. I think a compound of the two would be as perfect
* Mrs. Fortune's eldest son. See p. 245.

244 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
as a black profile can be. You are very good to allow me
the custody of yours, which I purpose, if God will, to return
into your own hand.
With earnest prayer for every blessing on the head of my
very dear sister and friend, I ever ara, yours raost affection
ately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXVL— To Mrs.Watson.
Burntisland, Isi February, 1846.
My very dear Mrs. Watson — I received yours of two or
three weeks back, and read it with muph feeling and pleas
ure. I should have replied sooner, but ara at aU tiraes rauch
bustled, and therefore I ara glad to avail rayself of a few leis
ure moments here for the purpose of acknowledging your kind
favor. It is no ordinary recoUection that I have of Barnsmuir, and
should rejoice if, through grace and wisdom from above, it
could be made to subserve that highest of aU good which has
fruit in eternity.
We are strangely compounded creatures, and much do I
need a sanctifying influence to spirituahze the strong affec
tions of nature, and give a right and holy direction to thera.
I feel the poweirlessness of all huraan argument, and know
not if I have made any good impression on the son of her who
occupies far the raost interesting place in ray retrospect of
days long gone by. I was favored with a reply, in which I
could discern talent, and good feeling, and intelligence. May
the all-powerful Spirit grant what He and He alone can give
 the unction which reraaineth — the grace which has fruit
and holiness, and in the end life everlasting.
My best regards to Mr. Watson and your dear daughters.
I am quite uncertain of my movements this summer. I had
a letter from Jane lately, who says how rauch she was inter
ested by my accounts of Barnsmuir, and how dehghted she
would have been to meet you there.
I saw Miss Inglis lately, who tells me that Miss Menzies

MR. FORTUNE. 245

was better. My dearest Mrs. Watson, yours veiy affection
ately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXVIL— To Mr. William Fortune
Edinburgh, 5th October, 1845.
My dear Sir — ^I meant to have written much sooner, and
told how greatly I was impressed by my visit to Barnsmuir.
You may not be able to enter into all the feelings which are
associated in ffiy mind with the tender recollections of half a
century. They were powerfully awakened wheh I stood be
fore the tomb of your aunt in the church-yard of Kilrenny,
and have just now been revived with ten-fold force by the
perusal of certain documents which have been kindly put into
my hands, and from which I have gathered particulars new
to myself, but most deeply affecting, relative to the death of
Mrs. Brown, and to that of your dear mother, for whom I have
cherished, during the long period of fifty-five years, such re
gards and remembrances as can never be effaced.
You will forgive rae, then, if under a near, and urgent, and
practical sense of the realities of an eternal though unseen
v/orld, I implore both you and your brother, whom I love, not
to suffer the evanescent objects or interests of tirae to shut
out from your hearts the solemn considerations of the coming
judgment and the coming eternity. I have now come to
that period of life when I may be said to be hovering on the
confines of both worlds. I can attest frora experience the van
ities and disappointments of earth, and that truly it is not
here where the firm footing of our interest lies. The dear
brother, who, though younger than yourself has yet gone be
fore you, has left behind the lesson, not only that tirae is short,
but that we know not how short. The two sisters, loveliest
of woraen,who died within a few months of each other, died
more than twenty years ago, and yet were both of them my
juniors. The lessons of our coraraon mortality, though not
yet within the circle of ray own iraraediate faraily, yet within
the circle of a very wide acquaintanceship, have fiown thick

246 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
about me ; and such is ray affection for your now long-depart
ed relatives — such my affection both for you and your brother,
for their sakes, that I entreat you not to make a resting-place
of that earth which passeth speedily away, but to aspire God-
ward and heavenward, and ie the followers of those who
through faith and patience are now inheriting the promises.
And do not think, my dear sir, that that knowledge of God
and of Jesus Christ, which is life everlasting, is something so
lofty and mysterious as to be beyond the reach ofyour attain
ments. The Bible, if read with diligence, and the Spirit giv
en to pour light upon the Bible, if prayed for with sincerity
and earnestness, these are the great agencies and means by
which even the poorest and humblest of raen raight be made
wise unto salvation. And there are other helps besides the
Scriptures not to be neglected, for by them we might be the
better enabled to understand the Scriptures. But tastes and
understandings are various, and the books suited to sorae are
comparatively useless to others. The huraan author who did
me most good was Wilberforce, by his work on the " Christian
ity of the Higher and Middle Classes." And yet I know some
who felt no interest in this book, though some of the follow
ing raight, perhaps, prove more impressive and profitable :
Baxter's "Call to the Unconverted;" Alleine's "Alarm;"
Doddridge's " Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul ;"
Baxter's " Compassionate Counsel to Young Men ;" Guthrie's
" Trial of a Saving Interest in Christ ;" Bradley's " Sermons,"
&c. But, after all, let me state in a single sentence what
the likeliest expedient is for passing out of darkness into the
marvelous light of the Gospel. It is the prayerful reading
or the Bible. " Search the Scriptures ; for in them ye think
that ye have eternal life, and these are they which testify of
Hira, who is the way, and the truth, and the life ;" and ask
for God's enUghtening Spirit : " Ask till ye receive, seek till
ye find, knock till the door be opened to you" (Matt., vii., 7-
11). Do indulge these overflowings of a heart which feels
the strongest interest in one and all of your dearest mother's

MR. FORTUNE. 247

family. O that God would endow me with the wisdom for
arousing your souls, and that His Holy Spirit, poured forth
upon us from on high, would prepare us for an entrance on
that exalted region, where the spirits of the just made perfect
rejoice forever in the presence of God.
Give my kindest regards to Mr. George and Miss Menzies.
Tell her that our interviews and conversations, though brief
were to me very precious, and that the memory of them is
sweet. They have left a sorrow behind thera, and given me
an intense desire for her comfort, under the loss of that dear
youth to whom she was a second mother. I ever am, my
dear sir, yours with most cordial and sincere regard, '
Thomas Chalmers.
[The Manse of Inchtuee, 16th November, 1850, — Dear Sir — On
looking over some of my old papers some tirae ago, among a number
of letters from Dr. Chalmers to different members of my family, I found
the following to my father, which I think as interesting as any given
in the first volume, and which I am about to copy verbatim, leaving
you to make any use of it you like.
That you may understand it, it is only necessary for me to say, that
the occasion of it must have been an application on the part of my fa
ther for Dr. Chalmers's influence on his behalf, with the view of obtain
ing the presentation to the parish of Bendochy, then vacant, and which
he ultimately succeeded in doing, mainly through the exertions of the
late George Kinloch, Esq., of Kinlooh, who was a particular friend of
my father's. The attachment alluded to was that for my mother, the
eldest daughter of Dr. Adamson, first or senior minister of St. Andrew's
to whose influence, I have heard Dr. Chalraers say, he was mainly in
debted for his presentation to Kilmany. Indeed, I have a letter before
me to my mother, in which the doctor says : " Seeing it was to your
father I stood indebted for the first great preferment of ray life." This
obligation Dr. Chalmers seems never to have forgotten, as it is again
and again alluded to in his letters, not only to my father and mother
but also to myself; and I remember his giving frequent expression to it
in his intercourse with my mother, as well as to his desire that he could
in any way return it, so late as in 1831. Among other efforts to carry
this desire into eflect, there was none which gave a finer or more strik
ing token of its intensity than that attention he paid my mother on her
death-bed, when almost every day for six weeks, in the busiest period
of, I think, his first session in Edinburgh as Professor of Divinity, he
visited and prayed, and did what he could to comfort spiritually our

248 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
dying parent, and my brotlier and,myself in the; prospect of our bereave
ment. I beg to be kindly remembered to Mrs. Hanna. Yours most
faithfully, John Adamson Honey.
The Rev. W. Hanna, LL.D.,
of Free St. John's, Edinburgh.}
No. C CXVIII.— Letter to Rev. Mr. Honey.*
Kilmany. Manse; 2d May f 1812.
My dear Sir — I this day arrived frora. Dundee, and found
your letter awaiting me. The wax has effaced the date of
it ; but I am sorry that a single day should have been lost in
so urgent a cause. I guess a letter to be the raost impressive
form of application to Mr. Morison, and have accordingly writ
ten him to write Mr. Kinloch. I have no acquaintance with
Mr. Chalmers in Dundee, but propose being there on Monday,
when I shall speak to my only two acquaintances there, and
shall try to reach him through one or other of these channels.
I shall give you an account of the last three years, and
leave you to judge whether my conduct is at all palliated by
the circumstances. I took ill in May, 1809, got so well in
July as to spend the suraraer in Anster a sea-bathing : took
ill again in October, and was thirty^one weeks kept out of
ray pijlpit : spent great part of another suraraer at Anster,
and frora November, 1810, to September, 1811, was confined
with a pupil, besides being in such a state of health that every
excursion 1 made from ray own bed, and from my own regi
men, was sure to land rae in the confineraent of a week or a
fortnight. I am now better — greatly better ; and now that I
have got something like health, my wish is to keep it, and
not to throw it away. I ara bilious to a great degree, and
nothing but the most scrupulous attention to regimen and
exercise can keep it down.
Amid all this, I had projected at different tiraes an excur
sion to your house, and stUl persist in ray attention of paying
you a visit. I was sorry, by-the-way, that I missed your call
at Kilmany. I often think of you, have as warm and friendly
* See Memoirs, vd. i., p. 433-435.

REV. MR. HONEY. 249

recollections of you as ever, and rejoice in the prospect of be
ing relieved from one painful contemplation, which I assure
you is often present to me, viz., my sitting in a place where
you, hitherto unprovided, would most assuredly have been,
had your boldness in declaring a certain attachment been
equal to the sincerity with which you conceived and the con
stancy with which you maiiitained it.
I am glad that, while you intimate your having heard of
me in the new capacity of a serious rhan, you offer to keep
me in countenance. It is the dread of being laughed at
which keeps men from announcing themselves ; and I hope
that you wiU be superior to it. Have you read Foster's
" Essays ?" — the best book I have seen for effecting a transi
tion from the school of elegant literature to the school of the
New Testament. Read Wilberforce's " View of Religion in
the Middling and Higher Classes," and Doddridge's " Rise
and Progress of ReUgion in the Soul." Embark with energy
in this new career, and you will find it the most splendid and
animating you have ever tried ; nor can I see upon any prin
ciple, even of philosophy, how' we can stop tUl we have found
our conclusion and our repose in the peculiar doctrines of the
Gospel. Give my kindest regards to Mrs. Honey ; and believe
me yours, with much regard, Thomas Chalmers.
Let rae add to the above Fuller's " Comparative View of
Socinianism and Calvinism."
N.B. — I kept this letter open until I received Mr. Morison's
answer, which I hereby inclose for the purpose ofyour making
any use of it with Mr. Kinloch that may seem right.
The Rev. John Honey,
Care of Adam Adamson, Esq., Academy, Perth.

[Dear Sir — The letter, a copy of which I inclose, is interesting, not
only because of its intrinsic merits, but on account of its exhibiting the
germs of those schemes of Christian philanthropy which the writer aft-
L2

250 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
erward developed, and prosecuted with such unwearied zeal and such
remarkable success. In his diary he speaks of having brought his pam
phlet on the Bible Society to a close on the 22d of September. He
seems afterward to have been rauch occupied with the business of
Church courts, and has several entries which show the mortification
he experienced at the resolution which the Synod adopted, and the
earnestness with which he prayed for grace to direct and sustain him ;
but there is no notice taken of his writing this letter. . If we had not
had the document before us, we might have been led to infer, from no
entry having been made on the 20th October, that that day had been
spent in leisure and recreation. This letter may, therefore, be con
sidered a proof that the account contained in his diary, ample as it is,
exhibits only a part of the intellectual labor in which he engaged. I
remain yours truly, James Brodie.
To the Rev. Wm. Hanna.]
No. COXIX. — ^Letter to the Secretaries or the Fife
AND Kinross Bible Society.
Kilmany Manse, 20th October, 1813.
Dear Sirs — I have been very much to blarae in delaying
an answer to your last. I was othei;wise a good deal occu
pied. I beg you will not slavishly adhere to every word of
the subjoined. It is perhaps too long, and retrenchments from
it, to make room for paragraphs of your own or others, raay
be advisable. You should all raention at the foot of it, that
if any shall wish to form Penny Societies in their neighbor
hood, they may obtain the requisite information by corre
sponding with any person or persons whom you shall fix upon
for that purpose.
In pleading the cause of any institution, the great question
which it lies upon us to answer is. What good will it do ?
The object of the Bible Society is to provide Bibles for those
who have them not ; and the most effectual answer to the
above question is, the assemhling together a few facts to show
the good which this has done.
1. Our first fact goes to prove that the Christianity of the
Bible gains a readier access into the hearts of the ignorant
than the Christianity of serraons, and systems, and human
compositions. When missionaries went to Greenland, you

FIFE AND KINROSS BIBLE SOCIETY. 251
may be sure they had the ignorance of a most raw and un-
fm-nished population to contend with. They thought they
would go systematically to work, and, before laying before
them the religion of the Bible, they atterapted to give them
some id'eas of what has been called Natural Religion. They
expatiated on the existence, and the unity, and the attributes,
and the love of God. The poor Greenlanders did not com
prehend them; and, at the end of many years, the missiona
ries were mortified to find that they had not gained a single
proselyte to the faith. On this they resolved to change their
measures, and, as a last desperate experiment, they gave up
all their preparatory instructions, and made one great and im
mediate step to the peculiar doctrines of Christianity, bring
ing them forward in the language of the Bible. The effect
was instantaneous. When told of sin and of the Savior, the
ears of savages were constrained to listen to the raessage, and
their understandings opened to receive it. There was sorae
thing in the hearts of these unlettered raen which responded
to the views and tidings of the Gospel. The deraonstrations
of natural religion fell fruitless and unintelligible upon their
ears ; but they felt the burdens of sin and of death, and pleas
ant- to their souls was the preacher's voice when it told that
unto them " a Savior was born." They live in the very out
skirts of population, and beyond thera there is nothing seen but
a wilderness of snow, and nothing heard but the angry howl
ing of the elements. Who will say Jhat the enterprise is chi
merical now, when, by the single influence of Bible doctrine,
a Christian people have been formed in a country so unprom
ising — the limits of the visible Church have been pushed for
ward to the limits of human existence, and the tidings of
good-will to raen have been carried with acceptance to the
very last and outermost of the species.
2. Our next example shall be taken from the Esquimaux
of Labrador — a rude and wandering race, who hunt for furs
all summer, and live all winter in caverns under ground. In
this case, as in the former, missionaries labored among them

252 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
in the first instance. They communicated to their hearts an
interest in the subject. They translated portions of Scripture
into their language. The Bible Society has presented them
with the Gospels of Matthew and John. The arts of read
ing and writing are fairly introduced araong them ; and so
great is the excitement which lies in Christianity, that a few
of its teachers have achieved a mightier step in the progress
of civilization than, with any other subject or upon any other
occasion, the work and the perseverance of many centuries
could have accomplished.
3. Philosophers reason upon the influence of climate; but
there is a power in Christian truth which carries it over all
these accidental varieties. Christianity is gaining her prose
lytes in every quarter of the globe ; and we now turn your
attention frora the bleak and dreaiy regions of the North to
a country lying under the fierceness of a vertical sun. We
allude to the Tamul Christians on the coast of Cororaandel.
They were formed, about a century ago, out of native idola
ters by the society in London for propagating Christian knowl
edge ; and Christianity has been kept up and extended araong
them by a translation of the Bible and the labors of success
ive missionaries. New impressions of the Tamul Bible are
preparing for them ; and, instead of that obstinate supersti
tion which we are so ready to ascribe to the natives of India,
we have beheld Pagans, and the descendants of Pagans, capa
ble of reading the Bible, and in the attitude of eagerness to
receive it.
4. But to bring our list of examples to a close. Our last
shall be given you from the Records of the Baptist Mission
in India — one of the most flourishing missionary concerns
now in operation, and which, since the year 1746, has doub
led its number of prosdytes every three years. The Scrip
tures have of late beeu translated into the Bengalee language.
The New Testament has reached a third edition, and the Old
is now in circulation. By a letter dated the 26th October,
1810, it appears that nineteen had applied to Dr, Carey for

FIFE AND KINROSS BIBLE SOCIETY. 253
baptism ; and mark the decisive importance of the fact, eight
een of these were indebted under Divine grace to the trans
lation of the Scriptures for their conversion. This is what
may be called the turning-point of the whole business, and it
is here laid in fuU and authentic exhibition before you. The
Bible is translated into the language, and put into the hands
of an idolater. That Bible is read ; it is brought into contact
with his raind, and the faith which cometh from the word of
God is the consequence. He turns from dumb idols to serve
the living and the true God ; and the Scriptures are glorified
by their having made him wise unto salvation, through the
faith that is in Christ Jesus.
Our limits restrain us from expatiating. These are only a
few facts of the many, a few gleanings out of the information
already before the pubhc ; nor can we ofler a survey, however
general, of the decided aspect toward Christianity araong the
various peoples on the face of the globe. Frora the poor Afri
can, and his eagerness for the white maris book, to the learn
ed Arab who is beginning to suspect his Alcoran, and is on
the eve of being presented with the Bible of Christians in his
vernacular tongue, we see syraptoms full of promise, and call
upon all our countrymen to share in the glorious work of car
rying the promise forward to accoraplishraent.
We have only spoken of the foreign operations of our so
ciety, and can merely divert to its reviving and purifying in
fluence in the interior of Christendom ; how it recalls the
veneration of Christians from modes and vanities to the one
charter of our faith ; how it recognizes the Bible as the great
and only directory of religion ; how it spreads the raost effect
ual antidote against the corruptions of human systems ; how
it brings the good men of all parties into contact with one
another ; and how, in the very act of circulating the Bible, it
circulates the infection of its own spirit and its own piety
along with it.
The rich have done much for the cause ; but we invite the
men of all ranks to share in it. We address the lower orders

254 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
of society, and wish to convince them that, though the indi
vidual offering raay be sraall, the nuraber of individuls is
great, and that the accuraulation of their littles will form into
a mightier sum than all the united gifts which the rich have
yet thrown into the treasury. A penny a week from each
householder in Fife amounts to £4000 a year. The same
from each householder in Britain amounts to half a million
in the year ; and this is a sum larger by eight times than any
yearly income which the Bible Society has yet received frora
its wealthy and numerous subscribers. It is true that the
Missionary Society has also its claims ; and it is for you to
give your own directions to your own benevolence. We trust
that societies for such objects wiU grow and raultiply among
you. We do not despair of seeing the day when every parish
shall have a Christian society — when not a district of the
land shall be left uncultivated, but shall yield a produce to
the cause of the Savior ; when these lesser streams shall
form into a mighty torrent to carry richness and fertility into
the dry and desolate regions of the world; and when Britain,
high in arms and in political influence, shall earn a more per
manent glory by being the dispenser of light, and peace, and
the message of Heaven to the remotest nations.
We exercise no other control over you but that of persua
sion ; and sorry should we be if a single farthing carae in upon
us of constraint, and not of a wilUng raind. What you give,
give cheerfully, and let it be no more than you can spare.
There are sorae who depend on charity for their subsistence,
and these can never give what they receive from others.
There are some who have hot yet arrived at this state of de
pendence, but are on the very verge of it. To them we ad
dress a passage from the Bible — " If any provide not for his
own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied
the faith, and is worse than an infidel." There are others
again, and these, we apprehend, form by far the most numer
ous class of society, who can maintain themselves in hum
ble but honest independence, who can spare little and not feel

FIFE AND KINROSS BIBLE SOCIETY. 256
it, who can do what Paul advises thera, lay aside their penny
a week, as God hath prospered them, who can share that
blessedness which the Savior speaks of when He says, that
" it is more blessed to give than to receive," who, though
they can not equal their neighbors in the amount of their do
nations, can bestow their something, and, at all events, carry
in their bosoms a heart as warm to the cause, and call down
as precious a blessing from the God who witnesses it.
" What !" say some, " will you take from the poor 1" No :
we do not take. It is they who give ; and show us the man
who complains of it ? To him would we say, "It is you, and
not we, who do an injustice to the poor. It is you who im
pute to them a grossness and a want of generosity which do
not belong to them. It is you who have the indelicacy to sit
in judgment over their circumstances and feelings. It is you
who think of them so unworthily, that you can not conceive
how truth and benevolence should be objects to them, and
that after they have got the meat to feed, the house to shel
ter, and the raiment to cover them, there is nothing else that
they wUl bestow a penny upon." They may not be able to
express their feeling at a suspicion so ungenerous, but we
shaU do it for them. " We have souls as well as you, and
precious to our hearts is the Savior who died for them. It
is true we have our distresses ; but these have bound us more
firmly to our Bibles ; and it is the desire of our hearts that
a gift so precious should be sent to the poor of other countries.
The word of God is our hope and our rejoicing. The desire
that it may be theirs also ; that the wandering savage may
know it and be glad ; and the poor negro, under the lash of
his master, may learn of a Master in heaven, who is full of
pity and fuU of kindness. Do you think that sympathy for
such as these is your peculiar attribute? — know that our
hearts are made of the same materials with your own, that
wc can feel as weU you, and out of the earnings of a hard
and honest industry we shall give an offering to the cause ;
nor shall we cease our exertions till the message of salvation

256 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
be carried round the globe, and made known to the countless
miUions who live in guilt, and who die in darkness. Yours
truly, Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO THE REV. DR. CHARTERS, OF WILTON.
No. CCXX.
Kilmany Manse, 18th November, 1812.
My dear Sm — I have been raost wanting to the duty and
reverence I owe you in not writing sooner. It gives me
great concern to hear of Mrs. Charters. I hope that she raay
recover, and, at all events, it is my prayer that she may be
supported in this the day of her visitation, that she may have
great peace and joy in believing, and be able to join in the
triumphant exclamation of the apostle, " Thanks be to God,
who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord."
I have been a good deal hurried since marriage. My wife
has read your marriage present (for which accept our best
thanks), but I am ashamed to say that I have not. I have
been inquiring for " Henry on Meekness," but have not found
it. Mrs. Chalmers is constitutionally meek beyond most
women of ray acquaintance. Constitutional meekness is ami
able, and companionable, and pleasing, but I would not say
of it that it was virtuous till it rested on a religious principle.
My article on Christianity is now printing, I believe. I was
not able to take it in person to Edinburgh frora being con
fined with rheumatisra. I ara now well again.
I have received your paraphlets, and have given some of
them away. I shall be raost happy to see those on Justice
and Old Age. It would delight rae to pay you another visit
soon, but I can not risk the exposure of winter, and ray trav-
eUngnext suraraer will depend on a number of circurastances.
I ara sure you would be charraed with the eighth Report.
Our County Society is doing nothing, and, what is^vorst of aU,
it has suspended the far raore efficient operation of districts
and parishes. My parish has been operating at the rate of

REV. DR. CHARTERS. 267

£,30 a year and upward. There is another forming ^t Bal-
raerino, a contiguous parish. This systera carried over the
face of the county of Fife would produce £3000 a year, in
stead of the paltry £150, which, I understand, is all that they
have been able, to realize on the more extended scale of a
County Society. Would it not be a fine spectacle to see the
parish system extended over Scotland, and a whole people
combining their energies in a cause, the very supporting of
which is an exercise of piety.
My prayer to God is that He may bear up your old age
with His best consolations, that He may bless you in the
evening of life, and, when He calls you hence, that He may
take you to Himself and make you forever happy in His pres
ence. Mrs. Chalmers joins me in compliments, and believe me
yours, with great esteem, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXXI. Glasgow, 26th December, 1816.
My dear Sir — I at one time thought I should have been
able to visit you in the month of November, but I find the
engagements of my new situation often to thicken upon me
in such a way as to disappoint all my wishes and to disar
range aU ray plans. It would be a great pleasure to myself
to spend some days in your neighborhood, but at present I
really can not specify any future week in which I am sure
that it would be altogether convenient.
My health has improved greatly within these few months,
partly, I beUeve, from my having betaken myself to horseman
ship, and partly from my having shaken away from rae that
load of secular duties which, in shape of attendance on the
various institutions of the place, and of ministering in things
temporal to the need of a crowded population, frittered away
all the time, and vulgarized all the habits, and put to flight
all the literature and all the spirituality of our clergymen.
This is what I wrote to you about formerly ; and be assured.

258 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
my dear sir, that all my fears, before I entered Glasgow, upon
this subject were fully realized by the facts which met my
observation. And I have no doubt that the evident depres
sion which has taken place in the theology and general sci
ence of our city ministers is, in a great measure, referable to
the vicious system of associating them with so much of the
public manageraent of city and government affairs.
Be kind enough to remember me to Miss Hardy and to Mr.
and Mrs. Usher.
I have no intention at present of publishing my last charity
sermon in Edinburgh. I ara just now in the press vrith a thin
octavo volume, comprising a series of discourses on the infidel
argument of astronomers against the truth of Christianity.
Fuller, in " The Gospel its own Witness," gives a chapter to
this discussion. I enter raore at large into it, and shall send
you a copy when it comes out, which I expect to be in the
end of January.
Mr. Smith, a principal bookseller here, told me, sorae time
ago, that he had sold more ofyour serraons and of Blair's than
of any other author's.
I pray God to bless and sustain the evening of your days,
and that, whether we meet on this side of the grave, we may
be found without spot and blameless on the day of the com
ing of our Lord. I am, my dear sir, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXXII. Kirkaldy, 14th September, 1820.
My dear Sir — I can assure you that it is often matter of
regret, if not of self-reproach to me, that I have not returned
your kind visit, and gratified my own feelings by renewing
my old intimacies with a neighborhood to which I fed very
strongly attached. It is all due, I can assure you, to the force
of circumstances ; and were it not for the clairas of relation
ship in Fife, I ara quite sure that Roxburghshire would be
the quarter of a very early excursion. I am fearful of prom-

W. ROGER, ESQ. 259

ising, but I can not think of despairing of seeing you once
more on this side of time.
My feeble essays to do good can scarcely yet bear to be
mentioned. I have certainly been amply supported in them
by the aid of a nuraber of well-principled men in Glasgow,
and I am raore persuaded than ever that it is only through
a vigorous and well-conducted ecclesiastical agency that any
decisive influence can be brought to bear on our vicious and
rapidly deteriorating population.
It is my earnest prayer that you may inherit the blessing
promised to those who maintain a patient continuance in well
doing. I have looked lately into Cotton Mather's " Essays to
do Good," and thought of you all the while. I only learned
so much as the existence of this great American philanthro
pist a few weeks ago. That, by-the-way, is one of the miseries
of our great town. I have no time for reading, and have suf
fered the whole literature of the country to get before me.
Give my kindest compliments to Miss Hardy when you see
her. I ascended the Terrace very lately, in the hopes of
meeting with my old friend there and learning of you ; but
I found a new name upon the door.' I beg to be remembered
to Mr. and Mrs. Usher, of Courthill. May God bless an^
sustain you. I beg you to believe me, ray dear sir, yours very
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXXIIL— To W. Roger, Esq., oe Glasgow.
Charlotte Street, 18th February, 1817.
My dear Sir — I was very rauch touched and gratified by
the address which was read to me in your presence, and
which you had the kindness to leave in ray hands. I con
sider it as peculiarly valuable on two accounts. First, as an
expression of approbation and regard on the part of my hear
ers ; and, secondly, as a memorial of their deliberate senti
ments on a subject which has long engaged and interested my
own thoughts.
The experience of every month confirms rae in the opinion

260 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
that a minister of religion should be allowed to give all his
time and all his strength to such objects as are strictly and
substantially religious, and that the violation of this principle
not only entails upon him a world of personal vexation and
discomfort, but that it also goes to impair the effect both of
his pulpit and parochial ministrations.
Were I called upon to specify the one measure by which
the people of a parish could contrive to throw the most invit
ing charm over the situation of their clergyman, I should say,
by rendering such an homage to the importance of his em
ployment as to shield it from every thing that can at aU tend
to hajass or to disturb it, and permitting him to relieve the
fatigue of study by varieties of his own choosing — by such va
rieties as he himself finds to be raost congenial to his own
taste, and temper, and sense of duty, and not by such varie
ties as custom, or accident, or arbitrary regulations may have
accumulated upon his office for years, and perhaps for gener
ations before he had entered it.
This charm has been lately held out to me, and that too
for the purpose of drawing me away from a scene of duty
which I count to be one of the most important within the
limits of our National Establishment ; and I will frankly con
fess to you that I am not able to compute what raight have
been the extent of its infiuence had I not been assured, both
by my experience of your past services and by the warmth
and sincerity of your present professions, that you were will--
ing to guard the ofiice I now hold from all those intrusions by
which its peace or its sanctity might be violated.
I feel rayself placed on high vantage-ground in declining
all those personal services which have for their object the fur
therance of civil and secular accoraraodation among my pa
rishioners. You have empowered me to state — what I am
sure, frora the reason and liberality which characterize the
functionaries of this city, they will find to be most abundant
ly satisfying — that the public agency which I withhold in my
own person I am willing to provide in a ten-fold degree in the

REV. MR. CUNNTNGHAM. 261

persons of others who have kindly undertaken to relieve me
of every labor that is not strictly professional.
I thank you most cordially for your kind recommendation
and offer in respect of ministerial assistance, and only lament
the necessity I am under to accept of it. I trust that it will
not tempt me to remit my diligence in the business of ray pro
fession, and that its whole effect will be to secure, both for ray
parishioners and ray hearers, the benefit of a raore entire min
istration. ,
With sincere prayers for the corafort and usefulness of our
future connection, and an earnest request that you and the
other gentleraen with whom you are associated raay give me
a place in their intercessions at the Throne of Grace, I beg
leave to subscribe rayself my dear sir, your most affectionate
friend, Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO THE REV. J. W. CUNNINGHAM, OF HARROW,
LONDON.
No. GCXXIV. Glasgow, 8th January, 1818.
My dear Sir — I received your very kind letter sorae time
ago, and do count it a very great ^jefreshraent to obtain from
you an occasional communication. Since writing you last, I
have had the good fortune to receive your small work on
" Benefit Societies," which I can assure you I read with much
interest and satisfaction. These institutions have certainly
the advantage over Savings - Banks which you ascribe to
them ; and, if delivered from the accompaniment of dissipation
and excess which, I ara sorry to observe, go along with thera
in your part of the country, might have an important effect on
the habits and comforts of the lower orders. They generally,
however, set out on too liberal a system of allowances, which
brings thera to their termination in a few years. And such
is my conviction of the complete means being with the poor
themselves to be altogether independent of relief from others.

262 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
that I rejoice to observe any deraonstration of this in any way
that may induce foresight and economy among thera ; so that
if, in point of fact, Savings-Banks shall present a greater al
lurement to economy than any other institution, I should re
joice in their being encouraged and raultiplied throughout our
land. You ask rae how I liked the review of ray "Discourses" in
the " Christian Observer." I have lived too long in the rough
deraent of severity and invective not to feel that it treats rae
with great moderation. There is an evident tone of friend
ship about it which would have reconciled rae to rauch great
er freedoms than it has actually used. And I still retain the
same feeling of kindness toward its conductors, and the same
opinion of its being by far the first of our religious periodicals,
in respect both of talent and Christian spirit, that I have long
entertained. Perhaps I ought to say to you what I honestly think and
feel of the evangelical clergy in the Church of England, that
they are the great Christian luminaries of our country at this
raoraent ; nor, in all the other denominations of religion put
together, have I met with a goodlier nuraber of devoted and
spiritual men spending their zeal, and earnestness, and talent,
on the best of causes. There is one pecuUarity with which I
feel myself most frequently, and I adrait raost justly charged,
and that is a pleonastic exhibition of the same idea. And
yet when one thinks of the passage where the power of dem
onstration is likened to a hammer breaking the rock in pieces,
who does not feel that in such a process the hammer is often
directed to the same point of application ? And be assured
that there never yet was any cause carried, or any object
practically driven, but by a succession of sirailar and repeated
strokes. This is the case in Parliament. It is so also in the
pulpit. And though I have no reason to beUeve that I shall
ever contribute rauch to the establishraent of any right posi
tion, and the overthrow of any wrong one, yet I have no doubt
that an extensive impression will never be made on the public

REV. MR. CUNNINGHAM. 203
mind by a bare and didactic exhibition of truth, however rig
id and faultless the whole conduct of the argument raay be ;
and that, with our nature constituted as it is, there must be
reiteration and variation, and impassioned urgency.
I have not had yet the pleasure of seeing your sermon on
the funeral of the Princess Charlotte. Hall is eminently
beautiful and impressive, and I really think it among the fore
most of his productions. My own I am ashamed to speak
of and indeed it can scarcely be. inteUigible out of Glasgow,
where the question of churches was perhaps about the next
in interest to the main and overwhelming interest of that pe
riod. I feel some little valine, however, for the appendix, for
which I am altogether responsible on the footing oi voluntary
authorship. I long for a more realizing sense of spiritual things. There
IS a darkness which no Ught of arguraent can disperse. There
is a light which never can be reached but by knocking at the
door of that sanctuary that we can not open. May God make
to each of us the revelation which He maketh unto babes ;
and raay such be our fellowship with the Father and the
Son, as to stamp the recognizable character of Heaven on
our feUowship one with another.
Have you ever attended to the doctrine of the disinterested
love of God ? I fear that Edwards, Witherspoon, and the
American divines have a little darkened the freeness of the
Gospel offer by their speculations on the subject. They seem
to put all the discredit of selfishness on the love of gratitude,
and would suspend the act of acceptance by faith, till, some
how^ or other, it could be made contemporaneous with the
dawn of love to God on account of His own exceUencies.
This I do think is a forbidding of those whom God has not
forbidden, and I can not but preach the Gospel without re
serve to all men in every state of moral disease.
Do let me hear from you soon. May I request you to give
my kindest remembrances to Mr. Wilson when you see him.
There is no man in the world whom I have a greater love

264 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
for than Mr. Wilberforce ; but I have such an impression of
the way in which he is harassed and overdone by extensive
calls upon his attendance, that I am fearful to intrude upon
hira even with compliments. I am, ray dear sir, yours most
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXXV. Anstruther, 11th August, 1819.
My dear Sir— I should have acknowledged your kind com
munication long ago. I am here on a visit to ray raother and
for sea-bathing, having reduced myself to a state of consider
able languor, as inimical to mental as to bodily exertion. I
observed with the utmost gratitude your readiness to assist
rae in the matter of my publications. I fed my thorough
need of such assistance ; and have to confess a very uncouth
and primeval ignorance of many of the proprieties of our lan
guage, aggravated as it is in my case by carelessness and a
kind of impatience to arrive at the conclusion of every under
taking. Since I received yours, I have seen the " Christian Observ
er" upon my last work — very kind, and breathing the par
tialities of friendship. He speaks of sensibihty to the lash of
criticism. On this subject I have often admired a couplet in
Beattie's " Minstrel,"
" Him, who ne'er listened to the voice of praise,
The silence of neglect can ne'er appal."
It were untrue to general nature, as weU as to my own in
dividual experience, did I profess to have fulfilled the first of
the above lines, and therefore have no title to the privilege
expressed in the second. But it is good to know the way of
arriving at that privilege, even to love the praise of God, and
not the praise of raen. Nor do I know a raore memorable
remark of Foster's, than that, of all the propensities of un
renewed nature, the appetite for praise needs to be kept under
the severest castigation.
By-the-way, have you seen his "Missionary Sermon?"

REV. MR. CUNNINGHAM. 866
What a marvelous composition ! — how rich in sentiment, and
how replete with matter so weighty and dense, that in my
hands it would have been expanded into a large octavo vol
ume ere I could have felt it to be in a right condition for
being addressed to the general raind of the country. I under
rate, I believe, the capacity of ray readers ; and in ray anxiety
to convey a lucid irapression, I nourish a diseased tendency to
useless and excessive illustration.
I saw one of your excellent ones of the Church of England
lately, Mr. Stuart of Percy Chapel. I have now seen many
of the most distinguished of both our Establishraents, and, with
out flattery, there is one mighty point of superiority that you
have over us. You know that a raan raay look with an ob
servant eye upon a particular affection, and yet not possess
the affection itself. To have a just perception of the laws
and the phenomena of anger, it is not necessary to have an
irritable constitution ; and it is not the raost passionate who
are worst fitted to acquire the raetaphysics of huraan passion.
Now this is just as true of our good as of our bad feeUngs. It
is just as true of the spiritual as of the sensual part of our na
ture ; and I do think that while the orthodox of our Church
come forth with their didactic expositions of Christianity, and
intellectually assign the right place to faith, and love, and
hoUness, the evangeUcal of yours show forth aU these graces
in real and Uving exemplification. We theorize about the
virtues of the new creature : you actually breathe these vir
tues. I have seen many good epistles written with pen and
ink, and all about Christ too, by our clergy ; but I have not
seen so raany living epistles araong them. We talk about
religion ; you taUc religion. And as far as I have remarked,
while the raatter has come as abundantly to us in word and
even in argument (Adyu, either verbo or ratione), it has come
far more abundantly to you in power.
When in the same room with Mr. Stuart, I felt as in a
pure and holy atmosphere, and learned how greatly more
efficacious, in the way of especial influence upon others, is
V. M

»66 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHiOMERS.

the devotion which emanates from an actuaUy renewed hea.t,
than the demonstiation which emanates f{om an able and
enhghtened understanding.
I have seen the tracts of some of your seceders. I would
caU them able and impressive expositions of one half of the
truth. "UTiy are they raore fearful of touching on the per
sonal graces of the believer than the apostles were before
them ? AVhy will they only look to the sun through the
open window of a chamber, when the first teachers looked
also to the light, and heat, and visibility which were intro
duced through the open window into the chamber itself?
Still it is most true, and worthy of all acceptation, that with
out the sun and without the open window all would be void,
and dark, and cheerless in the apartment. Still it is true that
the Gospel attitude is that of looking unto Jesus, and behold
ing with open face the glory of the Lord. But why do Anti-
noraians obUterate the succeeding clause, about being changed
into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit
of the Lord ? W"rth best wishes, and many prayers both for
your personal and ministerial comfort, believe me, my dear
sir, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXXTI.
GI..1SGOW, 25tA March, 1823.
My dear Sir — I should have replied to your kind letter of
the 26th of December long ago, but I was then in sad agita
tion about my purposed movement to St. Andrew's, and am
still in a state of great engrossment with duties and prepara
tions of various sorts. I have, however, now the comfortable
prospect of at length being unwarped out of a situation, the
fatigues and detaUs of which I at length found to be utterly
incompatible with the attention which I conceive due to such
distinct and general objects as have been offered to me.
In regard to a topic for a missionary sermon, I at one tirae
thought highly of tlie civilizing influence of Christianity, as
in argument fitted to propitiate those who were indifferent to

REV. MR. CUNNINGHAM. 267
the cause on its higher and raore appropriate merits. My
experience, however, has led me to distrust the eflScacy of
aU those attempts which are made for the ptu^ose of con-
cUiating to a Christian enterprise those who are not Chris
tians ; and, after aU, I am more disposed to confide the whole
hopes of success to the strict and sacred operation of evan
geUcal motives of raen of evangeUcal minds, though I can
not deny, at the sarae time, that the earth raay be, and often
has been, raade to help the woman.
What would you think of the universaUty of the law writ
ten in the heart as an invitation to missionary tmdertakings ?
There is no controverting the existence of a raoral sense
among the rudest barbarians — the accusings and the excusings
of it within thera — ^insomuch that the idea of sin is at once
understood araong them without a formal or circumlocutory
definition. Thus in all countries you have a ground upon
which you can at once enter — a John the Baptist in every
heart, who has already in sorae measure prepared the way of
the Lord, precursors even in the strangest territories who are
there before you, and whose oflace it is to make your message
welcome, or at least inteUigible ; as much, in fact, of moral
intimation, aheady given unto all, as will secure, and in a ju
dicial way, their acquittal or their condemnation when we
go forth preaching unto aU — enough to guide them to the un
derstanding and reception of the Gospel if they follow the
light that is already in thera, and enough to attach to thera
the most fearful of penalties if they reject or turn frora it. I
am aware that within the short compass of a letter I can not
qualify enough so as to free the argument of all exceptions ,¦
but you wiU perceive in the general how an impressive rea
soning on the side of the missionary cause might be built on
the universal raoral Ught which, however obscurely, is spread
over the world — a light, at aU events, that enters into the
character and conduct, and so leaves an accusing or restless
conscience in every heart; thus preparing the way for the
tidings of a Savior, and making Him precious to some, whUe

-.468 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
'o others He is the savor of death unto death. I should be
rauch comforted by a letter from you. I am stUl hopeful of
being ready, on English Pauperism, by the month of May or
June. Believe me to be, ray dear sir, yours raost affection
ately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CXXVII. Edinburgh, nth March, 1832.
My dear Sir — I have asked Mr. Whittaker to send you a
" Letter to the Royal Commissioners for the Visitation of Col
leges in Scotland," lately printed by rae ; and my precise
reason for so doing is, that you might be enabled to estimate
the justice ofyour friend Lord A.'s complaint against me, be
cause of an offensive comraunication which I had presuraed
to make to hira and his feUow-coramissioners.
I am in all my principles and feelings a thorough Conserv
ative — none more so. But they are our Tory corruption-
ists, who have brought us into our present helpless situation.
There was no rudeness in the manner of my communication
that cpuld be alleged as at all offensive. But the substance
of it was disagreeable to his lordship, who dislikes honesty
and truth when associated with independence.
If the coraraissioners shall respond to ray stateraents, ara
I at liberty to notice in any future arguraent how unpala
table ray memorial was to Lord A. ?
I have written Mr. Collins to send Whittaker copies of my
"Eight Yejirs' Experience in Glasgow," if the pamphlet be
yet in print. I should really like you to see it. I am, my
deaT sir, yours raost truly, Thomas Chalmers.
¦ I shall be raost thankful for any abstract which you may
publish of my views on Pauperisra. T. C.
No. CCXXVIIL— To Rev. Dr. Wright, op Stirling.
Glasgow, 14th February, 1823.
My dear Sir — I write under the impulse of lively grat-

REV. DR. SMITH. 269

itude to j'oursdf for what you wrote of me to Mr. Muir, who
was kind enough to read it to rae. I hold it to be a most ex
cellent recoraraendation that I should write the number of
sermons which you suggest, and I sincerely trust that it will
not be lost upon me. It is my desire to join in the sentiment
of the Psalmist on this subject, " If I forget thee, 0 Jerusa
lem, let ray right hand forget her cunning, and let my tongue
cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I do not prefer thee above
my chiefest joy." It is satisfactory to myself that I have
ever held a professorship as a higher station, even speaking
Christianly, than a church. I never quitted this sentiment,
even when I had not the most distant hope of a chair ; and
now that I have had the offer of one, and accepted of it, I
have just acted on the principle which I at all times felt
and have at all times avowed. But it is still a matter of
great thankfulness to rae when I can get any of ray brethren
araong the senior clergy to view the thing even with toler
ance, though not with positive approbation. I ara much com
forted by the testimonies of Dr. Davidson and Mr. Gordon, of
Edinburgh. I request a place in your prayers. Should I be
spared, I look forward now with great confidence to the oc
casional enjoyment of your society. Here I was overborne,
and had no tirae for general intercourse or general objects.
The unbounded leisure and coramand of summer give me a
scope for all sorts of excursion, whether of raind or body.
With kindest CompUments to Mrs. Wright, and earnest request
that you would send me a letter, I entreat you to believe rae,
my dear sir, yours very affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO REV. DR. SMYTH, OF GLASGOW.
No. CCXXIX.
Dumfries, 3d September, 1822.
My dear Sir — I reached this in safety about eight o'clock,
and have comfortable prospects of my journey. And I car

270 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
assure you that it forras no small addition to my comfort
when I reflect on the arrangements that I have left behind
me, and by which you have kindly consented to keep stead
fastly and constantly by my congregation of St. John's tiU I
shall return to Glasgow ; and you will indeed confer upon rae
a great benefit by resisting aU the urgency that might be
employed for the purpose of drawing you to preach elsewhere.
I esteem it a very fortunate circumstance, that by your serv
ices, which are so satisfactory to my people, I feel disburden
ed of the uneasiness that I might otherwise have when away
from them ; and that I ara thus set at large for the prosecu
tion of a journey which I deem to be most important, in a
way that is satisfactory to myself.
Yet be assured that a single and undivided attention to the
peculiar work of a Christian minister is the way of peace and
of pleasantness. I envy those who haVe escaped the distrac
tion of all other pursuits and all other speculations. And yet
I can not blame rayself for ray labors on the argument of
Pauperisra ; and I sincerely hope that, instead of going forth
upon it, it has intercepted and laid hold of me, so that I have
only followed the call of Providence and duty when I suffered
myself to be involved in it.
Tell Mrs. Chalraers that it may yet be three days ere I
finish the long folio epistle which I am preparing for her. I
have this night nearly completed one page of it. Do believe
me, my dear sir, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXXX.
St. Andrews, 20th November, 1823.
My dear Sir — I enjoy very much the repose and quietness
of my new situation, and promise to get on very comfortably ;
but be very sure that all the felicity of the circumstances im
mediately around rae is not unraingled with rauch regret
and tenderness because of those in Glasgow whora I have
left behind me. I ara not insensible to the force and the
value of your friendship in particular, and have sometimes

REV. DR. SMYTH. 871

thought of my own apparently cold and passive exhibition
under the raany ardent deraonstrations that you have given
of it. The truth is, that ray extreme occupations in Glasgow
put me into a state that was quite unnatural, and now only
have I begun rightly to estimate and to feel the manifold
kindnesses that surrounded rae there. Yours raost truly and
affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXXXI.
Burntisland, 21st September, 1832.
My very dear Sir — We have this day received the sad
intimation of Mrs. Smyth's death, and you may well believe
that both I and Mrs. Chalmer^ feel very deeply for you un
der this afflictive dispensation.
It is our earnest prayer that the Heavenly Comforter may
be with you in your present trying circumstances, when aU
earthly comfort and sympathy are so unavailing, and may He
who grieves not willingly any of His children pour a heaUng
and a sanctifying medicine into your cup of discipUne.
That uncertainty of life and awfulness of death which we
often preach we do not often practically or adequately feel.
But never, I should iraagine, does death make a raore reaUz-
ing demonstration of itself than in circurastances like yours,
where it has made inroads upon your dwelling, and torn asun
der the nearest and dearest of all earthly relationships.
This is a sore bereavement. May your widowed heart find
its solace and relief in the proraises of the Gospel. May its
faith bear you up araid the agonies of wounded nature, and
then shall this visitation, though not joyous but grievous, yield
unto you the peaceable fruit of righteousness.
My heart bleeds both when I think of yourself and when I
think of your motherless children. Oast the whole burden
upon the Lord and He will sustain it. What power and pre
ciousness of adaptation do we often meet in short and single
clauses of the Bible ; and I doubt not, my dear sir, that your
now exercised and experienced spirit has by this time made

272 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
fresh discoveries both of the divine wisdom and the divine ten
derness which are stamped upon its pages.
Mrs. Chalmers unites with me in deep condolence both for
you and your afflicted faraily, and with the sincerest regards
of us both, ever believe me, my dear sir, yours with utmost
sympathy and regard, Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO THE REV. DR. MACFARLAN, OF GREENOCK.
No. CCXXXII. St. Andrews, 15th April, 1824.
My very dear Sir — I can not resist the impulse of my
present joy and gratitude, on the receipt of a letter from Glas
gow this morning, by which I ara led to cherish the pleasing
and delightful hope that you may be minister of St. John's.
Just now I am in a perfect hurricane of business, preparing
for our public examinations, and I shaU just therefore say, for
your encouragement, that I stake my whole credit on your
finding it the easiest and most manageable city parish in
Scotland, and that what many deem the bugbears are indeed
the facilities of the parish. I shall be most happy, my dear sir,
to enter with you upon any details that you raay require of
me, and at present I can do no raore than bless the Provi
dence that has evolved itself in a way so gracious. Do be
lieve rae, my dear sir, yours most affectionately and truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CXXXIII.
St. Andrews, 9th September, 1824.
My dear Sir — I most honestly rejoice at the pleasure you
feel in your situation. I think that you will find this much
enhanced by your parochial visitations, in which exercise I
had always raore satisfaction than in any other which be
longed to the ofiice.
As to my sacrament examinations, I requested from the
pulpit that all who intended to communicate for the first

REV. DR. MACFARLAN. 273
time should meet me in the vestry at one particular hour —
say 10 P.M. upon a Tuesday. I had previously marked on
Uttle slips of paper " half past ten," "eleven," "half past
eleven," &c., which I dealt out to those assembled individual
ly, and upon which each came back to me at his own speci
fied time that forenoon — and this afforded me half an hour's
conversation with each. The length of this exercise to my
self depended on the number who came forward ; and if that
number was too great, I gave sUps of paper for the next day
(Wednesday) at "ten," "half past ten," "eleven," &c., mark
ing Wednesday, however, to separate them from the catechu
mens of Tuesday. I thus sometimes in one, and at most in
two forenoons, got over the main burden of my sacramental
examinations. If any did not satisfy me, I prescribed chap
ters of the Bible for their reading, and assigned the time when
they should call upon me in ray own house for further conver
sation. I must say, however, and I was surprised at the dis
covery (for which, however, a satisfactory cause may be as
signed), that I found the candidates for the Lord's table in
Glasgow, generally speaking, to be much better prepared than
those in Kilmany.
Besides all this, I, on the recommendation, and according
to the practice of Dr. M'Gill, convened aU whom I resolved
to admit as communicants in the vestry at 3 P.M., on the
Wednesday previous to the fast-day, when I gave them an ad
dress in cumulo, and then distributed to thera their tokens
and a certificate that I had that day admitted thera to be
coraraunicants. It was generally in the interval between
the separate conversations and this meeting that each got a
testimonial from the proper elder, and showed it before I gave
the token. At the end of each separate conversation, I gave
to the individual on a slip of paper the day and hour of this
general address as a memorandum.
Let me entreat that you will neither be over-fatigued by
your visitations nor overwhelmed by your sacramental work.
I shall be most happy at all times to furnish any details that
M2

-74 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

may be required of me. I am, my dear sir, yours very
truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CXXXIV. Edinburgh, 21st December, 1842.
My dear Sir — I have seen Dr. Abercrombie, and attempt
ed to rectify and undeceive him as to my desire of hastening
or precipitating the crisis. The truth is, that the success of
my attempts is directly fitted to avert a crisis, if any thing
will. Will you look at Regulation Seventh of the inclosed ?
and I trust you will allow the right middle way is to be pro
visionally in readiness for the worst. I also send the copy
of a subscription paper, which is also provisional. Such an
attitude of preparation as I long and labor for would place the
Church on right vantage-ground for negotiating with govern
ment on the footing of an independent party. Whether with
or without a general meeting of your congregation, an asso
ciation, whether congregational or parochial, could be easily
got up any where. Our association at Morningside yields al
ready at the rate of £250 a year. Oh, when will raen know
how to discriminate between what is an iraaginative picture
and what a sober and practical reality ! I ever ara, my dear
sir, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXXXV. Edinburgh, 4lh August, 1845.
My dear Sir — I now sit down to give you my reasons
why I can not attend the Assembly at Inverness. They may
be summed up in two :
First, There is something more than personal inclination
on my part — there is a positive feeling of duty that has re
solved me henceforth to live the life of a student. For this
purpose I have already signified by a formal act my retire
ment from the public business of the Church. It were a re
scinding of that act, and the exposure of myself again to other
and future applications, should I go to Inverness. It is not

REV. DR. MACFARLAN. 275
the time taken up with that solitary raoveraent, but it is the
struggle that I should have with subsequent applications,
which I am most anxious to save. And mean while I issue
these refusals with a clear conscience ; for truly it is a higher
department to have to do with the understandings and con
sciences of my students, than to wear out any more of my life
in the outward business of the house of God. But,
Secondly, That business is infinitely better done by the
timely retirement of the veterans from the" stage, and the con
sequent calling up of younger and stronger raen. I am for
tified in this idea by two very recent examples. I was urged
to be a member of the last Assembly, and such was the over
weening iraportance attached to this by some, that they ab
surdly anticipated a decay of interest in the Assembly should
I not be there. Now, I put it to yourself— Do you ever rec
ollect an Assembly, the proceedings of which were, conducted
in a finer spirit, and with higher ability, and with greater ef
fect upon the public raind ? Again, Mr. Guthrie applied to
rae to launch the Manse Scheme at the first meeting about
it which he held in Glasgow. This also I resisted ; and is
not that scheme progressing at a rate most encouraging to all
the friends of the Church? I perfectly agree with you in
thinking that the Assembly of Inverness, now that it is de
termined on, should be made as impressive as possible, so that
the larger the confluence to it from all parts the better. This
I ara urging upon all my acquaintances who should and can
go, whether they are merabers or not. But for rayself it is
out of the question. Will you forgive me if I state an illustra
tion which has occurred to me in connection with this sub
ject ? To parade rae onward to Inverness appears to rae as
ludicrous as to parade thitherward a congeries of old bones ;
for it strongly rerainds me of the delusion under which Cob-
bett labored when he brought Tom Paine's bones from Amer
ica, and carried them through England, in the hope that they
would operate as a charm in every neighborhood wherever
he presented thera. Ever believe rae. my dear sir, yours most
truly, Thomas Chalmers.

276 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CCXXXVI. Edinburgh, 7th August, 1845.
My dear Sir  Our two last letters crossed each other. In
regard to ray going to Inverness for the purpose of an address
on the Sustentation Fund, I beg to subrait the two foUowing
considerations :
In the first place, it has been ray uniform experience that
the Associations have remained as sluggish and lethargic aft
er such an address as previous to its delivery. Witness my
Assembly's address at Glasgow, and my more recent addresses
there, since which time the Associations just yield as little as
ever. The only way of advancing the Sustentation Fund if
by an agency who might severally deal with each of the lo
calities piecemeal and at close quarters. I did no sensible
good by a series of at least twenty public addresses in the
north of Scotland. All the good I have done is by corre
spondence or personal converse, either in my own person or
the persons of the agents whom I employed.
But, 2dly, My feelings and principles on the subject are
well known, and more especially my strong dissatisfaction
with a number of the Highland ministers and congregations.
On the other hand, they do not at all syrapathize with me in
my sense of the religious iraportance of this subject. They
call it secular, and seera to speak as if ray confidence was
placed in carnal weapons. This was the feeling, I afterward
heard, of the rrten whora I dealt with at Arran, and I believe
it to be a pretty general feeling in the north. Now, put these
two considerations together ; first, my general experience of
the usdessness of these addresses ; and, secondly, ray special
experience of the positive dislike to the subject in the north ;
and then I ask you to conceive with what utter heartlessness,
or rather with what inward recoil of spirit I behooved to go
to Inverness, there to obtrude an unpalatable subject upon an
unwilling auditory — I, who am not a member, and would be
felt by many as a most unwelcome interloper were I to go

DIRECTIONS ON PRACTICAL CHARITY. 277
upon such an errand. Nothing, my dear sir, could force a
way through such a barrier but a special invitation from the
Asserably where they have met, and this too at the instance
of twenty, thirty, or forty Highland rainisters themselves ; aft
er which, and when they had put the censorial staff into ray
hand, I should feel at freedom to wield it with all faithful
ness, though at the same time I hope with all delicacy. But
be assured that there are paragraphs in your closing address -
to the liist Assembly which will do infinitely more good to the
Sustentation Fund than all I could hope to do by ' going to
Inverness. Ever beheve me, ray dear sir, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

No. CCXXXVII. — In Reply to a Letter requesting
some Directions on the Sueject of Practical Charity.
Glasgow, 6th November, 1821.
My dear Sir — I received a letter some days ago from the
person who signs himself " Christianus," and with which I
would have been still more gratified had he subscribed his real
name. I think that the best school for benevolence is a limited
district, which it is competent for any individual to assume as
the field in which he chooses to exercise his philanthropy. I
would take one of the poorest vicinities in the whole town,
and measure off for rayself a population of say fifty or a hund
red faraiUes, and the topic of introduction I should choose
would not be an inquiry into their teraporal necessities (for
this might call forth a reaction most appalling to the adven
turer, and most corrupting to the people whom he means to
benefit), but rather an inquiry into the state of health and
the education of the young; or the accommodation that there
is with respect to schools and churches ; or something, in
short, that would begin your acquaintance with the people
without exciting any sordid or mercenary expectation. You
wiU not find it so formidable an affair to secure a welcome

278 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
from the faraiUes, araong whom you may reiterate as ofteu
as you wiU on the same topics, but never in the ostensible ca
pacity of an almoner, assuming always the higher capacity of
a friend to their children, i£nd a zealous advocate or promoter
of all that can conduce to the improvement of principle and
moral habits among the population. In this way they will
not obtrude their necessities so readily upon you ; while you,
on the other hand, when their necessities in any particular
way force themselves upon your observation, may secretly, and
without the knowledge of others, relieve thera. You will thus
find the work of charity a very quiet and raanageable process ;
for, in truth, there won't be half a dozen famiUes among the
hundred who will stand in real need of your money ; while
perhaps one half of the whole would have been the sordid ex
pectants of your generosity had you injudiciously announced
yourself as the general almoner of -the district that you had
assumed. Meanwhile, ply all the families with kind and moral at
tentions, stimulate education, recoramend cleanliness, encour
age church-going habits. Be not too obtrusive with your
money ; let the people pay for all themselves as rauch as pos
sible, and, at the same tirae, show that you grudge no ex
pense that would serve their best interests by being generous
in every case of unquestionable distress ; by setting up, if you
will, a little library in the district, to which, however, there
ought to be sraall quarterly payraents on the part of the peo
ple themselves. Setup a local Savings-Bank, if you think it
would promote frugality, and study by all possible means to
make the people thrive — not so much by any imparted lib
erality on your part, as thrive by teaching thera the power of
their own resources and their own capabihties.
I have not nearly exhausted this favorite subject ; but I
sepd you to the best school when I send you to the school of
your own experience. Blunders, and failures, and discourage
ments are unavoidable ; but you are in the best place for
profiting by these when you confine yourself to a lOcal terri-

MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS BELIEF. 279

tory, where you are ever growing in acquaintanceship and
mutual regard with the people, than when you throw your
self at large over a boundless field. Mr. John Campbell, Ter-
tius, W.S., has done the very same thing that I now recom
mend to you, and if you are disposed to consult him, he is
qualified to supplement the deficiencies of my present com
munication. Yours truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CXXXVIII.— To A Friend.
St. Andrews, 13th November, 1825.
My very dear Sir — I have no peculiar mode of address
ing the Gospel to any one class of human creatures. It is a
wide and general proclamation of raercy to all, and whatever
the age or condition of the sinner, still he is welcome to
Christ ; and coming unto Him he shall in no ivise be cast
out. AU are warranted to approach, even with boldness, to
that throne of grace, where they shall receive both mercy to
pardon and grace to help in every time of need.
It is a wonderful plea that the Psalraist urges for pardon :
" Pardon mine iniquity,/or it is great." That greatness of
transgression, which would preclude the hope of forgiveness
from an earthly superior whom we had offended, is the very
arguraent which we are encouraged to make use of in pray
ing for pardon from Him whose thoughts are not as our
thoughts, and whose ways are not as our ways. May you,
my dear sir, and all with whom you are connected, have great
peace and joy in thus believing ; and sure I ara, that when
Gospel peace enters, Gospel holiness wiU follow in its train.
Have you read Romaine's " Treatises on Taith ?" — they are
very precious. BeUeve me, ray dear sir, yours truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. 0 CXXXIX. — On Man's Responsibility for his
Belief. St. Andrews, 15fA March, 1826.
My dear Madam — ^Lord Byron's assertion, " that man is

280 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
not responsible for his belief" — an assertion repeated by Mr.
Brougham and others — 'seems to have proceeded from the im
agination that belief is in no cases voluntary. Now it is very
true that we are only responsible for what is voluntary, and
it is also true that we can not believe without evidence. But
then it is a very possible thing that a doctrine may possess
the most abundant evidence, and yet not be believed, just be
cause we choose to shut our eyes against it ; and our unbe
lief in this case is owing not to the want of evidence, but to
the evidence not being attended to. Grant that belief is not
a voluntary act, it is quite enough for the refutation of Mr.
Brougham's principle, if attention be a voluntary act. One
attends to a subject because he so chooses, or he does not at
tend because he so chooses. It is the fact of the attention be
ing given or withheld which forms the thing that is to be
morally reckoned with. And if the attention has been with
held when it ought to have been given, for this we are the
subjects of a rightful condemnation.
It is enough to make unbelief a thing of choice and a thing
of affection, that we have power over the direction of our no
ticing and investigating faculties. You are not to blame if
you have not found some valuable article that you had lost
in an apartment of thickest darkness ; but you are to blame
if you might have opened the shutters or lighted a candle, so
as to have admitted enough of light for the discovery. Nei
ther are you to blame if you find not the hidden treasure of
the Gospel, provided that it is placed beyond the reach of aU
your strenuousness, and of every expedient that can be used
for its discovery ; but you are to blame if you have not gone
in quest of it, or if you have willfully and determinedly shut
your eyes against it, or if you have not stirred up those pow
ers of your mind over which the mind has a voluntary con
trol to the inquiry after it. The Discerner of the heart will
see where the lurking perversity lies, and make it manifest of
all who remain in darkness, that they loved the darkness —
of all who have not come to Christ, that they were not wiU-
ing to come.

THE ANXIOUS INQUIRER DIRECTED. 281

Christianity lays no unreasonable service on men, and fai
less that service which were most unreasonable of all — ^the
homage of your belief, without offering such evidence as, if
attended to, will constrain the belief Our religion has its
proofs, and it" also has its probabiUties. Its proofs can only
be gotten at by patient and laborious inquiry, and, when they
are so gotten at, they carry the beUef along with thera. Its
probabUities again may, sorae of them, be seen at first sight,
and though not enough to compel our beUef, yet they form a
sufficient clarni upon our attention. They form that sort of
precognition which entitles Christianity at least to a fair and
full trial, and, if not worthy aU at once of a place in our creed,
it is worthy of a further hearing. Now all I want is, that that
hearing shall be given, that the evidences of Christianity shall
be studied, that the Bible shaU be read with patience, and
prayer, and moral earnestness, and on the principle that he
who seeketh findeth, I have no apprehension of such a course
not terminating in a full and steadfast conviction that the Bi
ble is an authentic raessage from heaven to earth, and contains
in it the record of God's will for man's salvation. I ara, my
dear madam, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers
No. CCXL. — Directions to an anxious Inquirer.
St. Andrews, February, 1826.
Dear Madam — I have been asked by Miss  to write
you on the subject of certain difficulties to which, I believe,
almost every inquirer into the way of salvation is. subjected.
It is very possible that aught I can say may not produce an
immediate impression on your mind, for I have often experi
enced the very great tenacity wherewith the obstacles to a
free and full reception of the Gospel stand their ground in
the mind of many a laboring seeker after truth ; but it is a
great thing that you are in earnest if you are not at rest ; and
in the raean while, it is the part of every true friend you have
to state to his uttermost ability such considerations as raight,
with the blessing of God, be helpful to your progress.

282 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
I would first, then, say to you, that you are not to wait tUl
you have mourned enough for sin ere you accept the Savior.
You complain that you have not such deep views of sin as ex
perienced Christians speak of; but how did they acquire them ?
they are the fruits of their experience in Christ, and not of
their experience out of Christ. They had them not before
their union with the Savior. It was on more slender concep
tions of the evil of sin than they now have that they went to
Christ, that they closed with Him, and that they received
from His sanctifying hand a raore contrite spirit than before —
a more tender conscience than before. Do as they did ; wait
not till you have gotten their deep sensibilities till you go to
the Savior. Go to Him now ; go to Him with your present
insensibility ; bring it before Hira. as part of your disease,
and He, the Physician of souls, will rainister to this and all
other diseases. But, generally, you complain that you are
ignorant of how to go — how to believe. Now this has long
been a sturabling-blook to raany ; their thoughts are how
they are to bdieve, when their thoughts should be wliat they
should believe. They look inwardly for the work of faith,
when they should look oiitwardly for the object of faith. " For
every one thought," says Richard Baxter, " that he casts
downwardly upon hiraself, he should cast ten upwardly and
outwardly upon Jesus, and upon the glorious truths of the
Gospel." You say that you have no doubts of the freeness of
Christ's salvation, and of His wilUngness to save you. Dwell
upon this ; persist in this ; stand in the Gospel attitude of look
ing upon Jesus, and light will at length arise within you. In
the act of looking, you may have to wait a longer or a shorter
time for your coming enlargeraent ; but surely it is worth the
waiting for. Meanwhile your business is prayer ; a diligent
attention in the ordinances of rehgion; reading of God's word;
and, above all, a keeping of the sayings of Christ : " He that
keepeth my sayings, to him will I manifest myself" Be as
sured you are in good hands, even in the hands of Him who

COUNTESS OF D  . 283

will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax.
Believe me to be, dear madam, yours truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXLI. — To the Countess of D  . A Letter
OF Christian Encouragement.*
My dear Countess — It is my earnest prayer to God that
your superintendence of the Sabbath School, established in
the very interesting district in which you reside, may be
abundantly blessed, and that it may be productive of lasting
benefit to its sequestered inhabitants ; that a religious popu
lation may arise around you ; and that God, by His Spirit,
may carry horae the lessons of His word to all whom they
are administered.
When one? thinks of the certainty of approaching death,
and the greatness of the coming eternity, one can not but think
that the only important history which is going on in the
world is the unseen history of human souls ; nor do I know
a more interesting event than that of a heart alienated from
God, and laboring under a distaste for the method of salvation
by the Cross, when it becomes at- length reconciled to all the
peculiarities of the Gospel, and is called out of darkness into
God's marvelous light. In these institutions of Sabbath
Schools there is always, indeed, a secondary advantage to be
derived from the acquirement of those habits of regularity,
and suboi^ination, and all those minor accomplishments which
conduce to the formation of good subjects and good members
of society ; and when education is received in subserviency
to those temporal blessings, it is no doubt of considerable tem
poral advantage, and raust be so considered even by those who
have no taste for religion, and take no concern for the high
raatters and interests of eternity. But really, when we look to
the insignificance of the present scene, and read believingly
the Bible, and there learn the lesson of what a wretched be
ing man is by nature ; and when we are raade to understand
* Communicated by the Rev. T. Grinfield, Clifton.

284 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
that there is only one way of recovery, and to consider how
great and how radical a change must take place in our hearts
ere we can be adraitted into the kingdora of Heaven, and that
we must submit with the docility of a little child to these
sayings, that " through faith in the blood of Christ we are
justified, and through the washing of regeneration we are
sanctified ;" when these- views open in their significancy and
magnitude upon the understanding, then a mightier object
will be seen connected with a Sabbath School. It will be
valued chiefiy on spiritual and sacred grounds, and the main
anxiety will be, that they who repair for scriptural education
shall become wise unto salvation through the faith that is in
Christ Jesus. Now, to fulfill this higher object, it is neces
sary that every higher expedient should be resorted to ; that
the children should be spoken to with afiectionate concern by
their teacher, that he should add to his adraonition the force
of his example ; that parents should warmly co-operate in the
great object, and add all the force of their exaraple and ad-
raonitions ; that unaniraity should prevail araong all con
nected with it ; and that the prayers of intercession should
frequently be lifted up for the prosperity of a cause so right
eous. It is my earnest and real desire that all the inhab
itants of your place raay experience in rich and satisfying
abundance the comforts of the Christian faith, and raay grow
every day in the graces of Christian obedience. It is, indeed,
a wondrous silence which immortal beings observe in their
intercourse with each other on the most urgent and greatest
of all topics, that of their souls ; and I sometimes think how
they will look to each other, and upbraid each other, should
they raeet on the sarae coraraon ground of conderanation on
the great day of reckoning. Believe rae, I feel nothing but
the prorapting of anxiety and tenderness when I entreat ray
fellow-Christians to persevere in a course of earnest and la
borious striving for the kingdom of Heaven. The Gospel in
vitation is free, but the Gospel requirement is strict : there is
a change of heart demanded, as well as a change of external

LADY OSBORNE.

conduct. But, oh how delightful that the prayer of faith
maketh all things possible, and that, though we begin in
darkness, and helplessness, and error, if we follow the Sav
ior, He will show unto us the light of Ufe. Yours very truly,
Ij'homas Chalmers.

[3d April, 1852. — Dear Sm — My daughter tells me that you wish
to know the date of the letter I had the pleasure of receiving from the
venerated Dr. Chalmers. I can not say exactly, but I think it wai about
the year 1834, or 1835, or 1836. It was on the occasion of a discus
sion I had with some clergymen of the Church of Geneva about the
Divinity of ofir blessed Savior. I cited Dr. Chalmers as the head of
the Presbyterian Church, consequently Mr. M.'s chief, as being pecul
iarly opposed to a heresy which, I think, tends to subvert the founda
tions of Christianity, and I took the liberty of writing to the great and
good raan himself, to confirm the truth of the opinion which I had ven
tured to assert as being his. I am. my dear sir. your obedient servant,
The Rev. W. Hanna. Catharine Osborne.]
No. CCXLII.
My dear Lady Osborne — You must forgive my writing in
another hand, as I ara very much over-worked. And I hope
to be further excused if I do not go into the subject ofyour
letter at any great length.
It appears to me that there are two grounds upon which
an error in theology raight be fatal : first, the error might be
so opposed to the clearest light of scriptural evidence as to
imply the utmost moral unfairness in the examination of holy
writ, or a hard rejection of the Divine testimony. With my
views of what I hold to be the obvious sense of the word of
God, I could not be an Arian without incurring this delin
quency. The second ground on which an error in theology
might be fatal, is the great moral and practical importance
of the doctrine which is either vitiated or disowned. I could
not renounce my opinion of the divinity of Christ without at
the same time renouncing what I at present regard as the
most essential and characteristic principle of the Gospel. Di
lute this article of Christianity, and you in the same propor-

286 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
tion dilute other articles of the faith — no less vital and funda
mental than itself— -as the value of the Atonement, the depth
of the enormity of the guilt that calls for Divine expiation,
the need of a regenerating influence from on high, the un-
changeableness and authority of Heaven's law, and the dig
nity of its moral government. Those are the great elements
of the Christian systera ; but by detaching the sentiraent of
Christ's divinity, we should take all the force and the spirit
from them.
This doctrine strengthens and impregnates the whole of
practical Christianity ; and whether it be the trust, or the
gratitude, or the obedience of the Gospel we are urging, they
can only be urged with effect along with the belief that Je
sus Christ, the author and the finisher of the faith, is abso
lutely and frora eternity God. The first chapter of Revela
tion, the beginning of the Gospel of John ; Romans, ix., 5 ; 1
John, v., 20 ; Philippians, ii., 5, 8 ; and the first chapter to
the Hebrews, appear to me the most decisive passages of the
New Testament in favor of the godhead of Christ : and the
Old Testament appears to be the more impressive and con
vincing the longer I attend to it : for this let rae refer you
to the sixth of Isaiah, quoted in John's Gospel, and applied by
him to the Savior ; Isaiah, vUi., 13, 14, quoted in the same
manner by Paul in the Epistle to the Romans ; Isaiah, ix., 5,
6 ; Jeremiah, xxiii., 6, 6, where the Lord our righteousness is
Jehovah ; Micah, v., 2 ; Zechariah, xiii., 7 ; Malachi, Ui., 1.
I entreat you to excuse the brevity and the imperfection of
these hurried stateraents. The subject on which y^ou have
called me to express myself is fitted for an elaborate disserta
tion, and nothing like adequate justice can be done to it with
in the compass of a letter, written in great feebleness and
amid manifold engagements. I have the honor to be, ice,
Thomas Chalmers.

MISS ANNE CHALMERS. 287

No. C CXLIII. — To his eldest Daughter, on partaking
FOR the first time of the Sacrament of the Lord's
Supper. Early Vale, 23d October, 1832.
My dear Anne — Though I have as yet said littie to you
about the sacrament, it is not that I do not feel, and feel
deeply, the importance of the step which you are about to
take. I have long and earnestly regretted that the solemn
urgency of my occupations should have left me so little time
and so little strength for attending to my family, and more
especially to that highest interest of all, the state of their re
hgion, impressed as I am both by the weight and importance
of the obligation, and also by the solemn responsibility which
the apostle lays upon ministers for the souls of their people,
though surely not more solemn than the responsibUity of par
ents for their chUdren, who ought, therefore, to watch for their
souls as they who must give account.
I hope that I may have much free conversation with you
both respecting the sacrament on the fast-day preceding it
on Thursday. But meanwhUe I should like you to ponder the
following considerations bearing upon the subject :
1. You should not look on your past sinfulness as any bar
rier in the way of approaching the Lord's table, and you can
not too soon or too confidently overpass this barrier by believ
ing thoughts of that blood which was shed for the sins of the
world — of that propitiation to which one and all are invited
to look for their acceptance with God.
2. Neither should you look on your own impotency for ac
ceptable obedience as any barrier ; and you can not too soon
or too confidently overpass this bamer by belie-ing thoughts
of the all-sufficiency and strength of that Sr.'nt who is freely
given to those who ask, and more especial' ., co those who, flee
ing for refuge to Jesus Christ, the Mae.(.rr of the great solem
nity in which you are to join, lift up their supphcations for aid
and ability to do the will of God in His all-prevailing name.

288 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
3. If you have faith in the two great truths which I have
now specified, this will encourage you to go forward to the
table of the sacrament ; and yet, instead of putting the ques
tion to yourself Have I faith in these truths ? I would rath
er that you dwelt on the contemplation of the truths them
selves. It is by thinking directly of the truths, and not by
thinking reflexly on what the state of your own mind is in
regard to thera, that you corae to a right decision and estab
lishment of purpose on this subject.
4. But there is one raost important subject of self-examina
tion on which I would make the whole question of this sac
ramental observance to turn. I would never stir a doubt as
to the efficacy of Christ's blood, or your own welcome to the
participation of its benefits, and neither would I stir a doubt
as to the readiness of the Spirit to perfect strength in your
weakness. But there may be a doubt, and this I would have
you to clear up, on the state of your own will and your own
purposes. Are you willing to be all and to do all that God
would have you ? Is it your purpose, in singleness of heart,
to be His only and His altogether ? Are you honestly desir
ous of making yourself over whoUy unto Him, or, in other
words, of submitting yourself entirely to God ? These I hold
to be the proper questions for putting to your conscience on
the present occasion. When thus employed, you are counting
the cost of the Christian profession ere you enter upon it ; and
great, I proraise, will be your peace and joy, sure will be your
progressive holiness, if in good faith and firm integrity you
resolve henceforward, and with reliance on the Divine grace,
to be not almost, but altogether a Christian.
I bid you both recollect not merely the raoraentous personal
interest which each of you has in this great concern, but the
iramense benefit ofyour Christian exaraple to the younger chil
dren. May this prove, then, a decisive step in the history of
your Uves  a sure step to that heaven for which it is our high
est interest as weU as highest duty to prepare. I ever am,
my dear Anne, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.

MASTER J. MORTON. 2S9

No. COXLIV.— To Master J. Morton.*
Edinburgh, 21sf March, 1832.
My dear John — I would have given thj^s letter partiy to
you and partly to your mararaa, making it in that way a
proper counterpart reply to the communication from Chester-
hill of March 8th ; but I feel that I can not do justice to your
very interesting epistle without devoting the whole of this
sheet to it. I allude more particularly.to your desire that I
should tell you something of religion — that highest and most
important of all subjects.
The only advice I shall give you at present will be a gen
eral, but I have no doubt that, if followed, it wiU prove a very
effective one. The Bible is able to make you wise unto sal
vation. I do not want to overtask you with the reading of
it, but it is right you should read it by little and little, and
that frequently. And I would, therefore, first recommend
that you should peruse so rauch of it every day, and bring to
the exercise all the attention and all the understanding you
are able to do.
But, again, the Bible itself tells us that no man can under
stand or feel it aright by the mere natural and unassisted
exercise of his own faculties, and that it is the office of the
Holy Spirit to raake the word of God clear to our judgraents,
and powerful in its effect upon our hearts and lives; and it
furtherraore tells us that God gives His Holy Spirit to them
who ask it. My earnest recommendation therefore is, that
as you read, you would also pray that God may open your
understanding to understand.
My third and last recoraraendation is grounded on the say
ing, that the prayer of the wicked is an aboraination to God-;
and that if we regard iniquity in our hearts, God wiU not
hear us. Therefore, while observing ray first and second di
rections to read the Bible and to pray, forget not my third, to
be diligent in keeping God's commandraents, doing all which
* Eldest son of his sister, Mrs. Morton.
V. N

290 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHAUtfERS.
His word teUs you to be right, refraining from all which His
word tells you to oe wrong. Thus will you grow in the
knowledge of the way of salvation. He who seeketh find
eth ; and you, seeking to know God and Jesus Christ whom
He has sent, wiU find the way of righteousness and peace,
and have your feet firmly established on that good path
which leads to heaven.
Give my kind regard to your father, mother, brothers, and
sisters. I am, my dear John, your affectionate uncle,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXLV.^ — Advice to a Young Cler&yman.
Edinisurgh, 12iA November, 1838.
My dear Sir — I shall say nothing of practical or devo
tional reading and study, indispensable though they be to the
upholding of the best and highest functions of our being, but
speak chiefly of intellectual pursuits and professional business.
And first, it were of immense value to lay it down as a rule
to which you should doggedly and determinedly adhere, that
of giving two or three hours daily for at least three days in
the week, and, if the calls of immediate business allowed, for
more days than this, to some high subject of professional lit
erature. I pressed this on Mr. Douglas, constitutionally one
of the most indolent men I know, and the result was his
work on the "Advancement of Society," &c. Your "Ex
egesis on Miracles," and your "Sermon on the Sacrament,"
convince me that if you would but select your topics and do
likewise, you could, by dint of perseverance, furnish products
of sounder and still higher quality than those to which I refer.
And the same habit of so much time for this elaborate
mental exertion might not only issue in superior authorship,
but superior sermons, of which it were weU that you had a
certain and increasing nuraber when called to preach on great
public occasions, or to first-rate auditories.
My reason for being satisfied with three days in the week
for the more transcendental efibrt which I now recommend

ADVICE TO A YOUNG CLERGYMAN. 891
is, that I suppose your ordinary pulpit preparations are man
aged in a different way, and might require perhaps two or
three days each week, not to be encroached upon by any call
on your raind, during these days, for a more fatiguing exercise.
So much for the creative efforts of thought and composi
tion. Additional to these, I would have one or two hours a
day for the perusal of the more arduous kind of books, such
as might subserve the preparations which I have now recom
mended, and store the mind with all that is most profound
and philosophical in the themes which you propose to elu
cidate. If these directions were fully and regularly acted up to, I
would willingly allow the remainder of the time for light
reading, society, and parochial duties. And in reference to
the latter, I would, as I could find the instruments, devolve
as much as I profitably could upon others, whether in the
capacity of elders or Sabbath-teachers, without, at the same
tiine, precipitating these arrangements beyond the real worth
of the agents who shall or may cast up one by one, and to
those you raight rightly coramit the management in question.
But what is all in all, is a systematic distribution of time.
It is not by irregular efforts, however gigantic, that any great
practical achievement is overtaken. It is by the constant
recurrence and repetition of sraall efforts directed to a given
object, and resolutely sustained and persevered in. In this
way you will work yourself into a deep and cleaving interest
in topics which at first may have been repulsive. Edwards'
Works supply a rich assortment of such topics ; marks of con
version, marks of a work of the Spirit, original sin, necessi
ty, sacrament, &c. ; see also Butler's "Sermons," Davison's
" Prophecy," and raany other authors whom I could mention ;
but I would rather the concentration of your strength on a
few themes, than that you should be a TJniversalist.
I think that there might be a most beneficial expenditure
of all your tirae, and that the interest of every hour of it might
be Completely filled up betwr: n iiio two 'objects of, first, a

292 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
great mental product, and, secondly, a great practical effort
in your parish. I do not want to shut out hours of ease and
relaxation; but the fatigue of the other hours will make these
last all the more enjoyable. It is a most valuable experience
of Braiiierd, that the regular distribution of time is essential
to one's rdigious prosperity ; and of Elhot, that through faith
in Christ Jesus, it is in the power of prayer and of pains to do
every thing. Yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.

[In August, 1831, the late Mrs. Grant, of Laggan, received a letter
from a lady then in Italy, describing the character of a young Italian
artist, in whom she was much interested, of remarkable genius, but un
fortunately imbued with skeptical opinions on religion, which she had
in vain endeavored to remove. She begged that Mrs. Grant would
submit a statement of the case to Dr. Chalmers, and solicit the favor of
his benevolent-aid in suggesting how the erroneous views of the young
man might be best combated ; a request which Mrs. Grant, with con
siderable hesitation, complied with, by sending her correspondent's
letter to Dr. Chalmers. The following answer was returned by Dr.
Chalmers to Mrs. Grant.]
No. CCXL VI. — Letter to Mrs. Grant, of Laggan.
Edinburgh, 2d September, 1831.
My dear Madam — I am sure you will excuse rae frora en
tering in ray own person on an arguraent with one who, from
the account you have sent me of him, has yet to acquire the
very first elements of a subject on which he speculates so
adventurously, and yet with so little information.
I must, therefore, confine rayself to the recommendation of
certain books, which, if not read and studied by hira, reaUy
makes the task which your friend has put into my hand in
every way as hopeless as that of teaching optics to the blind,
or teaching philosophy to children.
Taylor's " Process of Historical Proof;" Taylor's " Trans
mission of Ancient Books to Modern Times;" Paley's "Evi
dences of Christianity ;" Lardner's " Credibility ;" " Lardner
on Jewish and Heathen Testimonies lo tho Truth of the Gos-

T. ERSKINE, ESQ. 393

pel;" Paley's "Horse Paulinffi;" Butler's "Analogy;" Leslie's
" Short and Jlasy Method with the Deists ;" Littleton's " Con
version of St. Paul."
I hope that the perusal of these may have a favorable ef
fect, though I must confess that the union of so much confi
dence with so much ignorance tempts me to despair.
That there should be no time to read, and withal such
trust in the conclusions of his own confessedly uninformed
mind, forms a composition which it is truly raost difficult to
deal with, and makes it an impracticable task to put down
the deterrained but withal superficial infidelity of our age.
Ever believe me, my dear madara, yours most truly and with
great esteem, Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — Your friend should continue, however, to treat the
person with great tenderness, and to make him the subject of
her prayers. ^ T. C.
No. CCXL VII. — To T. Erskine, Esq., of Linlathen.
Anstruther, 10th August, 1818
My dear Sir — I was obUged to leave Glasgow on the day
of that night in which you were to have visited me, and left
a line explanatory of the cause, which was a sudden call to
wait on my father during an illness that has since turned out
to be his last. He died here on the 26th of last month; and
I propose moving homeward to-raorrow.
Be assured that there is nothing that could be raore agree
able to me than to enter with you into a regular, though it
should not be a frequent correspondence. I derived too much
advantage frora the personal interview I had with you, not
to desire a continuance of intercourse in the only other way it
can be maintained when at a distance from each other.
I shall forbear at present giving a full and deliberate opin
ion on your " Translations of St. Jaraes." The doctrine you
educe from them I hold to be undeniable and highly import
ant ; and I feel benefit from the view you give of holiness,

294 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
in that you rescue it frora the hurable office of evidencing our
judicial state, and would raise it to an importance that were
absolute and terminating. I see that many of our divines lay
soraething like an exclusive stress on the object of making our
title clear by our works ; whereas the character of being
zealous of good works is a character the forraation of which
is stated as an object in itself of Christ's coraing to this world,
and is essential to our preparation for the next.
It just occurs to me that in James, ii., 18, the contrast be
tween the two terras is of a wider description than between
faith in dormancy and faith in action — it is between faith
viewed as one distinct object, and works viewed as another.
But I trust I shall look over the whole epistle with greater
care, and be able to express rayself raore fully and decisively
respecting it.
My father, I have reason to rejoice, was a thorough Chris
tian. His favorite treatise was the " Theron and Aspasio"
of Hervey, where the forensic benefit we have derived frora
Christ is the main topic of his argument. But does not the
principle of self-preservation direct our primary attention to
this raatter, and should we actually conceive a trust in the
Savior for righteousness, who can say that a transition so
much fitted to change and to brighten the prospects of raan
shall not also bring along with it new affections, new desires,
new principle, and all the elements, in short, of regeneration.
The Spirit cometh by the hearing of faith. They who
trust in Christ are sealed with the Holy Spirit of proraise.
Believe me, my dear sir, yours with great esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXLVIII.— To T. Erskine, Esq.
Kirkaldy, 15th October, 1818.
My dear Sir— I am here on an excursion frora Glasgow,
for the purpose of taking back Mrs. Chalraers, who has been
spending the whole suraraer in Fife. You raay not yet have
heard of the matter which chiefly engrosses the interest and

T. ERSKINE, ESQ. 3^5

the feelings of the people of Glasgow at this moment. Poor
Dr. Balfour was seized with apoplexy on Monday upon George
Street, and taken into the nearest house, where he still liqs,
and is not expected to live another day.
I received your manuscript a few weeks ago, and have read
it, I assure you, with great satisfaction. To pronounce upon
it critically would require a more elaborate examination than
I can possibly afibrd ; but I can at least say that I never read
Jaraes with a raore entire irapression of the unity of what at
one tirae appeared disjointed, of the significancy of what at
one time appeared dark, of the pertinency of what at one time
appeared irrelevant, than I have done through the mediura
of your translation. There is a light, and a power, and a
raoral impression about your perforraance that there is not
about the version of the apostle in our authorized Scriptures;
and if you ean substantiate on good philosophical grounds all
the reformations that you propose, you will indeed offer a very
valuable, as well, I am persuaded, as a very acceptable con
tribution to biblical hterature. If you have confidence in the
soundness ofyour various renderings, I regard the work as al
together worthy of publication.
You have certainly succeeded in sustaining a more contin
uous process of argument and refiection by your version than
one can discover to be in the common one.
You will confer a great favor upon me by an occasional let
ter. What I feel the need of is, that power of faith which
must ever accompany the reality of faith, and which, if want
ing, may well lead us to suspect the reality. What I have
long experienced of my own raind is, that it is quite possible
to describe the whole range of Christian doctrine in the terms
of a consistent and satisfying arguraentation — to raake use of
all the terms in theology, and bring them into good logical
arrangement, just as you make use of the syrabols of an al
gebraical process, and conduct that process in a way that is
unexceptionable, while the quantities represented by the sym
bols are not at all present to the mind throughout the whole

296 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
process of the investigation. I long for more of the Ufe and
freshness of an actual contact with these things — for the king
dora of God as abundantly in power as it is in word — in short,
for such raanifestations of the first and eleraentary ideas as, I
ara persuaded, no play or perforraance of natural talent can
ever conduct rae to. It is here that I feel my helplessness —
it is here, I believe, where the accomplished philosopher is on
a footing with the most untaught and illiterate of the peas
antry — it is here, I am persuaded, where light must be cre
ated and sent into our hearts by the immediate hand of God,
instead of being excogitated by the laboring of the human
faculties. I am awake to a sense of necessity and depend
ence ; and I await the performance of the promise, " Awake,
O sinner, and Christ shall give thee light." It is given to
prayer, while it is withheld frora presumption — it is given oft
en to the intercessions of others, while it is withheld from all
that a man can ask or do for himself ; and believing as I do,
that when a man goes in quest of Christian truth in proud
dependence upon hiraself, he gives an ungodliness to the very
outset of his inquiries ; that God must be acknowledged in
this way, as well as in every other, ere He direct our path.
I have too high an opinion of prayer as an engine of mighty
operation, not to fed a desire that I may have a part and an
interest in your prayers, that God may visit me with such com
munications of light and of love, as to give rae a distaste for
the world, and a spiritual relish of Him as the strength of my
heart and ray satisfying portion.
I ara in the press just now with a volurae of Congregation
al sermons. I feel the poorness and the barrenness of them
all ; and yet somehow or other I have prevailed upon myself
thus to come forward with thera. I see a mighty and un
trodden interval between the state of my own mind and the
spirituality ofother Christians ; but I have the hope of being
the more confirmed by all this in the attitude of the apostle
who had no confidence in hiraself but, rejoicing in the Lord
Jesus, was enabled to serve God in the spirit.

T. ERSKINE, ESQ. 297

I shaU return your manuscript to Mr. StirUng. I hope I
have not done wrong in showing it to a neighbor who takes
an interest in these things, but who, I am persuaded, will read
it with a simple view to his own edification. It is my prayer
that you may be useful, and eminently so, in the Church of
Christ. What we want is laborers, with or without ordina
tion : either raay wield the instrument of God's word, and
in the hands of neither will it return void. Have you seen
Edwards' " Treatise on Prayer ?" A season of revival in the
Church is generally preceded by a season of prayer. I stand
sadly in need ofyour devotional frame aU the day long^-of the
reUgion of feding — of a real sensibihty toward Him who is
both a just God and a Savior — ^who has so wondrously blend
ed in one demonstration the infinity of His love with the in
finity of His holiness. BeUeve rae, my dear sir, yours most
truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXLIX.— To T. Erskine, Esq.
Edinburgh, 29(A December, 1843.
My dear Sir — I read both your letter and that of Madame
de Stael with rauch interest and affection. These are trying
and sifting tiraes, but I have the confident hope that good wiU
come out of them. In particular, I am most happy to observe
that our Free Church rainisters are manifesting a vigor and a
spirituality which I never before witnessed, even in thera, and
which, under God, I can only ascribe to their being actuated
by the feeling and the conscious freedora of now emancipated
men. Meanwhile, things are c"'dently converging to a crisis,
which I trust will usher in a brighter day both of Christian
love and Christian Uberty.
I most cordially agree with you in thinking that our jour
ney through Normandy should never be forgotten. In good
earnest, I assure you that I often look back upon it as the raost
brilliant and interesting passage of my by-gone life, though
the death of the poor duchess casts a deep shade over it.
I should rejoice if we met eye to eye. I feel convinced of
N2

298 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

a radical and essential unity between us, however diverse and
distorting the media might be between our respective visions
and certain of those questions on which we may chance to
differ. My fatigues compel me now to write by ray daugh
ter Grace, who with Mrs. Chalraers desires kindest regards.
I ever am, my dear sir, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCL. — To Rev. John Foster.
Glasgow, 8(4 November, 1821.
My dear Sir — I lately saw Mr. Jeffrey, the editor of the
" Edinburgh Review," and spoke to him at some length about
the conduct and character of that widely-spread journal. I
told him how rauch it would add to its usefulness, did he not
prohibit all his general contributors from ever touching on the
subject of Christianity, and, making roora for a theological
departraent, admit an occasional article on that subject from
one who was soundly acquainted with it, and able to render
it impressively to his readers. My time is so much occupied
that I have abandoned that sort of literature entirely. But
I took the liberty of suggesting you as one whose occasional
contributions would be of eminent service to the work; and to
yourself I add, that, through the influence and diffusion of
that work, such a direction raay be given to your labors as to
be of the first consequence to the best of causes. Mr. Jeffrey
requested rae to write you, and express the pleasure it would
give him could you be prevailed upon to send hira an arti
cle ; and I may here suggest to you, that frora the very gen
eral character of that worK fiitherto, it were greatly better,
instead of advocating one species of Christian partisanship
against another, to advocate revelation in general against
infidelity, or to expatiate in those raore catholic tracts of
thought and sentiment, where one raight keep from that sort
of controversy which is so often confounded by a superficial
pubUc with the narrowness of sectarianism.
Do let me know what you think of this. I shall only say,

REV, JOHN FOSTER. 299
that I would prefer to see your lucubrations in the " Edin
burgh" rather than in the " Eclectic Review," because of the
greater publicity and infiuence that they would thus attain ;
while I StiU persist in another opinion that I have long ex
pressed on the subject of your literary labors, and that is, that
I regret you do not give more of your strength to the rearing
of such works as raay come out ostensibly and independently
frora your pen — being thoroughly persuaded that you can pub
lish nothing in this way which will not prove a permanent
accession to the Christian literature of our country.
I can truly say for myself that I read no compositions
with greater excitement than your own. I perused both your
" Missionary Sermon" and your book on " Popular Ignorance"
with unmeasured delight ; and one passage more especially,
of the latter, has kept a very tenacious hold of me, that in
which you adventured, and with marvelous success, to por
tray the popular imagination of God — a description that came
home so rauch to my own consciousness as to assure me how
idolatrous and raean were all my conceptions of the Deity.
There is one thing raore that I beg to propose to you ere
I ara done. I ara aware of your taste for landscape, and of
the full gratification it would find in the scenery of our High
lands. I have myself gone a very little way into that sub
lime and interesting region, and I would raost willingly give
up three weeks to the enterprise of penetrating right through
to the raost northerly point of Scotland, were it in the capac
ity of a guide and corapanion to you. I beg that you would
think of coming to Glasgow next summer, and taking up your
abode with me till we set out on this expedition.
Meanwhile, you will oblige me greatly by as speedy an an
swer as you can afford to this coraraunication. Mrs. Chal
mers joins in kindest regards to you. I ara, ray dear sir, yours
very affectionately, Thomas Chal'mers.

300 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. COLL— To Rev. Dr. Ryland.
Glasgow, 18th February, 1818.
My dear Sir — I return you many thanks for the kind pres
ent of "Fuller's Life," and also for your very excellent pam
phlet on " Antinomianism," — ^both of which I received from
the hands of your son.
I can assure you that I read the latter with much interest
and pleasure. It revived all my recoUections of the exceUent
Jonathan Edwards, to whose principles on the subject of Free-
wUl I have long been a decided convert. You have given a
very clear and judicious exposition, indeed, of the perfect con
sistency which obtains between the absolute sovereignty of
God on the one hand, and the fitness of bringing forward the
urgency of^ Gospel calls and Gospel invitations on the other.
I trust that your performance will do much good. It re
minds me of your conversation when I had the pleasure of
meeting you at Bristol, and which I shall not soon forget. I
feel greatly indebted to you for the question you proposed to
put to him who said, "I have come unto Christ" — " What
have you gotten from Him?"
I rejoiced in recognizing it as a very prevalent feature in
your connection, your horror at Antinomianisra ; and it is my
prayer that, both by doctrine and exaraple, you raay succeed
more and raore in vindicating the truth as it is in Jesus, as
being, indeed, altogether according to godliness.
I have read nothing with greater exciteraent for a very
long time than Hall's " Sermon" on the late lamented death.
It is, indeed, a very rich and wonderful coraposition, and I
think more impregnated with theology than any of his former
works. It whets the appetite more than ever for a volume
of congregational serraons from hira. . Do wrestle this point
with hira. till you have prevailed. I read lately his and your
excellent prefaces to his father's work.
Mr. Foster is now in your neighborhood. I know nothing
that would more interest me than a comraunication from him.

MR. J. E. RYLAND. 301

I carried away with rae a very great affection for him, and I
retain it. There appeared a vile unchristian attack on him
lately in one of our Magazines, and I heard nothing around
me but indignation against it. He has many adrairers in this
part of the country. Your son I see occasionally. I entreat
a part in your prayers. Oh that we felt more and raore a
child-like dependence on the teachings of the Holy Spirit !
May God prosper your abundant labors, and cause you to re
joice in the fruit of them. I am, my dear sir, yours most
truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLIL— To Mr. J. E. Ryland.*
Edinburgh, 2d March, 1831
My dear Sir — I received your melancholy intimation of
Mr. Hall's death with the greatest emotion, and consider it
as a severe blow to the Church universal — as an event to be
deplored not by his own flock and faraily alone, but by all
the friends of our common Christianity.
I felt a particular interest in your narrative of his death,
and was struck with the coincidence between his dying testi
monies and those of Fuller, Dwight, and others of our best
estabUshed Christians. The "humble hope" of his last mo
ments deserves to be enshrined araong the most precious of
those memorabilia which he has given to the world.
Will you tdl Mrs. Hall (to whom I expect to write shortly)
that I do feel a radancholy satisfaction in her having select
ed rae, as one of those friends of her venerable and illustrious
husband, who should be especially apprized of the sad event
that afflicts and solemnizes us all. Believe me, my dear sir,
yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CLIII.— To Mr. J. E. Ryland.
Edinburgh, nth November, 1843.
My dear Sir — I should have acknowledged long ago your
letter of the 17th of October, announcing the death of John
* Author of the " Life of Foster," &c.

302 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

Foster — a raan of gigantic intellect, and whose writings have
earned for him an imperishable narae, but who I trust is now
enjoying a better and a higher iraraortality. I ever had the
greatest veneration both fo^ hira and Mr. Hall, who, along
with Dr. Ryland, Andrew FuUer, Drs. Carey, Marshman, and
Ward, made up altogether a very bright constellation, and
which serves to signalize the Baptists of England raore than
any other denomination which I at present recollect.
I forget whether Mr. Sheppard, of Frome, is a Baptist. I
am much interested by this renewal of our correspondence.
It is now twenty-one years since we met at Bristol, and I am
now raade to understand by your letter that you are settled
at Northampton.
Mrs. Chalraers unites with me in kindest remembrances,
and I entreat you to believe me, ray dear sir, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLIV.— To Mrs. Paul.
St. Andrews, 20th October, 1827.
My dear Mrs. Paul — I have read the MS. on Proph
ecy which you kindly put into ray hand, and I can assure
you with a strong conviction, of its soundness. I perfectly
agree with the writer in thinking that there has been a very
culpable negligence of this important department of that
Scripture whereof it has been said that all is profitable. I
myself am in for a full share of the blame, and I do hope that
I shall not merely feel the obligation of giving more earnest
heed unto prophecy, but that I shaU henceforth act upon it.
The perusal of your paper has freshened the impulse which I
received some months ago from reading the work by Irving,
and I certainly have of late attained a growing sense of the
duty which attaches to this branch of sacred study. I ara
now reading in ordinary the book of Isaiah, and derive occa
sional aid from M'CuUoch's " Lectures ;" he is not a mUle-
narian, which I am now very rauch inclined to be ; and the
other day read with great pleasure the 26th chapter, the lat-

REV. C. BRIDGES. 303

ter verses of which appear to describe the impotency of hu
man and ordinary efforts to Christianize the world (verse 18),
and then (verse 19) the commencement of the great era
which is ushered in by the first resurrection. BeUeve me,
my dear madam, yours very affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLV.— To Rev. C. Bridges.
Edinburgh, 2d January, 1834.
My dear Sir — ^I gladly avail myself of the opportunity
which the Christmas holidays afford me of acknowledging
your most esteemed letter of October last, as, when engaged
in teaching my classes, I find both my strength and time very
much engrossed, having two distinct courses of lectures, and
upward of two hundred students to deal with.
I feel the greatest value for your kind and instructive com
munication, and more particularly for those parts of it which
I can turn to a useful purpose, whether in the way of sugges
tion or of warning, as to the special business of my own pro
fession. I deeply feel my need of effort and prayer, that my
whole course may be more and raore spiritualized, assured as
I ara of the possibUity of deUvering all the lessons of theology
in the strictest form of sound words, and with the fuUest ad
herence to the letter of the truth as it is in Jesus, while the
real unction and vitahty of the Gospel spirit may be altogeth
er wanting. I shaU fed the utmost Value, in connection with
this all-important object, both for your advices and your pray
ers. It is only by a manifestation from Him who is the Sun
of Righteousness that the demonstrations of a professor can
be brightened from the moonlight to the sunshine, of which
you have so impressively told rae, and have not only the great
er Ught, but also the heat of the higher luminary imparted to
them. I have a distinct lectureship this winter on the methods
and the machinery of Christian education, which subject leads
me not only to the vindication of reUgious establishments, but

304 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
also to what raay be terraed the spiritual tactics of a parish ;
and I can assure you that there is not one sentiment which
you have either written or spoken in my hearing which I
more thoroughly sympathize with than the mighty iraportance
of maintaining unbroken the conjunction between the minis
terial and the pastoral. I think myself prepared to show that
it is the dissolution of this sacred union that, instrumentally
speaking, has so weakened the infiuence of the Christian min
istry all over the land, and more especiaUy in our large towns.
When on this subject, I shall have occasion to make extracts
frora your admirable work on the various official and profes
sional duties of clergyracn.
I often think of your parish, which, as a hallowed abode
of peace and piety, supplies me with far more interesting rec
ollections than any thing I have seen in England. May the
Giver of aU grace continue to bless, and that abundantly,
your ministrations araong the dear cottage families around
you, and pour down such a blessing that there raay be no
room to receive it.
I beg that you will offer ray best regards to Mrs. Bridges,
and to Miss Wakefield, if still with you. In their work and
labor of love among the young, and particularly among your
own dear children, may the pleasure of the Lord prosper in
their hands. I ever am, my (J^ar sir, yours with greatest es
teem and attachment, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLVL— To Rev. C. Bridges.
Burntisland, 12th April, 1836.
My dear Sir — I take great blarae to myself in having de
ferred so long to write you. It is true that I am rauch en
grossed, and not so able for fatigue as I have been ; but noth
ing can justify the remissness of my correspondence with one
whose communications, and, above all, whose prayers I so
highly value.
I have seen Mr. Druraraond since I last received your let
ter. I highly approve of your proposal to publish Fox's

REV. HORACE BONAR. 305
" Martyrology," though, I fear, I can do little to promote its
success in Edinburgh. I am completely overdone, and am
obliged to take flight into the retireraent of the country.
I hope you see Mr. Bickersteth occasionally — for I should
like that, the first tirae you met him, you would deliver this
message from me. When I wrote him last, I had only enter
ed on the perusal of his work on " Prophecy," and not pro
ceeded far in it, and certainly, from the beginning of his vol
ume, I understood that he was doubtful on the subject of
Christ's personal reign, in which sentiment I stated that I
agreed with hira. I now find, however, that he is decidedly
for that opinion, and I ara very far frora being decidedly
against it. But I have not yet got beyond Mede upon this
question, who certainly left it indeterrainate, though I am now
far more confident than I wont to be that there is to be a cora
ing of Christ which precedes the raillenniura — a raillennium
to.be ushered into the world by a series of dreadful visitations,
for which, I fear, we are fast ripening — in the train of which
all our present structures, whether civil or ecclesiastical, will
give way, that room might be made for a universal empire
of truth atid righteousness.
I beg ray raost grateful regards to Mrs. Bridges ; and if
Miss Wakefield be still with you, I would offer her too ray
best acknowledgraents. Ever believe rae, ray dear sir, yours
most cordially, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CLVII. — Letter to the Rev. Horace Bonar.
Edinburgh, 9th January, 1847.
My dear Sir — Would you allow me to suggest "Alexan
der on Isaiali" as an admirable book for your review. As
fas as I have looked into it, it seeras a work of extraordinary
raerit. The author is an Araerican professor at Princeton.
I feel quite assured that your brother, were he to address him
self to the work, would go through it con amore. I can not
close this coraraunication without expressing my entire satis
faction with the doctrines and the progress of what I call your

soft CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
South Country School, of whom I hold yourself, Mr. Purves,
of Jedburgh, and Mr. Campbell, of Melrose, to be the trio of
its representativ'es. It is not of your prophetical, but of your
theological views, that I now speak, though to the former,
also, I approximate much nearer than I did in my younger
days.* But, speaking of the latter, nothing can be more
* Ps. 1., 1-6. — " This is a remarkable psalm, and the subject of it
seems to lie within the domain of unfulfilled prophecy. There has been
no appearance yet from Mount Zion at all corresponding with that
made from Mount Sinai. And I am far more inclined to the literal in
terpretation of this psalm than to that which would restrict it to the
mere preaching of the Gospel in the days of the apostles. It looks far
more like the descent of the Son of Man on the Mount of Olives, -with
all the accompaniments of a Jewish conversion, and a first resurrection,
and a destruction of the assembled hosts of anti-Christ." — (Posth. Works,
vol. iii., p. 51.)
Ps. Ixviii., 18-35. — "Mixed up with all the literalities of the typ
ical, the great antitype shines forth in this high, sacred composition.
We have positive evidence for Christ in this psalm in Eph., iv., 8, aft
er which we need be at no loss for objects in the future triumph and
victory of His cause adequate to the loftiest expressions which we here
meet with. . . . There is every likelihood of allusions here to the
great contest of the book of Revelation. . . . But God has in reserve
for His people still another restoration. He will bring them again, as
of old, from Bashan and the Red Sea to their own land. His people.
will 'see Him whom they have pierced,'' perhaps when His feet stand on
the Mount of Olives, and Jerusalem will again become the great cen
tral sanctuary by becoming the metropolis of the Christian world." —
(Ibid., p. 69.)
Isa., Ixv., 17—25. — "It is delightful to mark how an expression so
general as that of the new heavens and the new earth, and therefore
of the great and general renovation, should be blended with the expres
sion of God's special kindness to his ancient people, proving that the
Jews are to bear a prominent part in the establishment of the next
economy. We are greatly wanting in the details of the mieUnnium,
and perhaps from the want of scriptural data for the determination of
them. We can not think of those who bear part in the first resurrec
tion that they will again die ; but will none of the righteous die ? And
if not, what is meant by the child dying a hundred years old ? And
in contrast with hira, the sinner, who, though he should live a hundred
years, will be accursed We doubt not that there will be two contem-
poraneons societies at that period — the righteous and the wicked, who
are without, and will not be permitted to hurt or to destroy in all God's

DR. JAMES BROWX. 307

precious than the manner in which you expound the things
that dure freely given to us of God. I feel assured that no
other doctrine will regenerate the 'world. Give my kindest
regards to Mrs. Bonar, and ever believe rae, my dear sir,
yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO DR. JAMES BROWN.
No. C CLVIII. Edinburgh, 30th August, 1833.
My dear Sir — It is owing entirely to my having been so
long from home that I have not till now requested your ac
ceptance of ray last work ; and I feel very rauch flattered by
your favorable opinion of it. This is but the second day of
my return frora England.
I agree in all you say on the subject of Mr. Duncan's work,
with the exception of your single reraark upon its dedication,
than which he could have done nothing raore rightly and
appropriately. It is the common feeling of us both, that
whatever of the academic spirit, or of the purely academic
enthusiasm either of us may possess, we are far more indebt
ed for it to you than to all other teachers put together. Of
all my living instructors, I have ever reckoned first yourself,
then Professor Robison, of Edinburgh, and, lastly. Dr. Hunter,
of St. Andrews, as far the most influential in the forraation
both of my taste and intellectual habits. I have read the
Preface, and I think the book promises vastly well. My two
eldest daughters, who have mastered the first four books of
Euclid, are to attempt the perusal of it, and I raean to ac-
corapany thera. Such is my confidence in Mr. Duncan's pow
ers of lucid conveyance, while he at the same time sustains
holy mountain. Again, will there be a change in the laws of animal
nature — that the carnivorous shall cease being so, or are these things
only figurative? The earth, with its curse fully removed, will be
greatly more productive, and so as that men shall not labor in vain, as
now."^(2Jid., p. 339.)

308 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
the purity and dignity of the science, that I have no doubt of
their fully understanding hira.
I shall do all I can for the volurae, but that is little. A
review from your pen in the pages of the " Edinburgh" would
make its fortune. With best regards to Mrs. and Miss Brown,
1 remain, my dear sir, yours raost truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLIX.Edinburgh, 16th February, 1834.
My dear Sir — I agree with you in thinking that the ap
pointraent of Ivory would shed very great eclat on our Uni
versity. Whether he would raake a good working professor,
I know not ; but I shall take every fair opportunity of stating
what I do know of him as an illustrious savant.
On the subject of your second note, which I presume to be
yours, though subscribed only with your initials, I agree with
you in deprecating the universality of popular preaching
throughout the Church, if by this is meant fiimsy, or vulgar,
or untasteful, or irrational preaching. But there is one ingre
dient of popularity which I should like to see in all serraons
grounded as it is on the adaptation of the peculiar doctrines
of Christianity to the felt wants and exigencies of our. raoral
nature, and to the workings and aspirations of which ^nature
the peasant is as feelingly alive as the philosopher. For ex
araple, his conscience tells hira, often more powerfully and just
as intelligently, that he is under the conderanation of a vio
lated law ; and so it falls with all the greater acceptance
upon his ear, that unto hira a .Savior is born. The doctrine
of the atoneraent, in fact, urged affectionately on the accept
ance of the people, and held forth as the great stepping-stone,
by which one and all are welcome to enter into reconciliation
and a new Ufe (for a fully declared Gospel is the very reverse
of Antinomianism), I hold to form the main staple of aU good
and efficient pulpit- work. I need not say how much ray re
cent illness has endeared to rae the propitiated forgiveness of

DR- JAMES BROWN. 309

the New Testament — a forgiveness to which we can not re
sort too early, and on which we can not, if honestly desirous
of conforming ourselves to the whole word and will of God,
cast too confidently the whole burden of our reliance.
The interest you have taken in me inclines me to mention,
that on Saturday week I received the notification from Paris
of my appointment as a Corresponding Member of the Royal
Institute of France. The place which they have assigned to
me is in the Academy or Department of the Moral and Po
htical Sciences. I ara, my dear sir, yours most gratefully,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLX.
Burntisland, 30th August, 1836.
My dear Sir — It is with no coraraon interest and satisfac
tion that I received your kind note ; and am much gratified
with your remerabrance of me, who have fallen so rauch short
of ray own desires, and what, had it been possible, I should
have regarded as one of ray raost incurabent duties, that of
testifying, both by my frequent calls and frequent inquiries,
how deep the respect, and how cordial is the attachment I
have ever felt for you. I need not say how much I am grat
ified by the approval you have given to my last published ser
mon. I have long thought that great injustice has been done
to the theology of the New Testament, by the inadequate rep
resentations of orthodoxy in regard to its practical character ;
and that if these were more insisted on, it might serve to rec
omraend its precious overtures of welcorae and good- will ; its
proclamation of forgiveness ; its full and free amnesty, even
to the chief of sinners ; its grand disclosure of pardon to all
who wiU, through the mediura of an atonement, by which the
law is magnified, while the transgressors of the law are tak
en into full reconciliation ; and so a fairer exhibition of the
righteousness of the Christian system might gain the acqui
escence of many in these doctrines of salvation and grace, by
which so raany are nauseated, because they do not perceive

310 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
the goodness and the virtue with which the acceptance of
these doctrines is inseparably associated.
I can not express the earnestness I feel that you, my dear
sir, raay enjoy the coraforts here, and be admitted to aU the
triumphs hereafter, of a firmer faith in the Gospel of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ.
With kindest regards to Mrs. and Miss Brown, ever believe
me, ray dear sir, yours raost cordially and with great esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No, CCLXL— To Mrs. Brown.
Burntisland, 13(A November, 1836.
My dear Mrs. Brown — I can not adequately express the
deep emotion which I felt on receiving the melancholy intel
ligence of Dr. Brown's death-^one of my raost respected and
earliest friends, and of whom I have often said, that, of all the
professors and instructors with whom I ever had to do, he is
the one who most powerfully impressed me ; and to the as
cendency of whose mind over rae, along with that of Profes
sor Robison's, of Edinburgh, I owe raore in the formation of
my tastes and habits, and in the guidance and government of
ray literary Ufe, than to that of aU the other academic men
whose classes I ever attended. But, in addition to his pub
lic lessons, I had the privilege of being admitted to a long in
timacy with your departed husband, and of enjoying the ben
efits as well as the charms of his mo^t rich and eloquent con*
versation, besides receiving frora him many written commu
nications, which I have kept by themselves, and prize as a
great literary treasure. Of these, the raost interesting is the
last, received frora him not many weeks ago, and on the most
momentous of all subjects. You may be well assured that,
when such a master-raind as his thought fit to disclose itself
on the high theraes of religion, I could not but feel alive to
the manifestation of a sensibility on this greatest of all con
cerns, the knowledge of which I now feel to be inexpressibly
precious,

REV. MR. HARVEY. 311

It is my earnest prayer that you and your daughter may
be supported on this trying occasion by Him who is the Giver
of aU comfort, and who alone can sanctify and bless His own
visitation. May we all be led to the wise and right consid
eration of our latter end ; and laying hold of the offered atone
ment of the Gospel, may we henceforth sit at the feet of Him,
who alone hath the gift, and who alone hath the words of
life everlasting.
I exceedingly regret that I was altogether disabled by cir
cumstances from attending the funeral. Either to-morrow oi
Tuesday I hope to call upon you at Beaumont Place.
With my best regards to Miss Brown, I entreat you to be
lieve me, ray dear madam, yours with deepest sympathy and
respect, Thomas Chalmers.

[Rectory, Hornset, 16(A August, 1852. — My dear Sir — A dis
cussion took place at the close of 1837, at the monthly meetings of the
Society for the Promoting Christian Knowledge, in the course of which
the proper designation of the Episcopal Church in Scotland came to be
considered. Some members, who sympathized with the very High
Church party, desired to describe the Scottish bishops as bishops of
the Church in Scotland, or of Scotland, thereby ignoring the Estab
lished Church. Eventnally it was determined, by the recommendation
of the Bishop of London, to make use of the designation which the
bishops claimed to themselves — " Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal
Church," by which no offense could be given to any one. Thinking
that some incorrect i-umor might reach Dr. Chalmers of the discussion,
I wrote to acquaint him with the true state of the case. The accom
panying letter is his answer. With kind compliments, I am, yours
truly obliged, Richard Harvey.
The Rev. Dr. Hanna.]
No. CCLXII. — Letter to Rev. Mr. Harvey.
Edinburgh, 6th February, 1838.
My dear Sir — I owe you raany apologies for ray delay in
replying to your letter ; but I ara really borne down by ar
rears of correspondence, and business of various sorts.
I regret that any thing should have occurred which might

312 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
raar the cordiality that ought to subsist between the two Es
tablishraents. There are several here who will feel the dis-
ownal of us far raore deeply than I can at all sympathize
with. I feel confident that the exclusive principle which was
manifested at your meeting must wear out of credit with the
ministers of the Church of England ; and that a notion so
utterly senseless and fantastic will at length be entertained
by so very few, as that we shall at length afford to look on
them with the most benignant complacency.
The epithet " Episcopalian" would have saved the credit
of the meeting, and, I should iraagine, have satisfied all par
ties. " The Episcopal Church either of or in Scotland."
When you write Mr. Le Bas, offer him my kindest regards.
I rejoice to hear of his preferment ; and I hope that I shall
raeet hira in ray visit to London, which, if God will, I propose
shall be toward the end of April. I have not forgotten my
last delightful visit to Hornsey ; and I look forward with the
greatest pleasure to the renewal of it. With raost respect
ful acknowledgraents to Mrs. Harvey, I ever ara, ray dear sir,
yours raost gratefully, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXIIL— To Mr. John Sheppard.
Edinburgh, 25th April, 1833.
My dear Sir — I should have acknowledged long ago the
kind gift of your acceptable volurae,* .which I have been pe
rusing with very great interest and pleasure ; and which, high
ly as I esteemed your, " Thoughts on Devotion," I regard as
a far richer production, abounding as it does in the views of
a deeper experience, and having in it much greater fullness,
as a repository of pearls and precious things. I have taken
the liberty of referring to-it in ray " Bridgewater Essay," now
in the press ; and I know that a review of it has appeared in
our " Scottish Presbyterian,'' favorable, though not equal to
my own impression of its merits.
My habit in reading a book is to mark with approbation,
* " Essays on Christian Encouragement," &o.

MR. JOHN SHEPPARD, 313

or the contrary, as I move along. I find that I have given
iiiy most intense approval to the following passages : page
18 ; bottom of page 20 ; top of page 157. These I single out
as being double marks. The single marks are innumerable,
and yet represent but feebly the delight I have felt in the
perusal of your volume.
I have not, though quite honest in the raarks I affix to all
my readings, jotted down a single passage as questionable or
that I differ from. Ever believe me, my dear sir, yours raost
respectfuUy and with greatest regard, Thos. Chalmers.
No. CCLXIV.— To Mr. John Sheppard.
Edinburgh, 16th November, 1833.
My very dear Sir — Your very kind letter of the 30th of
Inly I should have acknowledged long ago ; but I have been
a great wanderer this season, and for a good raany months
have been marvelously little at home.
I need not say how much Ihave been gratified by your
remarks of approbation and kindness on ray last work — an
abundant compensation, I assure you, for the hostility which
I have been doomed to experience so abundantly at the hands
of the English reviewers, who, with the exception, as far as 1
have yet seen them, of the " British Critic," seem bent on
running me down. One ought not to be sensitive about a
matter of this sort, and it would argue a particularly morbid
constitution not to be abundaatly comforted under all their
severities by the approval of the wise and the good.
I have received your Serraon on the death of Mr. Hughes,
whom I had the pleasure of knowing. I am rauch delighted
with it ; and as I have only room for one remark, I was great
ly struck with your felicitous illustration in page 25, on the
hostility by which the British a nd Foreign Bible Society was
assailed, and where you have so justly and forcibly character
ized, in particular, the attacks that were brought to bear
against it from this pugnacious quarter of the island.
I can not express the tenderness I feel in being .made.' in
V. 0

314 CORRESPONDENCE OP DR. CHALMERS.
understand from your letter that you have been laboring
under depression ; I wish I could prevail upon you, my dear
sir, to look more objectively, and less subjectively, than you
appear to do — more to the outer truths, if I may so express
it, of Christianity, and less to the inner lineaments which
these may have impressed on the tablet of your own charac
ter. I should not feel myself justified in offering this advice,
did I not feel assured that, after all, it is by the direct exer
cise of faith that all these virtues of the new obedience are
engendered within us which furnish the materials of a reflex
self-examination. I have derived great comfort from a little
tract, entitled " Brief Thoughts on the Gospel, and the Hin-
derances to Believe it."
With the greatest esteem and regard, I ever am, my dear
sir, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXV. — Letter to Dr. Symington.
Edinbuksh, 9th October, 1838.
My dear Sir — I should have replied sooner to your kind
letter of some weeks past, but I was unwilling to sit down
till I had begun the perusal ofyour work on the Atonement.
I am now reading it with great interest, and, I trust, with
a practical and good impression. It is, indeed, that doctrine
of great price, the very name of which is as ointment poured
forth. I hope I shall be able to write you at greater lentFth on
the subject after I have completed the perusal of your sub
stantial and masterly volume. Indeed, I believe I shall have
to write you at any rate early in November. Meanwhile, 1
am marking all the passages as I go along, and will furnish
you with a list of thera either in writing or when we meet.
My preference in the treatment of a subject is for an ex
hibition of the direct proofs first j after which, I do not object
that other arguments, after being brought forward as prelim
inary considerations, should be exhibited in the form of collat
eral or sabsidiary arguments. For example, I agree with

REV. THOMAS BARTLETT. 315
Paley in the first sentence of his "Evidences," where he
pleads for an immediate entry on the strongest credentials of
revelation, and that anterior to any consideration of its neces
sity. But this question of arrangement is too unwieldy for
discussion in a single letter ; and I think the chief objection
to the usual arrangement is done away when the prefatory
views which you exhibit are held forth more in the Ught of
presumptions than as the initial steps of a logical process,
which last method has the effect of placing the less obvious
probabiUties at the basis of the argument, and so of making
the whole weak throughout, because weak radically.
On the whole, I feel quite assured, and the assurance will
gather in strength as I advance in my reading of your work,
that it forms a most sound and valuable contribution to our
professional literature. With best regards to Mrs. Symington
and your family, I am, my dear sir, yours most respectfuUy
and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXVI. — Letter to Rev. Thomas Bartlett.
Edineukgh, 25/A January, 1839.
My dear Sir — Your "Life pf Butler" came to me about a
week ago, and I suspended all other reading till I should
achieve the perusal of it. My engagements leave me very
little time for this indulgence ; but I have now finished the
Narrative, and can not forbear writing you now, though I
have not yet entered on the Abridgment'which you raake of
the "Analogy." I mean, however, to look over this also;
and should any thing occur to me, in respect of its execution,
I will send you a second letter.
But recurring to the Memoir, I have perused it with great
eagerness, and a very intense feeling of satisfaction and in
terest. My veneration for Butler giyes a magnitude even to
the minutest traits which are recorded of him, insorauch that
I feel as if I had raade a real acquisition by knowing of his
fast riding on a black horse, and his habit of stopping and
turning to his companion with whom he was engaged in talk,

316 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
Allow me to say that I look on what is pecuUarly your
own part as done with great taste and great talent ; and it
is not with the spirit of flattery, but of justice, that I teU you,
laboring as you did under the disadvantage of scanty mate
rials, that the work is greatly indebted to your own reflections,
that you have imparted to it a strong Uterary interest, and
have managed to infuse into it as great a biographical charm
as the fewness of the known incidents virould allow.
Page 222. — I shall here transcribe an extract from my
class-book on Butler's " Analogy." Dr. Ryland, in his edition
of " Andrew Fuller's Works," says in a note, " I heard Mr.
Venn, of Yelling, give an account, however, to Mr. Bevcridge,
who related his conversation with one of his chaplains, to
whom the bishop remarked, ' that it was an awful thing to
appear before the Moral Governor of the world ;' when the
chaplain, whose views were more clearly evangelical, referred
him to the obedience of Christ, by which many are made
righteous ; and the dying bishop exclaimed, ' 0, this is com
fortable,' and so expired." What I now give brings But
ler's expression still nearer to that at page 226.
Even if you had done no more than collect the scattered
remains of such references as were made to Butler by various
authors during his life and after his death, that of itself
would have justified the volume ; for though these references
are taken frora printed books or pamphlets, they, even at
this time of day, are as little known as if they had been ex
tracted by you from manuscripts and letters.
I shall only add, that nothing can be more agreeable than
your kind notice of myself Pages 335, 336, brought back
to me a very vivid and most interesting recollection.* With
ray best regards to Mrs. Bartlett, believe me ever, my dear
sir, yours most respectfully and cordially,
Thomas Chalmers.
* See Memoirs, vol. iii., p. 388, 389.

REV. SAMUEL MILLER. 317

[Princeton, 10th March, 1848. — Reverend and dear Sir — Hav
ing learned from the _public journals that you were engaged in prepar
ing a Memoir of the late great and good Dr. Chalmers, and that you
desired to have letters which he had written transmitted to you, it oc
curred to me to doubt whether I had not a duty to discharge in refer
ence to this request.
Though I enjoyed the precious privilege of corresponding with him,
yet but few letters passed between us. We were both too busy, and
especially he, in the great concerns in which he was caUed to act, to
devote much time to letter-writing. I think the letters which I re
ceived from him were not more than three. Of one of them, and the
longest, I inclose herewith a copy. The others have, I scarcely know
how, passed out of my possession ; for, as the handwriting of such a
man could not fail of being the object of intense curiosity and of deep
interest with the multitudes on this side of the Atlantic, who admired
his talents and venerated his name, I found it difficult to retain in my
possession any scrap that bore the impress of his hand.
In one of my letters to this beloved and illustrious man, I begged
him, with an importunity never addressed by me to any other person,
to favor the American Churches with a visit. I know not that I ever
hsid so ardent a desire to behold the face and to hear the voice of any
other human being ; and now, painfully aware, of course, that I can
never enjoy this privilege, I feel a kind of solicitude that I never felt be
fore for the accomplishment of the great biographical trust committed
to your hands.
i rejoice to have seen all the works of this venerable servant of
Christ that have been placed within my reach ; but I must say that
those from w^hich I have received the deepest impression of the real
glory of his character have been his posthumous writings. Of the vig
or and elevation of his mind I had enjoyed proof enough from the many
volumes which had long since fallen under my notice. But from some
of his most unstudied writings which have lately met my eye, I have
received impressions of his moral and heavenly grandeur of soul great
ly beyond those which I had received from the multiplied and rich pro
ductions of his genius. I thank his God and my God that I have been
permitted to see those last effusions of his heart and his pen. They
have much enlarged my views of his Christian greatness, and, I hope,
have not been without benefit to my own soul.
But among all those who will take such a deep and tender interest
in your work, there are, perhaps, few less likely than myself to enjoy
the pleasure of seeing it completed. Being far advanced in my sev
enty-ninth year, and daily admonished by many infirmities that I must
soon "put off this tabernacle," it is not Very probable that I shall sur
vive the publication of.your precious Memoir. But be it so : this will
be of small importance to any one. Many in both hemispheres will

318 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
read it, enjoy it, and be, I trust, the better for it; and in the mean
while, I shall be, I hope, so happy as to join the great and beloved man
himself, whom all have for a time lost, and to see him face to face in
a more enlightened and happy world, and to unite with him in the end
less praise and enjoyment of that precious Savior, whose atoning sacri
fice and perfect righteousness are " all my salvation and all my de
sire." I am, reverend and dear sir, most respectfully your friend and
brother in Christian bonds. Samuel Miller.
To the Rev. Wm. Hanna.]
No. CCLXVII.— To Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller.
Edinburgh, 28th December, 1840.
My dear Sir — I owe you many apologies for not having
repUed sooner to your letter of the 2Sth of January of last
year. The truth is, that my whole attention has been ab
sorbed by the questions and the difficulties of our own Church ;
and I positively have had no remaining strength or time for
the Araerican controversy, of which you have sent me so fuU
and interesting an account in your kind comraunication. It
is well, however, that there was no immediate practical ne
cessity for giving one's raind to the subject, seeing that, so
far as I know, there was no application raade by your seced
ing party for a recognition of their views by the General As
sembly of the Church of Scotland.
I hope you received a former letter of mine on the subject
ofyour book respecting the " Eldership," which I have ever
recommended to my classes as the best I know on its own
especial topic, besides being an admirable general vindication
of the Presbyterian polity. I am much interested by your
argument for the separation of the two orders of elders and
deacons, the conjunction of which I have ever deprecated as
the most incongruous of aU pluralities.
With earnest prayer for your continued public usefulness
and personal comfort, and in humble hope that we shajl raeet
in heaven, I entreat you to believe me, my dear sir, yours
most respectfuUy and cordially, Thomas Chalmers.

REV. THOMAS GRINFIELD. 319
No. CCLXVIIL— To Rev. Thomas Grinfield, Clifton.
Burntisland, 28th April, 1841.
My dear Sib — It is impossible not to be highly gratified
by your letter of the 20th, in which you speak so favorably
of my " Treatise on Natural Theology." I labor under the
discountenance of one principal Review, and the positive hos
tility of another. First, the " Edinburgh," chiefly (I believe)
from a difference in our politics : secondly, the " Quarterly,"
whose editor, a Scotchman, has been my unrelenting adver
sary for more than twenty years. It is, therefore, all the
more pleasing when a literary and professional man like
yourself gives his attention to my various theses, and records
a favorable irapression of them. Believe me ever, my dear
sir, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXIX. — 'To Rev. Thomas Grinfield, Clifton.
Burntisland, 16th June, 1841.
My dear Sir — I should have much sooner acknowledged
your last of May 1st ; but I have been in feeble health, and
much and painfully engrossed with the troubles of our Church.
I got an interdict served on rae this day, which I mean to
disregard ; and on the identical principle which would decide
an English bishop to disregard the mandate of a civil court,
either to admit or exclude a man frora holy orders.
I read your pamphlet* with great interest a few days after
its arrival, and can not but augur great good frora the estab-
Ushment in your important city of suCh an association, as that
before which it was read. I was much pleased with the
"Lecture;" and while I thank you most cordiaUy for your
most kind mention of myself I must also express my satisfac
tion at the testimony you give, and which you have so we'll
established, to the harmony of the two faculties of reason and
imagination — an important principle truly, and sadly over
looked by those heartless Statists and Utilitarians who think
# " Lecture on Imagination and Poetry, with a Special Reference to
the Poetry of the Bible," delivered before tho Bristol Book Association.

320 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

that nothing can be true which is beautifiil, and nothing beau
tiful which is true.
You have succeeded, though against the authority of Sam
uel Johnson, in demonstrating that sacred subjects admit of
being represented in the style and with all the effect of the
highest poetry. Ever believe me, my dear sir, yours most
gratefully and cordiaUy, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXi[.. — To Rev. Thomas Grinfield, Clifton.
Burntisland, 1st September, 1841.
My dear Sir — Your letter has been too long unanswered ;
but we are still in the thick of our Church contests, with a
majority (I hope and beUeve) of our Establishraent in readi
ness to give up their connection with it, rather than submit
our ecclesiastical affairs to the Erastian control of the civil
power. I gave orders to ray bookseller to send for your acceptance
each volurae of the series as it comes out. I expect vol. xxi.
to be published on the 1st of October. It consists of alto
gether new matter, and on a subject which I should like to
be well understood in England, that of Pauperisra — a ques
tion far from being either practically or doctrinally settled in
either of the two countries.
The manifold distractions of our Church controversy have
interrupted the forthcoraing of my works, which will now be
resumed. I fed that any vigor I ever had, whether in liter
ature or in public Ufe, is rapidly abating. There is a higher
and more satisfying pursuifthan either, and in which I pray
that God by His grace might advance and perfect us both.
May our souls prosper and be in health ; and for this gieat-
est and best of aU comraunications, I would seek raore and
raore unto Him who alone hath the words and alone hath the
gift of Ufe everlasting. I ever am, ray dear sir, yours very
truly, Thomas Chalmers.

REV. HENRY BELL. 321

No. CCLXXI. — To Rev. Thomas Grinfield, Clifton.
16th December, 1841.
My dear Sir — I received your " Syllabus of Lectures on
Milton," and feel quite sure that your converse in this mode
with the citizens of Bristol must have a refining and elevat
ing influence on the public mind of your city. I take your
friendly advice as very kind, prompted, as I am sure it is, by
the breathings of a real wish for my safety and well-being.
I am always deUghted by a letter from you, being ever, my
dear sir, yours raost affectionately and with great esteera,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXIL— To Rev. Henry Bell.
Edinburgh, 16i/i January, 1836.
My dear Sir — I have just tirae to request your acceptance
of a copy of the fourth edition of ray "Bridgewater Treatise."
I look back with great pleasure and rauch thankfulness to
our Matlock visit, and to all the kindness we received frora
you — a pleasure only raarred by the recollection of ray own
impatience of feeling at the delay in our getting off, from
sorae mistake of the coachman. What a bright and beauti
ful world we live in, and how abundant in all the means of
enjoyment, but for the sad perversity of our own disterapered
spirits !
Mrs. Chalmers, who has been long an invalid, joins me
with Eliza in kindest remerabrances both to yourself and
Mrs. Bell. Ever believe me, my dear sir, yours very affec
tionately and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No, CCLXXIIL— To Rev. Henry Bell.
Edinburgh, 28th October, 1846.
My dear Sir — I have read so much of your volume, and
like it exceedingly. I think there is great beauty in its com
position, and that its Uterary merits stand very high. But I
was still more struck with the amount of thought in it, and
02

322 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
raore especially with the instruction deduced from the pas
sages, or rather frora the clauses that you co'rament upon. I
have raarked particularly what suggests a new argument for
the plenary and universal inspiration of the Bible. I rather
regret the anti-Calvinism that you have discovered ; but let
that pass. I have finished lecture second, and am only sorry
that at the commencement of my winter duties my perusal
of your work must go on very slowly. I have no doubt of its
favorable reception.
I am rauch interested by what you state of Professor Lee's
" New Theory of Hebrew Tenses." I should like that yon
made known that your views for the application of the plu
perfect to the 1st and 2d verses of the 1st chapter of Genesis
would bring philology and geology at one. My own sense
of the meaning was made known to the world in 1814, and
shown to Professor Buckland in 1835, who adopted it in his
" Bridgewater Treatise," but without acknowledgment.
Have you seen EUiott's " Horae Apocalypticse ?" He raakes
a very unwarranted attack on our Free Church, and has been
ably replied to by Dr. Candlish, in a pamphlet of which I will
send you a copy.
Mrs. Chalmers joins me in the kindest regards to you and
Mrs. Bell. I cherish a raost pleasant recollection of our last
visit to you. If the venerable Mrs. Fox be stiU alive, offer
her ray raost affectionate remerabrances, and the same to Dr.
Douglas Fox and all the family. I am yours, &c.,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXIV.— To the Rev. Timothy East, Birming
ham. Edinburgh, 23d January, 1847.
My dear Sir — I shall have great pleasure in recommend
ing your volurae to ray students. I would have applied ray
self more closely to the whole subject some time ago, but the
truth is, my theological course is one of three years' duration,
and I do not get at the subject of the divinity of our Savior

REV. EBENEZER BROWN. 323

tUl next month, when I shall have occasion to state my fa
vorable irapression of the merits ofyour work ; after which you
will hear what the result is to be. I am much pleased with
the new lights into which the argument has been cast by
you, and I think it of great advantage to the students that
they should, after studying the critical and scientific argu
ments, be thrown abroad, as it were, on a general work like
yours, which takes its own independent and very intelligent
view of the doctrine. I shaU probably read out to my stu
dents those passages which I have marked, as having in them
the characters of originality along with great weight.
Forgive rae for saying that I think you have expanded too
much in the latter part of the volurae, which adraits, in ray
opinion, of a good deal of compression, without any sacrifice
of the sterling quality of the argument.
I did not cong«nialize with the instance which you gave
of the Bishop of Exeter, which, whether correct in itself or not,
had better have been avoided. I have not yet finished the
perusal of it, having about 150 pages raore to read. I am
not aware of any work on the subject so well adapted for
general and family reading ; and I have often regretted that,
besides having works on each of the great doctrines of Chris
tianity, altogether of a critical and controversial character,
we should not have works made up of those kind and impress
ive appeals, which form the main staple of your volume, and
which may be read and recognized of all raen. With raany
apologies for ray long delay, I am, ray dear sir, yours very re
spectfully and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXV. — To the Rev. Ebenezer Brown, of Inver-
keithing, Fife.
Glasgow, 15th December, 1821.
My dear Sir — I received your much esteemed note yes
terday. I am quite aware that its suggestions are not only
very kind, but very necessary ; for I am sure that both in lan
guage and in spirit we lie under many temptations to depart

324 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
frora the siraplicity that is in Christ. I can truly say that I
have the utraost relish for those evangelical authors whose
style is that of great horaeUliess, while clearly and forcibly
expressive of the great truths of the Gospel ; and, lastly, I
have read with great satisfaction your work of " Romaine
on Faith," whose ever-pervading idea is just that of Jesus
Christ and Him crucified. The constant presentation of this
truth, so far from being offensive to a spiritual man because
he heard .it before so often, is like the constant presentation
of the same food, agreeable and welcome to him because he
is hungry ; and it is Indeed a treraendous thought that by the
wisdora of words the cross of Christ may be made of no effect.
There is one thing, however, that ought to be adverted to ;
the difference of styles is somewhat like the difference of
dialects. You would not have a plain Yorkshire minister
when he coraes to your neighborhood attempt to preach in
the dialect of Fife. His own dialect is the best.fpr his own
people. And in like raanner, there is a style proper to every
one, whether it be natural or acquired, which perhaps is the
best for one class of ministers, though unsuitable to another.
God interposed with a miracle of tongues, that^the Gospd
might be preached to every raan in his own language ; and
it is perhaps in unison with this principle of His administra
tion that He rears a diversity of authors, who may speak to
the people each in his own style or dialect the wonderful
works of God. I have niuch raore to say upon this subject,
but I must postpone the subject tUl we raeet and talk about it.
May I entreat your prayers, for which, I assure you, I shall
have the same value that I would for the prayers of a ven
erable and rauch-loved father. May the God of all corafort
rejoice your heart with the tokens and demonstrations ofyour
usefulness ; and let it be our united supplication to Hira, that
He would pour down of that Spirit upon our land, without
which all human exertion is powerless as infancy.
Give my best compliments to your brother when you write
him or see him, with whom, as with yourself, I have had

COUNTESS OF ELGIN. 325
some very congenial and much valued fellowship. I am, my
dear sir, yoursjanost affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXVI. — To THE Countess of Elgin.
Edinburgh, 1st /jtne, 1826,
My Lady — Your ladyship's very kind letter was long of
reaching me, partly from Mr. Whyte's ignorance of the place
where I first resided when I carae to Edinburgh, and partly
frora the change of place which I have undergone during my
stay in the metropolis.
I feel myself greatly fiattered and obUged by your lady
ship's goodness in having again tendered me so pressing an
invitation to come to Broomhall ; and there is nothing which
could afford rae greater enjoyment than to renew the Chris
tian and inteUectual gratifications which I have had the hap
piness so often to experience there. This is an object which
I shaU study to achieve in the course of my present college
vacation. Just now there is a very particular avocation which
makes it impossible for me to go any where but the east of
Fife, and that is, the marriage of a sister, which takes place
early next week. I shall be rauch occupied both before and
after that event with horae raatters ; but I ara not without
hopes of being able through the suraraer to realize that con
verse which, I crave your ladyship's forgiveness for saying,
has left a fragrance behind it, and the reraembrance of which
is sweet.
We have lost ground numerically this year on the plural
ity question, but we have not lost heart ; and it is my feeUng
that bating this and another distressing division, this Assem
bly has, on the whole, had a very promising aspect, and the
spirit of our Church is unequivocaUy improving.
I beg ray most respectful compliments to the Ladies Bruce,
and to Lords Elgin and Bruce, who I know are at present
from home. I have the honor to be, my lady, your lady
ship's most obliged and obedient servant,
Thomas Chalmers

326 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CCLXXVIL— To the Countess of Elgin.
Edinburgh, 6th March, 1830.
My Lady — I received your deeply interesting letter, the
perusal of which, I can assure your ladyship, has given me
unfeigned satisfaction. I hold the faith and the feelings
therein expressed to be altogether legitimate — warranted as
they are by the terms in which the Gospel overtures are
fraraed, and which direct us to look for the priraary object of
our confidence, not inwardly upon ourselves, but outwardly to
the Savior.
I have repeatedly expressed my regret that the admirable
general lesson of Mr. Erskine's book should have had the bur
den of one questionable and obnoxious expression laid upon
it, and which I foresaw would frustrate and overbear the
good of his pubUcation by the interminable controversy that
would arise from it. All raen are not pardoned, but all raen
have the pardon laid down for their acceptance ; and the lat
ter is just as effective an exhibition of the Divine character as
the forraer, without the heavy exception of being unscriptu-
ral, and liable to be abused to Antinoraianism.
I feel that I could talk on this subject far better than
Write ; and therefore I look forward with great interest to my
purposed visit to Broomhall, so soon as we are fairly settled
in our new house, which I expect wUl take place in the raid-
die of April.
With raost respectful compliments to Lord Elgin, I have
the honor to be, my lady, your ladyship's most obUged and
obedient servant, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXVIIL— To the Countess of Elgin.
Edinburgh, 2d June, 1831.
My Lady — I beg to send your ladyship the pamphlet on
the Poor Laws, along with Sir John Sinclair's and two tracts
of my own. The one on the National Debt raay not be very
interesting, yet if sound, and I can not find out a flaw in the
reasoning, leads to a conclusion of great practical iraportance

LADY MATILDA MAXWELL. 327
I regret that I can not lay my hands on Mr. Drumraond's
or Mr. Irving's letter on the subject of Miss Mowbray, and I
suspect they are still in her father's hands. I have, however,
the satisfaction of sending Mr. Campbell's.
I returned in time to be present at the discussion of Mr.
S.'s and Mr. Irving's cases. Mr. S.'s very appearance at the
bar of the Assembly involved in it a practical bull, and the
decision was inevitable. Of all the motions that were fabri
cated on Mr. Irving's question, I think the one adopted was
the best.
I grieve for poor Campbell. He was probably right in
idea, but if he obstinately persist in couching that right idea
in a wrong phraseology, he may not be the less dangerous as
an expounder of truth. The man whose sound views may
save hiraself, might still, by abandoning the form of sound
words, mislead others. Yet I can not help being in great
heaviness on his account.
It is ominous that Spencer Druraraond, who is now in Ed
inburgh, should at this moment have seceded from the Church
of England because of its tenet of universal redemption, when
our own tenet of particular redemption has driven Mr. Camp
bell beyond the pale of the Scottish Establishraent.
I never leave Broorahall without the feeling of its being
the most congenial moral atmosphere I breathe any where.
My regret at parting frora it at this tirae was aggravated
greatly by what I perceived were the sufferings of Lord El
gin. It is our duty earnestly to pray for their alleviation.
I have the honor tb be, my lady, your ladyship's most obliged
and obedient servant, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXIX.— To Lady Matilda Maxvtoll.
22d October, 1843.
Dear Lady Matilda — I very sincerely regret that I can
not avail myself of your kind invitation — obliged to leave on
Wednesday, and engrossed every moment before it. I inust
confess myself to have been greatly touched by your allusions,

328 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
both to your dear father and to poor Lady Elgin, whose trag
ical death moved and affected .me greatly.
I should have rejoiced if I had had it in my power to have
taken refuge for a few days in the asylum of peace and friend
ship which your goodness has proposed for rae, there to have
renewed the associations of forraer days, and to have had a
brief but happy breathing-time from the ¦ fatigues and anxie
ties of this stormy period.
I beg that you will offer my most respectful acknowledg
ments to Mr. Maxwell ; and with earnest prayer that we
may all meet in that heaven where separation is unknown,
and charity ever reigneth, I always ara, my dear Lady Ma
tilda, yours with greatest esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CLXXX.— To Lady Carnegie.
Glasgow, 3d February, 1823.
My dear Lady Carnegie — I have looked over the papers
which relate to Ireland, and shall give thera over to Mr.
M'Gregor as your ladyship directed rae.
I feel the weight and raagnitude of the object to be such
that I would not venture on any deliverance without the act
ual survey of an Irish district in person, and the leisurely at
tention of raany weeks to the topic in all its bearings. I
shall, therefore, satisfy myself at present with a few remarks
that have occurred to rae during the perusal of those interest
ing docuraents which have been put into ray hand.
1. I rejoice to observe a progress toward that subdivision
of effort which is so requisite. In proportion as this is carried
forward will there be a relief felt from that unwiddiness
which has hitherto stamped such an impotency on aU the
plans of a very ambitious and extended benevolence.
2. So much ara I irapressed with the truth of the above
reraark, that I should have greater corafort in the raean time
did I contribute my subscription to one complete and concen
trated operation on a single parish than to a thin and evanes

LADY CARNEGIE. 32S>

cent sprinkling of good over a whole country. I feel quite as
sured that the exhibition of a model in philanthropy will do
more for the cause than a magnificent aim with an execution
that lags at a most hopeless distance behind it. The success
of a process upon an experimental farm would give a far
more beneficial impulse to agriculture than a large grant
frora the Exchequer, to be divided equally araong all the par
ishes of the empire.
3. I feel the raore comfort in advancing this suggestion
that I do not thereby supercede or discourage any extended
operation which raay he going on at present in the .county
of Clare. I simply recoramend, as an addition to the whole,
that there shall be the singling out of one manageable parish
in which there may be iraraediatdy established a full systera
of the means of moral and economical amelioration devised
on the soundest principles, and which shall not be suffered to
labor under the want or the shortcoming of any one instru
ment that is fitted to give efficacy to the experiment.
4. I liked the small pamphlet very much, and chiefly be
cause of the intercourse which its plans would necessarily pro
duce between females of the higher and lower orders. All
my experience has convinced me that-from no huraan influ
ence does a raore rapid civilization ensue than frora the per
sonal attention of ladies to the children of the poor.
5. I liked the simplicity of its objects, viz., the cleanliness
and personal habits of the peasantry, and to which I would
superadd, as far as practicable, -their education, comprehen
sive of reading to all, and sewing to the girls.
6. It is a mistake to think that there is no limit to profit
able work ; we can no raore provide work for the eraploy-
raent of all in a well-peopled country than food for the sub
sistence of aU. I should Uke to see every plan delivered from
errors in political economy ; and be assured that there is no
permanent aradioration to be looked for but in such an ele
vation of mind and manners throughout the general mass of
the natives as that, under theimpidse of their own improved

330 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
taste, they shall at length become the wilUng agents in rais
ing and improving, their own condition. You will always
find that, in the absence of poor-rates, the average style of
comfort among the people determines their habits, whether of
prudence or of precipitation as to marriage. Should a high
er demand for comfort be at length introduced among the
peasantry of Ireland, this would restrain these improvident
connections, which I hold to be a palpable and immediate
cause of wretchedness in every population. Now this is not
to be done in a day ; let us be thankful if it should be done in
a century, and meanwhile, let each of us suit his movements
to the mediocrity of his powers, more satisfied with doing a
small thing thoroughly well than with the short-lived glory
of a splendid enterprise that vanishes in smoke. I am, &c.,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXXL— To Lady O'Brien.
My dear Lady O'Brien — 1. 1 should even think Ennis to
be too wide a field, and I should prefer a district of the town
with a population of three thousand, and this district the
poorest in the place.
2. A chapel to be built in it, with a minister who had the
zeal and spirit- of a most devoted missionary, but who at the
same tirae, totally free of all partisanship, could so raanage
his addresses, both from the pulpit and in private houses, as
never once to advert to such a distinction as that which ob
tains between Catholics and Protestants. This, I think, he
raay do under the single impulse of a desire for the spiritual
and everlasting good of all, and without any dereliction of
that faithfulness which is incumbent upon hira as an ex
pounder of God's will for man's salvation.
3. The way to mark that more special reference which the
chapel has to the district than to the general town is, first, by
holding out the preference for seats to those who reside with
in the limits of the district ; and, secondly, by the minister's
assiduous cultivation of it as the peculiar vineyard of his
household and week-day attentions.

LADY O'BRIEN. 331

4. Let not the sittings be gratuitous. If the people are
poor, let the seat-rent be the smaller on that account ; but let
there be a rent, however trifling, that the people may have a
feeling of property in their assigned pews, and more especial
ly that there may be a distinct and tangible right by which
to fence the local congregation from the intrusions of the town
at large.
5. The demand for seats raay at first be sraall, but the un
wearied rainistrations of the clergyman from house to house
will make it great. Whatever vacant room is over after the
local demand has been met and satisfied, should then be ex
posed to the whole population.
6. The minister will soon obtain such an ascendency over
the families of his district as would render him the efficient
instrument for stimulating all those economic and education
al processes that might be judged expedient.
7. He should be a man who, standing between the rich and
the poor, could as fearlessly tell the latter of their duty in re
spect of industry, independence, cleanliness, &c., as he could
tell the former of their duty as the stewards and almoners of
Heaven's bounty.
8. And he should know that it is utterly impossible to
achieve one valuable object of philanthropy by letting forth
all the streams of affluence on the relief of indigence, that
this last duty should be perforraed unseen, and without the
publicity which combination is sure to give it ; and that the
only visible movement in behalf of the poor (in ordinary times)
should be for the purpose of moralizing and enlightening thera ;
it being always understood that every scherae, even for their
temporal comfort, will fail, which is not founded on the basis
of their own improved hearts and habits.
9. The rainister will be greatly the better of a band of as
sociates, with each having the management of his own sub-
district, and being thoroughly impressed with kindred princi
ples to his own, both in regard to the economics of the people
and their hfgher interests.

332 (CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
I ara aware of raany difficulties which might be felt in the
perusal of the above sketch ; but I shall not anticipate them,
and rather leave thera to be started ere I atterapt to do thera
away. N.B. — The effect of repeated domiciliary visits, when con
ducted with kindness and judgment, is altogether unknown,
and even the obstinacy of Catholic prejudices is not able to
withstand it. Yours, &c., Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXXII. Glasgow, 12th May, 1823.
My dear Madam — I have perused with great interest the
letters of Lady O'Brien, and have transmitted them to Mr.
M'Gregor. I still think that, instead of taking any other part
in the raore extended movements which are going on for Ire
land than subscribing for them as others do, her ladyship
would serve the cause more effectually by concentrating her
strength upon a third part of the town of Ennis.
The regeneration of a country is never to be accomplished
in any other way than by a piecemeal operation, — ^by each in
dividual philanthropist doing his part within a sphere that is
comraensurate to his influence and to his powers. When the
Spirit of God writes in raany hearts the sacred law, then the
owner of each individual heart will go forth upon that portion
of the field which is within his reach, and do with aU his
raight that which his hand findeth to do. It is not the local
system that will regenerate our land, but a host of spiritual
men must go forth in the day of God's power, and calculating
aright on the most effective way of distributing their forces.
I think that the result of this concentration would be the
adoption of the local system with a busy operation of separate
and parochial activities over the face of our kingdom. StiU
it is the Spirit of God that is the prime mover ; still the help
lessness of raan and the need of prayer must ever obtrude
themselves on the notice of Him that looks to the whole ques
tion, and attentively regards all the parts and all the bear-

SIR ANDREW AGNEW, BART. 333
ings of it. Without the descent of living water from above,
the local system does not more for a country than the best ap
paratus of aqueducts for irrigation could fertilize it without
rain — as little for it as the agricultural processes of Egypt
could avail without the annual overflow of their great river.
I ara yours, &c., Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXXIII— To Sir Andrew Agnew, Bart.
LocHRYAN, 31st August, 1838.
My dear Sir Andrew — The inclosed paper is very weU
drawn up, nor ara I aware of any amendment that can be
made upon it. Allow me, however, earnestly to suggest that,
before the managers of the new church at Leswalt attempt
distant places, they would make a thorough operation on their
own neighborhood. It is not, as you well know, large indi
vidual subscriptions that I am contending for, but a general
and diffiised application, by which all who are willing might
have the opportunity of making their contributions, however
sraall. I would fain hope that if this were done, the adeqitete
funds raight be obtained without the necessity of going be
yond the confines of Wigtonshire.
The reason why I do not add my own name to those of the
gentlemen who have subscribed this paper is, that from the
position I hold I should be exposed to similar applications
from aU quarters, and so be placed under the necessity either
of giving ray narae in every instance, or of giving offense by
refusing it in those cases where I judge it were better that
the most strenuous attempts were made to realize the whole
sum necessary in home produce rather than foreign aid.
Before I close, I can not adequately express the deep sense
I have of your great kindness and liberality to rayself It is
a great contribution you have made to our cause, that from
the moment of my touching Stranraer to the moment of my
leaving it, you have franked and taken charge of the whole
intermediate locomotion, comprising two Presbyteries.* Aft-
* " Saturday, August 18th. — Left Fairlev at ten. Looked with great

334 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
er you had done so much, I did not object to your settling
with the driver at Glenluce, so as that there might be no ex-
interest to the coast all the way from Girvan to Lochryan ; it being
quite new to me, and maintaining throughout the character of a sim
ple, remote, and solitary glen. Got to Stranraer about nine. The town
looked impressive as we approached it — it forming a crescent, and its
twinkling lights spread before us in this form. Sir Andrew Agnew
waiting our arrival. He introduced us to Colonel M'Dowal ; and took
us (me and Mr. Collins) in his carriage to Lochnaw Castle, six miles off.
" Tuesday, 21st. — Went to the Presbytery at twelve. Spoke at great
length on Church Extension in a meeting-house, to an audience more
limited than it would have been had not the, public misunderstood the
intimations. Made the acquaintance of Mr. Symington, Cameronian
minister here, for whom I have great value.
" Wednesday, 22d. — The work of this day has been two-fold ; first,
the forming a Parish Association for Leswalt, which was done in Sir
Andrew's house — the parish minister, and several elders, farmers, and
others, having met and adopted our regulations. Went at two, in Sir
Andrew's carriage, to Portpatriok, where I held another meeting with
the minister in his manse, and elders, mid farmers, and others ; and
where also Colonel Hunter Blair, Colonel Vans Agnew, Mr. Blair, M.P.,
and Captain Little attended. Had a good deal of talk here; and after
having settled this business, went forth to the harbor, and enjoyed ex
ceedingly the bold, rocky beach. Then scrambled along the beach in
another direction from Dunskey Csistle. Got at length into a den beau
tifully wooded, and watered with a noble fall, which conducted us to
Dunskey House, belonging to Colonel Hunter Blair, who had many
visitors. " Thursday, 23d. — ^I rose about seven. Walked out to a beautiful
den, which terminates in the beach. Then laved my hands in the Irish
Sea, and returned again .through the den, beautifully wooded, and fur
nished with chairs and wooden bridges ; and I thought that had Helen
and Fanny been with me, how objectively they would have gazed at
the rushing cascade, and the airy seats placed at different points for the
best views. Spoke to a crowded audience in Mr. Symington's church
on Church Extension, to my own and the people's satisfaction. Went
off to Lochnaw Castle.
" Friday, 24th. — Sir Andrew's carriage took us to a most beautiful
bathing- cottage on the sea-side, where the family reside often for many
weeks together. It is situated most romantically in a secluded recess
on the- beach, with braes, and rocks, and famous scrambling heights on
each side of it, and before it the sea, with an expanse of fine yellow
sand at low water. Mrs. Chalmers and I are invited to take up our
residence thpre, en famille, for as many weeks in summer as we like ;

SIR ANDREW AGNEW, BART. 339
ception to the munificence of such a help to me through so
large a tract of country ; but after you had done so much,
and well do I know how the explorations, and the climbings, and the
shell-gatherings, and the bathings, would be enjoyed by Helen and Fan
ny in this deep and peaceful sohtude.
" Sunday, 26th. — Another day of complete rest. Enjoyed the quiet
ness of the sacred Sabbath morn. Had family worship and exposition
in thb evening ; and as Sir Andrew and I were next day to take leave
early, I ba4e a grateful and affectionate adieu to the rest of the family.
'^ Monday, 27th. — Instead of taking the direct road to Wigton, Sir
Andrew was kind enough to take me round by the coast, for the sake
of its interiwting scenery. A plain, pristine, russet-looking country,
poor in produce., but not of unpleasing aspect, with rocks peering forth
of the verdure eveiy where, and a beach which presents a number
of fantastic and impressive forms. Had the kindest possible reception
from Colonel Vans Agnew.
" Tuesday, 28th.— A general movement to Wigton, four miles off, at
one. Several carriages put info requisition. We landed at Mr.
Young's, the clergyman of Wigton — a most beautiful village, both in
respect of its site and its interior, placed on a gentle eminence, where
it commands a noble view of Wigton Bay. The church quite full, as
indeed I had been led to expect from seeing at lea-st twenty carriages
on the street when we entered the town. I delivered my address from
the precentor's desk ; and it went off apparently with the entire and
cordial approbation of the audience. Sir Andrew took me out in his
carriage to Cumloden, not the seat but the cottage of Lord Galloway.
It was a ride in the dark of about nine miles, through, I was told, a very
beautiful country, chiefly along the Cree. Passed through Newton
Stewart, and about a mile on reached Cumloden, where Lord and Lady
Galloway (their visitors having all retired to bed) gave us a very flat
tering reception.
" Wednesday, 29th. — Cumloden is a most enchanting place ; a large
cottage sprisad over a great extent of floor, with but one good sf ory of
numerous apartments and attics above it. A highly-decorated lawn
of shrubbery and clumps of trees, and at one place a bushy flower-gar
den; a brawling river, tributary to the Cree, of rapid descent, and
which a shower swells into « torrent ; a noble Alpine background of
northern hills, on the confines of Galloway and Ayrshire, with beautiful
glimpses of nearer objects, as the tower of Minigaff Church, &c.
Walked with Sir Andrew to Minigaff, about a mile off. Every step
disclosed new charms of landscape. Minigaff itself has a manse like
a rectory, with a most gentleman-like approach ; and the view from its
front door, comprehending the banks of the wooded Cree, rolling past
and before it its dark, moss-colored waters, is one of the most exquisite

336 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
you should have done no more ; and, allow rae to say, it was
ultra, or beyond all that ought to have been done, that you
I ever saw. Walked to the church, at whose door there were a num
ber of carriages. A large meeting of people whom I addressed on
Church Extension. Mr. Blair took me in his carriage to Penningham
House, his mansion.
" Thursday, August 30tk. — Went in cavalcade, with a riding horse
and two open carriages, six miles up the Cree, to a small church now
building for a simple and upland population. Delighted witb>the scen
ery on the banks of this river, more especially when the Minwiolc en
ters it, which one might trace upward through a most romantic and re
mote glen, but at the entry of which into the Cree, also, we are pre
sented with a truly interesting panorama of level cultivation, skirted
by rocky eminences, and expanding upward into ascents of a bolder
character, which terminate at length in a nobjc Alpine boundary pro
jected upon the sky. After our upland survey of this new parochial
locality, with its rising church and noT^ completed school, was driven
forward by Mr. Gordon to Newton Stewart, and then took leave of my
numerous conductors. The views over the Cree from this to the par
ish of Minigaff are truly glorious. Went alone into Sir Andrew's car
riage. Rode sixteen miles in it by myself over a plain, pristine, peat
country, not without its charms, however, and which kept my interest
perpetuaHy alive, from my having with me a map of Wigtonshire, by
which I could verify the hills, rivers, and places. Passed the church
of Kirkcowan half a mile on my left. Got to Glenluce about three
Sir Andrew joined rae there, and wc got on six miles farther to Dun-
ragget, the seat of Sir James Hay. The Misses Hay, and particularly
Susan, greatly interested in my movement here. It seems two Glas
gow voluntaries — the Rev. Messrs. King and Anderson — are now hang
ing upon my rear, and held a meeting after me at Stranraer, which has
turned out a failure. They tried to evade the hissing by stating that
they would understand every hiss to be directed against the doctrine
which they were opposing ; and then Mr. Anderson fell foul of me,
and they, unmindful of his interpretation, began lustily to hiss ; he, as
unmindful of his own position, felt greatly annoyed, saying. What, will
you hiss the great Dr. Chalmers ? Left Dunragget about seven. Land
ed in Mr, Symington's, where I took leave of Sir Andrew, and who un
dertook to order a post-chaise for me to Cairnryan, the place of General
Sir Alexander Wallace, whither Mr. Symington and I went, and where
we landed about ten, and got a warm welcome, a warm room, and warm
and comfortable bed.
" Friday, August 31st.-— Lady Wallace and Sir Alexander both very
cordial. Took leave at ten, greatly rested and refreshed by this quiet
family visit. Got into the mail for Ayr. Entered inside ; but was so

MR. THOMAS WALKER. 337
should propose to bear any part of my expenses after leaving
Stranraer. When Mr. Symington told rae that you insisted
on settling for the chaise -hire' to Cairiiryan, I felt 4ou,bly
ashamed of all your goodness to me, though doubly grateful
for your kind feelings both to myself and to the great object
of Church Extension in Scotland.
Will you forgive me if I entreat that you wiU not exceed
in your public liberaUties, for ray impression is, and I state it
frankly, that your disposition is to encroach on the duty which
a man owes to those of his own household. Do indulge me
in the freedom I use. You have done more for our cause
by your testimony and personal countenance than you could
have done by any pecuniary contribution. It is to the raul-
titude .o£ subscribers, and not to the enlargement of subscrip
tions, -that I look fox the increase of our means.
With best regards to Lady and Miss Harriet Agnew, and to
one and all of your dear famUy, I have the honor to fee, dear
Sir Andrew, yours most gratefully,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXXIV.— To Mr. Thomas Walker, Flesher,
Galashiels.
BURNJISLAND, 1st J^h|, 1840.
My dear Sir — I received your letter of the 22d, and read
it with the greatest interest — admiring as I do greatly both
the sentiments which it expresses and the spirit which it
breathes. The excellence of that coqiposition, as well as the
account I have received pf you from your worthy and esteem
ed .dexgyman Mr. Veitch, has encouraged me to addrcjss yqu
as au acquaintance and a friend.
Next .to the approbation , of , my own cqiiscience do I value
such a testimony as yours, and more especially as coming from
one in your clias^ , of society ; and I fed it to be an apiple com-
delighted with the scenery, that I soon got outside. Reached Ayr at
ten." — Extracted from Dr. , Chalmers'' s Jmijrnal. — See Memoirs, vol. iy.,
p. 166.
V. P

338 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
pensation for all the discouragements which I have experi
enced in my attempts to extend the means of a pure Christian
education for the people of our land.
I can truly say, that after the salvation of the working
classes there is no object which I have more at heart than
their elevation in the scale of comfort — only to be attained, I
think, however, through the medium of their own worth and
their own intelligence. And I am therefore all the raore
cheered and gratified in every new instance I meet with of
their high capabilities for mental and moral improvement. I
do hope that the influence of your example and your exer
tions will tell powerfully in the diffusion of a spirit and prin
ciples Uke your own throughout the mass of our population.
I spend the winter months in Edinburgh. Should you ever
visit the capital at that season, I beg you will call on me and
let me make your personal acquaintance. With many thanks
for your kind and encouraging communication, I am, my dear
sir, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCLXXXV.— To Rev. Dr. Strachan, Bishop of To
ronto. Burntisland, Isl May, 1841.
My dear Sir — I received your letter a few days ago, and
have read it with the greatest interest. I spent ten days
lately with Professor Duncan, and both he and I put it down
to the account of your honest, we have the vanity to think,
your intense, and cordial friendship for us that you have given
us so kind and affectionate an invitation. Though older, he
is stronger and healthier than I ; and I must acknowledge
that, apart from engagements altogether, I should, on the
consciousness of my infirm and irregular health alone, shrink
frora a voyage and then a journey of such magnitude. I fear
that with me it must ever remain a speculation ; but I am
not the less grateful on that account for the effusion of so
much regard to one ofyour earliest companions.
Besides the great kindness of your letter, I was much in-

REV. DR. STRACHAN. 339
terested by its subject-matter. I had before read your letter
in the Times, and think that you have raade out a complete
case. I can also well believe that no injustice against you,
either in the public papers or by public men, will ever coun
tervail the substantial good-will which your official and per
sonal attentions are sure to gain from all the classes of your
extensive diocese araong whora you expatiate. It is here
that the real strength of clergyracn Ues, and I have no doubt
that the knowledge and experience of this go far to explain
the passionate hostility felt toward e\«ry conscientious and
well-principled ecclesiastic on the part of Chartists, Radicals,
and all those have leagued theraselves against social order
and the stability of our existing institutions.
I rejoice in your willingness to intrust with so rauch power
every raan above twenty-one, " provided his rdigious princi
ples are sound, and that he felt it raatter of conscience to
exercise it aright. Give a raan a strong feeling of raoral re
sponsibility, &c." Your strictures on De Tocqueville are ad
mirably just, in that he would confide power to a people mere
ly on the score of their secular education. But, on the other
hand, our High-Church conservatives are as wide of the truth
as he who apprehends danger in confiding any ecclesiastical
franchise to a people whatever their religious knowledge and
character raight be, and though they should pass through the
ordeal of the raost strict and conscientious exaraination pre
vious to their entry on the roU of our communicants ; in other
words, nothing can be more blind or ignorant than the preju
dice s/f those hard and impracticable Tories among us who
spy democracy in the present doings of our Kirk — the most
distinguished for loyalty and love of order of any corporation
in the known' world.
We are steering on the middle path between Puseyism on
the one hand and Voluntaryism on the other. I do not say
that we will succeed, but it is my firm belief that if we do
not. National Establishments of Christianity will and ought
to be put down, not for a perpetuity, but till that period when

340 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
the kingdoms of the earth shall become the kingdoms of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Give ray best regards to, your son whora I met at Peni
cuick, and of whora I entertain a very pleasant recollection.
I ara, ray very dear sir, yours most cordially, Thomas Chalmers-
What weighs with Mr. Duncan against the proposed voy
age is the apprehended loss of the "President." T. C.
No. CCLXXXVL— To Professor Duncan.
Edinburgh, 29th December, 1842.
My very dear Sir — I am just now, at holiday time, trying
to work my way through unanswered letters, among which I
find two bearing the subscription ofyour much-loved name —
the one dated the 12th of November, the other, ingrate that
I am, the 12th of October.
On the subject of the first I share in the horror you ex^
press at the cruelty of slaughtering animals for amusement.
I think that t'heir being even slaughtered for food is one Of
the greatest enigmas of our present mysterious world. The
day is coming, however, when " the mystery of God wiU be
finished" (Rev., x.), and this, with all other difiiculties, will
be solved. Ever believe me, ray dear sir, yours very affec
tionately and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. COLXXXVIL— To Professor Duncan.
Morningside, 7th September, 1844.
My dear Sir — Can you tell rae of any author who treats
of the properties and progression of prirae nurabers ? The
following is a curious order, observed for sorae time, in the
proportion which the composite nurabers bear to all others,
and frora which I had hoped that the absolute proportions of
the composites to the priraes throughout the whole infinity
of nurabers raight have been ascertained within an indefin
itely near approximation :

TO PROFESSOR DUNCAN. 341
The numbers in which 2 does not enter as an aliquot part
are to nuraber at large as 1 to 2, or J.
The nurabers in which 2 and 3 do not enter as aUquot
parts are as 1 to 3, or |-.
The nurabers in which 2, 3, and 5 do not enter, as 4 to 15,
or r*S-
The numbers in which 2, 3, 5, 7 do not enter, as 8 to 35,
or^. The numbers in which 2, 3, 5, 7, 11 do not enter, as 16 to
77, or ^.
See the promise, then, I had on entering this investigation,
that, if you take the priraes in order, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, &c., you
would arrive at the general proportion that the composites
forraed of them successively would so run as to leave remain
ders, which bore to all nurabers proportions expressed by frac
tions, whose nuraerators each double its predecessor, as 2, 4,
8, 16, &c., and whose denominators were the products of the
two last prime numbers that had been taken up in the prog
ress of the investigation, as 2 = 1x2, 6 = 2x3, 15 = 3x5,
35 = 5x7, and 77 = 11x7. Judge of ray disappointraent,
then, when proceeding to the next prirae number, 13, and ex
pecting the result, j^. I found it very difficult, and thus
has my goodly progression been most cruelly put an end to.
Yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CLXXXVIII.— To Professor Duncan.
Edinburgh, 14th December, 1845.
My dear Sir — I should not have written you on Sabbath,
but for the subject on which I mean to address you, and to
which I shall confine myself. I have long had the utmost
regard for you. There is not a human being whom, with
out the circle of my relationship, I like nearly so well. But,
though affectionate toward you, I have not been faithful.
Consider how soon both you and I will be mouldering in our
coffins. Heaven grant that we raay both share in a blessed
resurrection, through our common interest in Him who hath

342 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
said, " I ara the resurrection and the life," &c. Ever believe
rae, my dear sir, yours very affectionately and truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. COLXXXIX.— To Professor Duncan.
Morningside, 13fA September, 1846.
My dear Sir — It has corae at last. This death falls upon
your heart as if it were a new lesson which you had still to
learn. Oh, that this sorrow of nature were ripened and trans-
forraed by divine grace into that godly sorrow which worketh
repentance unto salvation never to be repented of. Eternal
life is not a thing to be got any how. There is a precise, def
inite, and, let rae add, only and exclusive way laid down for
the attainraent of it — a way authoritatively pointed out and
prescribed by Heaven. He who hath the Son hath Ufe ; he
who hath not the Son hath not life. Christ says of Hiraself
" I ara the way, the truth, and the life^by rae, if any raan
enter in, he shall be saved ;'' and, " No raan coraeth unto the
Father but by the Son." Let us not quarrel with this way,
more especially as it is open to all of us : "Whosoever cometh
unto me shall not be cast out;" " Believe in the Lord Jesus
Christ, and you shall be saved." It is for God, the offended
party, and not for us, the offenders, to dictate the terms and
the treaty of reconciliation. Heaven grant that you raay be
led henceforth to bestow an earnest heed on the word of His
testiraony till the day dawn and the day-star arise in your
heart. Read the Epistle to the Roraans ; and if you further
raore read my printed Lectures upon them, you will have at
least my views on the method and way of salvation ground
ed on my understanding of this portion of the Divine record.
May our Father in heaven bless this exercise to your soul,
and so open your understanding to understand His Scriptures
that you shall become thereby wise unto salvation.
It is to me a striking coincidence that, on the day before I
received the intimation ofyour brother's death, I attended the

DR. EASTON. 343
funeral of Daniel Rarasay,* an inmate of Gillespie's Hospital,
in ray vicinity here. I go- to perform family worship there
this evening, when it will be ray duty to iraprove this event
to the survivors — all old persons above sixty. The rerainis-
cences of raore than half a century have been powerfully and
fedingly awakened by both these events. May they tell efli-
ciently and abidingly upon us both ; for the time is fast ap
proaching when we too shall be laid on the bed of our last
agonies. I shall not close this letter tiU I have returned frora the
evening service at the hospital.
I have returned from ray household sermon to the old people.
The text was, " The tirae is short ;'' but, in addition to this
argument, I endeavored to press home the growing callous
ness of the heart to the invitations of the Gospel ; yet, never
theless, the perfect freeness of that Gospel, the benefits and
immunities of which are theirs if they will ; and on their ac
ceptance of these, they will receive a new heart here, and the
joys of an unfading inheritance hereafter.
It is ray earnest prayer that God raay thus dispose and en
able you to receive that truth which is to be found in His
word, and which, if gifted by the Spirit to understand it, you
will find to be the power and wisdom of God unto salvation.
Ever believe me, my dear sir, yours raost affectionately, and
truly, Thomas Chalmers.

[Copy of Correspondence between the Rev. Dr. Thomas Chalmers,
Professor of Moral Philosophy, St. Andrews, and Dr. Thomas Easton,
minister of Kirriemuir, in reference to the pauperism of that parish.]
No. CCXC- -Dr. Easton to Dr. Chalmers.
Kirriemuir, 26th January, 1827.
Rev. Sir — My parishioner, Mr. James Aitken Wylie.t hav-
* See Memoirs, vol. i., p. 6.
t Then a talented young raan of great promise, and now the Rev.
Mr. Wylie, the respected author of many Reamed works, and more es-
pecially of the " Papacy, its History, Dogmas, Genius, and Prospects."

344 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ing incidentally rnentioned that you had been pleased to
speak kindly in your class of my statements relative to the
pauperism of Kirrieranir, I happened to Say to him that I
was extremely desirous to obtain' your opiniofi on a question
of iiriportance conriected with the subject of pauperism. 1
then stated to him the question to which I referred ; and haiv
ing the utraOst confidence to place in the Jitudence' a'nd dis
cretion of the young man, whom I have kniiwh from his child
hood, I took the liberty of stating to hira that, if a snifa;ble
ojpportunity presented itself, he would Oblige nie by laying it
before you. His answer, writteit oh his returfi to St. An
drews, has been received, in which he states your willingness
to hear frora rae oh the subject.
The case is this : It has been toy Object to meet the pau
perism of this large and populous parish chiefly by collections
made by my congregation in the church ; aiid hitherto they
have been such as nearly to answer the demands made Ori
us. Now my difficulty is this. The population of the parish
is rapidly increasing,' and it may be expected that pauperism
will increase in d like ratio ; but as the chtirch accommo
dates a part only of the population, being seated for l240,
there is no hope that the collections of my church -wUl be suf
ficient long to meet the pauperism, that I can not but fore
see is coming upon us. In point of fact, the collections are
at present, as I ever expect thera to be, averaging frora £135
to £140 per annum, in half-pence and penny pieces. How,
then, am I to meet the pauperisra which raust necessarily
arise from an increased population ? We may expect more
cases of insanity, more widows aiid orphans.
Perhaps one or other of three schemes raay be adopted.
The first is, let the parish be divided into sections, and let
every district provide for its own poor. I fear we are not all
Christian enough to trust to this scheme. There are also
more poor in one district than in another. Several of our
paupers reside in Dundee, and in other towns and parishes.
The second is, let the people add to the amount of theii

DR. EASTON. 345

coUections. If every individual would contribute a penny
weekly in place of a half-penny, the amount would be doub
led. But the far greater part of ray nuraerous congregation
is comparatively in ilioderate circumstances, the heritors and
raost of the wealthiest of the people being Episcopalians.
The third is, let the church be enlarged, or a chapel of ease
be erected. I have had the church examined by an architect
of eminence, but his opinion is, that the roof is of a construc
tion so peculiar that it can not be interfered with. A chapel
of ease would be an effectual remedy ; but though I have
urged the erection of one, I have as yet failed in persuading
the people to undertake it. I am afraid, thereforij, that un
less you can suggest a way of escape, we must at last yield .
to necessity, and submit to assessments ; the raany evils of
which have often been shown, but by none so well as your
self I ever am, reverend sir, your most obedient servant,
Thomas Easton.
No. CCXCI. — Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Easton.
St. Andrews, 6th February, 1827.
My dear Sir — I should have replied to your interesting
letter sooner. I fear you will think my advice soraewhat too
general, though I deera it founded on an experience that is
quite universal, and which I fed confident that you also will
verify should you attempt to enlarge your fund by assessment.
The experience is this, that you really do not, by an assess
ment, raake your escape from the difficulties which bring it
on. You do not even lighten these difficulties. You may
for a time ; but you will most assuredly aggravate them in
the long run, and wiU be sure to find that, after all, you have
less of comfort, and raore of clamor and complaint among
your population, than at the outset ofyour compulsory sys
tem. Admitting, therefore, fully the existence of the diffi
culties which you allege, I hold it, on the above consideration
alone, to be your true wisdora, rather to acquiesce in them,
and manage with your humbler means as you Can, than by
P2

346 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
a forced augmentation of these means, strengthen those evils,
which in their present less degree you will find to be far
raore tolerable.
You state the small accoraraodation that you have in
church for your populous parish, and how frora this cause,
what would have gone to swell your collection, now goes to
the collections of your raeeting-houses. On ecclesiastical or
Christian grounds, I hold it very desirable that your accora
raodation should be widened ; but I confess that I should not
be very anxious about it for the econoraic object of a raore
liberal public provision for the poor. My own confidence aU
along in Glasgow was not upon means, but upon raanage-
ment ; and not so rauch on the positive activity and strenu
ousness of that management, as on the co-operation of men
who thought with myself that the best way of disposing of
every application was by strict investigation into all the re
sources of the applicant, to devolve hira as much as possible
on his own industry, or on the duty of his relatives, or on the
sympathy of his neighbors, or, lastly (though we very rarely,
indeed, had recourse to such an expedient), on the private lib
eralities of the raore affluent. But we were quite sure, that
just in proportion to the regularity, and certainty, and large
ness of our sessional rainistrations, would all these better se
curities for the relief of distress be slackened in the parish ;
and so, proclairaing the insignificance of all that we could do,
we devolved the burden on those upon whora Nature and
Christianity had devolved it before us, and felt that the indef
initely nearer we came to a cheap and raoderate, and withal
gratuitous econoray on the part of the public body, the more
plentifully did relief fiow from all those private sources of in
dustry and sympathy which I have now enumerated. It
was not my presence which achieved this. The thing goes
on more prosperously since I left it; and our chapel district,
with a population of 5000, is upheld by a collection of less
than £100 in the year.
Try gradually, and get hold of men who think right upon

DR. EASTON. 347

this object; and though you can not fill the parish all at
once with thera, give each a district as he casts up, and let
him fully understand that that man does his duty best to
the Session who gives the Session least to do. You will find
that each new elder raight nearly relieve you of his own dis
trict altogether.
I have just roora to assure you that, with sorae few raodi-
fications, I thought exceedingly well ofyour book, and hailed
it as an accession to a good cause. I should express ray obli
gations for your very handsome treatment of myself in that
volurae. I ara, my dear sir, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXCII. — Dr. Easton to Dr. Chalmers.
Kirriemuir, 16th February, 1827.
Rev. Sir — Your letter of the 6th current I received in
course, and ¦ I beg leave to return you ray warmest thanks
for the trouble you have been at in answering ray letter of
26th January last. You have indeed bestowed a great deal
of attention on the subject to which it refers. What you say
is exceedingly satisfactory, and you may be assured that I
ara grateful for the recoramendations you suggest. The only
addition, practically speaking, which I would venture to raake
— iraprovement I can not take it upon rae to call it — is to
classify the cases of poor, and if we are driven to the expe
dient, to allow the heritors to provide for the insane, the fatu
ous, the blind, and to relieve the others from the church col
lection. There is an analogical objection that raay be urged against
the voluntary relief of the poor, which has often occurred to
rae, and to which I ara desirous to draw your attention —
one which I have never seen alluded to by any one. It is
an argument founded on what you yourself have said respect
ing rdigious education. You object to the leaving of relig
ious education to the principle of supply and demand, be
cause, you say, that, owing to the corruption of human na-

348 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ture, raen are naturally averse to spiritual truth, and it is
necessary, therefore, that, by means of endowment, it should
be brought to every man's door. But may it not be said
that, owing to the same cause, men do not naturally loVe
their neighbors as they ought, and therefore it is necessary
that human laws should compel them to relieve the wants
of the needy.
As I am aware how very valuable your tirae is, I do not
expect an answer to this letter. I am, dear sir, most respect
fully yours, Thomas Easton
No. CCXCIII.— Dr. Chalmers to Dr. Easton.
St. Andrews, 22d February, 1827.
My dear Sir — Your letter is too interesting not to be re
plied to.
You are quite right in your views of the distinction which
obtains between the cases of general indigence and the cases
of special and involuntary distress, such as lunacy, dumbness,
blindness, &c. There would not be the mischief in assessitig
for these that there is in assessing for poverty at large, be
cause such an assessment would not multiply its objects, and
would not go beyond a certain definite amount. Still, how
ever, it is greatly better not to have even this raore innocent
assessment, for the one is extreraely apt to run into the other,
and I would far rather struggle to overtake the more special
visitations by the collections and purely voluntary subscrip
tions, than atterapt aught so dangerous as the adraission of
the corapulsory into the business of charity in any of its parts.
Your analogical arguraent in favor of assessraents is ingen
ious, and to rayself new. Yet; on a narrower view of the
actual similarities and dissimilarities between the course of
instruction on the one hand, and the course of the ordinary
relief of poverty on the other, I am persuaded it will not be
found tenable. When the course of poverty is left to itself
then in proportion to the aggravation of its distress is the
strength and efficiency of these counteractives by which it is

JOHN HAMILTON, Esq. 349
mitigated, if nOt done away. Men are more goaded to in
dustry and thrift, their relatives more exCited to duty, their
neighbors more awakened to compassion, and the rich more
alive to voluntary exertion. When the course of ignorance
is left to itself, then in proportion to the aggravation of that
ignorance is the growing apathy to the evils of it, and an
apathy which extends from the uneducated man to his neigh
bors, just because they too live in a land unblest by educa
tion. The institutions for knowledge, besidesj can accom-
pUsh their object purely and without adulteration. The in-,
stitutions for general relief, in as far as they may be said to
accomplish their object at aU, do so at the fearful expense
of every virtue concerned in the administration of charity^
putting to flight the gratitude of the recipients, and the spon
taneous generosity of the dispensers. I am, my dear sir,
yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.

CORRESPONDENCE ON THE CHURCH QUESTION.
No. CCXCIV.— To John Hamilton, Esq.
EDiNBtiROH, 18fA February, lS40.
My dear Sir. — I beg that you will tolerate my disserta
tions. With me the iippermost object is to secure our inde
pendence. Should we be able to secure it with a less meas^
ure of Non-intrusion, and should we lose it because of our
insisting on a higher measure, we shall never be able to hold
up our faces either to the Church or to the country. We
shall for the sake of the gnat have been giving up the carael.
I am not insensible to the importance, ih one way, of identi
fying the cause of the Church with the cause of the people.
I fed quite assured that without thera the Conservatives, as
a body, would have been on the side of the authority of the
Court of Session. This is an iraportant element. But the
other is a most important element too. There is through
out a general longing, all over Scotland, for a settleraent.
Even our lowest raeasure Would satisfy a large majority, both

350 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
of the Church and of the middle classes in the country, and
would be followed up, I trust, by such a pure and vigorous
administration on the part of our ecclesiastical courts, as to
enthrone our beloved Church in the hearts of the general
population. You know the aspect under which I view an act of Par
liament when it respects the powers of the Church. Its ob
ject is hot to convey -the powers, but to convey and make
sure to us certain temporal benefits in the exercise of those
of our powers which it defines. If it do not comprehend all
the powers, if at a certain point beneath, its teraporalities are
raade to cease, this is not an interdict on the powers which
are beyond — no lirait on our powers, but on their own boun
ty. It is this which makes my conscience appear to be so
elastic on the subject of Non-intrusion ; while on the subject
of independence, I ara not sure but I go further than any of
you. Paul said, on justification by faith, of those who tried
to mitigate the doctrine and encroach upon it, " to whom I
gave place, no, not for an hour." I say, of the sUghtest in
road on the spiritual independence of the Church, " to which
I give place, no, not by one hair-breadth." The time ap
pears fully come when, by next General Assembly, every
refractory licentiate should be deprived, and every refractory
minister deposed.
I should like you to learn Sir Frederick Pollock's notion of
the change which I propose in the style of ecclesiastical leg
islation. It would clear away an arabiguity which hangs
over the connection between Church and State, securing for
us certain benefits, if not to the whole extent of the exercise
of these powers, at least up to a certain limit, and leaving us
at entire liberty beyond that limit to do all which is compe
tent for a Church of Christ, The full and practical observa
tion of this principle would, by the removal of a flaw, mightily
strengthen the cause of religious establishraents.
Speaking of Sir Frederick, I value his co-operation chiefiy
upon one account. You are as well acquainted with styles

JOHN HAMILTON, ESQ. 351
of acts of Parliament as he is ; but his London and parlia
mentary experience gives hira the advantage of knowing what
the things are, and what the forms of expression which would
be either raost offensive or most concUiatory to the English
merabers. If a man of tact, he will even know how, in the
wording of a matter that would revolt them if seen in its
nakedness, to put it so that it shall escape the dislike and an
imadversion of that very sensitive and high-minded assembly
of raen, who, however enlightened within their own province,
are downright ignorarauses in regard to Scottish Presbytery —
the object of contempt because of its littleness in their eyes,
and with some of keen, even of loathing antipathy, because
of its imagined affinity to Puritanism — at once hated lelig-
iously frora the natural enraity of the heart to the truth, and
hated politically from the historical recollections of the seven
teenth century, which saw a monarch of England brought to
the scaffold.
It is right to say, that notwithstanding the tone of this let
ter, and though I have written Lord Aberdeen, I have avoid
ed the mention of a single word which can in the least fetter,
but will rather facilitate the objects of the deputation. I am,
my dear sir, yours truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXCY.— To John Hamilton, Esq.,
Edinburgh, 24th March, 1841.
My dear Sir — ^You have prescribed for rae a truly ardu
ous, and I fear unprofitable task, and the reiteration of the
veriest truisra, and that for the conviction of minds in a state
of hopeless prejudice, and obstinately shut against the recep
tion of it. There is nothing in common between our Scottish
evangelicals alid our modern destructives ; they are under the
operation not only of diverse but of antagonistic influences.
The Chartists know this well, and they every where oppose
us. They are acting most inteUigently for the prosecution of
their ulterior objects, and in this respect forming a perfect
contrast to the Conservatives, who are at present their coad-

352 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
jutors, in pulling at the same rope along with them. My be
Uef is that, acting together, they wUl pull down our Establish
ment ; when the further account will have to be settled be
tween themselves, the infatuated aristocracy will find, when
too late, that they have lent a hand to the demolition of tho
only breakwater which stood between the anarchists and their
own order.
These are plain truths, nevertheless I utter thehi, and that
for the purpose of your making them as widely known among
your Conservative friends as possible, believing as I do that
nothing but plain truths at this time of day will save us.
They ate now lending theraselves to a policy which must
aUenate from their cause the flower of our Scottish clergy,
and in which, if they succeed, they will deprive of all its
moral weight that Church whose ministrations were never
more efficient and prosperous than at this moment, and which
ministrations have ever been on the side of order, and con
tentment, and loyalty, and the Other peaceable fruits of right-
eo'usness. But perhaps it will avail yqu more if instead of Spending
your strength on such a demonstration, you make it palpable
to their understandings that zealous though we are for the
principle of a religious Establishment, there are many hund
reds of our clergy, and these the best and most influential
araong them, who are in perfect readiness for a dissolution of
the connection between church and state, rather than have
an Establishment on the terms which the Court of Session
would now prescribe to us.
If this letter be short, it is because I hold the warfare of
argumettt to be ilow over, and that it is no longer a contest
of opposite reasonings, but of Opposite wills and opposite de-
terniinations. My Confidence is no long-er in man, but in
the righteousness of oUr cause, and in that, when forsaken
by all our earthly fiiends, there is a God above, who, after
the purposes of His wise and holy discipline have been ful
filled-, will again Visit in mercy the Church of our fathers.

SIR GEORGE SINCLAIR. 353
" We are perplexed, but not in despair." I am yours very
ta^uly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXCVL— To Sir George Sinclair.
'BvsfnisLKtiD, 18th August, 1841.
Dear Sir George — I am very unwilling to believe that
we might not obtain the wished-for consumraation by the
passing of the Duke of Argyle's bill, without incurring the
delay necessarily iraplied in the appointment of a Commis
sion of Inquiry.
At all events, I think the only footing on which the Church
can come to an agreement with the state in regard to your
proposed suspension of all legal actions by both parties, is, to
express her wiUingness that, whatever the civil consequences
might be which follow in the train of her decisions on the
conduct of any of her office-bearers, and might in the ordinary
course of law prejudicially affect their interests — that these
civil consequences raay, by an extraordinary act of the Leg
islature, be remitted in favor of those who should otherwise
have suffered from them. The Church, for example, could
bear to have their teraporalities raade over for Ufe to the
Strathhogie ministers, and the temporalities of the respective
parishes to which they had been presented to the nominees
for Auchterarder and Lethendy ; but could not, I imagine,
without a surrender of the very principle for which she is con
tending, consent either to recall the sentences already passed
on the former delinquents, or to suspend the actions now pend
ing before her own courts against the latter. The difference
between the Church and the state is, that the Church can
not deviate from the path of her conceived duty in raatters
ecclesiastical ; whereas the state may, on grounds of political
expediency, suspend or alter her methods of procedure in the
disposal, as seemeth to her good, of things secular. The
Church goes all the length she can go when she acquiesces
in this unlooked-for stretch and exercise of power.
But for the above consideration I should hail the appoint-

354 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ment of a Commission, confident as I am that the fullest in
quiry would serve the best for the vindication of the majority
of our Church, and that the result would be to soften away
many a prejudice, and remove many a misconception, which
now obtains on the subject both of their raeasures and of the
spirit and character of the leading raerabers in that body —
nay, would demonstrate, not only the perfect innocence, but
the Christian, or, which is tantamount to this, the truly con
servative patriotism of all their doings.
Neither do I object to any of the names you mention, and
hail with particular satisfaction those of the Duke of Argyle,
the Marquesses of Bute and Breadalbane, Sir William Rae —
to which your own ought to be added. But my strong pref
erence is for such an iraraediate and right settlement as
would supersede the necessity of such a Commission ; and
let rae entreat you to consider this as the first and not yet
matured view which I have taken ofyour suggestion. I ever
ara, ray dear Sir George, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXCVIL— To Sir George Sinclair.
Burntisland, "SOfA September, 1841.
My dear Sir George — You seem not to be aware that I
am not a member of the Coraraittee' on the Church Question
— driven from it, in fact, by the mortifpng experience which
I had had of the little reUance that was to be placed on the
professions of public and parliamentary men.
I could not, therefore, give a direct response to your prop
osition without the usurpation of a power which in no shape
or degree belongs to me. May I beg, therefore, that you wUl
present it to sorae other raeraber of the committee ; and to
none could you do it with greater propriety than to Dr. Gor
don, our present moderator ; and I shall most cordially ac
quiesce in the arrangeraent which you propose, should it seem
good to him and to his colleagues.
I am not able to comprehend what is meant by a last op-

SIR GEORGE SINCLAIR. 356
portunity which we raust seize upon now, or the cause of the
Church might be irrecoverably gone, unless it be that unless
the wishes of Lord Aberdeen in London, and his adviser in
Edinburgh, shall be consulted by making his bill the ground
work of an arrangeraent, the best and greatest of our national
institutes must be sacrificed to the vanity or doggedness of
the two raen. The very thought of this raakes my blood boil
with indignation. Sir Robert calls out for time and leisure
(and most rightly) to mature his civil and economical meas
ures. But there must be an instant soldering, it would ap
pear, of the affairs of the Church, and so as to lay the irri
tated humors of a mortified peer and an impracticable law
yer. The thing is beyond endurance.
But let me explain rayself in reference to a former letter.
Should we get no raore than the liberum arbitrium, it will
be the clear duty of the Church to work it in the best way
possible ; and raost happy should I be, if it so turned out, that
because of its efficacy in securing a succession of evangelical
and efficient clergymen, it superseded all further demand for
any ulterior changes or reformations. Ever beUeve me, my
dear Sir George, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — On reading over this letter I find I have been raak
ing myself hot by the imagination of a possibUity. You, how
ever, must know better, and can perhaps say whether the pos
sibUity be a truth. T. C,
No. COXOVIIL— To Sir George Sinclair.
Burntisland, 30th September, 1841.
My dear Sir George — Since writing you this raorning, I
have seen the report of Sir WiUiara Rae's speech at Rothe
say ; and I raust say that I look far more hopefully to a
measure wherewith he has to do than to aught which may
be grafted on Lord Aberdeen's bill, or concocted between his
lordship and the Dean of Faculty. I do think that, after this
announcement, the most graceful and becoming thing for

356 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
both the dean and the earl would be to retire from the Con
cern. The dean did us great mischief by conjuring up the
Strathhogie case, which I have no doubt was gotten up main
ly under his auspices and by his encouragement, and which
I fear will prove far the most serious obstacle in the way of
an adjustment. I ever am, ray dear Sir George, yours most
respectfully, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCXCIX— To Sir George Sinclair.
Edinburgh, 6th October, 1841.
My dear Sir George — I return you many thanks for your
tery kind letter, all the more grateful to ray feelings that I
had the apprehension of having been somewhat too stout and
controversial in my former comraunications.
I have heard through another channel of the good you are
doing. Be assured that if we had but the reasonable pros
pect of a fair and well-principled adjustraent, aU ray efforts
should be on the side of peace and charity. I never was a
friend to agitation for its own sake, and would infinitely rath
er that the circurastances of the Church aUowed its ministers
to remain qflietly at their respective homes, and prosecute the
labors of their high vocation in their own parishes.
Since writing the last page, I have seen some friends of the
Church, both lay and clerical. Their feeling seems to be,
that it will be impossible, after the atterapt of the opposite
party to disestablish us, to stop the progress of Defensive As
sociations but by a definite raeasure, with the character and
certainty of which the bulk of the Church and country raight ^
be satisfied. I have the honor to be, yours, &c.,
Thomas Chalmers.*
No. COO. — To THE Bishop of Llandaff.
Edinburgh, 27th October, 1841.
My Lord — There should, I think, be such a freedom of the
* For the remaining letters of this series, see '" Selections from the
Correspondence," &o., edited by Sir George Sinclair, Bart.

BISHOP OF LLANDAFF. 357

Church from civil coercion, that she should be at liberty to
apply her own tests on every appointment by the patron for
the determination of the question. Is it for the Christian good
of the people that this presentee should be inducted in a given
parish as their minister i This we have had since the Rev
olution till the recent usurpations by our Court of Session.
It is true that the congeniality of a man's preaching with the
popular conscience has been regarded by the suffering party
in Scotland as the element of fitness ; and this because of the
adaptation between the subject-matter of Christianity and the
human conscience. I could say much in defense of this pe
culiarity of ours, which, tiU now, has never been invaded from
without, though overborne for a century by Moderatisra with
in. But I wUl not detain your lordship further than by say
ing, that I should hold it an iraraense improvement on the
ecclesiastical system in England, as well as on ours, not that
you should adopt all our views on the deraent of the popular
will, hut that you should have the benefit of the principle
which, if conceded to us, would set our question at rest — " that
the power of the patron and of the civil courts should cease
from the moment that the presentee is handed over to the
Church courts." This would leave the ecclesiastical power
clear for the determination of its own proper questions, that
is, for sitting in judgraent on all the likelihoods of usefulness
on the part of such a presentee to such a parish. The ma
jority of our Church are at this raoraent willing to endure the
deprivation of all their temporalities rather than have the au
thority of the Court of Session, as exercised within these four
last years, forced upon us by the Legislature. It will in fact
prove the suspension, if not the breaking up of a religious Es-
tabUshment in this country. I am, my lord, yours, &c.,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCI. — To the Bishop op Llandaff.
18th January, 1842.
My Lord — I am glad to observe from your lordship's let-

358 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ter that we are like to be protected from the civil courts ;
but we must be protected from thera when giving effect to
our own views on the subject of Non-intrusion. We do not
ask the Church of England to adopt that principle ; but we
ask her to act upon it as our principle, just as a self-regulat
ing body should not be disturbed in the execution of its own
by-laws, these not being inconsistent with the order of civil
society. Our contest is not for the specific object of Non
intrusion, but for the greater and coraprehensive object of
independence in spiritual things, so well advocated by the
Archbishop of Dublin. I am, yours, &c., Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCII. — To THE Honorable and Rev. Dr. Wellesley.
Edinburgh, December, 1841.
My dear Sir — I beg to send you the inclosed statement,
with such marks and observations of my own as occurred in
reading it. The only thing better than the Duke of Argyle's
biU, which I shaU mention at present, were the following up
of a suggestion made by the Duke of WelUngton, that we
should frame a raeasure of our own and send it up for the
sanction of Parliaraent. We maybe said to have as good as
done this when we approved, by a great majority, of the Duke
of Argyle's bill, though I have no doubt that we could frame
another motion for giving effect to our principle, if this were
preferred. Would the British government think it justifiable to pro
pose that the priesthood of Hindostan shall either renounce
their idolatrous religion or be stripped of their endowments,
both the religion and the endowments having been long in
subsistence at the time that their country was acquired by
us ? And the paraUel question to this is. Would it be just
ifiable to force from the Church of Scotland the surrender
either of presbytery or any one of what the Church holds to
be its essential principles, on the pain of losing her endow
ments if she refuse, seeing that both presbytery and its prii.

LORD LORNE. 359

eiple of Non-intrusion were in full operation along with the
endowraents at a tirae when this country was annexed to En
gland ? In other words, are Scotchraen to be treated worse
than Hindoos? I may send another raeraorial on the sub
ject ; but this, as being the latest, is the worthiest of your
attention. Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — It is of prirae importance to reraark, that the pass
ing of the Duke of Argyle's bill would not alienate a single
clergy raan from our Church ; the forcing of another bill might
occasion such a disruption as would lead to our overthrow.
T. C.

[The distinguished talent and Christian patriotism displayed by the
youthful Marquess of Lome, in a publication entitled a " Letter to the
Peers," not only awakened Dr. Chalmers's liveliest admiration, but filU
ed him with the highest anticipations of the powerful influence which,
in his after life, might be exerted by one so gifted and so good, not only
upon his own order, but upon society at large. On receiving this pub
lication, Dr. Chalmers addressed the following letter to the marquess.]
No. CCOIIL— To Lord Lorne.
Edinburgh, 28th January, 1842.
My dear Lord Lorne — I have read your work with the
most profound interest and satisfaction, insomuch that I fear
to incur the semblance of insincerity by telling you all I think
of its merits. Let me, therefore, copy a sentence which I
have just written to Lord Galloway, after having entreated
hira to read your letter : " It is a truly adrairable and far the
best pleading in favor of the Church, on the grounds of con
stitutional law, that has yet appeared. Heaven grant that
it raay open the eyes of our rulers, and take thera out of that
false position which they now occupy — having the naraes of
Conservatives, yet underraining the best and most truly Con
servative of all our national institutes." As an address to
statesmen, we have had nothing half so good, or that prom
ises to be half so influential during the whole controversy ;

360 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
and I am sure it will cheer and encoureige the hearts of very
raany of our friends.
In writing to yourself instead of expatiating on the general
raerits of your composition, let me enter raore into particulars.
I Uke what may be termed the construction of the argument,
and think you have happily both relieved and strengthened
no little a part of it by your reference to history — raore es
pecially when you infer the character of our principles frora
the nature of the opposition to thepni as embodied in the
"Black Acts." Again, the deference paid to our constitu
tional liberties by the Law of Patronage, in that it enacted
but the forfeiture of the emoluments as the penalty of its
own violation, is exceedingly well-reasoned and brought out ;
and I think it most fortunate that you brought this to bear
cin tliat mischievous axticle in " Blackwood"— r-the eyil iu-
ffueuces of which your lordship's counter-observations are so
well fitted to neutralize. I furtherraore rejoice in the point
ed notices which you have take,n of the Moderates, and think
you particularly felicitous in instancing the check of refusing
the supplies in the hand of ParUament as demonstrative of
the real nature of the British Constitution, however seldom,
nay, even though it should never be put into operation.
I do hope that your dear and masterly distinction between
the legal and the constitutional, or between the leges and the
leges legum, will tell on the public understanding, and that
your exposure of the Strathhogie ministers will enable men
to see in its just light the whole extent of their delinquen
cy ; and I look confidently forward to a reaction of sentiment
against the Court of Session from the perusal of your pam
phlet. But far the raost briUiant and effective part of your pam
phlet is that in which you deal so successfuUy with Sir Rob
ert Peel's letter. This will probably interest your readers
the most of all you have written ; and there is a truly addi
tional test given to your work by your notices of Lords Aber
deen, Brougham, and Mejlbouine.

LORD LORNE. 361

I feel that I have given you a most inadequate represent
ation of aU I think and feel on the subject of your work.
To supplement this in some degree I shall send you your own
pamphlet, as marked by me in the course of my perusal of
it — a habit of mine in reading. I reraeraber being rauch in
terested by faUing in with a pamphlet of my own, raarked in
the same way, and frora which I learned what the passages
were which had been raet by a responding intelligence and
good liking on the part of him who read it. I have only re
solved now on thus sending the pamphlet to you, so that the
marks were just the spontaneous indications of the raoraent,
and I will not add another ; although, on looking over it, I
find that the part I liked raost is raarked the least ; that is,
your arguraent on Sir Robert Peel, which I must have re
frained from marking till I got to its closing passages.
Let me add, that there is a certain command of statement
and reasoning which must add greatly to the irapressiveness
of your work. I was afraid, frora its being so closely argu-
raentative, that it might not be read with so much interest
and attention by the general run of readers. I am happy to
find, however, that Mrs. Chalraers pronounces on it as raost
lucid and inteUigible ; and she is particularly struck with
your exposure of the infirraities of Sir Robert Peel's letter.
Another lady in our neighborhood, to whora I sent my own
copy from the shop yesterday, has returned it with a line,
saying, that she never till now saw clearly into the inerits of
our case.
You have done us a great service. Many, very many, of
the Church's best friends will bless God and rejoice because
of it. I shall be delighted to hear of your lordship's im
proved health, and will ever have the greatest pleasure in
attending to your lordship. I have the honor to be, ray
dearest marquess, yours most gratefully and most affection
ately, Thomas Chalmers.
[" I can not," said his lordship, in writing to Dr. Chalmers at tWs
period, " refrain from expressing my deep regret at the nature of the
V. a

362 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
proceedings of the Presbytery of Edinburgh. I regret that the Pres
bytery has urged upon the General Assembly to engage in an anti-
patronage war, because it gives ground for the charge that the Church
mounts in her demands to meet and to secure popular applause. I re
gret it, because this moving a ' peg higher,' as Dr. Candlish has ex
pressed it, can be justified on no princijde that I am aware of, and
lowers, in my opinion, the character of her position. I do not, indeed,
view patronage, as some have done, as if it were a great leading in
stitution, and as if it were revolutionairy to speak against it ; but 1
again repeat, that I see no cause or just ground for the Church de
manding what she did not demand before. I see no ' course of events-'
which calls for such a change ; but I do see, and am thoroughly con
vinced of the impolicy and inutility of such a change, and 1 feel sure
that those who have felt themselves ' shut up? to enter an anti-patron
age contest, have contributed much to ' shut up" the Church- from any
remaining chance of settlement. I do not know how the duke can
¦prefaoe his bill in the House as a ' settlement of the question,' with
any confidence or truth, if the Church adopts such a course ; nor do I
laiow any means by which he could persuade the peers that it is their
duty to advance in their concessions in proportion as the Church rises
in her demands." The able and earnest remonstrance from which
these sentences have been quoted elicited the following lengthened
reply.] No. CCCIV.— To Lord Lorne.
Edinburgh, 19th February, 1842.
My dear Lord Lorne — Your lordship can not be more
annoyed than I have often been by the evils that we have
suffered from the complication of our question ; and by what
I have felt to be the tactlessness of raany of our friends, who
have obtruded their Non-intrusion on the attention of En-
glishraen, when they should have kept by the cause of spirit
ual independence, or who, in the ordering of this cause before
thera, have argued independently of the special exercise or
application that had been raade of the Church's inherent
power, when their great strength would have lain in defend
ing the power itself It is not to be told how much the real
merits of our question have been obscured and mystified by
this unfortunate complication ; and one great ingredient of
f >rce and clearness in your lordship's work is the close adher-

LORD LORNE. 363

ence of it to that one principle, on which alone we can ex
pect to engage the sympathies of the EngUsh Church, and, I
may add, the sympathies of aU the churches in Christendom.
There is aU the difference between the two parts of our con
troversy that there is between a genus and a species. Your
lordship has done well in confining your view to the genus —
the generic or comprehensive principle, which,if once secured,
would leave the possession of the species to ourselves.
But two things can be aUeged in explanation of this ; and
the latter of the two goes far to justify, insomuch as it has
precipitated a far more ostensible reference to the principles^
of Non-intrusion than might otherwise have been expedient.
In the first place, the only exception which Lord Aberdeen
and others would lay upon our free discretion is, on the power
of giving effect to the dissent of the people, however honest
and reUgious we may judge that dissent to be, unless they
are able to substantiate it by such reasons as we can approve
of Now, without entering at present on the rightness of our
giving effect to a dissent in these circumstances (which I
think adraits of most ample vindication), let me but advert
to the high estimation in which it was held by the Church —
insomuch that they elevated it frora the rank of a mere judi
cial principle, on which they might act or not according to
circumstances, to the rank of a law on which they raust act
invariably — thus raarking a distinguished preference for the
object or principle of that law. But it has been disaUowed
by the Court of Session ; and what we want, therefore, is,
that the Legislature shall append civil effect to it, through
sorae such bUl as the Duke of Argyle's. Now what is the
return made to this apphcation by Lord Aberdeen's bill ? It
is soraething a great deal worse than a refusal, simply to con
firm our law ; for this were merely to consitrn the principle
thereof back fo its own level, and would leave us to act on
it as heretofore as wc saw cause. But more than this, he
would degrade it immeasurably beneath the place it had be-
fciii iliL- veto luw v.as passed — v. lien we were at least free

364 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
to act upon it judicially, though not bound to act upon it
statutorily. He would take away this freedora, and on the
tenderest of all points — that is, the very thing which we so
rauch valued as to make it the object of a universal enact
ment, he would make the object of a universal prohibition ;
so that what formerly we may have done at any tirae, we
must never, according to his bill, do now. By his bill, then,
there are two principles struck at and done violence to :
first, by an abridgment of our freedom at all — the principle
of our spiritual independence ; second, by an abridgment of
it on this particular question — the ancient constitutional prin
ciple of Non-intrusion. It is like the infiiction of a double
violence ; and we are not to wonder at the double resent
ment or resistance to which it has given rise — or that what
they have singled out as the object on which to violate our
liberty, should have called forth our special regards or spe
cial vindication, as well as the general cause of Uberty itself
But secondly, and still raore urgently. When -we did urge
our spiritual independence apart frora Non-intrusion, what use
was made of this by our opponents ? They gave forth that
we had lost sight of the people, and Were intent only on our
own power. I can iraagine nothing raore exquisitely unjust
and injurious than the treatment of the Church in this re
spect by the adversaries who were opposed to her. The only
part of our spiritual independence that was in jeopardy was
the power of giving effect to the dissent of the people ; and
it is in fact for their cause that the Church has incurred all
the plagues and the perils of this controversy. And, on the
other hand, the only exception which our antagonists were
for laying on our spiritual independence, was the liberty of
giving effect to the people's dissent ; so that really, after all,
their opposition, though ostensibly against us, was virtual
ly and in effect against the people through us. Yet would
these opponents of ours brand us with seeking our own ag
grandizement, and not caring for the people ; and. Conserv
atives though most of them were, gladly accepted the aid

LORD LORNE. 365

both of Radicals and Voluntaries, in urging horae a popular
invective and outcry against the pretensions of a doraineer-
mg priesthood. This was beyond all endurance, and the
temptation, or rather the necessity, was quite irresistible, that
we should place the principle of Non-intrusion more on the
foreground than we had done, that the real object of the
Church raight be understood, and so her character vindicated
against the unworthy artifices of her multiform and motley
opponents. I speak on ray own historical recollections of
what actually happened. At the outset of the Non-intrusion
Comraittee's negotiations with Lord Aberdeen, and when I
myself was convener of it, I held converse as well as corre
spondence with his lordship, and was quite willing at that
time to exchange the veto law for the liberum arbitrium.
It was reported that he in consequence wrote to the Dean of
Faculty, now Lord Justice Clerk, that he had prevailed on
us to give up the veto law ; and the representation which
our enemies grafted on this report, and industriously circula
ted to our prejudice, was, that we had surrendered the people,
and were now standing out on the question of our own power
only. This was very hard to bear, when, in point of fact,
what we have been standing out for all along is for the pow
er of protecting the people ; and, to save ourselves from the
vile mystification practiced against us by these our deterrained
adversaries, we .are obliged, whether we would or not, to
speak, not in the general of spiritual independence only, but
of the special and, indeed, the only contest for which that
independence is at present staked — a contest for the security
of Christian congregations against the intrusion of unaccept
able ministers.
And now, my lord, let me refer to an expression in your
letter, when you say that the Church, by quitting the argu
ment of her spiritual independence as the alone ground of her
vindication, has given up the only position in which she was
unassailable. She, in the first instance, has not given up this
position, though compelled also to make use of other argu-

366 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS. .
raents besides. But what I particularly wish is to direct your
lordship's attention to the distinction between a cause being
unassailable in respect of argument, and the same cause be
ing unassailable in respect of practical safety. It is truly a
possible thing to make out a resistless deraonstration in favor
of our Church ; and yet, if we do nothing raore but keep by
the terms of that demonstration, and raake triuraphant repe
tition of it, we may in fact be neglecting the only means by
which to save her from destruction. I have already shown
what practically the effect is, when we make exclusive alle
gation of our own spiritual power. Our adversaries, with a sin
gular disregard of all principle and truth, have availed them
selves of this for the purpose of detaching and alienating the
people from our cause. It was a raost natural feeling on the
part of our friends, that if with the mere view of simplifying,
we were to concentrate our argument on a single point, and
this to raake us controversiaUy stronger, or stronger on the
abstract than we otherwise might be, we should thereby be
come weaker in the concrete, and faU before a weight of ad
versaries regardless of all argument, and resolved at every
hazard, and though with the sacrifice of every principle, to
overbear and trample on the Church of Scotland. Should it
come to this — should we be crushed by the hand of power,
and our virulent and deterrained eneraies get the better of us
on the field of living contest, it will be a poor, consolation that
we had the better of thera on the field of arguraent. We
are not, therefore, to keep by the topic of our spiritual inde
pendence alone, when our enemies take such dishonest ad^
vantage of this. We are, in truth, fighting not only our own
battles, but the battles of the people ; and why should not the
people be made aware of it ? Are we to forfeit the benefit
of an alliance with those for whose best and highest interests
we are putting to hazard all our possessions and interests in
this world, and this in order that we might become an easy
prey to those heartless oppressors, who first would asperse and
blacken, and then would destroy us ?

LORD LORNE. 367

You have estimated well the evil of complicating an ar
gument unnecessarily. But in some cases it raay be a nec
essary evil. Certain it is that it has cast an obscuration over
the real strength and raerits of our cause, in the eyes even of
what may be called the higher reason of the country ; and this
is precisely the obscuration which your lordship's work is so
well fitted to dissipate. But even if educated minds are puz
zled by the complexities of a question, how much more must
we expect this in the minds of the general population ? Now
what has the Church been doing for the sake of raaking out
a necessary reforraation, with the greatest ease and least pos
sible disturbance ? for, essentially conservative as she is, she
would Uke to work out all her improvements in the safest and
most pacific way. She for ten years has been laboring to ef
fect a composition between the rights of patronage and the
rights ef popular conscience, so as to amalgamate these two
distinct elements ; and she succeeded by means of her veto
law, which, if let alone, might have secured both the peace
and efficiency of our Church for an indefinite period. But
she has been precipitated into a warfare upon this question ;
and with singular moderation has her raajority kept by a
midway position, between an absolute and unlimited patron
age on the one hand, and popular election on the other. She
has thus subjected herself to the heavy disadvantage of main
taining a complex, when she raight have adopted a siraple
proposition, and so commanded the cordial, unmixed, enthusi
astic support of the great bulk and body of the reUgious pub
lic in Scotland. When I say that in their minds there is not
room or comprehension for raore than one idea, I say nothing
especially disparaging to them ; for this is precisely what
your lordship, as well as myself must have experienced of
those of the conservative and cultivated orders who are now
arrayed in hostility against the Church. For the sake of pro
pitiating their understandings, you would cast off Non-intru
sion from the controversy, and keep by spiritual independence.
Now, for this very reasdu, we, to propitiate the full under-

368 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
standings of the country at large, should cast off Non-intru
sion too, and keep by the one simple and inteUigible principle
of the abolition of patronage. There is no reason why, if gov-
ernraent and the Conservatives will not grant us the half
raeasure which would have satisfied us, we should not lay
hold of all the additional strength that we shall gain by seek
ing the whole raeasure, and raore especiaUy as the whole
raeasure would satisfy us better. I have no affection what
ever for patronage in itself, nor do I see a single positive ar
gument or principle that would incline me to the adoption
of it. But as it exists, I, for one, on the principle of raaking
the raost of things as they are, should have rejoiced in any
practical expedient, by which to harmonize the right govern
ment of the Church with a state of matters already in being.
But these foolish Conservatives won't let us ; and with all
ray native preferences for the position of the extreme tgauche
upon this question, as no other alternative is left me, I most
congenially and approvingly will go along with them. This
is precisely the raoveraent of our Church at this raoment ;
and if she is charged because of it, with the waywardness of
moving from one extreme to another, it is truly owing to no
waywardness of hers, but to the impracticable obstinacy of
the extreme droit, who, whether we look to ecclesiastical or
to secular politics, will be found the real, though not the prox
imate causes of all the violent and precipitate changes which
take place in society.
In the present instance I can clearly see a most justifiable
reason (apart from the policy of it) for passing at once to the
lower extreme, rather than attempting to take up with some
of the intermediate positions. My general inclination is for
a gradual and pacific march of iraproveraent. Leibnitz's law
of continuity in physics I should like to see exemplified in pol
itics also. In spite of aU the ridicule that has been cast on
bit and bit reforms, it is a style of reform which I greatly pre
fer to such sudden and large transitions by movements per
saltum, as was effected, for instance, through the late Reform

LORD LORNE. 369

Bill. On this principle I should have been satisfied at first
with a mere liberum arbitrium — the very least and gentlest
modification that could have been attempted on patronage.
But in very proportion to the moderation of my deraand, now
that it has been resisted, is my conviction of the intractable
nature of the element I have had to deal with. Had I treat
ed with patronage from some of the more distant positions
and been withstood, the hope raight still have reraained with
in me, that, by taking a nearer position, I might gain frora it
some mitigation of its rigors. But I have been treating with
it all along frora the nearest position which is at all possible.
Of all men I have raade the least and the gentlest demands
upon it, and have therefore had the raost eraphatic evidence
of its unyielding and impregnable quality. I, of all men then,
am the most logically and legitimately entitied to pass at
once to the conclusion that nothing wiU serve but the utter
extinction of this unruly dement. Patronage and the popu
lar wiU raay not necessarily and in their own nature be im
miscible, but enough for a practical conclusion, that the men
in power and in possession wUl not allow of their combina
tion, and that therefore they are iramiscible in deed and in
actual perforraance. If the thing will not be regulated, it
ought to be destroyed.
It grieves me to say that a process is now in operation
which, if continued, will at length open the eyes of all virtu
ous and sound-hearted men, and convince them that patronage
is a thing which it is impossible to keep terras with. I allude
to the profligate system now adopted of treating and traffick
ing with our Ucentiates ere they shall obtain a presentation.
This tampering with the principles of the future ministers of
reUgion bodes fearfuUy both for the Church and the country
by another generation. It is dropping poison into the fount
ains of the national morality ; and if not arrested, will so
speed the progress of corruption, that it raust soon be visited
by its own natural penalties, as well as call forth the judg
ments of offended Heaven on a degenerate land.
Q.2

370 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
But it raay weU be asked, do we put ourselves into a like
lier position for success by taking up the ground of anti-pat
ronage ? Not certainly if we look singly to the existing dis
positions of our legislators ; nor am I at all sanguine that
these will be rauch influenced or operated on through the
medium of the Scottish population. On that population — I
raean the best and raost religious part of them — we are gain
ing every day ; and if Conservatives, on the one hand, have
not scrupled to avail themselves of Radicals and political dis
senters in opposition to the Church; we, on the other, might
most legitimately rejoice in the accessions made to our strength
frora the truly Christian and conscientious dissenters who will
swell our ranks on the event of that disruption to which raany
of us are now looking forward, and for which I am happy to
say that a most hopeful preparation is now going on. It is
our duty to do all we can for the averting of such a catas
trophe, but it is also our duty to be in readiness for the worst ;
and though I have a great dislike to all agitation when there
is no practical call for it, yet, in present circumstances, I raust
confess that I do look with the most benignant complacency
on the Defense Associations, which are raultiplying so fast in
various parts of our country. They will form a ready-made
apparatus for the support of a Church in full possession of
that spiritual independence which had not been permitted to
us within the pale of the national endowments. I trust it
may be so well supported and extended as that we shall be
enabled, in perfect freedom from the interdicts and tracasse
ries both of courts and of heritors, to impart without let or
hinderance the blessings of Christian instruction to those
many thousands who hitherto have been utter strangers to
the habits and decencies of a Christian land. Heaven grant
that, in this spirit of true charity and Christian patriotism,
our ministers might be enabled, in return for their sufferings
and their cares, to render this best of services to the com
monwealth ; and, by saving the country frora that sorest of
all distempers, a profligate and in-eUgious common people, to

LORD LORNE. 371

save our now blind and infatuated aristocracy from them
selves. 1 have written with all- the heaviness of an invalid, and
am now rusticating in the country for the benefit of ray health.
But I could not leave your able and interesting letters any
longer unreplied to. I shall rejoice at all tiraes to hear from
you, and promise never to inffict so long an epistle upon you
in future. It would suit my strength and my engagements
better to write not at length on the general subject, but short
ly, and on single points of it at a time. Let me earnestly
recoramend as the object ofyour attention what may be called
the huraan nature of our question, now that you have ac
quitted yourself in a style so masterly on the law of the ques
tion. I should rejoice if you were to make a study of the
workings of this one system and that other throughout the
country at large, and among the people who live in it. I feel
assured it would convince you not of the innocence only, but
the positive good of having our Church raore popularized. It
would dissipate the association so extensively prevalent be
tween a popular system in the Church and democracy in the
state, and land you in a conclusion the very reverse of that
which is the all but universal faith of those ofyour own order.
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCV.— To Lord Lorne.
Edinburgh, I5th March, 1842.
My dear Lord Lorne — I received your last letter sorae
days ago. It, in conjunction with your lordship's truly ad
rairable preface to the second edition of your work, convinces
me that substantially we are far more at one than appears
to be upon the surface. The raost material difference re
spects the time in which the Church should have simplified
the object of her endeavors, and openly announced what many
of us have all along felt. Her optimura is the abolition of
patronage. It was the hopelessness of this attainraent which
restrained her frora framing an expression sooner ; and it is

372 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
now her hopelessness of'any effectual security against the
evils of patronage which convinces her that the time has now
corae for attempting the entire removal of it. Had your lord
ship been aware of the whole of our correspondence with men
in power, and of the treatment we have received at their
hands, I fed confident that you would not think we had be
come hopeless too soon. I shall only instance the last of a
long series of disappointraents, in that Sir James Graham held
out the prospect of an amicable settlement, p)roVided that we
did not agitate the country ; and professes now, that had he
understood our object of gaining the liberum arbitrium, he
never would have entered into negotiation with us at all.
Our confidence in public men is now completely shaken ; and
it is too much in them to expect that we shall lend ourselves
any further to the objects of their policy by neglecting to avail
ourselves any longer of the only human help which remains
to us — the friendship of the people — until hostile statesraen
shall have finished their last work upon us, and we thrown
off by the one party shall have made new provision in the
support of the other party, for a refuge to fall back upon.
Meanwhile, can any thing be fairer than the warning now
given to the men in power? They know that the duke's
bill would bring us all into a state of quiescence ; and they
also know that the passing of their own favorite measure
would be gall and wormwood to the great raajority of the
Church. They are able to avert the consequence of this if
they choose ; and if they do not, \Vhether that consequence
shall be the abolition of the patronage or the ruin of the Es
tablishment, this is a result which must be laid in either case,
not p,t pur dpor, but at that of our opponents.
There is one thing, however, which I believe they do not
ki^ow, and which, perhaps, it were well they did, for it is a
mattpr on which they seem to be absolutely incredulous ; and
that is the perfect deterrainatipn on the part, I believe, of
l}Vin4reds of our clergy rather to be driven from their places
than \o surrender the spiritual independence of the Church

WILLIAM LAMONT, JUN., ESQ. 373
I this raorning received a printed sketch of what will soon
be circulated araong the Non-intrusionist clergy, and which
will show what the prospects are which they now cherish,
and what the provision is which they are now planning to
raeet the possibilities that are before thera. I can not think
it wrong to send my copy to your lordship ; and indeed I think
it but fair and desirous that even our worst eneraies should
be apprised of what is reaUy going forward, &c.
Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — I have this day seen a Highland minister who as
sures rae that the whole of his synod (Glenelg) are in readi
ness to quit the Establishraent rather than subrait to a civil
supreraacy over the Church. T. C.
No. CCCVI. — To William Lamont, Jun., Esq., Glasgow.
Edinburgh, 9th April, 1842.
Dear Sir — I regret that I can not attend a raeeting, the
spirit and the objects of which I so thoroughly approve.
It is cheering to observe the progress of our great cause ;
and that while, on the one hand, the ministers of our Church,
in spite of every effort to shake or to seduce thera, reraain an
unshrinking and undiminished majority in defense of her vi
olated liberties, on the other hand, the public are becoming
more alive every day to a sense of her wrongs. So that, be
tween a resolved clergy and an attached and confiding people,
let us hope, with the blessing of God, that the best and great
est of our national institutes will yet stand its ground against
all the attempts which have been made, and are still making,
whether to vitiate or to destroy it.
I feel that I can not estimate too highly the labors ofyour
important association ; and do hope that, under your influence
and within the sphere of your operations, many others will
arise in your own likeness, and be instruments in the hand of
Providence for the diffusion of sound information and right
views of our question, both in the West and throughout the
whole of Scotland.

374 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
On the subject of patronage, I had long been in the habit
of regarding it as practicable to harmonize her initiative voice
in the appointment of a minister with the sacred prerogatives
of conscience, and the deference I have ever held due to the
collective voice of every honest and religious, however hura
ble a congregation. The experience of so many fruitless and
fatiguing negotiations have now wearied me out, and forced
both myself and many others to desist frora this as a vain
and hopeless enterprise. The reported atterapts of patrons
to taraper with the principles of our young Ucentiates on
their entrance into the ministry, and so instill a deadly poison
into the very fountain-heads of the nation's morality, have
now completed my antipathy to the whole system, and led
me to the conviction that it were best, both for the Church
and the country of Scotland, if it were conclusively put an
end to. I have the honor to be, dear sir, yours raost truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCVIL— To Alex. Campbell, Esq., M.P.
Dunkeld, 23d April, 1842.
My dear Sir — I should have replied sooner to your kind
note of more than a week ago. Be assured that the delay
does not proceed from any indifference to your proposed move
ment, in which I earnestly pray that God may speed and
prosper you ; and I further hope that you will put the right
interpretation on my non-appearance in London at this tirae.
I stand rauch in need of repose, and I have corae here to re
cruit between the labors of my class and the raeeting of the
General Asserably.
You are aware that Lord Lorne dislikes the anti-patronage
raoveraent that is now afloat, and seemed to regret it as a dis
turbing force in the way of his father's bill. Now, were I a
legislator instead of an ecclesiastic, and disliked the method
of popular election, I should be disposed to reason thus : The
passing of such a bill, it is needless to disguise, would slack
en, if not arrest, the Anti-patronage moveraent, even as the

JOHN C. COLQUHOUN, ESQ. 375
veto law did ; and this is a consideration which should not
only stimulate the movement of such a measure, but, more
encouraging still, will, in all likelihood, enlist others to sup
port him, on purpose to avert what they think a great evU.
In my eyes, so far from being an evil, I look forward to it as
our final and most secure landing-place ; but, whether you
will agree with me in this or not, you wiU at once perceive
that this anti-patronage iao\emeut, fairly viewed, should be
hailed as an auxiliary, and looked upon not as a conflicting
but as a conspiring force upon your side, and aU this with
out prejudice to the opinion of  , an opinion which I my
self expressed in my correspondence with Lord Aberdeen, that
the obtimum of this matter were a Church whose ministers
were paid by the state and chosen by the people.
I am most thankful, and I ara sure that in this I am sym
pathized with by thousands, for the true Christian patriotism
ofyour efforts on the side of the Church's independence, and
enlargement out of her present difficulties. Ever believe me,
&c., Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCVIIL— To John C. Colquhoun, Esq. 1842.
My dear Sir — I yesterday saw your letter to Mr. Ham
ilton. You wish the Church to declare publicly that it
would be satisfied with the liberum arbitrium. Should it
not be enough for legislators to know that this is the low
est measure under which the great proportion of our clergy,
I hope the raajority, could conscientiously rainister in the
Church as an Establishment ? We can not say more, and
for two reasons ; first, the use made of such a declaration by
our unprincipled enemies, would be to hold forth the Church
to the country as having abandoned the people, satisfied with
power to itself; but secondly, and chiefly, it is a declaration
which the Church could not honestly raake. For ray own
part, I should greatly prefer such a bill as that set forth by
Mr. Hamilton, and stiff more would I prefer the total aboli-

376 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
tion of patronage; yet, for the sake of the immense benefit to
the people, which is conferred by an Establishment that is at
all tolerable, I would keep by it with the liberum arbitrium
alone, deterrained, at the sarae tirae, that as far as possible this
said liberum arbitrium should be so exercised in every one
instance, as that no minister should in any case be intruded
on a parish contrary to the will of the congregation.
For what purpose should more be required of us than this ?
Is it that the odium of having sacrificed the people should
be shuffled off by merabers of Parliament and laid upon the
Church ? Let each party bear their own burden ; and I for
one am very glad that an alternative between the liberum
arbitrium, and the popular dissent should be lef^ with the
Legislature. Our unequivocal preference is for the latter. If
their preference is for the former, let this be brought above
boards, that the public may estimate at its real value the
profession, not of Liberals only, but of all denominations. I
rejoice to think that our majorities proraise to be unbroken,
and that the raodern fines and rebukes of the Court of Session
wiU tell about as little on our noble-hearted Church, as did
the boots and halters and thurab-screws of their worthy pred
ecessors before thera. I am, yours, &c., Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCIX. — To Alexander Gordon, Esq., London.
Edinburgh, 3d January, 1843.
My dear Sir — It is my earnest and anxious desire that
you may not be annoyed after so much trouble, if I frankly
state to you the difficulties which I feel in complying with
the requisition by which I have been so much honored, and
that, too, at the hands of so many high and estimable men.
My greatest objection lies in this, that it is more of a
Scotch than of an English or London requisition. I would
not like to lecture in London because I was set to it by people
here, but because I was drawn to it by people there ; what
would be influential with me were a requisition sufficiently

.'O.EXANDER GORDON, ESQ. 377
numerous, and the more so the better, by men of course pos
sessing weight in society, but stiU by men desirous of such
lectures for themselves, and that because they reaUy want to
become informed on the subject of them. It is with this
view that I should defer more to a requisition signed by Ut
erary and ecclesiastical than by merely official men. To
make plain my meaning, I would lay greater stress on any
one of such names as those of James Hamilton, or Isaac Tay
lor, or Joseph Bunting, or Christopher Benson, or HaUam, or
Thomas Carlyle, &c., &c., than for any half dozen members
of Parliament, merely as such. I do not say this to the dis
paragement of those few who have subscribed your requisi
tion ; for, apart from their situation, I can recognize some of
great mental power and great Christian worth among them.
But I want to make it plain to you that the chief recom
mendation of names in my eyes woidd be, that they were
such naraes as afforded a sufficient guarantee for a desirous
and intelUgent audience. In this view, such naraes as those
of WilUam HamUton and Alexander GUlespie — and first and
foremost of aU, aUow me to specify your own — are to rae of
far greater influence than the naraes of hundreds at a dis
tance frora London ; neither do I see that there is any virtue
in the naraes of whole corporations, such as kirk-sessions and
others. The raost powerful of all requisitions were one sub
scribed by respectable citizens, among whom one could dis
cern men of literature, and ecclesiastics of aU denorainations.
And then, as to our Church question, I should like you to
know how very little desirous I am of enUghtening mere
statesmen and poUticians on the subject. After the repeated
disappointments of the years that are past, it is very natural
for statesmen to magnify their office, and to imagine that aU
which is said or done bears a reference to them. The truth
is, that in all my future treatment of these topics, my con
verse wiU be with secular and Christian philanthropists rath
er than with statesmen ; indeed, I would shrink from a po
sition or character which I should feel so utterly grotesque

378 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
as that of an expedition to London for the purpose of school
ing the Parliament ; and for doing away every aspect of
aught so ridiculous, I feel relieved, as if by the removal of an
obstacle in the way, by the recent deed of our Convocation,
which will probably bring our whole matter to an issue be
fore I can possibly go to London, which certainly can not be
sooner than the month of April ; and if I do go, it wiU be for
the purpose of addressing those who take an inteUectual or
Christian interest in the grave ecclesiastical question. The
doings and state of the Church of Scotland raay supply pref
ace and illustrations for ray arguraent, but it will be an ar
gument not intended, not perhaps fitted for, the apprehension
of statesraen, but which, with the blessing of God, raight
serve, in these extraordinary tiraes, to unite and direct the
energies of those who have the Chiistian good of our people
at heart, and who, either with or without establishments, are
ready to co-operate in whatever might best conduce to the
spread of truth and righteousness in our land.
Let rae entreat that you will take no raore trouble in this
matter. Forgive all that may appear harsh or ungrateful to
you in this letter. If I do go to London, it can only be on a
very clear and imperative call of duty, for all my personal
tastes and inclinations would forbid the moveraent — a move
raent, therefore, which would require a rauch louder call, and
a rauch dearer and opener path than I yet see 'before rae. I
can not let this letter go without expressing the high esteem
and value in which I hold such naraes as those of Sir John
Pirrie and Mr. Pluraptre. With kindest regards to Mrs.
Gordon and your faraily, I ever am, &c., Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCX. — To Alexander Gordon, Esq.
Edinburgh, 2d February, 1843.
My dear Sir — Your requisition has now assumed such a
shape, both in its substance and in the signatures which are
appended to it, that I am now greatly more disposed to enter-

ALEXANDER GORDON, ESQ. 379
tain it than I was at the earlier stages of our correspondence
on the subject.
You are aware that I have all along deprecated the idea
of a lectureship in London on the Scottish Church question,
and that from the very first I have shrunk frora the possibit
ity of any such construction being put on any such lecture
ships being delivered there, as a presuraptuous and futile at
tempt to influence the decision of that question ; and the
question had not commenced, at least so as to attract public
notice, when I delivered ray lectures in 1838 on national es
tablishments of religion, and the proposed suppleraent to these
will naturally partake of the sarae general character, being
intended for an audience not of statesraen but of scholars,
who take a literary or professional interest in the subject —
a subject of pararaount iraportance, and which will outlast
all the fluctuations of this world's restless politics.
I feel the utraost possible respect both for the noble and par
liamentary requisitionists whose names were in the first pre
sentation, transmitted some weeks ago, but not without the
apprehension that the very appearance of these should foster
an erroneous notion of the real design and character of the
proposed undertaking. They are the literary and ecclesias
tical names, both in the first and subsequent presentations,
which have decided me in its favor, and I now look forward
in good earnest to the probability of ray sooner or later visit
ing your raetropolis for the fulfilling of the task which you
have put into my hands.
But lest in any quarter there should be a lurking expec
tation of my appearance there either before or during the dis
cussion of our Church question in Parliament, let me state,
once for all, that I can not possibly attempt the delivery of
these lectures till the month- of June, or after the rising of
our General Asserably, by which time it is to be hoped that
the decision of the Legislature, whatever that may be, on the
wrongs complained of by the Scottish Church, will be no
longer a matter of anticipation, but a matter of history.

380 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS,
I regret that I can only yet hold out a conditional prora
ise of coraplying with the request by which you and the oth
er requisitionists have honored me, and I fear that a whole
month raust elapse ere I can venture on a definite reply.
-Ever beUeve me, ray dear sir, yours with greatest esteera and
regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCOXI. — To Alexander Gordon, Esq.
Edinburgh, March, 1843.
My dear Sir — Referring to ray letter at the beginning of
last raonth, I beg now to state, that the idea of ray lecture
ship in London on the subject specified in our recent corre
spondence must, for a time at least, be abandoned.
The prospect of a disruption in our Establishment has led
to the formation of a financial coraraittee for the support and
extension of the Free Presbyterian Church in Scotland. Of
this committee I have been appointed convener, and the im
portance, as well as weight and labors of the consequent du
ties, raust detain me in Scotland for several months to corae.
I feel assured that after the turbulence of party passions has
subsided, the Church of Scotland will be found, from first to
last, to have acted a consistent part throughout all the stages
of this controversy.
The call or concurrence by the people in the appointment
of rainisters has ever been the integral part of our constitu
tion. When the method she laid down some years ago for
regulating this part of our procedure was litigated before the
civil courts, she made appearance for no other purpose than
to prevent, if possible, a separation of the temporalities frora
the cure. In this she failed, as she had often done in former
questions of disputed settlements brought before the civil tri
bunal, and was prepared to undergo all the. consequences
which had ever followed on any adverse decision^— that is, a
forfeiture of the benefice. It is the first time since the Rev
olution that other consequences have been raade to follow,
that orders are issued forth on our Church by the civil court.s

ALEXANDER GORDON, ESQ. 381
for the doing of ecclesiastical acts, so that we at their bidding,
and by the enforcement too of pains and penalties, raust pro
ceed in the ordination of rainisters, to establish the pastoral re
lation between them and their people, however much we might
deem the step we should be thus compelled to take contrary
to the principles of the word of God, and to the Christian
good of parishes. At no stage have we resisted the law.
When the first adverse decision of the Court of Session was
appealed to the House of Lords, and confirmed there, we con
formed to that decision to the extent of all which had ever
followed on similar adverse decisions. We resigned the tem-
poraUties ; but more than this was required of us, and, for the
first time since the Revolution Settlement, an interdict was
by the Court of Session laid across the path of one of our Pres
byteries when engaged in prosecuting the trials of one of our
licentiates with a view to his ordination. It is true that be
sides this, such trials, when there is no legal question, are in
general preparatory to the immediate entrance on the living
and the cure. But the effect of such a question in all past
instances, when given against us, was only to dissever the
living, and never to intermeddle in any way either with the
ordination or the cure. It was for the first time in the his
tory of our Church that this distinction had been violated, in
somuch that it was felt to be an outrage by the unanimous
Coraraission of the General Assembly, where there were raen
of aU ecclesiastical parties, although since then a party has
been found to acquiesce, not only in this, but in all the sub
sequent and still larger excesses of the Court of Session, which
now clairas the power of taking our whole discipline and gov
ernment in its own hands. The challenge has been made
by one of their own nuraber to tell what the inch of ground
is on which the Church of Scotland has now a free jurisdic
tion, or to specify a single question wherewith the Court of
Session raight not interraeddle so as to bring the Church, even
in things of the most exclusively sacred and spiritual char
acter, under its own absolute control.

382 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
To be protected from this altogether novel invasion by the
Court of Session, we raade another appeal to the House of
Lords in the case of Auchterarder, and they have again con-
firraed this second and distinct adverse sentence of the infe
rior court. It is only now that w^e can be charged with re
sistance to the law should we abide in the Establishment,
and refuse obedience to this new usurpation. Rather than
incur the charge, we choose to quit a territory where such
disobedience can be alleged against us. For our carrying
this determination into effect, two steps, we conceive, have to
be taken — the first is the appeal to the Legislature, not to re
verse the decision of the House of Lords, that we know to be
incompetent, but to raodify or reraove the solitary statute pass
ed many years subsequent to the settlement of Presbytery,
and now discovered, for the first time, to conflict with the con
stitutional acts by which, both at the Revolution of 1688, and
at the union between the two states, the liberties of the Scot
tish Church were by solemn treaty granted and secured to
the Scottish nation. The acts on which we have all along
rested our security were not once looked at and referred to in
the House of Lords, and in the House of Commons the only
treatment bestowed upon them is that the principles which
they embody — though recognized and ratified by their own
predecessors in the legislation of other days — are now de
nounced as monstrous and intolerable ; meanwhile there has
been no change in the claims or pretensions of the Scottish
Church, the only ch'ange which has taken place is in the
principles and will of the English Parliament.
Our appeal to the Church's constitution having thus been
defeated, there remains but one other appeal raore, that is to
the Church's conscience — even that resolute and unswerving
oonscience, which, after the struggles of more than a century,
won for us nur ccclesiaRlical constitution, Avhich still is vio-nr-
oiis and entire .ns ever, nn\\' ih.it the constitution of our Es
tablishment has been destroyed. We can no more acquiesce
at this day in the power of the state over things spiritual, than

ALEXANDER GORDON, ESQ. 383

we did in the seventeenth century. It is true that the same
government which is pleased at the change which has been
effected in the conditions , on which, as a National Church,
we obtained our support, raight also change the conditions on
which all churches whatever now enjoy their toleration;
but even this will not raove us. We can no raore yield to
the Peers of England their raaxim that the Church is the
creature of the state, than we can consent to the dograa of
one of their own philosophers, that raorality is the creature
of law — the one is Hobbism in Ethics, the other is the Hob-
bism of Christianity : both are aUke abhorrent to us. In a
few short weeks the renunciation of our connection with the
state will take place by the deed of the General Asserably.
I once intended, but now give it up as a hopeless and un
availing task, to touch both on the misstatement of our prin
ciples and the glaring misrepresentations of fact, which, in
the matter of our Church question, have so blinded and be-
wUdered the English understanding. All this has now gone
by, while the general question of the footing on which a Na
tional Establishment of religion might be upheld, or of the
harmony which I hold to be the possible, nay, the raost easy
and practicable harraony of the legal provision, on the one
hand, with the liberties of the Christian Church upon the
other — this question, so far from losing its interest, has only
now risen to the importance which it never had before. Let
us hope that, with the blessing of God, events will at length
open men's eyes, and work out what all remonstrance and
all argument have failed to effect. I have the honor to be, &c.
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXII. — ^To Alexander Gordon, Esq.
Edinburgh, 17th May, 1843.
My dear Sir — I have now left Dunkeld. Your letter of
the 11th has given rae inexpressible relief; for, personally, I
have no wish but the contrary to be in London, and without
a very clear and imperious call of duty I would rather not in-

384 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
cur the fatigues and the hazards of a lectureship there, how
ever brief At the same tirae, I think it likely that the gen
tleraen whom you have consulted have raisunderstood both
your object and also ray own views and inclinations. I nev
er would have thought of lecturing in London till after the
determination of our question by the Legislature. I could not
have prevailed on myself to do so before it, and would have
recoiled from the semblance of aught so presumptuous as that
of schooling the Parliament. My idea of the proper time,
if ever it shall come, for my appearance would have been sub
sequent either to their resolution of doing nothing, and so leav
ing us to our present struggles with the Court of Session, or
to their resolution of passing such a positive and obnoxious
measure as would have forced us out of the Establishment
altogether. On either of which events I should have felt it
desirable to harmonize our resistance in the one case, or our
secession in the other, with the principles which I advocated
in my former lectureship on the lawfulness and expediency
of National Churches ; and such would have been the sub
stance of my reply to any requisition had it been now made
to me, so that the only present effect of such a requisition
would have been to manifest the interest now felt in London
for the Scottish Church — a manifestation, I do think, fitted to
have a wholesome influence upon government, and to make
thera, perhaps, more wary in their atterapts to crush and over
throw us. I ara even hopeful that, through your interview
with Mr. Campbell, a certain amount of this mediate and pre
cautionary influence jnnay already have been brought to bear
upon them ; let us hope and pray, however, that any move
ment on my part will be superseded by an act of justice done
to the Church of Scotland ; and be assured that with no part
ofyour rauch-loved letter do I more thoroughly sympathize
than when, devolving the cause upon God, you speak of wait
ing the evolutions of His wise and holy providence. I am,
my dear sir, yours affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.

REV.  . 385

No. CCCXIIL— To Rev.

Edinburgh, 19th March, 1843.
Dear Sir — Your letter has given me great pain — not that
I see a difficulty in the question when viewed in the light of
ray own conscience, and according to the strength of my own
confidence ; but I do feel deeply for the distress of which you
have presented rae with so affecting a picture, and in par
ticular my heart bleeds for poor Mrs.  , whose fears are
so very natural, and must be so very distracting to her spirits.
Suffer me first to address pyself to the question as one of
conscience, which I do the raore readily because you speak of
your own raisgivings on this score, when you think of the
rightful clairas which your creditors have to whatever might
belong to you. Do not suspect me of sitting in judgment
upon another man's conscience (1 Cor., x., 29), but suffer rae
to state ray own views. If I were corapdled to abandon ray
stipend by that highest of aU necessities (the necessity of
principle), then I should not look upon it as a thing which be
longed to me, and that morally I was not more responsible to
my creditors for it than if it had been wrested from me by
the hand of violence.
And, second, as to the strength of my confidence, I will not
rest it on any other foundation than the promise of God. If
we go fearlessly on in the Way of duty He wiU raake good
His own declaration, that " as the day coraes, the provision
will come.", He will not forsake the families of those who
put their trust in Hira. He hath said to such, " I will never
leave you nor forsake you." So that we may boldly say, the
Lord is ray helper, and I will not fear what men can do to
me. I will not at present speak of our prospects. I would
not run the hazard of misleading you by presenting you with
any calculations whatever upon these. I can only say that
the impressive representation which you have set before me
will raake me all the raore strenuous in behalf of our general
fund for' the support of the Free Church, believing, as I do,
V. R

386 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
that many, very many are our faithful clergy with whom it
will form their main earthly dependence in this matter. I
have had much to encourage me, and feel assured that, under
God, if the friends of our Church will give it what they might
and what they ought, we shall not only make out a moderate
corapetency for all the disestablished ministers, but be ena
bled to extend over the whole of Scotland the blessings of a
Christian education. I enter fully into the expression ofyour
being paralyzed and unable to do aught for us in your own
parish. However much we value the active co-operation of
the minister, yet it is not indispensable to the establishment
of a local assodation. We are setting up these even in par
ishes where ministers are hostile ; and it will be far more
practicable in cases such as yours where they are friendly. I
ara, ray dear sir, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXIV.— To the Same.
Edinburgh, 20th March, 1843.
My dear Sir — I submitted your letters to one of the lead
ing men in Edinburgh, and will not show them to any more,
as I do not think that any other conclusion can be come to
than what he and I agreed upon. You are quite right in sup
posing that others, in this season of toil, will be placed in cir
curastances of great and pecuUar difficulty ; and accordingly
a representation, similar to your own, was sent to me yester
day. I doubt not there will be more ; and the just effect of
them all is (in the utter hopelessness xif doing rauch, if any
thing, in the way of special adaptation of our means to spe
cial cases) to stimulate our utmost endeavors for making good
the general fund, that, supplemented by the separate efforts
of each congregation, might lighten, and, if so be, do away
the privations consequent on the surrender of our present
temporalities. The nuraber of our associations, I am happy to say, has
now reached four hundred and five ; and it is cur earnest
desire that no parish, however the minister might stand affect-

ANDREW JOHNSTON, ESQ. 387
ed, shall be without one. But huraan helps will prove a vain
and impious reliance without a single-rainded dependence on
Hira who can raake all things work together for our good.
I will not let go ray confidence that He will make all to
emerge in the good of His Church, and in a surpassing com
pensation to the faithful adherents of His cause for aU their
relinquishments and all their losses. I beg ftiy best regards
and sympathies to Mrs  ; and, in the earnest hope that
God wiU clear up a way of comfort both for yourself and your
family, I ever am, my dear sir, yours raost truly,
Thomas Chalmers
No. CCCXV. — To Andrew Johnston, EsQ.
Edinburgh, 20th April, 1843.
My dear Sir — I return you many thanks for your munifi
cent and truly encouraging donation of £100 for our Free
Church. You say in aid of the New Endowment Scheme.
Unless you forbid rae, I wiU assign it to the Building Fund ;
as in the first instance we shall chiefiy look to the yearly prod
uce of our subscriptions and associations for the sustentation
of the ministry. These associations now amount to four hun
dred and five, and with the fair prospect of being doubled in
the course of the summer.
In regard to your important suggestions, it is very certain
that both the government sanction of our veto and the queen's
oath of protection to our constitutional rights have been much
insisted on in the course both of our debates at horae and of
our correspondence with London. I do not see that any far
ther delay should be incurred for the sake of a formal restate
ment of these, more especiaUy as we are now declared, both
by the legal courts and by Parliament, to be on the ground of
rebeUion against the law, if we do not iraplement their deci-
sions in every such spiritual raatter as they might choose to
take under their cognizance and control. The sooner we
make ourselves off from that ground the better.
Let it be our stay and our confidence that the Lord reign-

388 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
eth ; and that He will make all to issue in the extension of
His Son's kingdom, and the establishment of His own glory.
Perhaps you could suggest how it is that the sympathy and
fellow-feeling of the evangelical public in England could be
rendered most available for the promotion of our coramon
cause in this country.
Remember me in the most cordial and affectionate man
ner to dear Mrs. Johnston, and to the respected famUies of
Sir Thomas F. Buxton, Mr. Gurney, and Mr. Hoare. Ever
believe me, my dear sir, yours most gratefully and truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CCXVL — To Andrew Johnston, Esq
Edinburgh, 3d May, 1843.
My dear Sir — I can not lay my hand on any copy of the
speech to which you refer ; but the matter respecting which
you inquire raay be shortly stated thus :
I never doubted the perfect corapetency and power of the
Church to pass the veto law, and the obligation under which
all its courts lay to regulate their procedure by its provisions.
When this ecclesiastical law was found not to quadrate with
the civil law, I never counted on any other effect from this
want of harmony than the forfeiture of the temporalities of
the benefice — in itself a very serious evil. To avert this evil,
I recomraended the repeal of the veto, but in conjunction at
the same time with the condition, which I held to be indis
pensable, that the Strathhogie rainisters should retrace their
steps, for that it was of prirae necessity to vindicate the au
thority of the Church over her refractory members. These
ministers, instead of making reparation for their disobedience,
proceeded onward in their course to the ordination of Mr.
Edwards, for which glaring outrage they were most righteous
ly deposed. On this I instantly withdrew my recommend
ation, not of one measure, but of several raeasures, which be
hooved to stand or fall together — to be adopted or rejected,
not singly, but siraultaneously.

REV. WILLIAM FINDLATER. 389
It was in deference to the good of a National Establish
ment, or of a legal provision for the clergy, that I wished to
bring our law into accordance with the law of the state.
But when I found that the interpretation put on ray proposal
was that I deferred to the legal authority of the state in
things spiritual, and also that the Strathhogie ministers pro
ceeded on this interpretation, instead of submitting to the dis
cipUne of their ecclesiastical superiors, I gave up the attempt
to secure the Establishment principle till it should be freed
from the principle of Erastianism. For on any other footing
than that of entire spiritual independence, I should hold a
National Church to be a raoral nuisance.
I know not if I have made myself intelligible. Certain it
is that I have now given up all faith in the efficacy of ar
guments. It is by deeds, not arguments, that the truth will
become manifest at last.
You will be delighted to hear that our associations for the
support of the Free Church now amount to five hundred and
fourteen ; and we expect by the time of the General Assem
bly to have more than the half of Scotland organized.
I had a letter this raorning from the munificent William
Campbell, of Glasgow, who now despairs of the government
being brought to reason upon our question, and tenders £2009
for our BuUding Fund.
With earnest prayer for God's best blessings on you and
yours, ever believe me, my dear sir, yours most gratefully and
truly, Thomas Chalmers.

[Durness by Golspie, 20th July, 1843. — My dear Sir — From several
causes, which I need not state particularly, I could not possibly leave
the manse till a- fortnight ago — waiting an opportunity of conveying
my furniture and part of ray family by sea, from near the shores of
Cape Wrath to Thurso, and my wife and the younger branches of the
family by land, being a distance of at least 70 miles ; not a house or
hut could be got nearer for their accommodation. I have taken a
room in the only inn in the district where I at present sojourn, in the
midst of a poor and afflicted but sympathizing people — some of whom.

390 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
I trust, have been taught to put their trust in the Lord. Hitherto we
have met together to worship in the field, and we have no prospect at
presept of a site for church or manse from our noble proprietor. My
feelings, and that of my family, on leaving the manse, after a happy re
sidence of thirty-one years, I can not esisily describe. Though painful .
in some respects, yet I trust it was a willing sacrifice. The cause is
good ; Jehovah-jireh is a strong tower. While we have had cause to
sow in tears, may we reap in joy. My wife was born in the same manse
she lately left empty, left two of our children's dust behind, and, ac
companied by six, all hitherto unprovided for, to sojourn among strang
ers, has displayed a moral heroism which is soothing to my feelings.
My dear and honored sir, yours very truly, ^ Wm. Findlater.
The Rev. Dr. Chalmers, Edinburgh.]
No. C CCXVIL— To the Rev. William Findlater.
Edinburgh, 30th July, 1843.
My very dear Sir — I received your deeply interesting,
and let me add, affecting letter ori Friday, and the sarae day
made its contents known to Mr. Dunlop, who is Convener of
the Distributing Coraraittee, and who feels on the subject of
your application precisely as I do ; even that it is a case
which raust be instantly attended to and raet. I hope you
will suffer no inconvenience frora the delay of a few days, as
the coraraittee does not raeet till Friday next, when I am sure
that your proposal will on the instant be acceded to and act
ed on.
Though such matters do not fall within my official range,
(mine being the ingathering rather than the outgiving de
partment), yet I beg that you will not let that restrain any
future comraunications which you raight wish to make to rae ;
for I shall feel it quite a privilege and a pleasure to attend
to them.
Tell dear Mrs. Findlater ho)v my heart bled at the repre
sentation of the departure from Durness, and frora the house
in which she had lived frora her birth. May she, and you,
and all your faraily richly experience the Savior's proraise,
that though in the world we shall have tribulation, in Him
we shall have peace. May we learn to sit loose to a world
that is so fast loosening frora our hold ; and may the Giver

PROFESSOR SEDGWICK. 391
of all grace fit and prepare us for living together in that city
which hath foundations, and where sin, and sorrow, and sepa
ration are unknown.
You will be pleased to hear that our cause is progressing
rapidly. Indeed, our chief pressure now arises from the rapid
ly increasing number of our adhering congregations. Nev
ertheless, I retain the unshaken confidence, that with God's
blessing we shall be enabled to build up aU and provide for
aU. Give my kindest regards to Mrs. Findlater, and with earn
est prayers for Heaven's best blessings upon you and yours,
ever believe me, my dear sir, yours most cordially and truly, .
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXVIII. — To Professor Sedgwick, of Cambridge.
Edinburgh, 16th March, 1844.
My dear Sir — I take it exceedingly kind that you should
have bestowed the attentions and courtesies which you have
done on Dr. CandUsh.
It appears very clearly to me, from your letter, that very
strange exaggerations have been practiced on the credulity
of those at a distance frora us respecting the violence and as
perity of our Free Churchraen. I live in the very thick of
the controversy, and can give you ray soleran assurance that
I do not know of raore than one or two instances which re
quire to be at aU defended, and even those are of a character
in no way outrageous. I observe, irora the report of the Lon
don raeeting, that I myself have been made the subject of one
of those misrepresentations, and may therefore be regarded as
an evidence at first hand on the question of its justness and
truth ; and I am confident you will give me credit when I
tell that both the meaning and the spirit of the expression
which has been imputed to me have been altogether misun
derstood and perverted. The truth is, that we are far too
busy, too much engrossed with our own weighty affairs, to say
much, or even to think rauch of our residuary friends. I am

392 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
well-nigh overborne with matters which engross all my at
tention and tirae, having had no less than two hundred and
ten students at our theological seminary, and of these a num
ber of first-year attendants, three times greater than I had
last year in the University of Edinburgh. Such is the im
pulse which our movement has given to the ecclesiastical
profession, that the number of theological students preparing
for the Free Church in Edinburgh alone is very nearly double
the number preparing for the Establishment in all the four
universities of Scotland. We are aware all the while that
there is a world of calurany abroad against us, and our best
way is to let it spend its force, and not trouble ourselves ei
ther with the authors who originate or with the newspapers
which give it circulation. " We are doing a great work,
and why should we come down to them ?"
I raust not attempt in this letter to enter into detail on
that very voluminous controversy to which you have advert
ed, but which, at the sarae time, if your engagements would
allow of it, is altogether worthy of your studious and sus
tained attention, involving as it does great principles, and
leading as it will do to the raost raoraentous results. I shall
undertake no more at present than fill up this sheet by as
succinct and synoptical a statement as I can possibly give
within such narrow limits of our Scottish Church question.
For the sake of brevity, let me endeavor to present you with
the leading points in numerical order :
1. The line of demftrkation between the civil and the
ecclesiastical was a great topic of contention between the
Church and the State in Scotland during nearly the whole
of the seventeenth century, which at length, after the per
secutions and the raartyrdoras of twenty-eight years of the
reigns of Charles II. and Jaraes II., was terrainated by the
Revolution Settlement.
2. By this settlement, the relation in which the Church
and the State stood to each other was distinctly and defin
itely laid down. It forms, in fact, the, great charter of our

PROFESSOR SEDGWICK. 393
constitutional law and liberties, and was solemnly renewed
and ratified by the articles of union between the two king
doms. 3. By this charter it is provided that the government of
the Church is distinct frora that of the civU raagistrate, and
the final jurisdiction in things spiritual was vested in our
ecclesiastical courts. But ours being an Established Church,
questions occasionally arose which involve temporaUties along
vidth matters of purely ecclesiastical government ; and so it
was further provided that, where on those questions the de
cisions of the civU and ecclesiastical courts conflicted with
each other, the civil decisions should infer only civil effects,
smd the ecclesiastical only ecclesiastical effects ; and till with
in these few years nothing was of more familiar occurrence
than the decisions of the church courts taking effect as to all
matters of discipUne, and ordination, and church govern
ment, and the contrary decisions of the law courts taking ef
fect by the forfeiture of the temporalities, and of consequence
the separation of the emoluments from the duties of the pas
toral office. This precluded the respective powers from ever
coming into collision, while they operated powerfully and oft
en wholesomely as a check upon each other.
4. In 1712, or twenty-two years after the Revolution Set
tlement, and five years after the union, the act of Q,ueen
Anne, for the restoration of patronage, was passed. But for
more than a century after this, the great constitutional prin
ciple of the separate jurisdictions of the two sets of courts —
the civU and the ecclesiastical — and the confinement of each
within their own proper sphere, was observed inviolable. Con
trary decisions were sometimes given on the same question
as before, but still the minister, when the ecclesiastical court
admitted to any given cure, was charged with all its duties,
though if, unfortunately, as it occasionally happened, the civU
court gave a decision adverse to his civU rights as minister,
he behooved to relinquish the temporalities of the office.
5. And not tiU within these three or four years has the
R2

394 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
discovery been raade that the act of Glueen Anne did envelop
a contradiction to the principles of the Revolution Settlement
and the articles of union ; a discovery which ran as counter
to all the previous conceptions of the civilians as the eccle
siastics in this country — and upon which the civU courts now
do what, for a hundred and fifty years, they had never offer
ed to do — overrule the discipline, and ordinations, and all the
other judgments of our ecclesiastical court ; thus taking upon
themselves the entire government of the Church of Scotland.
6. On this discovery being made, an application carae frora
the Church to the Legislature — ^the object of which was to
remodel that one law so as to bring it into union with that
prior and original constitution, upon which our Church en
tered' into union with the state in 1690, and Scotland enter
ed into union with England in 1707. It was, in fact, asking
of them nothing more than to rectify their own blunder, so
as that no subsequent act of theirs should be suffered to vio
late the prior constitution which they themselves had ratified.
7. The application to Parliament was disregarded ; and
when the Church was thus defeated in her attempts to eb-
tain redress on the ground of the British Constitution, she had
no other choice than to fall back on the ground of her orig
inal principles, appeal to her own conscience, and submit
these anew to the decision of her own conscience — that con
science which bore her honorably through the struggles of
the seventeenth century, and at length won for her a consti
tution in which she could acquiesce, but in the violation of
which she can not acquiesce ; and so she relinquishes her
connection with the state, rather than subrait to the govern
ment of the civil power in those matters which she deemed
to be sacredly and pecuUarly her own.
Such is a very brief outline of our question, and I have it
not in my power at present any farther to extend it. Let me
only say, that so far from upholding such an estabUshment as
that which I have renounced, I, in every pleading for the
cause of national churches, made an express reservation in

D. MAITLAND MAKGILL CRICHTON, ESQ. 395
behalf of the Church's spiritual liberties, which have now
been scattered to the winds. I would have been a renegade
to my own principles had I remained in an established church ;
and the only way of fulfilling them was to come out from
among them.
Let rae farther add, that the Free Church of Scotland is
probably doing more at this moment for the establishraent
principle than any other church or coraraunity of Christians
in the world. We have gone out on the establishment prin
ciple, and are so giving that principle all the weight of a dis
interested testimony ; and are at this moment, I beUeve, giv
ing, in consequence, the utmost disappointment and offense to
many of the voluntaries. Had we reraained in and swallow
ed all the humiliations which the civil power have laid and
are still laying on the skeleton Establishraent of Scotland, the
principle of Establishments would have been thoroughly
brought into utter scorn and contempt, and the triumph of
voluntaryism would have been coraplete. I ara, my dear sir,
yours truly, Thomas Chalmers.

No. CCCXIX.— To D. M. M. Crichton, Esq
Burntisland, 16th August, 1841.
My very dear Sir — I mean to be at home aU this week,
with the exception of Friday, and also to be at home on Mon
day next week. If God will, I shall be in Edinburgh on
Tuesday and Wednesday.
It delights me to observe that things are fast approaching
to that state in which there wiU be no room for the slightest
shade of a difference between us. I long to see you, and talk
with you on a subject upon which our friends are not partic
ularly ripe — I mean the future economics of our Church,
should the Legislature be so infatuated as to force on a dis
ruption from the Establishment.
The man who was thought a Utopian when he, seven
years ago, predicted £10,000 a year for church extension.

396 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
and afterward realized £50,000 a year, has some claim to
have his views considered, when he now, with far greater
confidence, predicts, with the blessing of God, £100,000 a
year for church independence, and as much more as will su
peradd the building of churches to a secure maintenance for
one and all of our Non-Erastian clergymen.
It were well if you could let me know when I might have
the pleasure of seeing you. I ever am, my dear sir, yours
with the most cordial regard and esteem, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXX.— To D. M. M. Crichton, Esq.
Edinburgh, 18iA February, 1842.
My very dear Sir — I owe you many apologies for having
delayed so long ray reply to your letter of the 2d.
Go on and prosper, my dear sir, and raay God abundantly
reward your labors of love. Let me again reiterate what I
have often said, had we twenty laborers like you there would
be enough of instruraentality at least for arousing Scotland.
With best wishes for you and yours, I ever ara, my dear
sir, yours most gratefully and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXL— To George Yule, Esq.
Morningside, 9th June, 1843.
Dear Sir — I am at present so much engrossed that I have
not had time to reply sooner than now to your letter of the
2d of this raonth.
For raore than twenty-five years now I have studiously
avoided the habit of attending public raeetings as encroach
ments on my strength and tirae which I could not well bear ;
and nothing but the exigencies of our Church could have led
rae to take that part in thera which I have recently done.
And now, with my decaying vigor and my increasing en
gagements, I am in far less favorable circumstances than ever
for sharing in a work which I must forthwith leave in the
hands of younger and abler men.

CAPTAIN BURNETT. 397
There is one strong temptation, however, to attend one or
other of the meetings which you propose. I should like for
once to dissipate the groundless misunderstandings which
still linger, I fear, in the minds of the evangelical Dissenters,
as if there were ever the slightest reluctance either on my
part, or on the part of those who think along with rae, to co
operate with them in all good works. But there are two
reasons which oblige rae to resist even this inducement, how
ever powerfully it operates on ray own taste and inclinations :
1. The present state of my engagements, along with a sense
of utter exhaustion, from which I do not hope to recover for
sorae weeks, would disable rae from doing full justice to my
views. 2. An opportunity will occur in the month of July, at the
bicentenary celebration then to be held of the Westminster
Assembly, and which, I trust, will be attended by the minis
ters and merabers of all evangelical denorainations. I hope,
in particular, that Dr. Wardlaw will return good for evil, and
though I do not meet with hira now, will give us the benefit
of his presence on that occasion.
I am going to use a great liberty both with him and with
Dr. Winter Hamilton. Will you have the goodness to say to
them how kind I should take it if they, and any other mem
bers of the deputation, would honor me so far a? breakfast
with rae any raorning during their stay in Edinburgh. I
am, dear sir, yours truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXII. — To Captain Burnett, of Monboddo.
Banchory House, 10th September, 1843.
My dear Sir — The umbrella carae safe to hand. There
is another sraall matter which I have forgotten, Mr. B.'s ac
count for shoe-mending. I am quite ashamed that you should
have such trouble about these bagatelles ; and yet things
small in material amount may bo great in principle. " He
who js unfaithful in the least is unfaithful also in rauch."
But what most impels me to write at present is to assure

398 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
you of the delight which your letter has given me. You do
me no more than justice when you suppose that I was greatly
moved and affected at the time of our separation. I can truly
say that no place and no people have taken so strong a hold
both of my raemory and my heart as your own Monboddo, to
which I shall ever look back as I would to a rauch-loved
home, where for the whole of a happy but short-lived week 1
felt myself domesticated in the raidst of beauty and quietness,
and, above aU, of kind affection — these most soothing appli
ances to the mind of one who longs for retireraent from the
bustle and the agitations of public life. But I raust not for
get what some one of our poets says of the transition from
loving much to loving wrong ; nor so fasten my regards on
your dear earthly paradise, as to withdraw me frora the calls
of duty, or the needful preparations for that horae in the
heavens, where sorrow and suffering, and best of all, where
sin is unknown, and where, loving each other with pure hearts
fervently, we shall be enabled to serve God without frailty,
and without a flaw.
I have just corae frora a most extraordinary scene. I had
given Mr. Thomson the hope that I might preach at his tent
in Banchory. He chose to placard this over all Aberdeen ;
and there assembled about six or seven thousand people. He
got the pulpit carried from the tent to his own front entry,
and I have preached the identical serraon to thera that I did
at Auchinblae, to six or seven thousand people asserabled
upon his lawn. I have been forcibly rerainded of the last de
licious Sabbath in your place, and which I so exceedingly en
joyed after the service was over, frora the tirae that Mrs.
Burnett received rae into her carriage, and throughout the
whole of that evening, when I was so rauch regaled, both by
ray own solitary walks around your house, and at the return
of all its much-valued inmates, to each of whora individuaUy,
I beg again to offer ray most affectionate regards. Ever be
lieve me, ray very dear sir, yours with the greatest respect
and regard, Thomas Chalmers.

REV. P. HENDERSON.

P.S. — There is nothing which has afflicted me so rauch
for a long tirae as the description you give, both of your own
feelings and those of Mrs. Burnett at the time of our separa
tion. Before you receive this I shall have passed the Mill
Inn in the mail for Montrose, and will look to its door with
an enhanced interest. Let me entreat a place in yours and
Mrs. Burnett's prayers, that Jesus Christ may be the Lord my
strength to guide and guard amid the fascinations and trials
of an evil world. May Heaven's best blessings rest upon you
both. T. C.
No. CCCXXIII. — To Captain Burnett, op Monboddo.
Edinburgh, 23d March, 1847.
My dear Sir — There is a most entire accordance of prin
ciple between us in all that you say throughout your last raost
interesting letter. Drunkenness is the great master-evil in
our land. There is a variety started lately in regard to tem
perance associations, which, I think, will take well with
many who recoil somewhat from the present constitution of
them. An association has been recently forraed by the Rev.
Mr. Reid here, an eloquent and zealous teetotaller, named
a Total Abstinence Association, on religious principles, and
without the pledge. It hits my view better than did the
former system, and I am now endeavoring to raake a con
science of conforraing to the object of such a society, and hope
to do it better than, I fear, I could have done under the yoke
of a, written engageraent. Give my kindest regards, &c.,
&c., Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXIV.— To THE Rev. P. Henderson, Pollock
shaws. Edinburgh, 13th December^ 1845.
My dear Sir — There is no express law of the Free Church
that such congregations only as are either aid-giving or self-
supporting should supplement the stipend of their rainister.
Such a maxim might be either a sentiment or a principle,

400 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
but it has not been formed into a law. But to estimate in
how far as a principle it is applicable to your case, I should
like to Jtnow whether you share in the equal dividend or
come under the rule of one and a half raore. Even though
the former, I feel great satisfaction in learning from you that
your contributions for last year came to £74 7*. &^d. If all
associations raade up of the poor and laboring classes were
to do as well, we should be greatly better off than we are ;
and I do hope that your association will not only keep up its
present rate of contribution, but gradually and indefinitely
extend it. If you are under the rule of one and a half raore,
I look upon you as being in very fair and promising circum
stances for a much larger income than, I fear, we shall ever
' attain on the systera of an equal dividend. I presurae that
there is a disposition on the part of your people to supple
ment your income. Their present contribution would secure
for you under this rule upward of £111. But should they
be disposed to make an addition to your income, I beg you
to observe, and for the credit of the rule too, that for eVery
£2 additional which they would give to their present con
tributions, they would get £3 in retuim ; or, in other words,
if they were to make out a supplement of £26, and send it
to us through the association, then, in virtue of their whole
contribution being £100, you would receive £150. Be as*
sured that I am the last man that would say this is enough.
My view of the raatter is, that all our public functionaries are
greatly underpaid ; and I should rejoice if matters were so far
advanced as that every minister of the Free Church should
have £200 a year. I have the vanity to think that, if they
would place themselves under my guidance, or rather, as I
am no longer fit for action, under the guidance of my views
for several years, they should not be long of reaching this
point. But letting that pass, if you are among the one-and-
a-half-rule ministers, your people have an obvious interest
in giving at least £26 of their intended supplement to you
through the association to our General Fund, when the whole

SIR GEORGE SINCLAIR. 401
accruing £l0O would come back, and £50 to the bargain.
It is true that the people would then have an interest in
sending us no more, but in reserving all their additional con
tributions for a supplement to you. And yet I should hope
better things both of them and of yourself, than that you
would make a dead stand in your contributions to us so soon
as you came to the £100. I do feel confident in the gen
eral, that, when there is enough of principle in a congrega
tion to work up their contributions so far as £100, for the
sake of £150 to their minister, this of itself is a guarantee
for as much more of principle as would lead them to go be
yond the £100 for the good and the interest of the Church
at large. I beg that you may show this letter to any you
please, as my arguraent against the equal dividend, and for the
principle of each congregation getting as they give. On the
other hand, wiU you suffer rae to retain your letter, and to
make use of it as a case in point for the support of this prin
ciple ? I shall be happy to hear from you farther, and am,
my dear sir, yours truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CCXXV.— To Sir George Sinclair.
Edinburgh, 19th September, 1846.
My dear Sir — In regard to the pauperism, I think it is all
over with Scotland. After the matter has, been legalized so
far, I feel quite unable to suggest any modifications by which
the evU to the landlord, and what is of still more importance,
to the people themselves, can be either alleviated or done
away. In regard to the other question of our restoration to the
Establishment, I look upon this as almost equally hopeless,
as the Free Church could not, consistently with her princi
ples, accede to such a movement but upon such conditions as
would appear quite extravagant to all secular, and therefore
to the majority of our public men. In the first place, we
should require to be acknowledged as the Establishraent ;
nor could we hold fellowship with the ministers of the pres-

402 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ent national Church but upon their submitting to our dis
cipline, or being reckoned with for their disobedience to acts
of Assembly anterior to the disruption. In the second place,
we will never again, I hope, come under the yoke of patron
age, for the modification that would have kept us in wiU not
and ought not to recall us.
Thirdly, there behooved to be an entire recognition of our
spiritual independence, to the effect that the civU courts raight
never introrait with us save in those questions which related
to the temporalities of the Church. There is one respect in
which we would deal more gently With the clergy of the Es
tablishraent than we ourselves were dealt vidth. Though
they never could be recognized by us as rainisters of the new-
modeled Establishment tiU they had given the satisfaction
specified in the first article, yet they should be life-rented in
their temporalities, and the places left vacant would be given
to our licentiates.
I fed it quite grotesque writing to you in this manner ; but
I am desirous of convincing you how little reason there is to
expect that there can be such a reunion as that to which you
refer. Allow me to express the satisfaction I feel in renewing
ray correspondence with you. There is nothing interraediate
that should efface the friendly recoUections and feelings which
our friendly intercourse in other days will ever awaken in
my raind. I ara, &c., Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO MR. LENOX, OF NEW YORK.
No. CCCXXVI. Edinburgh, nth January, 1842.
My dear Sir — Your great kindness to our Church entitles
you to know that we are still in deep waters, and to all ap
pearance in circumstances of greater danger under our new
Conservative than under our old Whig government. Mean-

MR. LENOX. 403

whUe, I trust that a calm and resolute principle of adherence
to the great cause of spiritual independence is in steady prog
ress throughout our land ; so that when the crisis coraes, I
hope and pray that our Church wiU be enabled to acquit her
self with faithfulness and honor ; and that, whether she con
tinue or cease to be a national Establishraent, she wUl pre
serve unimpaired her moral weight in the country, and have
the support, as weU as the sympathy, of aU good raen.
In the expectation of hearing frora you soon, I ever am,
my dear sir, yours most gratefuUy and respectfiiUy,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXVII. Edinburgh, 4th May, 1842.
My dear Sir — The Conservatives have used us very ill,
but I have reason to beheve are now somewhat staggered
at the resolute and unbending front of the majority in the
Church. They flattered themselves that we would give in
rather than lose our endowraents ; and they find it a more
difficult problem than they had first counted on, now that
they are opening to the conviction of such a disruption, on
the event of their persevering in their present policy, as wiU
lead to the separation from the national Church of so many
hundreds of her best clergy as could, on the strength of their
respectability and influence, carry the great bulk of the pop
ulation along with them, and, resolving theraselves into a
Horae Mission, would take possession of the land.
We are now beginning to organize the country into Defense
Associations, that, if necessary to relinqm'sh our present in
comes, which of course would be left in possession of a Church
then Erastianized, we raay from their contributions obtain
such support as raight be raised for the Non-Erastian Church
of Scotland.
All, however, is yet in a state of uncertainty. Our Assem
bly begins to sit to-morrow fortnight. The appointraent of
the Marquess of Bute to be our commissioner is variously in-

404 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
terpreted. That the object of this arrangeraent is a special
one, there can be no doubt, as in usual tiraes the office is con
ferred on a poor nobleraan, whereas Lord Bute is possessed
of great influence and great wealth, and withal had earned
the gratitude of our Church by his raunificence in the cause
of church extension. Sorae are apprehensive that the object
is to conciliate so many as might convert the rainority into a
raajority on the side of Lord Aberdeen's bill with sorae plaus
ible modification. Let rae hope, on the other hand, that our
majority will reraain firm and unbroken ; and should such
be the result of their experiment, let me further hope that
the government will be wise enough to conclude that ours is
a position from which we are not to be driven, and that they
will desist from their attempts to force or to carry it.
This is the day in which the Scottish Church question
comes before the House of Commons. I ara, ray dear sir,
yours most gratefuUy and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CCXXVIIL Edinburgh, 28th July, 1843.
My dear Sir — I have this morning received your noble
benefaction of £1100. I last evening received a letter from
Mr. M'Millan, overflowing with gratitude to Mr. Johnstone
and yourself for the similar sum which he had just received
at your hands, and which at once places him in a state of
sufficiency and perfect ease. May the Giver of all grace
plentifully reward such sacrifices for the good of His cause
and His kingdom in the world.
We are to send out Dr. Cunningham and another on an
American mission. He may go soon enough to take this let
ter ; but if not, I shall send by him notes of introduction to
yourself and Mr. Johnstone, not that either of you shall add
to the princely donations which you have already bestowed
on us, but that you may confer the benefit of your informa
tion and advice in regard to the likeliest methods for the pros
ecution of their objects.

MR. LENOX 405

I rejoice in the liberty you have given as to the disclosure
of your name. I have no doubt whatever as to the great
expediency of raaking it kno-wn in the way of exaraple and
excitement to others ; and I shall feel it a great additional
favor if you release me from the tie of secrecy in regard to
your former benefactions, and raore especiaUy for that object
wherewith Dr. Mackay is connected.
I shall instruct Dr. Cunningham to take out aU the docu
ments which might furnish you with the information of our
doings. Our Financial Committee has now begun to issue a
Monthly Statement, and there is an article furnished by my
self to its second number, entitled " The Increasing Pros
perity, yet Increasing Difficulties of the Free Church," which
will at once let you perceive the great iraportance both of
what you have done for Mr. M'MUlan and of your second
donation, that to the General Fund being aUotted to the
building of churches rather than to the sustentation of min
isters. I shaU be delighted to meet with the artist when he ar
rives, and wUl be most happy to give him the sittings which
he requires of me.
I am sure it wUl gratify you to hear that the ministrations
of our Free-Church clergyracn are palpably becoming more
powerful and spiritual than they were. May God prosper
His own cause by the instrumentaUty of these devoted and
self-denying men.
The Moderates are carrying it with a high hand. In ray
own parish (Morningside) they have ejected the minister from
his quoad sacra church, and the service has been carried on
in my own house for three Sabbaths to a congregation one
day of toward four hundred people ; while in the residuary
there were by aU sorts of forced appliances about one hund
red and fifty, rapidly dwindUng, and now, I believe, short
of a hundred. We are to have a tent during autumn, and
expect to have our church built by the beginning of winter.
I beg that you wiU convey the expression of my grateful

406 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
regards, and the assurance of my earnest prayers for the two
unknown friends who have supplemented so handsomely both
the Kirkcudbright and the general donation. I ever am, my
dear sir, yours most gratefuUy and cordially, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CCXXIX. Edinburgh, 24th February, 1844.
My dear Sir — I return you my moSt cordial thanks for the
munificent offering of £1250 frora the First Presbyterian con
gregation in New York. You say nothing as to the destina
tion of it, and I shall therefore leave that undecided till the
next General Asserably — raaking it depend on the then state
of our funds whether it will go to sustentation or building.
I ara affected by your observation that we shaU never raeet
in this world. Few things would afford me greater pleasure
than the quiet of a few weeks, were I permitted to enjoy it,
under your hospitable roof. I beg that you will present ray
best and raost grateful regards to the Misses Lenox ; and in
the hope of raeeting both you and thera in heaven, believe
me ever, my dear sir, yours most truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXX.
Edinburgh, 7th October, 1844.
My dear Sir — I lose not a raoraent in acknowledging your
munificent donation of £200 in aid of our proceedings in the
West Port. I shall not annoy you by the expression of that
gratitude which I most intensely feel. May the prayer of
Saint Paul, in 2 Corinthians, ix., 6-15, be fully accomplished
upon you and yours. In a few days I trust that we shaU be
able to prepare a narrative, with a few^ extracts from our
more recent minutes, respecting our operations in the West
Port, and by which you will be enabled to know what has
been done and is doing in that locality. It seeras to be ex
citing very considerable attention in this part of the country ;

MR. LENOX. 407

and for myself, I look upon it to be of such paramount import
ance, that I mean to confine my efforts to the prosecution of
the experiment.
Let me crave a part and an interest in your prayers I
have long wished that my last decade, that is, from the age
of sixty to seventy, should be a Sabbatical one — a season of
peace and piety. Four years of that decade have now passed
away ; and, instead of retirement and repose, it has been with
me a period of bustle and of manifold engrossments. But
there is a Providence in these things in which it is our be
coming part to acquiesce ; and I think it will gratify you to
know that your various communications, charged as they have
ever been with aU that is kind, and genial, and refreshing,
have ever operated as cordials to soothe and to sustain me
amid, the discouragements and the conflicts of an arduous
warfare. Ever believe me, ray dear sir, yours most grate
fully and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXXI. Edinburgh, 30th December, 1844.
My dear Sir — I !iave requested my secretary for the West
Port to draw up a narrative of our proceedings there. I
should like, in fact, to send you quarterly reports from that
very interesting locality — at the bottom of the scale it is said
both in respect of depravity and destitution, and therefore all
the fitter as the field of an experiment for trying the efficacy
of educational and moral influences. I do hope that you will
look upon the narrative as bearing evidence to a satisfactory
progress, for which, however, I desire humbly to acknowledge
my entire dependence on the Giver of all grace. There are
some with whom I can not sympathize, who undervalue all
raechanisra in the enterprises of Christian usefulness, and tell
us of the Spirit as the alone agent of all that is really good.
There are others again, whose faith stops short at the sec
ondary, and who despise as fanatical the doctrine of a spirit"
ual influence. The way to adjust this difference is not to

408 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
conflict these two eleraents, but to compound them. The
Spirit does all, but through an instrumentality to which the
Bible guides us ; and it were well if we could so combine
matters as to work the instrumentality with aU diligence, yet
pray for grace from on high with all earnestness. If we neg
lect the former, nothing will be done ; if we neglect the lat
ter, an impressive raockery awaits all the confidence of huraan
activity, and all the proud decrees and anticipations of huraan
wisdora. I should feel it a great favor if you or any of yom- friends
would present rae with your views on Araerican slavery — a
subject on which I ara raost anxious to be directed aright,
detesting as I do slavery in all its forms ; ' yet not prepared
for those impetuous raeasures for which the ultras on both
sides of the Atlantic are vociferating so loudly. I feel the
greatest value for your kindness in having obtained Dr. Alex
ander's deliverance on Dr. Anderson's works. Perhaps you
could do rae a similar service on this subject of slavery, on
which I should like if I could make up my mind by the be
ginning of April. I ever am, my dear sir, yours very affec
tionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXXIL Edinburgh, 21st April, 1845.
My dear Sir — I feel exceedingly obliged by your valuable
and raost interesting stateraents on the subject of Araerican
slavery. My growing infirraities and the weight of other en
gagements have determined rae to give up the duties hence
forth of a raeraber to our General Asserably, else I should
have taken part in the discussions which will certainly take
place in May. But as I ara in some degree pledged to make
some manifestation of my views upon the question, I propose
to prepare next week a letter for publication on the subject
in one of the newspapers. Meanwhile, I shall derive the
greatest aid from your representations, without, of course, com
mitting you in the least by any formal notice of them. Our

MR. LENOX. 409

views are substantially the same, else I would never have
written such a letter to Dr. Smyth, of Charleston, as I did,
and upon which Lewis Tappan, on your side of the water,
has coraraented so outrageously.
I received the other day from America the last Report of
the Foreign Board of Missions. I^jbserve that the abolition
ists have been trying to extortirom thera a declaration against
slavery. ReaUy this is quite intolerable, that they must thus
insist on binding up and implicating their undoubted good
thing with aU the other good things that are going on in the
world, and fasten the burden of their cause upon every other,
when in faut, on every principle of good tactics and'the right
division of employment, each cause speeds infinitely better
when prosecuted separately and upon its ovi^n distinct merits.
I do hope that this obtrusive and ever-meddling impertinence
of theirs wiU have an effectual check laid upon it. It is raost
provoking, and on no account more so than that it impedes
the very object which their own hearts are set upon, but
which the hearts of others, as zealous and only wiser than
they, are as much and as honestly set upon as theirs are. 1
ever am, my dear sir, yours most gratefuUy and cordiaUy,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. cccxxxin.
Edinburgh, 15th July, 1845.
My dear Sir — I will not annoy you by the expressions of
my gratitude for the raunificence by which you have conferred
such faciUties and enlargements on our operations in the
West Port. If I evinced any feeling of restraint in making
our necessities known to you, it proceeded from no distrust in
your wUlingness to give, but, on the contrary, from the feeling
that it is ungenerous to take advantage of the weU-known
liberaUty of those whose previous benefactions have exposed
them to demands and expectations from all points of the cora
pass. There is a species of rapacity, I could almost caU it
harpyism, even among professing Christians, which has often
V. S

410 CORRESPONDENCE OF 1>R. CHALMERS.
scandalized me, and which discovers itself by a universal set
in from all sides on the raan who is at all signalized by his
past liberaUties. I think that the proper reaction were all
the greater delicacy and reserve toward him who had already
done and expended so much upon the cause,
I admire exceedingly tho Report of your Assembly on the
subject of slavery — done, I thmk, -with admirable tact and
wisdom. I very much Uke, too, the deliverance of our own
Asserably (May, 1845) on the same question, and confidently
hope that you will approve of it. In regard to my letter, it
appeared in the " Witness" about the end of April ; and had
I not thought that you would have seen it there, I should
have instantly forwarded a copy to you.* Lest, however,
this may not be the case, I have sent orders to Mr. Macpher-
son to copy it over for you, and send it in his own handwrit
ing. I do hope that all the ultraism to which we have been
hitherto exposed is set at rest, and that the great cause of an
ultimate abolition of slavery will speed all the faster and all
the surer in consequence.
And now, my dear sir, raay I beg that you will now begin
to cherish the purpose of a visit to Scotland next summer,
that your determination may be formed in time, and that we
may be apprized of the month when we may look for your
arrival. It will give both myself and Mrs. Chalraers the
greatest pleasure to receive you and the Misses Lenox under
our roof; and, if God be pleased to spare us, I shall have
rauch to say and perhaps something to show on the methods
of Christian philanthropy. Pew things would so deUght me
as the forraation of a personal acquaintance with you. We
think it possible that Jacob Abbott, now of your city, may be
a sojourner in Edinburgh for some tirae next suramer; and
with you as our guest, and him as our frequent visitor, I
should expect much Ught to be thrown on the comparative
ecclesiastical systems of Britain and America. But his com
ing is an uncertainty; and do not therefore, I implore you,
* See Memoirs, vol. iv.. Appendix, p. 581-591.

MR. LENOX. 411

suspend your movement upon his. Yours with the utmost
esteem and cordiality, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXXIV. Edinburgh, 20th October, 1845.
My dear Sir — I avail myself of the duarterly Report for
October to add a few sentences. Your welcome letter of the
26th ult. carae to me sorae days ago ; and I have detained
this for a few days in the hope that I raight be able to an
nounce the arrival of your pamphlet on the instruction of
slaves in the South. It has not yet, however, made its ap
pearance. I received,~however, by the same post which
brought your letter to rae, the deUverance of the American
Foreign Board of Missions, and I think it a remarkably wise
and well-weighed decision which they have come to, and
quite of a piece with the high character of that most intelli
gent and enUghtened body. I ever am, my dear sir, yours
with the greatest esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CCXXXV.
Edinburgh, 17th December, 1845.
My very dear Sm — The pamphlet respecting the relig
ious instruction of the negroes in the South reached me some
time ago. It delights me to find that so much is doing ;
and I do hope that, instead of having to report only a frac
tional good, we shall hear shortly of a moveraent toward a
universal Christian education of the colored tribes in these
states; I along with your letter yesterday received two pa
pers, sent rae, I bdieve, on account of Lord Leonard Wood's
views on the question of slavery. He seems to have taken
a sound view, and to have arrived at a right and well-weigh
ed deliverance upon the subject. I feel confident that the
abolition of slavery is far likelier to corae soon by acting on
these calmer and more comprehensive surveys of the matter
in all its bearings, than on the extreme views of the ultra

412 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
abolitionists. I can assure you that the direction which this
business has taken elevates greatly, in ray estimation, the
wisdom and force of principle which appear to pervade, in
general, the ecclesiastical mind and philanthropic public of
America. May the Giver of aU grace pour His richest blessings upon
you and yours.
With affectionate regards for the Misses Lenox, I ever am,
my dear sir, yours very gratefully, and with the utraost esteem
and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CCXXXVI. Edinburgh, September, 1846.
My very dear Sir — I observe, and with the greatest sat
isfaction, your growing sense of the spiritual destitution which
obtains among the working-classes of your own land, or the
great bulk and body of your coramon 'people — the very ira
pression which I received thirty years ago from ray first ob
servations of the state of Glasgow, and on which I have been
incessantly acting and arguing ever since. There is indeed
a very great delusion araong those who, satisfied with a su
perficial and rapid survey of the ecclesiastical state of a coun
try in the nuraber of churches, and the bustle of a full and
crowded attendance on the raost popular and prosperous of
these, infer a sufficiency in the raeans and methods of Chris
tian education for the coraraunity at large. I am very con
fident, that the raore rainutdy and statistically the raatter is
inquired into, the raore certainly will it be found that your
own Araerica, like our own Britain, labors under the bur
den of a population raiserably deficient in respect to all the
observances of a Christian land. I see no remedy for the
practical heathenism into which they have fallen, but a vig
orous appliance of the territorial system, along with the indis
pensable grace from on high. I should rejoice in observing
your liberality taking its direction toward the supply of your
spiritual necessities at horae ; knowing, as I do, that they are

MR. LENOX. 413

such as might well absorb the means, not only of one, but of
many Christian philanthropists, however richly gifted with
the blessings of abundance they might be. I repeat, that I
should feel it a most selfish and unjustifiable thing on my
part, should I continue to divert your attention from what I
hold to be far the most profitable and fruitful direction to
which you can betake yourself.
I expect to send you a pamphlet which I recently published
on the Evangelical AUiance. I had great pleasure in raeet
ing with so raany of the Araerican brethren on their way to
London. I should like to know your views upon this subject.
Do you happen to know Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Spring, and
Miss Fuller, all of New York ? — they were recently with me.
Douglas the slave, and Lloyd Garrison, have recently come
to Edinburgh and opened their batteries on the Free Church,
which I trust, on the other hand, will stand its ground against
thera. I will not relinquish the hope, and never can give' up the
desire of seeing you in this country. I rejoice that we are
still at peace with Araerica. Your reraarks on a deviation
from orthodox theology being slight enough at first not to en
danger salvation, but diverging at length into deadly error,
are of first-rate importance. With best regards to the Misses
Lenox, I ever am, my dear sir, yours raost cordially and grate
fully, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXXVII. Edinburgh, 28th October, 1846.
My very dear Sir — I will not atterapt any adequate ut
terance or expression of ray gratitude for your letter of the
8th, because I know well that this is not the return which
you have much, if any, value for. But I feel sure that a
better return, and one by which you will be far better pleased,
is the simple information that you have enabled me to meet
every existing engageraent, and so got me out of all my dif
ficulties. I have no need at present for raore raoney frora

414 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
you ; and I have the confident hope besides, that I shall be
enabled to proceed in all time coming on home resources
alone. At the sarae time, it is altogether due to the unex
ampled generosity of your whole treatment of me, to let you
frankly know, that should I require it, I shall unreservedly
make the stateraent to you of ray wants, though I must again
couple this with the announcement of my expectation that
the Christian philanthropy on this side of the water (now
raore alive to the efficacy of our territorial proceedings), vidll,
as it ought, meet every fair demand which I shall make
upon it.
It may perhaps interest you to know, that of the money re
ceived, which includes all your own most munificent dona
tions, I got £300 frora a lady, and four or five single hund
reds frora as raany individuals. Lord Jeffrey, the celebra
ted Edinburgh reviewer, is one of these, who takes a most
friendly interest in our doings. I had many donors of £50,
£20, £10, &c., &c. And what to rae was extreraely grat
ifying, upward of two hundred subscriptions from the West
Port itself ranging from the smallest copper coin (half a far
thing) to £2.
Do tell the Misses Lenox, with my affectionate regards,
that I will not let go the hope of yet seeing them and you in
Scotland. But let us never cease to pray, and to prepare for
taking up our residence in that eternal city whose builder
and maker is God. May He who is now employed in pre
paring a place for us, prepare us for the place. I was very
much interested by a recent letter of yours on the new the
ology. The old is better. May it come to us not in word
only, but in power. Mrs. Chalraers joins with me in kindest
regards. I ever am, my dear sir, yours with highest esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CC CXXXVIII. Edinburgh, 2d January, 1847.
My dear Sir — You will observe from my last letter, that

MR. LENOX. 415

I very gladly and gratefully accept of your kind proposal as
to the additional payments which place me on sk high vant
age-ground for the fuU establishment of our system.
Lord Jeffrey's offering was not in homage to the Free
Church, but because of the general merits of our cause, as
associated with the enUghtenment and moralization of the
people. I called on him the other day. He is indeed a very
amiable and engaging person, and one of the best specimens
I know of the natural man, with great respecjt, too, for Chris
tianity, even in its most serious and evangeUcal form. Heaven
grant that it may ripen ere he dies into a personal and sav
ing faith.* With most eordial and Christian regards to the
Misses Lenox, ever bdieve me, my- dear sir, yours most af
fectionately and with greatest esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXXXIX.— To Dr. D. Stebbins, Northampton,
Massachusetts. Edinburgh, 30tk May, 1844.
My dear and venerable Friend — I can not adequately
express the interest which I feel in the relie of Edwards,
which you have had the goodness to bestow upon me. Him
1 have long esteemed as the greatest of theologians, corabin-
* 24 Moray Place, Saturday evening, 17th November, 1847.^
Reverend and dear Sir — 1 intrusted my subscription entirely to the
discretion of Dr. Chalmers, and can n,ot have the least objection to its
now being disposed of as may seem best to the trustees who have been
honored by his confidence, and are following out his instructions.
I have been very much touched and gratified by what you are kind
enough to inform me as to the degree of indulgence and favor with
which that great and good raan was pleased, in the large benignity of
his nature, to regard my humble efforts in the great cause to which
his life was devoted, and can truly say that I .still cherish his memory
with the sincerest love and veneration.
lam much struck with the appeal in behalf of tho Holy rood Church,
which you inclose for my consideration, and beg leave to annex a
check for a small sum as a contribution for its completion. I have
the honor to be, dear sir, your obliged and faithful, &e., &c.
To the Rev. W. Hanna. F. Jeffrey.

416 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ing, in a degree that is quite unexampled, the profoundly in
tellectual with the devotedly spiritual and sacred, and real
izing in his own person a most rare, yet most beautiful har
raony between the simplicity of the Christian pastor, on the
one hand ; and on the other, all the strength and prowess of
a giant in philosophy, so as at once to minister from Sabbath
to Sabbath, and with most blessed effect, to the hearers of
his plain congregation ; and yet, on the high field of author
ship to have traveled, in a way that none had ever done be
fore him, the most inaccessible places, and achieved such a
mastery as had never till his time been realized over- the
most arduous difficulties of our science.
There is no European divine to whom I make such frequent
appeals in ray class-room as I do to Edwards — no book of
human composition which I raore strenuously recommend
than his " Treatise on the Will," read by me forty-seven
years ago, with a conviction that has never since faltered,
and which has helped rae, more than any other uninspired
book, to find ray way through all that raight otherwise have
proved baffling and transcendental, and raystrarious in the pe
culiarities of Calvinism.
You wiU not wonder, then, at my value for the memorial
which, through ray friend Dr. Cunningham, you have put into
my hands. I wUl place it beside the autograph sermon of
Edwards, which I received from his grandson, Mr. Dwight,
a good many years ago, and which, along with the autograph
in ray possession of Brainerd and the Missionary Elliot, I
cherish as the raost precious of my Uterary treasures.
It is my earnest prayer, venerable father and friend, that
yours raay be an evening of piety and peace, and that the
raanifestations of light and love frora the upper sanctuary
raay descend upon your soul, so that while drawing near to
death you may be ripening for eternity.
But whatever your experiences raay be, and they are ex
ceedingly -s-arious even with the most experienced Christians,
may you at all times be enabled from looking inwardly upon

REV. DR. MERLE D'AUBIGNE. 417
yourself to look upwardly and outwardly on the great object
of revelation — the Sun of Righteousness — so that, like an
eminent countryman of yours, when asked on his death-bed
about his frames and feelings, you might be enabled to raake
the constant and confident reply — " that there is mercy with
God in Christ Jesus." I ever ara, ray dear sir, yours raost
cordially and gratefully, Thoma* Chalmers.
No. CCCXL.— To the Rev. Dr. Merle d'Aubigne.
Edinburgh, 24!A March, 1845.
My very dear Sir — Excuse ray employing an amanuen
sis, which is better for you, as I have a very Ulegible hand
writing, which, in conjunction with my English, raight make
it all the raore difficult for your perusal.
I very much rejoice in having heard from you. I have
been meditating a letter to you for months, to intiraate the
eager expectancy of the Christian public here for your fourth
volume, and also to comraunicate with you on the all-import
ant subject of Christian union. But I do hope we shall have
the pleasure of meeting with you in Edinburgh, when we can
talk at large over both these subjects.
Before addressing myself to your special inquiries, let me
first state the high sense I have of the Christian and theolog
ical importance of your work on the Reformation. It is not
of its interest as an historical record that I alone speak ; but,
over and above this, I have read no didactic or even devo
tional huraan work more fitted to impress upon the reader
the precious doctrine of justification by faith, or endear to him
what was so dear to the mind of Luther — the sentiment of
" The Lord our righteousness."
I rejoice in the commenceraent of our correspondence.
May the Giver of aU grace pour on you and yours His best
blessings ; and let me entreat you to beheve me, my very dear
sir, yours with the utmost esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
S2

418 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CCCXLL— To the Rev. Dr. Merle d'Aubigne.
Morningside, 3d June, 1845.
My very dear Sir — You asked me to point out the most
interesting objects for a small western excursion from Glas
gow. It delights me to hear that our moderator, who is far
better acquainted with the localities of that region than my
self is willing personally to undertake your guidance through
Argyleshire, and to one or two of our most interesting islands.
I should have liked that, as an ecclesiastical historian, you
could have seen St. Andrews, the ancient ecclesiastical rae
tropolis of Scotland, and seat of our Scottish E/eformation, and
I do hope that you will make out lona, the place of the great
St. Columbus, and noted as a religious asylum from very an
cient times.
It would have gladdened ray heart could I have accom
panied you ; but I confess myself to be fairly worn out, and,
after my exertion in Glasgow on Sunday, will stand urgently
in need of repose.
I need not say how much both yourself and Madame D'Au
bigne have grown upon the affections of us all. My own
family, in particular, have the utraost desire for intercourse
with you both, and should indeed rejoice in it as a great priv
ilege could we obtain a quiet day or two of your and her so
ciety in the charming retreat of Fairley, in Ayrshire. The
lady whose house we occupy there (Miss M'Call) desires us
to invite you ; and ray four daughters, whora you have not
seen, and who are there before us, have been put into a state
of greatest expectancy ; and I feel assured that raatters could
be so arranged as to fall in with your other raovements, and
secure you needful rest as well as expedite your journey.
There is nothing I would more prize than leisurely and un
interrupted converse with you for as long a time as you can
possibly spare. I ever ara, my dearest sir, yours with the ut
most esteem and regard, Thomas Chalmers.

REV. DR. MERLE D'AUBIGNll. 419

No. CCCXLII. — To the Rev. Dr. Merle d'Aubigne.
Edinburgh, 7th February, 1846.
My very dear Sir — I should have repUed to yours of the
1 9th of January sooner ; but I can not regret the delay, for
only a few minutes ago has your new volume been put into
my hands, and I have just read its noble preface, so well fit
ted to silence and to shame all adversaries. My faraily are
now devouring it, and I expect myself to achieve its perusal
in a few days. I have already seen sorae of the proof-sheets,
and was rauch pleased with the spirited and impressive style
of the translation.
Many thanks to you, my dear sir, for your deeply affecting
details on the subject ofyour mother's death. They forcibly
reminded rae of ray own mother's death, which took place in
February, 1827. She died in thfe triumphs of the faith.
I observe that the Vaudois Free Church is not without its
perplexities, especially on the subject of a confession. We
may get involved in difficulties, too, on the question of the
Evangelical Alliance, about which some of our Presbytery are
beginning to make a stir. It wiU not be the knowledge that
puffeth up, but the charity which edifieth, that will practi
cally resolve this question.
I beg my best regards to Madame D'Aubigne, in which all
our faraily most cordially join. May I beg that you will also
offer ray friendly and respectful acknowledgraents to Monsieur
Gaussen. I read with great interest the opening of your
winter session. I ever ara, my dear sir, yours with great es
teem and affection, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXLIII. — To the Rev. Dr. Merle d'Aubigne.
Edinburgh, 14th February, 1846.
My dear Sir — I have now finished the reading of your
fourth volurae, and can not sufficiently express my interest
and admiration. In point of narrative, I believe that the lat
ter half of it will prove the more attractive to the general

420 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
public. The Swiss Reformation was very rauch unknown
in its details to the people of tKis country, and I never was
more riveted in my life to any book than- when engaged in
the perusal of it.
But whUe the latter half of your volume isjfull of interest
on the subject of the Church's spiritual independence, and
the danger of mixing up the secular with the spiritual, I
should hold that the former half of your volurae will be stUl
raore prized by theologians. The Confession of Augsburg,
and the conference between Luther and Zwingle at Marburg,
are truly splendid and memorable passages. Go on and pros
per, ray dear sir, and be assured that your present volurae,
with the anticipations which it holds out as to the subject of
the one that comes next, will raise very high the interest and
the expectancy of the British public.
My very best regards to Madame D'Aubigne, in which, as
well as in regards to yourself, one and all of ray faraily raost
heartily join. I ever am, my dear sir, yours with the utmost
regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCOXLIV.— To Miss Brewster.
Anstruther, 19th May, 1845.
My dear Miss Brewster — I can not take leave of this
place, which I quit in an hour or two, without conveying to
you the expression of ray very sincere regret in not having
had the good fortune to raeet with you on Saturday. The
disappointraent was all the more cruel that you left only a
few minutes after our arrival, when we found that you had
got quite beyond our reach.
I can not express in an adequate manner the interest I felt
in my conversation with Sir David on Thursday. I know
well how alive you are to the moral glories that irradiate a
Church or a nation ; and I do hope that you are not insens
ible to the glories even of the raaterial heavens, which now
beam upon us in larger and brighter revelation than ever ;
and in proportion to which I think our conceptions should rise

MRS. WILLIAMSON. 421
of that spiritual economy under which we sit, both being un
der the control and comprehensive government of Him who
sits aloft frora view, and gives birth, and raoveraent, and coun
tenance to all things.
It is my fondest-hope and prayer that both of us shall have
an interest and a part in the yet undeveloped blessedness of
that high and holy administration.
With kindest regards to Sir David and Lady Brewster, ever
believe me, my dear madam, yours affectionately and truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CO CXLV.— To Miss Brewster.
19 York Place, 28th May, 1845.
My dear Miss Brewster — I can imagine nothing more
monstrous than the stupidity into which I fear I must have
fallen, if it was really you who sat near the moderator's chair
this evening, and on whom I speculated in ray own mind for
hours as one whom I ought to have known. It is far the
most mortifying instance, though very many such have oc
curred, of my utter want of the organ of individuality ; but I
never could have fancied it possible that it ever could have
happened in the case of one in whom (forgive rae for saying
it) I feel so much interest.
It would comfort me effectuaUy if you would have the good
ness to let me know where and when it is that I may have
the pleasure of waiting upon you. Ever believe me, my very
dear madam, yours most affectionately and truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXLVL— To Mrs. Williamson.
Edinburgh, 21st May, 1845.
My dear Mrs. Williamson — I must not suffer myself to
plunge into other scenes and occupations without making the
grateful acknowledgment of all your kindness to rae during
the happy days I spent under your hospitable roof Mr.
Mackenzie most cordially joins me in this feding ; and we

422 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
both agree in this, that we never spent a week where, both
within doors and without, there was so much to regale and
to gratify, and that without so much as one taint or particle
of alloy from the beginning to the end of it. I can not ade
quately express the enjoyraent I felt both in the revival of
the images and recoUections of other days, and in the unex-
cepted cordiality and good-wiU of ray feUow citizens.
I have had particular satisfaction in Mr. Ferric. I think
that all his appearances, both in public and private, were in
the highest degree creditable ; and I no longer wonder at the
general good liking felt for him by the families of Anster.
We have been reading his account of our Fife excursion, and
there is a great deal of good feeUng in it, as weU as lively de
scription. Will you tell hira how much we were all amused
at the reference which he made to the palmy days of ray
boyhood ? He has misnaraed, however, my old friend Lizzy
Geens. I had forgot that she was adverted to by Mr. Ten
nant. I trust that we raay see Dr. WilUamson on our side of the
water before he leaves Burntisland ; and it is my earnest
hope and prayer that he raay be long spared to you. May
the Giver of all grace pour the richest spiritual blessings on
you and yours. I was rauch delighted with the manifest ira
proveraent that has taken place in the spirits of the people,
and in the relish felt by so many of them for sacred things.
May there be a descent of living water frora above on aU the
households of the town and neighborhood. Ever believe rae,
my dear madara, yours raost affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXLVIL— To Miss Marshall, Glasgow.
Fairley, 17th June, 1845.
My dear Miss Marshall — It is a precious effect of a few
days' doraestioation in a house that it draws so much closer
one's intimacy with all its inraates ; and I have a very great
value for the revival that has thus taken place of our old ac-

CHARLES SPENCE, ESQ. 423
quaintanceship with your household, as well as the formation
of a new acquaintanceship with the younger members of the
famUy. Every additional opportunity I have of observing Mr.
Buchanan and his doings enhances all the raore the esteem
I have ever felt for his Christian worth and patriotism.
Should you see Miss Watson, will you have the goodness
to let her know that I ara quite ashamed of having had so
imperfect a recollection of her so long as we were together in
your house ? But Mrs. Chalmers has refreshed my decaying
raemory ; and I can now recognize her as the daughter of
that kind, cordial, and raost respectable old lady, who, though
a Dissenter, looked raost benignantly on the good Churchmen
who differed from her. But what is stiU more interesting to
me, she is the sister of George Watson, whom I visited on
his death-bed, and whose case I have often quoted as one of
the most deUghtful I had, ever witnessed, of one who, on the
stepping-stone of a simple faith, attained to a clear and con
fident sense of a reconcUed God, and the assured prospect,
through Christ, of a blessed immortality.
With best regards to Mr. and Miss Buchanan and your two
nephews, ever believe rae, my dear madam, yours very affec
tionately and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXLVIIL— To Charles Spence, Esq.
Morningside, 26th January, 1846
My dear Sir — Though I am not able to attend your pub
lic raeeting on the 30th, you know that I feel no want of in
terest in its object. The truth is, that I look on the Chris-
tianization, I wiU not say of the poor only, but of the general
population, as the highest cause of our day— the enterprise
which, with the aid and countenance of Divine grace from
above, will be prolific of the greatest blessings to the greatest
number of our fellow-men.
I do hope that your labors will have the effect of laying
more open to the public observation the fearful destitution
which prevails of all adequate means and adequate methods

424 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS
for the religious instruction, and so for the social, the moral,
and the spiritual well-being of countless thousands, I should
even say of the great mass of our city families. May the
minds of raen be raade raore alive to the urgent necessity of
soraething being done far raore effectual than has ever yet
been attempted, at least on a large scale, or than has yet
been scarcely thought of. And be assured that I shall re
joice in it as of one of the best results attendant on your pres
ent eflbrt, should it have the effect of uniting in one coraraon
work of Christian charity the wise and the good of all de
norainations. I have particularly to thank you for your kind expressions
and good wishes in reference to my own more limited doings
in the West Port. You know ray partialities for the local
system, and have been made aware of my belief that, for a
thoroughly pervading operation, the whole territory should be
broken up into districts, each sraall enough to be undertaken
by a distinct and separate agency of its own — a systera of
operation this which I think should be encouraged to the ut
terraost. I ara, therefore, glad to find that in the operations
of the City Mission this principle has been so far proceeded
on, and should rejoice if, by the extension of your resources,
you were enabled to carry it forward, even till you have
reached the desirable consuraraation. Meanwhile, if by the
assumption of successive districts on the part of myself and
others, your present field shall be so encroached upon as to
leave a continually decreasing remainder in your hands, I ara
sure you will find that the diminution of extent will be ara
ply repaired by the comfort and the efficacy of a more in
tense concentration. It is thus that the local and the gen
eral raight be raade to work most beautifully into each other's
hands ; and there is nothing which I more desiderate than a
combination of that union and authority which are secured
by the latter, with the activity and busy interest, and thorough
operation that can only be secured by means of the former.
While I have thankfully to express my acknowledgment

CHARLES SPENCE, ESQ. 425
for the friendly countenance and repeated civilities of the
City Mission frora the very coraraencement on the West Port,
allow me again to thank you for your present friendly allusion
to it. I ever am, my dear sir, yours with great regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXLIX.— To Charles Spence, Esq.
Morningside, 26th January, 1846.
My dear Sir — My letter to you was prepared before I re
ceived your note requesting that I should address it to the
lord provost. On this and on other grounds I greatly pre
fer addressing it to yourself Of course the whole of it wiU
be read, as I wish my testimony in favor of the Local System
to be raade as distinct and as public as my testiraony in fa
vor of the City Mission. It is well to have begun with the
one, but I hope it will end with the other. — yours being the
way in which you have nobly taken the lead, and ours being
the ultimate landing-place. I am, my dear sir, yours very
truly, Tjhomas Chalmers.
No. COOL. — To Charles Spence, Esq.
Morningside, 28ih February, 1846.
My dear Sir — My experience hitherto of general bodies
of superintendence raakes me afraid of them, lest, in the first
instance, they should be satisfied with a superficial instead
of a thorough operation, which, I believe, can only be effected
by distinct district agencies ; and lest, in the second instance,
they should, by a system of rules and forras, with the view
of harraonizing all, lay an incubus upon each. I could not
join in such a corabination but on the principle that the
poorest of the poor should be as rauch looked after, and be as
fully provided with the raeans of Gospel instruction as the
raiddle and upper classes in society. And therefore I hold
that a system which would stop short and be satisfied with
any provision beneath schools for all and churches for all, is
but an apology for the thing, and not the thing itself

426 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
At the same time, I ara not insensible to the good of some
sort of general surveillance, if it did not too much interfere
with the independence and sovereignty that each district
manageraent should have over its own processes. For ex
araple, would they atterapt only to aid and encourage, with
out aught like jurisdiction or control, I- should think that
great good might be effected by such an overseership as this.
Suppose they were to coUect a general fund for the purpose
of aiding and supplementing the local funds raised in behalf
of those districts whose management and whose objects they
approved of this would stimulate and extend the system of lo
cal cultivation without any of those hamperments and corapU-
cations which I have hitherto so abundantly experienced as
the fruit of ray connection with general directorships. Were
such a system adopted, I think we should all hand in the re
ports of our proceedings and progress to you, and if we need
ed raoney, should apply to you, which of course you would
only give if you approved of our doings. I can imagine too,
that in course of time we raight thus feel our way to a greater
harmony of action than we ought to attempt laying down at
the outset by authoritative rules.
Be assured that I ara utterly raisunderstood, if these views
are conceived to have in thera the least of sectarianism. It
is with rae a pure question of what may be called spiritual
tactics, or the most effectual method of pervading our plebe
ian families with the lessons and influences of the Gospel.
So Uttle of a sectarian ara I, that I look on the distinction
between Presbyterianism and Independency, or even between
your adult and our pedobaptisra, as a downright bagatelle
when compared with the moral and Christian good of the
population. My experimental feeUng is, that it is irapossible
to act with any degree of corafort or efficacy when overborne
by the restraints of a curabrous and unwieldy committeeship.
You mistake me if you think I do not want some such general
supervision as I have now described, I fear, very imperfectly.
I should rejoice if under its canopy, but without being subject

M. DESCOMBAZ. 427

to its control, all the evangelical denominations of Edinburgh
could be brought out to this great and good work. I beUeve
that nothing would tend raore rapidly and surely to the forraa
tion of a real union araong us than our being thus engaged
in similar works, yet raeeting together upon the occasion of
your general meetings, and there provoking each other to love
and to all that is good. I am, my dear sir, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLI. — Letter to M, Descombaz, Lausanne.
Edinburgh, 28(A February,^1846.
My dear Sir — I can assure you it is from no want of
sympathy in your great cause that I have not written sooner,
but from extreme occupation — and occupation, let rae add,
greatly beyond ray strength and tirae satisfactorily to over
take. Though I should not write much, then, or should not
write often, I beg you will put the right interpretation upon
if, and ascribe it to any thing rather than an indifference
either to the magnitude of your wrongs or the nobleness of
those pure and high principles by which you are actuated.
The same reasons which have compelled rae to retire from
the public business of our own Church, have also made it nec
essary for me greatly to lirait the work of correspondence.
Every thing, in fact, which involves in it additional effort, or
the withdrawraent of ray raind frora raore immediate duties
and cares, I must now devolve on abler and younger raen.
But while I have thus to state, and I do it with extrerae
regret and reluctance, the utter irapossibility of complying
with your wishes for a regular or frequent correspondence,
I can not, even within the liraits of this necessarily brief com
munication, refrain from adverting to tiie difficult, as well as
high and honorable distinction of the position in which you
now stand ; and it is ray earnest prayer that, by grace and
guidance frora above, you raight be enabled to raaintain it.
It were well if all Christians but knew how to combine the
utmost dependence on God with the utmost diligence in the

428 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
busy use and employraent of raeans, and so as to reconcUe
the wisdom of piety with the wisdora of experience. Other
wise, under the guise of trusting in God, there might be a
tempting of God ; and therefore let me urge with all earnest
ness upon your consideration the necessity of speedily adopt
ing such methods as might best conduce, with the Divine
blessing, to the stability and extension of yourPree Church.
You raay have heard the saying of our raissionary ElUot, who
labored for years, and with such marvelous success, among
the American Indians : He did not trust to prayer without
performance, neither did he trust to performance without
prayer — ^he -wa.s super-eminent in both ; and as the fruit of
the experience of a whole lifetime, he left behind him the
memorable lesson, that it was in the power of prayer and of
pains, through faith in Christ Jesus, to do any thing. What
I should regard, then, as the first and firraest guarantee for
the prosperity and strength of your Free Church, were the
growth and effusion of serious, spiritual religion and vital
godliness araong your rainisters and congregations. This is
the object which, of all others, is mightily to be labored and
mightily to be prayed for. No organization, however skill
fully devised, will supply the want of this. The best of all
machinery requires to be worked ; for the attainment of its
end, to be rightly and well worked. Behold then the limits
of human ingenuity and power. We can set up the frame
work and mechanism of a church, but we are wholly de
pendent on the Spirit of God for the men, and should there
fore pray without ceasing to the Lord of the harvest, that He
might send forth unto His harvest laborers, according to His
own heart, who might feed his people with knowledge and
spiritual understanding. But both are best. We must not
neglect the rearing of a right terrestrial apparatus below ;
because without a celestial influence from above, it were the
mere barren architecture of a church with none of that liv
ing spirit which should actuate, and which can alone give
efficacy to all its services. It is most true that, except the

M. DESCOMBAZ. 429

Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it ; but
this should not discharge the builders from their work — a
work to which they should put forth their hands with all dil
igence while looking for the indispensable grace from on
high, without which all the wisdom of man is but foolish
ness, and all the work of raan is but as labor in the fire, and
for very naught.
March 1th. — I had got thus far when I was obliged to
suspend this whole coraraunication for a whole week by the
pressure of other business, and that pressure still continues ;
nor have I any hope of being relieved from it for an indefin
ite tirae. I am unwilling, however, to delay any longer the
answering of your letter, and can only now assure you of my
readiness to obtain all the information which our experience
raight enable us to collect, and which raight be of use for the
support or extension of your Free Church. In particular, let
any advice or opinion be required of us on the subject of
church econoraics, let your wish be specifically stated, and I
think I might help you to a specific answer in regard to it.
My earnest prayer is for the maintenance and spread of
vital godliness among you — a spirituality unalloyed by any
political or worldly ingredient — a real desire for the moral
and Christian good of the people under your charge ; so that
your interesting section of the great vineyard raight, with the
descent of the indispensable grace frora on high, becorae like
a well-watered garden, abounding with the fair and pleasant
fruits of righteousness. I ever ara, ray very dear sir, yours
with the greatest esteera and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.

[23 Bain's Place, Renfrew Street, Glasgow, 11th May, 1846. —
Reverend and dear Sir — I would take the liberty of shortly express
ing to you my desire that you would use your influence in the ensuing
General Assembly for the foundation of a Free-Church college in this
city, which, I think, is immediately called for, in order to the advance
ment of the Free Church of Scotland in the west of Scotland. I am

430 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
more and more convinced that the magistrate should be a keeper of
both tables of the law, and is bound to endow and protect the Church
of Christ. May the Lord hasten this in his time. With God nothing
shall be impossible. I am yours with much esteem, John Craig .
The Rev. Thomas Chalmers, Edinburgh.]
No. CCCLIL— To Mr. John Craig.
Burntisland, 16th May, 1846.
Dear Sir — ^Accept of ray grateful regards for your expres
sions of kindness to rayself I ara very glad to observe what
your opinion is in regard to the duty of the raagistrate, to en
dow and protect the Church of Christ.
I have all along said that once our Church were sufficient
ly extended by means of adequate funds, that I saw no reason
why we should not have as raany coUegiate institutions as
ever the Establishment had. I am, dear sir, yours truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

[The following letter was in an answer to a very interesting communi
cation from Mr. Barclay, in which he proposed that, instead of annual
payments into the Sustentation Fund, an endowment of ^£100 per an
num should at once be secured for every minister of the Free Church.
Tables and calculations were offered for Dr. Chalmers's consideration,
from which it appeared that, if all the members of the Free Church
were to give a tithe of their income for a single year, a capital sum
would be realized sufficient to yield such an endowment.]
No. CCCLIIL— To J. Barclay, Esq., Tongue.
Edinburgh, 6th June, 1846.
Dear Sir — I received your valuable packet from Mr. Mac
kenzie of Farr. I appreciate very highly the zeal, intelli
gence, and labor in behalf of the Free Church, of which these
dDcuraents give such abundant evidence. I shall lodge them
with the convener of our Sustentation Coraraittee, to be kept
by him in retentis till it shaU be judged expedient to act
upon them. Meanwhile, our great effort is to bring up the
associations ; and we are fearful of every new subscription
for a new object, lest it should distract the attention of the

J. BARCLAY, ESQ. 431
Free-Church pubhc from the necessary raeans for upholding
and augmenting the Sustentation Fund. After the habit of
supporting it is sufficiently established and elevated, then, I
think, will be the time for giving effect to your magnificent
proposal. I have no doubt of the capabilities of our people.
They are equal to a ten-fold greater achievement than all
that has yet been done by them.
AUow me to say that I doubt the expediency of ministers
being employed in the work of estimating the resources of
their people.
I have again to thank you for your noble suggestions, which
I trust you in good time wiU find are not to be thrown away
upon us. I ever am, my dear sir, yours truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLIV.
Edinburgh, ITth September, 1846.
Sm — I received both your letters. The first I laid aside,
because of my great aversion to any direct application for my
autograph ; and in virtue of which it is my general practice
to leave aU such requests unanswered.
Your second letter, of May 6th, I placed araong the letters
to which I might reply ; because I felt a wish at the tirae
to let you know the grounds of ray antipathy to a practice
which I think is not In accordance with good taste.
I find, however, that I have not time for the fuU stateraent
of these grounds ; and shall only say in the general, that I
feel as if, on the one side, the making of such a request im-
pUes a certain degree of inddicacy ; and on the other side,
that in the granting of it there raust be a certain sense of awk
wardness, as the very act involves at least the semblance of
vanity. And yet the desire of having autographs is legitimate and
natural ; but the right way to go about the forraation of a
coUection is to seek, and not from the person himself, but
from any of his correspondents, such letters or fragments of

432 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
his handwriting as can any where be found. I should im
agine that to every man who feels as he ought, a naked re
quest for his autograph must be extremely distasteful. In send
ing you this autograph, it is a relief that I should have sorae
thing to write about ; and aU the more so, that along with
the autograph you have ray testimony Eigainst the raethod in
which they are sometimes sought after both by individuals
and by such public bodies as you represent. With best wish
es for the prosperity of your museum, I have the honor to be,
sir, yours truly, Thomas Chalmers.

[BoMBAi', 25th June, 1850. — Dear Dr. Hanna — I have just finished
the perusal of the first volume of the " Memoirs of Dr. Chalmers,"
which, like his "Posthumous Works," not only maintains, but elevates
the high position which his name and character occupy in the admi
ration and veneration of Christendom. It has suggested the propriety
of sending to you a copy of a very touching and affectionate letter ad
dressed by him to my young friend Dhanjibhai on his leaving Scotland
on his return to India, and also of a copy of an introductory note to
M. F. Monod, which he had intended hira to deliver had he taken Par
is on his way. Dr. Chalmers took a very special interest in the well-
being of Dhanjibhai from the time of their first interview, and he was
greatly attached to him. At the conclusion of the session of 1843—4,
he addressed to me a note of the following tenor : "My dear Sir, I
must do myself the pleasure of informing you that I have been greatly
pleased with the interesting pupil whom you have brought to me from
the far East. His appearances in his examinations and exercises
have been of a first-rate character throughout the session." I felt
much his kindness to me in voluntarily tendering to me this testimo
nial, which he knew would be very gratifying to my heart.
With much sympathy with all the family of Dr. Chalmers from
Dhanjibhai and mvself, 1 am, my dear Dr. Hanna, yours very truly,
John Wilson.]
No. CCCLV. — To Rev> Dhanjibhai Nowroji.
Morningside, 14t/j December, 1846.
My dear Sir — The three inclosed letters are to friends
in Paris, which you raay deliver or not, just as you find con
venient. If you have not the opportunity of these being use
ful to you in Paris, I beg that you will keep and open them

REV. DHANJIBHAI NOWROJI. 433
and an occasion raay cast up when you raight show these as
the testiraonials of ray friendship and esteera for you. I wish
I could recollect any of ray acquaintances in Borabay to whora
I raight write aught that could be of service ; but you will,
at all events, offer my best regards to Mr. Nesbit and Mr.
Hislop when you meet with them.
And now, ray very dear sir, let rae comraend you to the
providence and grace of our common Father in heaven. May
He be your guide and guardian amid all the perils and per
plexities of your great enterprise. He has promised that He
will not suffer His faithful servants to be tried beyond what
they are able to bear, but will provide a way of escape that
they might be able to bear it. May the aids of His Spirit
never be wanting to corafort, and strengthen, and sustain you,
and richly may you experience the truth of our blessed Sav
ior's declaration, that though in the world you shall have
tribulation, in Him you shall have peace ; and may you
abundantly prosper in that work and labor of love upon
which you have entered. May you have many souls for your
hire, and the precious foretastes of that bright and happy pe
riod when the Sun of Righteousness shaU arise over the face
of a regenerated world. It is my earnest prayer for you, that
after a life of great Christian usefulness here you may be ad
mitted to the city that hath foundations, and obtain a crown
of glory that fadeth not away. Let me entreat a part and
interest in your prayers ; I have great need of them, and beg
that you will remeraber rae in your intercessions at the Throne
of Grace. " The Lord bless thee and keep thee : the Lord
make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee :
the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee an,d give thee
peace." With the heartfelt regards and wishes both of myself and
faraily, ever believe rae, my very dear sir, yours most tenderly
and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
V. T

434 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CCCLVI. — ^To Miss Mackean.
Edinburgh, 2d Jatmary, 1847.
My very dear Miss Mackean — I return you ray raost cor
dial thanks for your donation in behalf of the West Port.
I have great reason to bless God for the liberaUty -which
He has put into the hearts of His people in behalf of that
great object, of which I am most thankful to say that hith
erto it bas prospered and is promising.
I had received copies of Dr. Edgar's tract, which expresses
what I have long thought the only hopeful method of deal'
ing with Ireland. What an incubus is their Popery on the
territorial system and every thing that is good !
But what fearfully harrowing accounts there are of want
and extreme agony in that unhappy land, to be yet aggra
vated ten-fold ere the seasons corae round again, and not even
then, unless the Lord of the seasons shaU open His Uberal and
ever-giving hand. Ever believe me, my dear madam, yours
mogt gratefuUy and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CC CLVII. — ^To Rev. Alexander Anderson, Aberdeen.
Edinburgh, 20th March, 1847.
My dear Sir — I shall be at all times happy to see you on
the subject of your proposed gymnasium. But do come to
breakfast, for it is only then that I can answer for being dis
engaged. Do persevere in your good work. The greatest
amount of philanthropic service is secured by leaving each
man to ride his own hobby. Your object is one of vital raag
nitude ; and I would much rather that you concentrated your
whole energies upon it than that you should become a man
of aU works — ^the tendency to which I look upon as a very
great failing. There is little good done by your raere Ilni-
versalists. Do therefore persevere, and raay God prosper you.
I ever am, rny dear sir, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF AFFLICTION. 435
[Claydon House, Bucks, 28(A April, 1847. — My dear Sir — Ara
I taking too great a liberty with you, and presuming too much on my
former acquaintance with you, if I request some information as to your
views on the Government Education Scheme ?
I have read with much interest the speeches of Dr. Candlish and Mr.
Begg in the Free Presbyteiy of Edinburgh, on the 7th inst.,,as report
ed in the "Scottish Guardian" of the 13th, and especially your letter
of the 3d, read at that raeeting.
In paragraph No. 1, you say, " I believe that there are raodifioations
upon their scheme which might be made, and which would give no oth
er character to the movement on the part of the state than a desire for
the elevation of the people in general intelligence and scholarship ; an
object which we should no more resist," &c., &c.
Am I trespassing too much on you, if I ask you to tell me what those
raodifioations are ? I desire to know whether any suggestions could
be made to the government, which if adopted, would render their plan
unobjectionable in your opinion. I am, my dear sir, yours very faith
fully and truly, Harry Verney.
To Rev. Dr. Chahners.]
No. CCCLVIIL— To Sir Harry Verney.
Edinburgh, 4th May, 1847.
My dear Sir Harry — I have read your letter with the
greatest interest, and regret that, on the eve of setting out
upon a distant journey, I can not reply to it at any length.
The raodifioations that I should like would be that the gov-
ernraent were to drop the requisition of any certificate from
the managers of the school, that they were satisfied with the
religious progress of the scholars ; and I should further like
that there was no power granted either to the Church of En
gland, or to any other denomination, to force their peculiar
Catechism upon scholars against the will of their parents,
and still less to force attendance against that will on their
own places of worship. I am, my dear Sir Harry, with the
greatest esteem, Thomas (^halmers.

No. C CCLIX. — On visiting a Family in which a Sudden
Death had occurred.
My dear Sm — I am so particularly taken up by previous

436 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
arrangeraents to-day, and, I fear, also to-raorrow, that I shaU
not be able to see you again so soon personaUy as I could
wish. But the scene of last night raakes rae very desirous of
communicating with you some way or other. I was very
thankful you invited me to witness it, foi; it was a truly im
pressive one, and eminently fitted to stir up in the heart of
every beholder a salutary feeling of the vain and transient
character of our present pilgrimage ; and I trust I felt that it
is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of
feasting, for that is indeed the end of aU men, and that the
living raay lay it to heart. In a disaster so big, and at the
same tirae so sudden and unlooked-for as that which has
come upon yourself and family, it is impossible to minister
any effectual consolation without you go to the root of the
raatter — every thing short of that argument which embraces
the great elements of religion, and eternity, and the soul, and
its meetness for the enjoyment of God in heaven, is but su
perficial and vain. The healing influence of tirae will bring
round the mind of an afflicted man, even without Christian
ity, to its wonted tone ; but how desirable that our comfort
should be secured on a better foundation, that it should corae
to a place in the heart not by the raere wearing away of sor
row, but by the firm suggestions of an understanding exercis
ing itself on the realities of faith, and fetching from the Di
vine word such considerations as will bring peace and the
peaceable fruits of righteousness along with them. You feel
now what you never felt so nearly and so experimentally be
fore, that the world ought never to be counted a place of rest.
It is indeed a great delusion ever to feel otherwise ; but still
it is a delusion which is always hanging about us, and that
attaches to the fallen and estranged state of our natures from
God. At this moment the delusion is in your case for a time
broken up. I prophecy that it will again return, if there be
110 visitation of grace from on high — no anointing which re-
maineth^no favorable and abiding demonstration of the Spir
it of God to advance your present feeling into a practical bab-

MRS. M'CORQUODALE. 437
it and principle of the soul. You are at this moment made
most intimately and effectuaUy to understand, that to lean
upon the world is to lean upon a foundation of dust ; that to
build your tabernacle here, is to build your house upon the
sand ; and that nothing wUl fill and satisfy the soul, and en
able it to stand all the changes and vicissitudes of this event
ful pilgrimage, but a renouncing of the world as our home,
and taking the inheritance that endureth forever as our por
tion. I know nothing that more effectually hinders a raan
from venturing his aU on Christ than that divided state of
affections, in either of which he would Uke to reserve a por
tion to himself. " You will not come unto rae that you raay
have life." You never, ray dear sir, were in raore favorable
circurastances for an unqualified resignation of all into His
hands than at this raoment ; to whom else, alas ! can you go ?
You never got so buried to the world as now, when the dear
est of all its objects has been torn away from you — when the
desire of your heart has been cut down by a stroke — when
your family are all in sad grief, desponding under the press
ure of a great, unlooked-for, and overwhelming visitation. Do
improve the favorable season with all your raight to be a new
creature in Christ Jesus ; let aU old things be done away,
and all things becorae new ; the very retirement will animate
and bear you up under the heaviness ofyour present circum
stances, and present calamity will indeed be a blessing in dis
guise if it lead you to a close alUance with Him, who, though
a God, is also a Savior. I ara, &c., Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLX.— To Mrs. M'Corquodale.
Glasgow, 6th October, 1817.
Dear Madam — I should have repUed long ago to your kind
letter, but I have of late been a good deal occupied. It gives
rae sincere pleasure to be informed ofyour earnest desire after
that which is right, and raore particularly ofyour high sense
of the necessity of religiously training your young family. I

438 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
pray that you raay be directed by Him who is the Father of .
Light, and will give wisdom to all who believingly ask it.
There is a very leading and prominent doctrine of the Bible,
without the belief of which and influence of which I fear that
all our longings after excellence wiU turn out to be vain and
impotent aspirations — I mean the doctrine of salvation by a
crucified Savior. To think of obtaining this favor of God
by mere unaccompanied exertion, and that too in the face of
God's own declaration, that without Christ we can do noth
ing, is in fact to insult Hira by a vain and polluted offering.
Let us accept of forgiveness on the footing that is held out
to us — even that Christ died for our offenses ; and let us ren
der obedience in the strength of that Spirit which is ever in
readiness to be given to the prayer of believers, and we shall
serve God with a holiness, and a love, and a spirituality that
do not enter as ingredients at all into the tasteful raorality
of the world ; and the whole course, and raotive, and char
acter of our virtue will be so different frora what it was be
fore, that ail old things will be done away, and all things will
become new.
I beg your indulgence for these observations ; they come
from one who is deeply sensible of his shortcomings from what
is right. But I trust that through earnest attention to the
Bible, and prayer for that Spirit who alone can enlighten us
in the discernment of its doctrine, and, above all, steadfast
confidence in Hira who casteth out none who corae unto Him,
we shall each of us be enabled to raaintain that walk of faith
and of holiness which leads to the Jerusalem above.
Give my best compliraents to Mr. M'Corquodale, in which
Mrs. Chalmers joins; and with best wishes for yourself and
faraily, believe rae, my dear madam, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. OOOLXL— To Mrs. M'Corquodale.
^ St. Andrews, 17th October, 1827,
My dear Madam — I very sincerely condole with you on

MISS M'CORQUODALE. 439
the heavy bereavement which you have been called upon to
suffer, the first loss I understand in your faraily, and which,
in the absence yet of all personal experience myself upon the
subject, I should regard as far raore trying to nature than the
dissolution of any other relationship. Affection points more
strongly downward — as from a parent to children — than in
any other direction ; and when I think of the suddenness of
your daughter's death, her interesting age, and the many cares
and attentions which the delicacy of her health has required
from you, and which all go to strengthen affection and add
to its tenderness — the shock you have experienced must be of
no common severity. And what other comfort has one liable
to the same visitations to offer, but those considerations which
are familiar to all, though practically felt by few, even the
evanescence of our present world, and the bliss and bright
ness of that invisible heaven, where sorrow and separation
are unknown.
We hear on these occasions of melancholy of the healing
uifluence of time, and refuge is often taken in such expedi
ents, as business, variety, and entertainments. These may
soothe, but they do not sanctify. They drown the painful
recollection; whereas the recollection should be kept alive,
and made the instrument of weaning our desires and expect
ations frora a scene so transitory. The worldly would stifle
the thought — the Christian softens it by pointing his eye up
ward to God and forward to eternity. I am yours, &c.,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCOLXIL— To Miss M-Corqitodale.
Morningside, 24th December, 1843.
My dear Miss M'Corquodale — It is of great consequence
to me that I should remain all this week in the country ; but
I am unwiUing that it should pass without converse of some
sort with your family.
I am very far from wishing to overtask Mrs. M'Corquodale
with too rauch in quantity. Such is the preciousness of Bible

440 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
truth, and such its power of application, that a single verse
might often suffice for a sustaining and comforting exercise
to the mind for hours together ; and I think I can not do bet
ter than draw up a brief list of texts for you to read, and for
her to dweU upon. — Matthew, xi., 28, 29, 30. She might lean
the full weight of her dependence on a Savior who thus calls
upon her. — Matthew, xxiii., 37. Who can doubt after this
His longing desire after all who have any desire toward
Him? — Matthew, xxviU., 5. It is not a sentiment of terror,
but of confidence and comfort, that we should associate with
the thought of a Savior, and with the attempt to seek an in
terest in His salvation. — Mark,%x., 14. Such an exhibition
of our Savior as should lead us to place all reliance on His be
nignity and grace.^Luke, vii., 13. Another most attractive
representation of the Savior, and fitted to assure our hearts
of His feeling for the distresses of men. — Luke, xi., 10, 11, 12,
13. A mighty encouragement to prayer, and that whether
for ourselves or for those near and dear to us. — Luke, xv., 20.
A raost striking deraonstration of God's wUlingness for our
salvation, and of the welcorae from Him which awaits all His
returning children. — John, i., 29 ; iii., 14, 15, 16, 17. A most
inviting call on us to look to the Savior on the cross ; and His
errand, which was not to conderan but to save, should dissi
pate all our fears. — John, xi., 25, 26. John, xiv., 1, 14. Ro
raans, X., 13. 2 Cor., v., 19, 20, 21. Hebrews, iv., 16 ; vi.,
18, 19. Jaraes, i., 17. 1 John, i., 7, 9 ; iv., 8, 9, 10, 14,
16, 18, 19.
It is ray earnest prayer that the heavy trials which now
lie upon your faraily raay turn out to be blessings in disguise ;
and that though for the time not joyous but grievous, they
raay prove to be those light afflictions which are but for a
raoraent, and which work out for us a far raore exceeding and
eternal weight of glory.
With best regards to Mr. and Mrs. M'Corquodale, and to
all of your household, I ara, my dear Miss M'Corquodale,
yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.

MISS M'CORQUODALE. 441
P.S. — The fifty- third and fifty-fourth chapters of Isaiah.
T. C.
No. CCCLXIIL— To Miss M'Corquodale.
Edinburgh, 19th January, 1845.
My dear Miss M'Corquodale — I beg to return my best
acknowledgments for your New Year's letter. It was very
acceptable to me.
I am particularly glad that these Scripture texts should
be much prized by you. We are on safe and sure ground
when dealing honestly and rightly with those words of which
it is said that heaven and earth shall pass away ere they
can pass away.
It gives me great pleasure to hear of your sister's restora
tion to health. May she ever have great peace and joy in
believing, and attain to that perfect love which casteth out
fear. When the great question between us and God is set
tled, all is well ; and the ills of life may annoy, but they will
not sink us to despair.
Let me comraend you to that Bible from which I rejoice
to observe that you derive so much comfort.
Were I asked in one sentence to describe the likeliest proc
ess for becoming vdse unto salvation, I should say that it
was a prayerful reading of the Bible., Let the Spirit but
open our understandings to understand the Scriptures, and
then shall we be enabled to draw water out of the wells of
salvation, for there, and there alone, have we the words of
everlasting life. Give my best regards to both your sisters,
and to your brother, whom I have not seen for a long time ;
as also to your father, now well stricken in years. May He,
whose providence lias spared him to a good old age, shower
down upon him the blessings of His grace, that every hour
bringing us all so much nearer to death may find us meeter
for that eternity on which we are so soon to enter. BeUeve
me, my dear Miss M'Corquodale, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
T 2

442 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CCCLXIV. — To Mrs. Rutherford, of Edgerstone.
Glasgow, 8th November, 1822.
My dear MaIiam — I should have acknowledged your great
kindness to me long ago, and have given sorae expression to
those feelings wherewith the truly raeraorable visit* which I
paid to Edgerstone has inspired me. They ought to be the
feelings of deepest seriousness ; but it is woeful to think of
our obstinate tendencies to earth and earthliness ; and how
soon it is that the solemnity awakened by death, even in its
most appalling form, goes into utter dissipation.
This melancholy experience of our own heart should teach
us our dependence on that grace by which we are forgiven,
and on that Spirit by which we are sanctified.
It demonstrates the utter vanity of trusting to our own
righteousness, and ought to humble us down into the attitude
of being clothed upon with the righteousness of another.
It is delightful to think that he on whora the Savior per
formed a remarkable cure, was not only found clothed, but
in his right mind. And in like manner, there is still an in
separable union between our being covered with the right
eousness of Christ, and our being cleansed by the washing
of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Let us
not, however, wait till we are made holy ere we trust in the
Savior ; but a better and more encouraging process for the
helpless sinner is first to let us trust in the Savior, and
then shall we be sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
(Eph., i., 12). What a precious freeness and fullness does this
view confer on the Gospel ! How near does it bring salva
tion even to those who are farthest off in alienation from God,
who calls upon us even in this stage to have confidence in
Himself as God in Christ reconciling the world ! This con
fidence would, in fact, put a new spiritual feeling into our
hearts — it would eraancipate thera frora the servile spirit of
bondage — it would draw thera freely and affectionately out
* See Memoirs, vol. i., p. 365.

MRS. USHER. 443

to God as our reconciled Father. It would iraplant love
where before there was jealousy, hatred, and distrust. And
under the impulse of this heaven-born affection, will we, go
spontaneously forth on the walk of new obedience.
Let us, therefore, hold fast the faith whence aU these bless
ings flow, not casting away our confidence, which hath great
recompense of reward. I have the honor to be, my dear
madam, yours with the greatest esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXV.— To Mrs. Usher.
Glasgow, I9th November, 1822.
My dear Mrs. Usher— I have been desirous of writing
you ever since I saw you last at CourthiU ; and indeed, upon
that occasion would have wished to talk to you, and to sym
pathize with you alone, entering as I do into your deep sor
row with aU the feeUng of a most devoted friend, and anx
ious, if I could, to contribute any thing to Ughten the visita
tion' wherewith it hath pleased a good but mysterious Prov
idence to exercise yourself and your dear family.
And the great alleviation in all our calamities is, that God
reigneth, and that, if we bow in resignation to Him, He will
raise us up again. It is often a good thing to have our
hearts rent asunder from the world, even though it should
have cost us the pain of a most violent laceration. He who
wounds can heal, and be assured that there is no depth of
wretchedness from which He can not lift us up, and set our
feet again on a sure place, and estabUsh aU our goings, and
put a new song into our hearts, even glory to God.
This is a vale of tears, and you have had fuU expenence
of it Look onward to a bright and peaceful termination. In
a few years, and we shaU aU lie mouldering m our graves.
But meanwhile, a pitying Savior calls upon us to approach
Him. and announces to us the power of His sacriface, and
bids us trust in His atoning blood for the forgiveness of aU
our trespasses, and offers to put a spirit into our hearts where-

444 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
by they raay both be consoled and purified, and invites us to
enter through Hiraself into reconciliation with God, and prom
ises that, if we will abide in Him, He will abide in us,
and make all things, even the darkest events of our history,
work together for our good. This is a way which lies open
to us all, and great will be our peace whenever our feet are
established therein ; and we shall even count it all joy when
we fall into divers tribulations — looking onward to the calm
and srailing haven where all sorrow, and sin, and separation
are unknown.
It is indeed ray earnest prayer that God would both sweet
en and sanctify to you the cup of discipline. There is a great
work before us ere we die — to become holy here, that w^e
may be raeet for being happy hereafter. Christ will enable
us to do this work if we rely upon Him, and it is in the per
ception of its readiness for eternity that the soul finds its best
refuge from the sorrows of time. Bdieve me, &c.,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCOLXVL— To Mrs. Henry Wood, Edinburgh.
St. Andrews, 13th September, 1826.
My dear Madam — I only reached St. Andrews yesterday,
and was very much affected by the intimations from Edin
burgh, the melancholy subject of which was altogether new
to rae. Mrs. Chalmers and ray faraily share with me in a
sorrow which must well-nigh overwhelm yourself, but which,
I earnestly pray, may be soothed and sanctified by the God
of all comfort. My daughter Anne was particularly solem
nized by the recency of our visit, and her recollections of all
the kindness that we had gotten under your roof The walk
from Great King Street to the Register Office is powerfully
and touchingly present to both our rainds ; nor do I remem
ber, in the whole compass of ray experience, a more impress
ive manifestation of God's mysterious sovereignty, and of
man's duty to be humble, and watchful, and mindful of
death.

WILLIAM BUCHANAN, ESQ. 44S
To yourself this is one of those sudden and awful revul
sions by which the heart is agonized, but by which the heart
is often made better. When the nearest and dearest of all
earthly relationships is dissolved, the soul, thrown loose, as
it were, from its wonted dependence, may be led thereby to
keep more tenacious hold upon an enduring relationship.
How precious that Gospel by which we are invited to enter
upon its privileges, and to come under its full protection.
God in Christ offers hiraself to all in the capacity of a friend
who sticketh closer than a brother : He is a husband to the
widow, and a father to the fatherless who put their trust in
Him. An earthly prop has fallen. Lean the whole weight
of your dependence upon God. Put full confidence both in
His wisdom and in His mercy. Be thankful for all the rec
ollections that you have of that evident interest which your
husband felt in the truths of the Gospel, and let us bt- fol
lowers of them who through faith and patience are now in
heriting the promises.
We deeply sympathize with your afflicted family, and sin
cerely hope that the health neither of them nor of yourself
will permanently suffer by the shock which you have sustain
ed. The same God who hath inflicted the wound can also
heal it, and ffll up the desolate void of this sore and sudden
bereavement by a livelier faith than ever in the hopes and
promises of the Gospel. We beg our most affectionate con
dolence to all the members of your afflicted household ; and
with earnest prayers for your own corafort and sanctification
under this heavy calaraity, I entreat you to believe me, my
dear madam, yours very affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXVII. — To WiLLLAM Buchanan, Esq., Glasgow.
St. Andrews, 11th April, 1828.
My very dear Sir — I received our friend Mr. Brown's let
ter with its raost affecting intimation, by which both Mrs.
Chalmers and I have been moved in no ordinary degree. The

446 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
desire of your heart has indeed been cut down by a stroke,
and the dreary and desolate void created there will continue
an uneasiness almost insupportable tiU replaced by the love,
and the light, and the positive consolations of the Gospel.
And this, my dear sir, is one great use of affliction — one
great instrument in the hand of a loving and just Father by
which to reclaim our wandering affections to Himself The
heart raust have an object ; and often does our wise Master
in heaven tear away the earthly object of affection that He
raay fill up the vacancy by Himself It is thus that I un
derstand John, XV., 2 ; and it is thus that the chastening hand
of God, though not joyous, but grievous for the time, yieldeth
the peaceable fruit of righteousness to him who is exercised
thereby. And what rich consolation you have in the manner of the
death ; what gratitude you owe for the testimony that she has
left behind her ; what a sweet blending even of the affections
of nature with the hopes of reUgion in the precious thought '
that she is now among the saints in heaven, and that a re
union with her will be one ingredient of that blessedness
which awaits you when you shall enter into rest.
I feel greatly for poor Miss Marshall — offer to her our re
spectful sympathies ; and I do entreat that, under this heavy
visitation, you will know that " God is the Lord, and be still."
I beg further to be remerabered to your raother. Miss Tay
lor, Mr. and Mrs. Allan Buchanan, and Mr. and Mrs. Walk-
inshaw. I ara, ray dear sir, yours raost truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXVIIL— To William Buchanan, Esq.
Edinburgh, 31st January, 1847.
My very dear Sir — We aU here received with the deep
est sympathy and feeling the very melancholy intelligence of
your son's death — one of so rauch promise cut off so young,
and to me so unexpectedly, for I had hoped that he was in
the fair way of regaining confirmed health. We enter into

WILLIAM BUCHANAN, ESQ. 447
all your grief on this truly affecting occasion ; and while both
Mrs. Chalraers and I are fully aware how painfully this be-
reaveraent raust be felt by every one of the sorrowing rela
tions in your household, we particularly advert to Miss Mar
shall as among the chief mourners and sufferers under the vis
itation which the mysterious yet merciful and aU-wise God
hath seen meet to lay upon you. We beg that you will offer
our most affectionate condolences both to her and to all your
family, and the assurance ef our prayers that an event so fit
ted to strike and to solemnize might be sanctified to one and
all of you. The chastisements of our Father in heaven are
not for the time joyous, but grievous ; yet do they yield the
peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are rightly ex
ercised thereby.
Oh that these numerous instances of mortality would at
length practicaUy and influentially tell upon us ! Strange
that the lesson which is the oftenest repeated should be also
the oftenest forgotten, so that we need to be ever and anon
reminded that we live in the land of dying men. May the
sorrow of nature be ripened and transmuted by Divine grace
into the sorrow which worketh repentance unto salvation.
We have only to look back on the last thirty years of our ac
quaintance to be impressed by the changes of a world that
wiU soon pass away from all of us. O that we sat more loose
to the cares and interests of time, so as to have our affections
weaned from the things which are beneath, and wedded to
the things which are above. There death and separation are
unknown ; and it might well mitigate our sorrows when we
reflect in faith on that place of unfading bliss, where friends
shall meet to part no more, and be forever happy with the
Lord. It is my earnest prayer that God would take unto Himself
His own power and reign over our hearts ; for nothing in na
ture, though operating with its utmost force on nature's affec
tion and nature's sensibilities, will of itself arouse us from the
incumbent carnality and earthliness that weigh so heavily

448 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
upon our hearts. May this regenerating influence be brought
to bear with effect upon us all, and then shall we be trans
lated from the walk of sight to the walk of faith, and not only
look forward to, but live by the power of a world to come.
With all our united regards to yourself, Miss Marshall, Miss
Buchanan, and the rest of your family, ever believe me, my
dear sir, yours most truly and with great regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — I have not yet written poor Mrs. Brown. I have
many intimations lying by rae unanswered. This month I
shall have written twenty such replies. May we be wise and
understand these things, and consider our latter end. T.C. r
No. CCCLXIX.— To Mrs. Campbell.
St. Andrews, 3d September, 1828.
My dear Madam — I received the account of your venera
ble husband's* death with great eraotion. He has left few
equals behind hira. in the Church of Scotland, and I shaU ever
cherish a pleasing remerabrance of all the fatherly aid and
kindness which I received frora his hands.
As a theologian, he was distinguished by the extent of his
learning and the depth of his views. I can not forget a con
versation I held with hira in a stage-coach frora Glasgow to
Edinburgh, and the admirable judgment which he evinced
on some of the most arduous speculations which are ever at
terapted by the human understanding.
But your brightest comfort now must be in your recollec
tion of his piety. May the God of all consolation bear up
you and yours under the weight of this afflictive visitation,
and may we all feel how salutary it is to be raade to drink
of the cup of His discipUne, and to be the objects of His chas
tening love.
I beg my kindest regards and the expression of my sym
pathy to the Misses Campbell ; and with every assurance of
* The Rev. Dr. Campbell, of Edinburgh.

MISS YOUNG. 449
respect and attachraent, I am, ray dear madara, yours most
truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCGLXX.— To Miss Young, Burntisland.
Edinburgh, 15(A October, 1831.
My dear Miss Young — It was the firm purpose both of
Mrs. Chalmers and myself to have made you a visit either
the last or present month ; but her delicacy and my sprain
have prevented it. She is confined to bed, and I am under
the necessity of traveling to Glasgow, so that we must post
pone our visit for a tirae.
We often think of you, of the loss you have sustained, but
of the many comforts at the same time which must bear you
up under it. I never in my life witnessed a raore peaceful
old age than that of your father ; and to rae it forraed always
a most interesting peculiarity in his case that, amid the sus
pension of all his other faculties, there survived in so rauch
freshness and feeling his sense of religion. All his natural
Ughts grew dim with age ; but that Ught which cometh from
the sanctuary, the candle of the Lord, never was extinguish
ed, and hence the sacredness as well as the serenity of his
closing years.
Mrs. Chalmers desires me to-say, that though we have not
been able to make out our purpose in visiting you, we do hope
that you and Miss Betsy will come to us in the course of the
winter. With best compliments to her, in which Mrs. Chal
mers joins, I am, my dear Miss Young, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXL— To Miss Young.
Craigholm, 2d April, 1837.
My dear Miss Young — We are here in great comfort and
quietness, though we feel it a great blank that your house is
shut at present ; but you must not think of hastening your
journey homeward ; and, erring on the safe side, it were bet
ter that you made the movement later than you might, rath-
ei than earlier than you ought to do.

450 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
It is one great comfort in affliction, that it draws toward
them who are exercised thereby a greater tenderness of re
gard frora their friends on earth ; and this may well assure
us of what Scripture tells, that it in like manner draws a
more special regard from our kind and merciful Father who
is in heaven. And accordingly we are told that it is in love
that He chasten'eth — that He afflicts not willingly — that He
has no pleasure in our death — that His Son, who is the ex
press image of His own person, is touched with the fellow-
feeling of our infirraities ; and surely with such a Father and
such a High-priest at His right hand, we raay well rest in
the quiet confidence that we are in good hands, and that all
things wiU work together for good to thera who love God.
The great object with you at present is not to fatigue your
self with care of any sort, but to cast that care, whatever it
raay be, on Him who careth for you. The defects and infirm
ities of one's own spirit may well grieve us ; but even this
cause of uneasiness is best disposed of by rolling it over upon
God. " Take this heart, such as it is : make it such as it
should be." Let us comrait our souls unto Hira, and He will
keep that which is so coramitted. He will bless us with a
present as well as a future salvation, raaking us holy by grace
here, as a preparation for being happy in the eternal glory
that is to be revealed hereafter.
May the Bible be felt by you in all its preciousness ; may
its verses be raore and raore prized as pearls of consolation
and great worth. Take in all the comfort of them ; and
instead of exercising your mind upon thera, so as to exceed
the strength of your attention, let them rather say unto you
'^' Peace, be still." Thus raay you enjoy the repose of a spir
it that is staid upon God, and experience that in quietness
and in confidence ye shall have strength.
It is my earnest prayer that He who in Christ Jesus is rec
onciled to all who have faith in His blood, may stabUsh and
strengthen you, and make you perfect. I ever am, my dear
Miss Young, yours raost affectionately, Thos. Chalmers.

REV. DR. SOMERVILLE. 451
P.S. — I ara reading Buchanan's work with great satisfac
tion. Our elder brother wtks raade perfect through sufiering.
T. C.
No. C CCLXXIL— To Charles Cowan, Esq.
Edinburgh, 19th December, 1831.
My dear Sm — Mrs. XJhalraers unites with rae in every
feeUng and expression of sympathy with you and Mrs. Cowan
on the occasion of this afflictive bereavement. I am glad to
observe that you are deriving comfort from the only true
source ; and I can not believe that the Savior who evinced
such attachraent to children upon earth, who took them in
His arms and blessed them, who rebuked the apostles for for
bidding their approach to His person, who declared that of
such is the kingdora of Heaven — I can not believe that the
infant flower, which so soon lies withered upon its stalk, is
not transplanted into those unfading bowers where it will
flourish in all the bloom and vigor of immortality.
With kindest regards and condolences to Mrs. Cowan, and
to Mr. and Mrs. Menzies, if still with you, I am, riiy dear sir,
yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXIII.— To the Rev. J)r. Somerville, of
Drummelzier. Kinghorn, 22d August, 1832.
My dear Sir — This is truly a sad visitation to you and
poor Mrs. Somerville as parents of one of the best of sons, and
to myself in having lost a pupil of whora I may honestly say,
that none stood higher in my personal regards.
I might expatiate on his great, and interesting, and supe
rior talents as a scholar, but these are unavailingTiow. Your
strong consolation lies in what we all know of his faith in
the Savior, and decided piety ; and I do hope that these pre
cious recollections will sweeten the cup of discipline both to
you and your sorrowing family.
It is an appalling scourge that has come upon our land.

452 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
and death, I am told, in its most hideous and revolting form,
is the consequence.* Never th^n in such a peculiar case is
the corafort of the following passage more applicable, and I
trust your faith will prevail over sense and raemory in ap
propriating it : " Sown in corruption, raised in incorruption ;
sown in weakness, raised in power ; sown in dishonor, raised
in glory." May you both rejoice in the prospect of that day
when that fine form and countenance, in which you witness
ed so grievous a transforraation, will again be restored ; when
the grave will deliver up its dead ; and they who, once near
and dear to us, are now mouldering there shaU be invested
with the bloom and vigor of iraraortality.
Your son's death has awakened great eraotion among us
all. He was a general favorite among his fellow-students ;
and frora the first time I knew him I loved him. The grief
he has left behind him in your family must be deep and ten
der. Nor would I have ventured to obtrude on the sacred
ness of your sorrow but for the sake of unbosoming ray own.
May He who inflicted the wound, and alone is able to heal
it, pour abundantly into your hearts of the balra of His con
solation, and bid you look with the believer's eye, and the be
liever's hope to that everlasting horae where sorrow and sep
aration are unknown.
With kindest and raost sympathizing regards to Mrs. Som
erville, and to the other members ofyour deeply afflicted fam
ily, ever beUeve me, my dear sir, yours raost truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXIV.— To Dr. Somerville.
Edinburgh, 23d April, 1843.
My very dear Sir — I have been much affected and con
cerned by the melancholy intimation of another breach in
your family. To use the language of Paul, you have been
"in deaths oft ;" and God has been pleased in His sovereign
wisdora to exercise you in your old age by sore and heavy be-
* Dr. Somerville's son was out off by cholera.

MISS SO.MERVILLE. 463
reavements. May you have ample experience of succor and
support from Him who has a fellow-feeling for all our infirra
ities and sorrows ; and in the peaceable fruits of righteous
ness may you realize the truth of the precious declaration,
that all things will be made to work together for good to
them who love God.
The two admirable young men whom you have lost were
both my students, and both of them very much valued and
loved by me. Were it not for the hopes and comforts of the
blessed Gospel, what a desolation would such deaths leave
behind them I
God abundantly bless and sustain you, my dear sir, under
the truly afflictive dispensation. Take refuge in Christ and
in His righteousness, which opens up a better and abiding
world to all who believe in Him. I ever am, my dear sir,
yours with sincerest regard, and every feeling of condolence
for yourself and your daughters, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXV.— To Miss Somerville.
Morningside, 12(A May, 1844.
My dear Miss Somerville — I heard the melancholy in
telligence ofyour venerable father's death with great erao
tion — having long had the highest respect for his character,
and for his great services on the field of argument to the
cause of Christianity. So long back as 1817, I was intro
duced to Lord Grenville, who spoke to me of Hume's infidel
ity, and of the desire he felt for an effective refutation of his
sophistry on the subject of miracles. I told him of your fa
ther's work as the best then extant upon that subject ; and
I afterward saw a high-written testimony from him in its
favor, he having perused it with a high estimation of its val
ue and power. But I am sure that it- is not so much the
recollection of his talents or scholarship, but of his great faith
and the love which he bore to the truth as it is in Jesus ; it
is this last which can minister the only effectual consolation
in this season of your bereavement, and cause you to rejoice

454 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
even in the midst of a sore tribulation. There is a sanction
and a sacredness given to the sorrow of nature by the exam
ple of our Savior, but you have great reason to sorrow not
even as others who have no hope ; and let the deaths of the
wise and the good that are so fast thickening around us, let
thera incite us all the more to be foUowers of them who,
through faith and patience, are now inheriting the promises.
You have had many and severe faraily trials. The first
of your brothers, who was my student, and cut off while at
college, was my most favorite pupil, and I had the greatest
, liking for him ; and he, after the interval of sorae years, was
followed by another who proraised to be of great service in
the Church. When to these I add dear Mrs. Somerville,
you may truly be said to have been " in deaths oft." Heaven
grant that they raay teach us true wisdom, that they raay
lead us solemnly and practically to consider our latter end,
and that we all withdraw our affections from a world that
passeth away to that enduring world where there is joy at
God's right hand, and pleasures for evermore.
Give ray best regards to your sister and brothers. May
this visitation be sanctified to the raourning survivors ; and
with sincere and affectionate condolence for you all, I entreat
you to believe me, ray dear raadam, yours raost truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. COCLXXVL— To Mrs. Charles Nairne.
Morningside, 29th January, 1837.
My dear Mrs. Nairne — The same infirm health which
prevented me from joining in the last radancholy offices to
your departed husband has forced me out to the country,
where I am now spending a Sabbath of complete retireraent
and repose. I feel that I can not better spend one hallowed
hour of it, than by weeping with those who weep, and teUing
you in particular how deeply I syrapathize with you under
that awful and affecting visitation, by which the nearest and
dearest of all earthly relationships is broken. This is truly

DR. BEGBIE. 455

a sad and sudden bereavement, and fitted of all others to
overwhelm the sinking spirit, were it not that we are in the
hands of a God who is as merciful as He is mysterious ; and
of whom we may fed assured that, though clouds and dark
ness are round about Him, there is wisdom in all His ways,
and tenderness in all His visitations.
May this, my dear raadam, be your own ample experience
on this most trying of all occasions. May your refuge and
resting-place be in God ; may you be led to confide in Him
as your reconciled Father through Jesus Christ our Lord, wlio,
touched with the fellow-feeUng of your infirmities and your
sorrows, knows how to succor the afflicted, and is truly as
wiUing as He is able to help you. May He open a way to
your now desolated heart ; and, making it alive to the charm
and the efficacy of His own peace-speaking blood, may He
carry forward your hopes and your affections to that enduring
world where sin, and sorrow, and separation are unknown.
May I beg that you wUl offer my kind and condoling re
gards to Mrs. Marshall ; and I entreat you to believe me,
my dear madam, yours with deepest feelings of sympathy
and regard, Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — I can not close this letter without the expression
of a fervent and heartfelt benediction on your dear boy. May
he arise to manhood and call you blessed ; may his progress
through the world be unstained by the infection of this
world's spirit ; may he be spared to bear you up under the
weight of declining years — at once duteous to his surviving
parent, and duteous to his God. T. C.
No. CCGLXXVIL— To Dr. Begbie.
9th December, 1838.
My dear Sir — We all here deeply sympathize with the
severe family affliction under which you labor. And our feel
ing is not the less sincere that we can not speak experiment
ally to the depth or the pungency of that grief which is awak-

456 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ened by the loss of children. I can well conceive it to be
one of the sorest agonies wherewith our Father in heaven is
pleased to try and to exercise the hearts of His people here
below ; and it is my earnest prayer that, bitter and well-nigh
overwhelming as the visitation is under which you and Mrs.
Begbie now labor, it may be sanctified to you both, and yield
in abundance the peaceable fruits of righteousness.
It is quite wonderful that, Uving as we do in the midst
of a most precarious world, and experiencing almost every
day some new instance of the unsparing and universal law
of mortality, there should still adhere to our nature such a
cleaving and constant tendency to forget eternal things, and
live here as if here we were to Uve forever. May the Giver
of all grace superadd the demonstrations of His Spirit to the
warnings of His providence, and effectually teach one and all
of us to consider our latter end.
I grieve to hear of your own confinement ; and with ray
fervent wishes and supplications for the comfort and well-
being of you all, particularly of the bereaved and suffering
mother, I entreat you to believe me, my dear sir, yours very
truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXVIII.— To Mrs. M'Clelland.
Burntisland, 14th June, 1840.
My dear Helen — You may well believe that I have been
in a sad state of helplessness, both from external causes and
from my own personal state of utter languor and disability,
else I should have been at Kelton last week, and, failing this,
should have written you before now on the subject of your
sore and melancholy bereavement.
The sad intelligence was received by us all with great
eraotion. For rayself I always had a strong liking and re
spect for Mr. M'CleUand, and that founded on his own per
sonal qualities — a kind, friendly, generous heart, and withal
an exceedingly sound and well-informed understanding, with
an amount of erudition not very common among the minis-

MRS. BRYCE. 467

ters of our Church. I really do not wonder at the regrets of
his neighborhood, and the well-merited testimony which I
read the other day frora one of our public journals regarding
him ; but all this enhances the magnitude of your loss, and
of our sympathies with all the grief and desolateness of feel
ing which you must sufier because of it.
It were weU if these frequent and most affecting instances
of the muWbiUty of all that is below, would at length send
our thoughts in the habitual direction of upward and heaven
ward, if we at length learned the wisdom of considering our
latter end, and laying hold on Him who came to destroy
death ; if we learned to cast all our confidence on His sacri
fice, and give ourselves wholly up to His keeping and His
guidance during the remainder of our days. Mrs. Chalmers
and r are both most anxious to know what your wishes and
purposes are in regard to the future. And depend upon my
help and co-operation, if spared, in all that can be of use to
you. I know you will not ask me to undertake the journey
to Kelton, unless some raaterial service requires it ; but if it
should, I beg you will feel no delicacy in letting me know ,
for I shall feel it both ray duty and inclination to forward
your views. You of course will spend sorae time with us
prior to any permanent arrangement that may, after proper
counsel and deUberation, be> fixed upon as the best. I am,
my dear Helen, ever yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CCLXXIX.— To Mrs. BrYce, Aberdour.
Burntisland, 23d September, 1841.
My dear Mrs. Bryce— I hesitate to intrude on the sacred
ness of your deep sorrow, yet can not refrain frora the expres
sion of ray sympathy both with yourself and all the members
of your bereaved family on this day of solemn visitation.
May He who is at once the Husband of the widow and the
Father of the fatherless, be the refuge and sure portion of
you all. He afflicts not willingly any of His children ; and
V. U

458 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
it is ray earnest prayer that this mysterious and unlooked-for
visitation may yield to you and yours' the peaceable fruits of
righteousness. That meek and gentle Savior who wept at the tomb of
Lazarus, gave thereby a sanction and sacredness to the sorrow
of nature. May He further sanctify this emotion by the Spir
it of all grace, and withdraw our affections from a world, the
nearest and dearest objects of which can be so spoedily with
drawn from us. It is well that we have His righteousness
to plead for our entrance into that better world, where sin,
and sorrow, and separation are unknown. May you, my dear
madara, and all ofyour household, obtain that precious faith
which gives a part and an interest in all the blessings of His
raediatorship, and unites you forever with that spiritual faraily
of which He is the Head, who alone hath the gift, and- who
alone hath the words of life everlasting.
With best regards for one and all of your afflicted circle,
in which Mrs. Chalmers raost sincerely joins, and begging you
will accept of our united condolence on this touching occasion,
I ever am, my very dear madara, yours with great esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXX.— To Miss Burns.
Edinburgh, 8th January, 1843.
My dear Miss Burns — We are rauch interested by your
letter respecting Miss Edie. At present I write you rather
than her, that she might be saved tho trouble and fatigue of
reading raore than she is quite able for. You will judge how
far the reading of this and such like passages as I ^hall rec
ommend raight be prosecuted, so as not to draw too much
upon her attention. She is in the hands of one who knows
her frame ; and I should like that her own gentle spirit re
posed upon Hira as all her desire and salvation. May He who
has so invested her with the ornament of a meek and quiet
spirit, perfect the work which He has begun, and ripen her
more and more for the full enjoyment of that heaven where
holiness and charity shall ever reign.

MRS. ELLIOT. 459

The twenty-third Psalm I should think well suited for her.
The green pastures, the still waters, the goodness, and the
mercy, are all images of bliss and goodness fitted to solace and
give refreshment to her soul.
The last half of the book of Isaiah is replete with encour
agement ; and the forty-fifth chapter, particularly in its clos
ing verses, is inestimably precious. And in the 8th verse
there is an iraraense comfort in the expression of " the heav
ens pouring down righteousness." How delightful to think
of righteousness as a ready-made investiture given to them
who beUeve, and so to be exempted frora all the fears of le-
gaUty, and all its fruitless and fatiguing labors. It is only of
such righteousness that the prophet speaks in Isaiah, xxxii.,
17. May the patient sufferer take up with this righteous
ness, so as to work peace in her heart, and with the blessed
effect of quietness and assurance forever. The next verse, too
(verse 18), is very soothing. The fifty-third chapter, one of
the raost illustrious in Scripture, is well fitted to call out in
our hearts the love of the Savior.
The whole of our Savior's conversation with His disciples,
John, xiv.-xvii., particularly xiv., 1-3, she will find to be an
eUxir to her soul. But she raust not be overtasked. Do give
her ray tenderest regards. My heart bleeds for poor Mrs.
Edie. Say all that is affectionate and kind both to her and
to your much- loved patient, both from myself and from all our
family. And with our united regards to you, I ever ara, &c.,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXXL— To Mrs. Elliot.
Edinburgh, 11th February, 1844.
My dear Mrs. Elliot — The intiraation of dear Mrs. Ush
er's death has awakened in my breast no coramon sensibili
ties ; my acquaintance with her — on my part a constant and
cherished friendship — being now of forty- three years' standing.
In 1801,1 was a frequi.nt visitant at Courthill, and ever treat
ed with the utmost kindness by both of your much-loved par-

460 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ents, whose attentions to me at ray first outset in public Ufe
have never been effaced frora ray raemory, and, I wUl add,
have never been effaced from my heart. The maternal care
which I experienced at her hand I always felt to be pecul
iarly soothing; and frora the days of Dr. Charters downward
(but my intimacy with her began more than twenty years be
fore his death) I have never ceased, araid aU the varieties
through which Providence has conducted me, to cast an eye
of pleasing remembrance on the place that gave you birth, or
to think of your dear departed raother with every feeling of
the most grateful and affectionate regard.
But far the raost interesting visit I ever paid to her was
in 1833, when she told me that she had reached seventy ; nor
can, I adequately express the joy which I felt on finding that
the truth as it is in Jesus was so congenial to her heart. She
had quite the tone and aspect of one who was ripening for
heaven, and I trust has now entered upon its glories. Let
us, my dear Mrs. Elliot, be foUowers of them who through
faith and patience are now inheriting the proraises ; and then
shall the friends who loved each other on earth, and loved
the Savior, hold everlasting converse together in that region
of blessedness where sin, and sorrow, and separation are un
known. Christ casts out none who corae unto Him. His blood
cleanseth from all sin. God through Hira beseeches us to be
reconciled. He says, " Turn ye, turn ye ; why will ye die?"
He proraises that if we turn unto Hira, He wUl pour out His
Spirit upon us. These are precious sayings ; and both you
and I are abundantly welcorae to the full benefit of their ac^
complishment in ourselves. Let us believe in them to the
saving of our souls. Let us venture our all on that founda
tion which God himself hath laid in Zion. Let us give our
selves up unto Christ to be ruled in by His Spirit — to be ruled
over by His law. Give my best regards to Mr. EUiot and
your brother ; and ever believe rae, my dear Mrs. ElUot, yours
with sincerest condolence and regard, Thos. Chalmers.

MRS. ANDERSON. 46)

No. CCCLXXXIL— To Mrs. Anderson,
Edinburgh, 5th May, 1844.
My very dear Mrs. Anderson — This is a truly desolat
ing stroke. God has been pleased thus to cut off the desire
ofyour eyes (Ezek.,xxiv., 16), in mercy, however, I trust and
believe, and not in judgment. You have great reason, ray
dear raadam, to rejoice even in the midst of this sore tribula
tion, though one of the sorest on this side of death, it being
the breach of the nearest and dearest of all earthly relation
ships. AU here have been saddened and solemnized by it. We
feel that we have lost a much-valued friend. Every recol
lection I have of the dear deceased enhances my sense of his
worth and goodness, and the greatness of your loss. Never
in the whole circle of my acquaintanceship did I experience
a more uniform flow of aU that was kind and gentlemanly.
But the greatest charm of his society then, and incompar
ably the raost consoling now to look back upon, is the evident
value he had for the truth as it is in Jesus, the ardent love
he bore to the Savior.
This is a mighty alleviation ; and to the force of it I am
confident you must feel alive. Blessed be God that while,
with the example of His Son, who wept at Lazarus' tomb.
He has given an impressive sanction to the sorrow of nature,
you have such abundant reason to sorrow not even as others
which have no hope. Let us but withdraw our affections
from a world the nearest and dearest objects of which can be
so speedily withdrawn from us, and transfer these affections
to the world which endureth, where sorrow, and separation,
and sin, are unknown.
It is ray earnest prayer that the heavy bereavement may
be blessed and sanctified to you all. Give my best and kind
est regards to the dear Miss Andersons and the rest of your
sorrowing family. Oh that we at length learned wisdom —
that *ihe oft-repeated lesson of our mortality at length told

462 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
upon us, so that instead of living here, as if here we were to
live forever, we became followers of them who through faith
and patience are now inheriting the promises.
And what a comfort to think of the errand on which our
Savior came into the world, even to destroy death and him
that has the power of death. Let us corafort one another
with these words — assured that all who slept in Jesus, all
who loved the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, will meet again
and be forever with the Lord. In the contest between faith
and sense, let faith have the victory. Take a firm confiding
hold on the promises of the Gospel. Be persuaded of them
and embrace them, and let them be your songs in the house
ofyour pilgrimage. Cast your care and confidence on Hira
who is the husband of the widow and the father of the fa
therless. And araid the changes of this eventful and ever-
shifting world, let us steady our hearts upon the blessed as
surance of that record which God hath given of His Son, even
that God hath given to us eternal life, and that this life is in
His Soji.
The Bible-mark which you gave me I still use, and it is
daily in my hand. The precious text that you wrought into
it I often recall with the greatest interest, and I would pre
sent it now to your notice along with some others. Num., vi.,
24, 25, 26 ; 2 Tim., i., 10 ; 1 Thess., iv., 13-18 ; 2 Cor., iv.,
14, 17, 18 ; Psalm xc, 12 ; John, xi., 25, 26 ; 1 Cor., xv.,
53, 68 ; Phil., i., 23 ; Rev., xiv., 13 ; xxu., 1, 5, 17.
Mrs. Chalmers and my daughters join in most affectionate
condolence with yourself and the Misses Anderson ; and with
most affectionate and earnest prayers for Heaven's blessings
on you and yours, I entreat you to believe me, my very dear
madain, yours with the greatest esteem, and sympathy, and
regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CCLXXXIII.— To Miss Abercrombie.
Morningside, 17th November, 1844.
My dear Miss Barbara — This striking and unlooked for

MISS ABERCROMBIE. 463
death never ceases to occupy ray feeUngs and thoughts. It
is not that Dr. Abercrombie filled so large a space in the eyes
of his countrymen, but it is that, apart altogether from his
pubUc and general celebrity, there was so much of genuine
goodness and real Christian worth; and then what a mighty
influence on the side of truth and righteousness that he held
out through life, and a noble and consistent testimony, and
in all his publications gave such evidence of an intense affec
tion for human souls. But over and above his claims to my
reverence and regard as a religious philanthropist, there was
such a uniform kindness to myself and his offices of substan
tial friendship to my family have been so important and nu
merous, that beyond the circle of my own immediate rda
tionship there is no removal from the world of any other ac
quaintance I have in life that could more affect, or solemnize,
or warn me. It is well to speak and think Of it as but a re
moval — not a dissolution or final breaking up. May you and
all the family be enabled to realize this bright and cheering
conviction, and look forward to that joyful raorning of a bless
ed and glorious resurrection, when you shall raeet again in
that inheritance above which fadeth not away.
In John, XV., 2, there is the intimation of a process in the
spiritual husbandry of God, which I have often looked upon
as especially applicable to a case of bereavement, when the
nearest and dearest of all earthly relationships is broken ;
when a branch beareth fruit, God pruneth it that it may bring
forth more fruit. The vegetable juices are made to take a
more healthful direction when all the luxuriant overgrowth
is taken away. And it is so in the moral and spiritual econ
omy. Our affections are apt to run sideward and down
ward to an earthly object, and this tendency God in His wise
and righteous discipline is often pleased to arrest or to shift,
by dissevering the object, and so causing the stream or cur
rent of our affections to arise from the things that are be
neath to those which are above. How delightful to beUeve
that this change in the bent of your affections may take

464 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
effect upon you all, and this without losing sight of their
wonted object, but by following it upward to the place which
he now occupies, thus causing you to feel as it were another
tie to Heaven, an augmented interest in that eternal home
which should henceforth be the grand object of all our airas
and aU our aspirations.
Give my most affectionate regards to your sisters, who one
and all of them are the objects of my sympathies and pray
ers. I might have addressed this broken and imperfect effu
sion to Miss Abercrombie ; but on her, as the eldest of the
family, the raain burden will fall of this sad and trying dis
pensation. Forgive me, my- dear Miss Barbara, for having
singled out you as my correspondent for the expression of
feelings which I can not restrain, yet am unable to utter but
in a way the raost inadequate and feeble. Ever yours, most
affectipnatdy and truly, Thomas Chalmers.

[MiDMiLLS, near Inverness, 9th January, 1850. — Ret. Sir  I can
not deny myself the satisfaction of saying how much I felt gratified ai
finding, in the first volume of Dr. Chalmers's Memoirs, my husband's
name so remembered in connection with a family he so greatly es
teemed.* I have often heard him, in after years, refer to the warm kindness
of Captain George Chalmers, who even tried to find amusement
for him when returning strength fitted him for a little exertion. A
bottle would be slung at the yard-arm to serve for a mark at which '
the invalid subaltern might fire ; and having been fortunate enough to
hit the object several times. Captain Chalmers accounted him so ex
pert a marksman that he declared, should they encounter a hostile shij^
he would station him " to pick off the man at the helm." I am, rev
erend sir, your obedient servant, Margaret MackIy.-
The Rev. Dr. Hanna, Morningside.]
No. CCCLXXXIV.— To Mrs. Mackay.
Edinburgh, 16th March, 1845.
My dear Mrs. Mackay — I received the affecting intima
tion from Hedgefield a few days ago, and not, I can assure
* See Memoirs, vol. i., p. 99.

MRS. MACKAY,,^ 465

you, without emotion. Your dear and departed husband I
became acquainted with so far back as 1806, when he spent
sorae time with me and my brother George at the manse of
Kilmany, when ray brother was languishing under an illness
which carried him soon to his grave. At the commencement
of our acquaintance neither of us was adequately irapressed
by the momentous realities of an eternal world ; but I re
joice to think of him in a more advanced life, and of all the
converse that he had with yourself, and of the love he bore
to one whose works declare that she loved the Lord Jesus. I
have finished, and on the last Sabbath of last year*, the pe
rusal ofyour affectionate testimony and tribute to the cause
of the Savior. May the precious truths which you there deal
out to others soothe and sustain your own spirit under this
heavy visitation of Providence, and by which the nearest
and dearest of aU your earthly relationships has been broken
* Edinburgh, 29th December, 1843. — Mt dear Madam — I offer
you my grateful acknowledgments for your " Sabbath Musings," of
which I mean to read one for every Sabbath of the coming year.
I am very sorry to hear of poor Colonel Mackay's severe illness.
With every prayer for the best interests both of him and of your-
se.f, ever believe me, my dear madam, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
In a letter to Colonel Mackay, dated 1 1th December, 1837, Dr. Chal
mers referred to a previous publication of Mrs. Mackay in the follow
ing terms :
I read the " FamUy at Heatherdale'' with great pleasure, as did also
my daughters. I thmk it a beautiful tale, and written in a pure and
scriptural style of sentiment. Its simplicity is a great charm to mCj
though I would have you to be apprised that this very property, though
in my estimation a very high one, may operate adversely on the sale
of the work, or on the amount of public demand for it. Such is the
depraved taste nowadays for excitement, that nothing but a story of
great incident and bustle will satiate the appetite. The work, however,
must have its select readers and admirers notwithstanding ; and, at all
events, you have obviously great reason to felicitate yourself as being
associated with one of such an accomplished, but. above all, of such
a Christian mind as that manifested by its author. With my best re
gards to Mrs. Mackay, I ever am, my dear sir, yours most truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
U2

466 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
asunder. May He who is the Husband of the widow be your
support and consolation in this your day of trial, and fill your
sinking heart with the bright and elevating thoughts of that
enduring world where sorrow, and suffering, a!nd separation
are unknown.
What a blessed consideration that we have a JFriend on
high who is touched with a fellow-feeling of our sorrows.
May you be filled with a realizing sense both of His power
and His willingness to save you. May you enjoy the mani
festations of His love, so as that you may learn to glory not
only in the hope of that inheritance which He hath purchased
for all who believe, but even to glory in tribulations also.
(Rom., v., 23.) Through patience and comfort of the precious
Scriptures may you have hope, nay, abound therein, through
the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom., xv., 13.) The last
of these two verses is truly precious ; and may you have full
experience of the blessings there prayed for by the Apostle —
peace and joy in believing, even on Hira whose blood cleans
eth frora all sin ; and why not from your sin ? Ever believe
rae, my very dear madara, yours with great esteem and re
gard, • Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXXV. — To James Cunningham, Esq., Edin
burgh. Anstruther, 18th May, 1845.
My dear Sir — I should have replied rauch sooner to your
melancholy and affecting intiraation of the 2d of May. I have
been advertised lately of raany deaths, and some of them my
own relatives. But this, though it has occupied ray tirae,
has not diverted ray sympathies from you in the bereave
ment which you have been called upon to sustain by the
tearing asunder of the nearest and dearest of aU earthly re
lationships. Yet I rejoice to think of your many alleviations. Our Sav
ior Hiraself has given the sacred sanction of His own exam
ple to the sorrow of nature. But what a call for gratitude

FREDERICK ADAMSOA', ESQ 467

that you sorrow not even as others that have no hope. What
a precious consolation is the remembrance of that faith and
its fruits, which give you the blessed assurance, that when
she fell asleep she slept in Jesus. And what a preservative
against being swallowed up of overmuch sorrow — when our
affections, instead of being desolated, are only transferred
frora that passing and present world, the nearest and dearest
objects of which are taken away from us, to that bright and
enduring world where sin, and sorrow, and separation are
unknown. Let us, therefore, comfort one another with these
words. As friends drop away from us, let us draw nearer
together as the followers in one common pursuit of those who
through faith and patience are now inheriting the promises.
It is my earnest prayer that this heavy affliction may be
sanctified and made the vehicle of the richest .spiritual bless
ings to you and to your children. They are deprived of a
raother's presence, but not, let us confidently hope, of the fruit
and efflcacy of a raother's prayers, lifted up by her while on
earth, and the reward of which is upon high. Ever believe
me, my dear sir, yours very respectfully and truly,
1 Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXXVL— To Frederick Adamson, Esq.
Gourock House, 25th July, 1845.
My dear Sir — I am not sure if I could state so well in
conversation as I can atterapt to do in writing, the very deep
interest I feel in you, and my earnest desire that these brief
and casual raeetings on this side of death should be followed
up on the other side of it in that reign of perfect blessedness
where sorrow, and sickness, and separation are unknown.
Believing as I do in the soleran realities of a coraing judg
raent and coming eternity, I beg that you will consider it to
be from no other cause than the strength of my affection for
you that I venture to remind you of the everlasting weal or
the everlasting woe to which we are fast hastening. If I
did not think that there is a patent way of transition from

468 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
death to life, from a state of condemnation to a state of ac
ceptance, I would be the last man to offer any disturbance on
a raatter which, if altogether hopeless, had better be let
alone ; but confident as,I ara that there is no want of good-
wiU on the part of our Father who is in heaven, that He is
waiting to be gracious — nay, beseeching one and all of us to
enter into reconciliation, I can not refrain from pressing the
assurance upon you of the perfect readiness wherewith your
very first approaches will be met and rejoiced in by Him
who dwelleth above on that throne which is at once the
throne of grace and righteousness. Let us be very certain
that Christ will cast out none who come unto Him, and that
God will cast out none who come unto Him through Christ.
It is true that He is determined, and that in the most author
itative and peremptory manner, that this is the only footing
upon which He will receive us, and that there is salvation
ill no other way than by the name of Christ. But let us
only recollect that He is the party sinned against, and that it
is for Hira, and not for us, to dictate the terras and the treaty
of reconciliation ; and so He has expressly said, that no raan
cometh to the Father but by the Son. It may look stern
and repulsive the being told that out of this way we shall
never meet with acceptance frora God ; but surely this is all
made up for, all most fully and generously compensated, when
we are further told that in this wayofitwe shall never miss
acceptance with God. He who out of Christ is a consuming
fire, is in Christ a reconciled Father. (2 Cor., v., 18-20.)
By this open door of access the worst and ungodliest of men
are invited to draw nigh, that our sins raay be washed out
in that blood which cleanseth frora all sin, and why not our
sin ? He who hath the Son hath life ; he who hath not the
Son hath not life. The acceptance of Christ, then, may be
called the turning-point of our salvation ; it is the great act
upon the doing or not doing of which there hinges our eter
nity. On the one hand, if we receive Hira by faith, we shall
receive all that is needful, whether for the preparation here.

FREDERICK ADAMSON, ESQ. 469
or the enjoyment hereafter, of life everlasting ; but on the
other hand, how can we escape if we neglect so great salva
tion ? (Heb., U., 3.)
May the Spirit, whose office it is to bring home the word
to our hearts — may He open our hearts to the truth and ten
derness of these sayings ; they are simple but sure, and would
we only place faith in the gracious promises and calls held
out in the Gospel, even to the farthest off in rebellion, then
should we find that according to our faith so wiU it be done
unto us.
Do indulge me, my dear sir, in aU this, and put it down to
the right cause, which is my sense of the duty I owe to a much-
loved friend ; for although we have not met often during half
a century, I have ever entertained a very strong affection to
ward you. I remeraber weU the strength of those amiable
and deeply-felt affinities which bound together, as with all
the force of mutual instinct, our family ; and which often since
I have witnessed streaming forth, as first one and then anoth
er of your desolated household in St. Andrews was taken off
by death. In a few years we shall all be mouldering in our
coffins ; then be wise, and join us. May Heaven grant that
we shall be found side by side, sharing together in the resur
rection of the blessed ; and He who saith, " I am the resur
rection and the life,'' now stands with open arms to receive
all who come unto Hira, and declaring this unto all in words
of deepest pathos — grant that unto us they raay prove words
of power — " He that bdieveth in me, though he were dead,
yet shall he live ; and whosoever liveth and bdieveth in me
shall never die."
May the Giver of all grace pour forth His best blessings
upon you and yours, upon dear Mrs. Adamson, and upon one
and all of your much-loved family. Farewell, ray dear sir ;
I leave this by Monday's boat at eleven o'clock ; and I can
say truly, that far the raost interesting visits I have raade
since I left horae were those to yourself and Mr. C. I can
not express how much I was delighted by his state of raind

470 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
— not only patient i^i tribulation, but rejoicing in hope. Let
me die the death of the righteous, let my last end be like his.
Ever believe me, ray dear sir, yours with best and greatest
regards, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCLXXXVIL— To Misses Wallace.
Burntisland, 14th May, 1846.
My dear Misses Wallace^K grieved me exceedingly to
hear ofyour brother's death, and it grieves me still further to
hear of your sister's illness.
Short of religion and its blessed hopes, no adequate comfort
can be given under the sore and afflicting bereavement which
it has pleased the Almighty God, though often mysterious in
His dealings with the children of men, to lay upon you. Yet
poor and ineffectual as aU other considerations are, I must
affirm the sufficiency of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to meet
the calamity which else raight overwhelm you. Not that I
would forbid your tears, for our Savior himself who wept at
the tomb of Lazarus, gives to the sorrow of nature the sanc
tion and the sacredness of His example. But let us not for
get that when He went up to heaven. He took up along with
Hira all the syrapathies and all the tenderness which He
manifested upon earth. Nor can I name a passage of Scrip
ture more endearing or more fitted to soothe and alleviate
even the deepest of our sorrows than that in which He is set
forth to us as touched with a fellow-feeling of our infirraities,
and as having been tried in all points even as we are, and so
able to succor and sustain thera who are so tried.
Oast, then, the whole burden upon Him of this heavy vis
itation — " Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He will sus
tain thee." It is not willingly that He afflicts the children
of men ; and let us assure ourselves both of the wisdora and
the goodness of a Father in every chastisement that He in
flicts, and every ingredient, however bitter, which He pours
into the cup of discipline.
If poor Jessie can bear to be read to, I know nothing inore

MISS WOOD. 471

precious than our Savior's last lengthened discourse to His dis
ciples. The fifteenth chapter of John has long been a par
ticular favorite of raine. The 2d verse is peculiarly appli
cable to those who mourn the death of relatives, as making
known to us the purpose of the great Spiritual Husbandman
in pruning the branches which have been yielding some fruit
even that they should bring forth more fruit.
Offer my affectionate condolence to Mrs. Thomas Young on
this sad occasion ; and ever believe me, ray dear Misses Wal
lace, the sincere and sympathizing friend of you both,
Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — You must know Dr. Buchanan's work on affliction.
I have more than once recommended it as a fit companion in
houses of raourning. T..C.
No. CC CLXXXVIII.— To Miss Wood.
Edinburgh, 5th July, 1846.
My dear Miss Wood — I should have acknowledged much
sooner the affecting intimation from Elie ofyour sister's death,
which I felt much at the time, and have borne the impres
sion of in my heart ever since. There are not half a dozen
surviving acquaintances in the world whom I have longer
known — ^the period of my recollections as a visitor in your
house going back to very early childhood. It must have
proved to you a very desolating stroke ; but what precious
alleviations in the blessed assurance that she was one of God's
own people, whose life throughout has been one of consistent
discipleship, and who carried in her very aspect the expres
sion of great peace and great joy in believing. May the
thought of this comfort and sustain you under this heavy be
reavement, and may it wean your affections stiU more from a
world, the nearest and dearest objects of which may at any
time be withdrawn from us. It is thus that the great Spir
itual Husbandman (John, xv., 1, 2), in the exercise of a wise
and salutary discipline, draws the affections of His children

472 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
upward and heavenward to Himself; and, superadding the
lessons of His providence to the lessons of His word, teaches
us a greater diligence and devotedness than heretofore, in be
ing followers of those who through faith and patience are now
inheriting the promises.
I fed quite sure that her most frequent and favorite vol
ume must have been the Bible. I should like to know if
there were any of our great old popular authors in whora she
took peculiar delight. The truth is, that I ara getting fonder
of these every day ; and the very books which formed the
spiritual aliment both of my father and mother in their de
clining years, are now prized by me as, next to the Scriptures,
the wisest and the best. I rejoice, for exaraple, in " Mar
shall on Sanctification," and ara pleased to think that he was
one of my father's greatest favorites. But I have a far more
vivid recollection, and had indeed the opportunity of more
closely watching and observing my mother's death-bed than
his ; and she died, I would not say in the triumphs and ecsta
sies, but in the calm and settled assurance of the faith. I nev
er understood so perfectly as frora the view of her last hours,
the expression of the prophet — ^the peace which is as a river.
This intimation from Elie, now lying before me, cajrries me
back into a far retrospect of the years of ray boyhood. Your
father and raother. Dr. and Miss Reid, Miss Anna Wood, your
aunt, the venerable Mrs. Jaraes Wood, Mrs. Peter Chalmers,
her son and daughters, are one and all of them pictured on
ray reraerabrance, and I should add Mr. and Mrs. Alexan
der Wood and their sons, to complete my enumeration of a
living society which has wholly disappeared. Truly this is
not our abiding city. May we look to the city which hath
foundations, whose builder and raaker is God ; and may the
gracious manifestations of our reconciled Father in Jesus
Christ brighten and cheer to both of us the remainder of our
earthly pilgrimage.
May I beg my kindest regards to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wood,
as also to my good worthy Christian friend, Mr. Archibald.

MRS, DUNLOP. 473

Mrs. Chalmers and all here join in kindest vidshes. Be
lieve rae ever, my dear Miss Wood, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

LETTERS TO MRS. KEITH DUNLOP.
No. COCLXXXIX. Edinburgh, 2d February, 1829.
My dear Madam — I have great pleasure in assuring you
of the success and the great benefit that attended the insti
tution of the Catholic schools in Glasgow. The priest, on
the one hand, insisted that they should be taught by school
masters of his own persuasion ; but, on the other hand, he
consented that the Bible should be one of the school-books. I
have repeatedly visited one of these schools, and rejoiced in
the opportunity of such an approximation to a sect with whom
I hold it most desirable that we should have free and fre
quent intercourse. I always experienced a most cordial re
ception, and have even been asked to address the children,
which I did, and was afterward thanked by the teacher for
doing so, although the address was in the very spirit and sen
timents that I should have reckoned the most appropriate for
the children of any Protestant school.
In short, I hold an institution of this sort to be in every re
spect a wise and a hopeful one in every neighborhood where
you have a number of uneducated CathoUc children. I would
rather have a reading than a non-reading Catholic population
at any time ; insomuch, that ev- n did they refuse our Bible
as a school-book, I should esteem the setting up of a school a
step in advance in the cause of philanthropy. I have the
honor to be, my dear madam, yours most respectfully,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXC.
28th July, 1842.
My dear Madam — ^We are still in Ireland, where we ex-

474 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
pect to remain a few weeks longer ; but if God will, I trust
we shall be in Scotland before the expiry of the month of
August. Your letter came to me some tirae ago ; and I was much
interested by the perusal of it. I should Uke you to attain
a settled corafort, and that, notwithstanding the defects of
which you coraplain, in sanctification and personal raeetness
for heaven. It is the very faith which gives the first sensa
tion of peace with God that must ever be recurred to and
kept hold of in order to perfect our hoUness. " Hold fast
your confidence, and the rejoicing ofyour hope firm unto the
end." I wish that you could fall on the habit of repairing
daily and currently to the atonement by Christ, for keeping
up your peace with the God against whom you daily and cur
rently offend. It is not one great act of mercy alone that
Christ hath purchased for us ; it is mercy in every time of
need — a piecemeal and ever-recurring raercy through Hira
who is our daily, morning, and evening sacrifice. " If any
raan sin, we have an advocate with the Father in Jesus
Christ, who is the propitiation for our sins." It is thus that
we should draw from His mercy as weU as from His grace, as
we stand in need of it. And let us not be afraid lest under
this economy of a daily forgiveness for our daily offenses, we
shall be encouraged to sin afresh that we may be pardoned
afresh. " These things," says the Apostle John, " I write
unto you that ye sin not." (See 1 John, i. and ii.) The man
who is truly desirous of raercy to pardon, is as truly desirous
of grace to help hira. Let us have faith for both, and we
shall have the fulfillment of both. The great secret, it has
been said, of practical godliness, or of the Christian life, is to
keep up peace in the heart, yet along with it a vigilant care
of our walk and conversation. Thus do we combine the se
curity of the Christian faith with the diligence of the Chris
tian practice.
I am very glad you have written me ; and I shaU be most
happy to reply as I can to all your comraunications. I feel

MRS. DUNLOP. 475

that I have still much to say, which at present I have neither
time nor space for. Let me at present conclude with the
apostolic blessing, " The very God of peace sanctify you whol
ly." I have often been struck with the juxtaposition here of
peace and sanctification. There is a way of combining and
harmonizing both. I ever am, my dear madara, yours Very
truly and with much regard, Thomas Chalmers.

[Largs, 12th June, 1844. — My dear Sir — The last day I was in
your house, a trifle occurred that gave rise to feelings I would in vain
attempt to express. I noticed two beautiful salvers on the table, and
said something about them to one of the littlfe girls, who said, " Yes,
papa got them in remembrance of somebody near Glasgow;" and turn
ing one up, she read — " Mrs. Glasgow, of Mountgreenan." What de
light would it have given my dearest earthly friend to have known she
was so affectionately remembered by one she looked up to as the means
of her present peace, her hopes for eternity ! I have ever since determ
ined to tell you a circumstance that occurred two days before her
death. She said to those attending her — " Let my situation be a warn
ing to you ; you see that the moment the agony of pain is relieved,
I am so exhausted that sleep overpowers me : had I now my peace
to make, what would be my situation ? But I know in whom I have
trusted, and my heart is at ease." Oh ! my dear sir, hov? often have
I wept with gratitude to you on thinking over this scene ! Before her
knowledge of you her mind was quite at sea, and domestic affliction
quite unhinged her ; you brought her peace and fortitude to turn to
other objects ; and I have often wished to tell you what I was sure
would give you pleasure, but I could not without a degree of emotion
one does not like to exhibit. I got, however, a message two days ago,
to be ready to go home at a moment's warning, being deprived, not of
my consciousness, but of my physical power at once. The doctor was
with me almost immediately, and I am now nearly well, but put on
very short allowance of meat or drink for some time ; yet I have little
doubt I shall soon be well again, and only wish that I may retain the
still, soleran, confidential feeling of immediate dependence that at pres
ent soothes every emotion of my raind, and dififiises over it something
deeper than the tranquillity of a summer evening — I could alraost say
something holy. Think of me, dear sir, where the prayers of a good
man avail much, and believe me, under every circumstance, with the
most grateful respect and affeCion, yours, Keith Dunlop.]

476 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. COCXCL
Edinburgh, Morningside, 14iA Jume, 1844.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I received your deeply interest
ing letter this morning.
I have long cherished the recollection of dear Mrs. Glas
gow, as being indeed araong the kindest and truest friends I
ever had in this world ; and rejoiced in her growing congeni
ality with all that is most spiritual and substantial in the Gos
pel of Jesus Christ. There is nothing which I have oftener
recurred to in looking back upon the past, than the dehght
wherewith one of her elegant and cultivated literature could
peruse the homeliest authorship of the good old Puritanic writ
ers, whom she at one time would have recoiled from as utter
ly distasteful. Her dying testiraony to the faith is indeed
raost precious. It is new to rae ; and I feel peculiarly grate
ful for your stateraent of it, which I shall reserve as one of
the raost valued memorabilia in ray possession.
We are all greatly concerned to hear of your illness ; and
shall be raost interested to hear, by however short a notice,
of your state of health ; only do not make any exertion beyond
your strength. I rejoice to hear frora you ofyour raental and
spiritual state^-that of still and confidential dependence. Be
assured that the stronger and sirapler your reliance is, the
more acceptable to God. He likes to be trusted. Without
faith it is impossible to please Hira ; but, on the other hand,
the raore unfaltering our faith, or the more like it is to the
unstaggering faith of Abraham, the better is He pleased. In
other words, our comfort and His glory are at one. In qui
etness and confidence then may you have strength. " Be still,
and know that He is God." (Ps. xlvi., 10.) " May the God
of hope fill you with all peace and joy in believing." (Rom.,
XV., 13.) "Acquaint thyself with Him, and be at peace."
(Job, xxi., 21.) I have often thought of a verse in Deuter
onomy as peculiarly applicable to the case of one who is phys
ically helpless, but still in that condition is thus encouraged

MRS. DUNLOP. 477

to trust in God : " The Lord will repent himself for His serv
ants, when He seeth that their powerHs gone, and that there
is none shut up or left." (Deut., xxxii., 36.)
It is ray earnest prayer that whatever may befall in the
wise and merciful providence of God, you raay be upheld in
the Gospel attitude of looking unto Jesus. One apostle tells
us of the meekness and gentieness of Christ ; another tells
us that God is love. Surely in the face of such declarations
it were wrong to refuse that confidence for which so deep and
solid a foundation has been laid. " Rejoice in the Lord al
ways ; and again I say. Rejoice." (Phil., iv., 4.) May the
6th and 7 th verses also be abundantly realized upon you ; as
also Romans, v., 1 1 — " Joying in God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, by whom you have received the atonement."
Our whole family, including Mrs. Hanna, who is with us,
unite in kindest and most affectionate remerabrance. "The
Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord raake His face
shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift
up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." I ever
am, my very dear raadam, yours with the utmost regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXCIL
Edinburgh, Morningside, 23d June, 1844.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — We have great pleasure in send
ing our two girls to you, and are sure that they will be quite
happy if they can contribute in any way to your help and
corafort. Any benefit or gratification you may have received from
my last letter must have been in the proportion of its being
charged with precious and pertinent Scripture. I could have
no hope of saying any thing effectual apart from that volurae,
which is indeed the Book of Life to all who read it with the
docility of Uttle children ; but it does give one a confidence
in writing when he feels that all which he ventures to state
or to affirm is solidly grounded on the word of God.

478 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
There is no continuous passage which I read with greater
delight than the fifty-third of Isaiah ; I remember when I
made at least one perusal of it a daily task. The very ca
dence of its sentences is dear to me ; and I feel soraething in
conceivably sublime in that strain of older inspiration first ut
tered in distant antiquity, and coraing .down through success
ive generations to elevate and sustain the faith of those on
whora the latter ends of the world have corae. There is to
my mind an inexpressible charm in the substance of evan
gelical doctrine couched in the phraseology of those holy men
of God whose writings served to irradiate those periods of an
earlier dispensation.
Instead of particularizing certain verses, as I did in my
last, let me specify two or three raore of those continuous por
tions which I would signalize by a particular recommendation.
The next, then, which I wAuld raention is our Savior's dis
course to His disciples, in John, xiv .-xvi. There are many
individual germs in it, which I forbear pointing out. The
passage in it which interests rae raost is the first half of the
fifteenth chapter. Again, nothing can be raore overpowering
than His prayer in the seventeenth chapter.
The substance of the Gospel, condensed within the space
of a few verses, we have in the last half of 2 Cor., v. No
where are the calls to reconciliation more free and open, and
nowhere is the regenerating effect of our compUance with
these calls affirraed more distinctly or raore pereraptorily.
My especial favorite is 1 John, iv. The love of God, the
manifestation of that love in sending His Son to be the pro
pitiation for our sins ; the belief of the apostle and His dis
ciples in the reality of the object thus presented (verse 16) ;
and, lastly, the effect of this belief in working a love unmix
ed with terror — these aU evince the precedency of faith to
love, and they imply, moreover, the faith of appropriation, a
lesson further and very decisively told us in the next chapter,
verse 11 — a precious lesson truly, and which I rejoice to ob
serve that you so prized in the reading of Anderson's " Essay."

MRS. DUNLOP. 479

" Now, the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in
beUeving, that ye raay abound in hope through comfort of the
Scriptures and power of the Holy Ghost."
I think Clarke's " Scripture Promises" a very precious col
lection ; and I know not a more satisfying evidence of the
Spirit being at work with us than when the power of Scrip
ture is felt by us.
All here join in best and most affectionate regards. Mrs.
Hanna is with us. She is better ; and Mrs. Chalraers con
valescent from a late attack. Ever believe me, my very dear
madam, yours most truly and with great regard,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXCIII.
Edinburgh, Morningside, 21s* July, 1844.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I feel exceedingly interested by
your last letter, and all the more that it makes rae fed so
gladly and hopefully of your spiritual state. There is not a
raore satisfactory evidence of the Holy Ghost having been at
work with -the soul, than that the Scriptures come home to
it with a feellag of weight and preciousness greater than wont
to be expressed in, other days. It is not Nature that effects
such a manifestation, but a light from on high — not a hght
which bearas direct upon the raind, so as to evolve upon it
other truths than those which are to be found in the Bible,
but a light which shines through the Bible as the great rae-
diura of conveyance between the Spirit of God and the spirit
of raan. It was evidently such a Ught that shone upon the
Psalmist, and of which he tells so much, both of its power
and its enjoyment, throughout the whole of the 119th Psalm.
In this view the 19th Psalm too is exceedingly to be prized.
It is true that there is no direct or palpable raention here
made of the Savior ; but there are manifold recommendations
of that word which testifieth of the Sa,vior. For when it is
said that the Spirit taketh of the things of Christ and show-
eth them unto us, I understand by this that He taketh of the

480 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
things which are told of Christ in Scripture, and showeth
them unto us. And it is truly delightful to meet with so
much of Christ in the Old Testament — as in Psalra Ixxxiv.,
9, where the Psalmist prays substantially just as we do for
justification ; and Psalm Ixxxiv., 11, where he looks just as
we do to the right quarter for sanctification. " The Lord
will give grace and glory" — grace here and glory hereafter—
the " earnest of our inheritance" (Eph., i., 14) on this side
of death, and the inheritance itself on the other side of it.
See also Acts, xxvi., 18. Then we have Psalm Ixxxv., 10,
where we have the blessed union of the attributes in the work
of our redemption ; and in the alliance between peace and
righteousness, we recognize the doctrine of God being just
while the Justifier of them who believe in Jesus. — (Rora.,
iii., 26.) Or which is identical viith this, and going back
again to the Old Testaraent, we read of God being at once
a just God and a Savior.
I exceedingly rejoice in that the Scriptures which I last
pointed out have corae so powerfully home to your ieart —
which they could not do unless in your mind tiere was a
sense of their reality. You are right in the conclusion that
such feelings and emotions could not have been awakened
without faith in the glorious truths by which they have been
called forth. Some talk of the reflex act of faith, and try to
ascertain its existence by a sort of direct consciousness. They
may succeed in this, though I should apprehend that we are
not so sensible of faith itself as of its fruits or effects ; and
that the Savior's test is applicable to this too : " By its fruits
shall ye know it." May the love, and the peace, and the joy,
and all the other fruits which are enumerated in Galatians,
v., 22, 23, grow every day upon you in brighter and more
discernible characters. At the same time, never forget that
it is not by looking for them that you create them, but by
" looking unto Jesus." — (Heb., xii., 2.) In other words, while
not forbidden, but the opposite, to look inwardly, (2 Cor.,
siii,, 5), I would still say, look rauch oftener outwardly than

MRS. DUNLOP. 481

inwardly. Look raore to the object of faith'than _/br the act
of faith. Or, in the language of good Richard Baxter, for
every look you cast inwardly and downwardly upon yourself
cast ten looks outwardly and upwardly upon the Savior.
All here unite in most cordial regards to you. Ever be
lieve rae, my dear Mrs. Dunlop, yours with great esteem and
regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCXCIV.
Morningside, Edinburgh, 8th September, 1844.
My dear Madam — I have not been in church for four
weeks, with the exception of the afternoon of this day. But
there is something very enjoyable in a Sabbath at home,
though I do not think that even it is an enjoyment that
should be courted at the expense of duty — I mean the duty
of not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. But
when one can have a quiet and solitary Sabbath with a clear
and quiet conscience,- 1 know few things more exquisite. The
chapter which chiefly engrossed and interested me has long
been a favorite one — 2 Cor., v. It ranks with me among
what I call the superlative passages of the Bible. I know
not where a greater richness of evangelical truth is to be
found condensed within narrower limits than in its eight con
cluding verses, where we are presented with the principle
of Christian obedience, the, mighty transition which all un
dergo who are in Christ, the free and urgent entreaties of
God Hiraself to enter upon this blessed union, and, lastly, the
firra and sure guarantee of our safety, and of His favor in
that double exchange which He has instituted between the
sinner and the Savior, by which they were raade, as it were-,
to change places — our sins laid to His account, and He bear
ing the full burden of them — His righteousness laid to our
account, and we admitted to the full reward of it. What
stupendous blessings are thus placed within our reach.
" Open thy mouth wide, and I wiU fiU it." " Ask, and ye
shall receive ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall-be
V. X

482 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
opened unto you." Other assurances equally precious are to
be found in 2 Cor., vii., 2, 17, 18; Isaiah, i., 18; 1 John,
v., 11, with innumerable other passages in the Psalms and
Prophets of the Old, and in the Gospels and Epistles of the
New Testament.
The Hannas, including Toraray, and accompanied by my
daughter Margaret, are now on their Fife expedition, whithei
I meant to have gone too had I been quite well. I find that
I do not agree with locomotion, arid thenecessity under which
I am laid to refuse applications for all sorts of service wher
ever I go, is excessively irksome to me. Grace is now in
Kirkaldy. Mrs. Chalmers is in her ordinary health ; and all
unite in the expression of their warmest regards to you.
I had a very agreeable call the other day from Miss Maria
Vans Agnew, who has kindly undertaken to aid us in the
West Port. I ever am, my dear madam, yours very grate
fully and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
CCCXOV.
Edinburgh, Morningside, 22d September, 1844.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I am gradually coming round by
repose and retirement ; but it is altogether out of the ques
tion that I should again so implicate rayself in public busi
ness as I have done hitherto.
I rejoice that your theological views should be so clear and
satisfactory ; or, instead of using a terra so scholastic as theo
logical, I should rather say, I rejoice that you are enabled to
make such a confident personal application of the undoubted
truths of Christianity to your own case in particular. And
be assured that there is the fullest warrant for this in Scrip
ture, which abounds in such terms as fully entitle the reader
to transmute the general into the particular and the person
al ; as, "Whosoever will, let hira corae and take of the wa
ters of life freely" — therefore raay I so come. Or, " Whoso
ever calleth on the name of the Lord shaU be saved"  let
me therefore thus call. Or, " Look unto me, all ye ends of

MRS. DUNLOP. 483

the earth, and be saved" — let me, therefore, confidently look
unto Jesus for salvation. Or, "Everyone that asketh re
ceiveth" — let me, therefore, ask in the full beUef of the truth
of this saying ; and, according to my beUef, so will it be
done unto me.
The same thing is admirably made out by Dr. Anderson,
author of the first of the " Three Essays on Saving Faith,"
which you so much liked. And the raention of him suggests
Cudworth, the author of the third of these Essays, and which
consists of so many aphorisms. If you have access to the
" Free Church Magazine," and I think there should be copies
of it in Largs, then let me recomraend an article in the pres
ent nuraber (September) on the Religious Experience of this
Mr. Cudworth, who, late in life, underwent a remarkable en
largeraent in his views ; and that on the strength of that
very faith which, in all its simplicity, he so well expounds in
the aphorisms which you have read.
The dread of Antinomianisra has led sorae to cast an ob
scuration on the freeness of the Gospel, and to view with jeal
ousy the representations of those who set forth this freeness
in all its siraplicity and fuUness. It is thus that raany speak
suspiciously and with apprehension of a Tract, recently writ
ten by Horatius Bonar, of Kelso, entitled " Believe and Live."
I confess that I do not syrapathize with thera. Should you
get the Tract, I ara persuaded you will find the same com
fort and refreshment in it that you derived from the "Essays
on Saving Faith," which I put into your hands.
But it is a great thing that we have Scripture itself at all
tiraes to repair to, whether we have these human expositions
of Scripture or not. It alone is able to make wise uiito sal
vation through the faith that is in Christ Jesus. May you
ever continue through the comfort of these precious records
to abound more and more in hope by the power of the Holy
Ghost, being fflled with all peace and joy in believing. I
ever am, my dear madam, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

484 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. C CCXCVL
Edinburgh, Morningside, 13th October, 1844.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop- — In the absence of all sensible
tokens for good, we should not let go our confidence in the
efficacy of prayer. What a large and hberal warrant is
held out for intercession in the Scriptures. God willeth in
tercessions to be made for all men, and on this ground, too,
that He willeth all raen to be saved, and to corae to the
knowledge of the truth. — (1 Tim., ii., 1-4.) Were our faith
equal to God's faithfulness, we should find a glorious verifi
cation of the saying, that all things are possible to him that
believeth. — (Mark, ix., 23.) It is my confidence in the effi
cacy of believing prayer which leads me to acquiesce in the
prophecy of a nation being born in a day. In the sarae evan
gelist, Mark, we have a still stronger declaration of the raighty
power of faith ; xi., 23, 24. There is rauch to be gathered
from the juxtaposition of what is said in verses 25 and 26.
No man who reads all the four in connection could possibly
have the faith described in the two first, if conscious that he
failed in the forgiveness enjoined in the two last verses — a
proof that faith, in one of the very highest of its exercises,
could not possibly lead to Antinomianisra.
I do hope and pray that you continue to have great peace
and joy in beUeving, and further, that the joy of the Lord is
your strength. His very proraulgation of the law that we
should love Him, and His assigning to this law the highest
place in His code, making it the first and greatest of His com
mandraents, is evidence in itself that He has presented us
with adequate grounds and objects for that faith without
which it were irapossible to love, as without which it is ira
possible to please Hira. May your faith grow exceedingly,
working raore and raore by love, and abounding more and
more in all the fruits of righteousness. I ever am, my dear
madam, yours with great esteem and regard,
Thomas Chalmers.

MRS. DUNLOP. 485

No. CCCXCVIL
Edinburgh, Morningside, 10th September, 1844.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I can not adequately express the
amount of refiex and secondary pleasure which I feel in the
recital you have given me of those manifestations that con
tribute so much of true, and solid, and most warrantable en
joyment to your own heart. If I have in any way been an
organ of conveyance for those Scripture and scriptural views
which so evidently have told upon you, and in a way so le
gitimate and so desirable, I sincerely rejoice in it. But it is
not an unfrequent thing, that one should be the minister of
a peace and an enlargement to others, of which he himself is
very far short ; and therefore, convinced as I am of the sover
eign efficacy which lies in the prayers of a believer, I would
cast rayself on the intercession of all ray Christian friends,
and of you in particular, that God would bestow upon rae in
fuller raeasure than I have ever yet experienced, the spirit of
love, and of power, and of a sound mind ; and cause His Gospel
to enter my soul in the deraonstration of the Spirit, and with
much assurance. The kingdom of God may come to the
mere theologian in word only, and not in power, so as to
make it a possible thing that he should deal but in the vo
cables of orthodoxy, and have no part in the life or substance
of it. Our resort, when visited by any anxious suspicion of
this kind, is in the faithfulness of God — He will not put us
off with a semblance or a counterfeit of the pearl of great
price, if the pearl itself be what we honestly and earnestly
pray for. On this subject I have often felt that there is great
comfort in Matt., vii., 9, 10. When we ask a loaf He will
not put us off with a stone, or with a serpent if we ask a fish,
or with a scorpion if we ask an egg. He will not irapose
upon us or mock us with a vain similitude of the thing, if
we in good faith ask the very thing itself; and I very heart
ily rejoice in the assurance that the good work which God
has begun, and is carrying on within you, is the sacred pledge

486 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
of your coraing inheritance — the preparative and the precur
sor of heaven in your soul.
But let us never forget that the way to be kept right in
wardly is to look right outwardly. Let us ever be looking
unto Jesus, that we raay hold fast our confidence in Hira ;
and that we may realize the continued fulfillment of His gra
cious proraise, that if we abide in Hira, He will abide in us,
and cause us to abound in much fruit.
I feel greatly obliged by your most generous proposal in
regard to the West Port. Forgive me if I do not avail my
self of it, at least now. Should we be in difficulties I will let
you know ; but I have the comfortable expectation of being
provided with the requisite supplies for this great object.
There are two things connected with this operation, each
of which will give you pleasure :
1 . I anticipate as rauch benefit frora Mr. Hanna's proposed
raonthly week, as I could have had, had he settled in Edin
burgh. 2. Miss Maria Vans Agnew promises to be a most useful
auxiliary in the West Port — efficient and wise.
All here are in about a mediura state as to health. I am
tolerably well. I ever am, my dear, Mrs. Dunlop, yours with
the greatest regard, Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — All unite in cordial regards. Tommy goes to school,
and is well enough at present for it.
In regard to the apprehension you express of your ever
learning and never being able to come to the knowledge of
the truth — ^this I should apply to such as are carried about
with every wind of doctrine, but not to such as are fixed, as
I trust you are, upon Christ as their all in all. Such will
have new views and larger views of the truth as they grow
in the Christian life ; but this is not to be confounded with
the vacillations of those who are unstable and unsettled in
the faith. Progress is not fiuctuation ; and that progress
forms a part of Christian experience is indicated by the foi-

MRS. DUNLOP. 487

lowing verses : Col., i., 10 ; John, xiv., 21 ; 2 Peter, iii., 16 ;
1 Peter, ii., 2 ; Heb., v., 13, 14. The variety of Scripture is
exhaustless ; and you must not wonder at the brighter com-
plexional manifestations you may be privileged to enjoy of its
single truths at one time than another, as well as the new
relations which you discover between these truths, with their
new applications to the desires emd wants of the now awak
ened s]^rit. T. C.
No. CCCXOVIII.
Edinburgh, Morningside, 5th January, 1845.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I can not suffer the holidays to
pass without sending you the compliments of the season ; not
formaUy, I ean assure you, but feeUngly ; for I do feel the
sincerest joy in beUeving that the unction of the Holy One is
upon you — the anointing which remaineth (1 John, ii., 22,
27) — ^the earnest ofyour future inheritance (Eph.,i., 14) —
that better part that shall not be taken away (John, x., 14).
What a precious writer John is, both in gospel and epistle.
I feel nothing better fitted both to soothe and to comfort one
than the gentleness and sensibility, and deep as weU as ten
der piety of this apostle. The whole of his first epistle is in
stinct with spirituality, and in most beautiful keeping with
the last discourse and prayer (the most solemn and elevating
passage in the Bible) which He himself has recorded.
I both rejoice in your experience, and have the utmost val
ue for your prayers. I stand greatly in need of them, and
therefore entreat a continued part in your intercessions. Ev
ery day convinces rae more that the Spirit in the word is the
only source of Ught and corafort, and of all saving influences
both on the understanding and on the heart. But the Spirit
is given to prayer, and given, too, raost freely and willingly ;
for the very ground on which God requires intercessions to be
made for aU men, is that He willeth all men to be saved, and
to come to a knowledge of the truth.
We have had a second West Port visit from Mr. Hanna of

488 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

nearly a fortnight. He is of the greatest use to me ; and
there is distinct progress making in our enterprise. But here,
too, we are made experimentally to feel our need of grace
frora on high ; for truly when it coraes to an atterapt upon
huraan souls, we are made to feel our own helplessness, and
to find that man is nothing, and God is all in all.
Mrs. Hanna's cold still lingers ; and I begin to dislike it.
Tommy is expanding rapidly ; he has got a set of carpenter's
tools, and among other things has made a most respectable
• wooden stool. He has the organ of constructiveness.
All the rest of the faraily are in their average health, and
join in best regards. Ever believe rae, my dear madam,
yours raost affectionately, Thomas Chalmers
P.S. — Miss Maria Vans Agnew is a most efficient mem
ber of our West Port agency. Mrs. Mowat, a very generous
friend to the work, died a few days ago, to the veiy great
grief of myself and of all who knew her. T.C.
No. CCOXCIX.
Edinburgh, Morningside, 9th February, 1845.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — There is nothing to be regretted
in the felt unsatisfactoriness of huraan authorship on any topic
of religion, if light and corafort break in upon it directly from
Scripture. I could desire no better result from any embar
rassment into which you were thrown by reading Dwight,
than that it was all cleared away by the 17th chapter of John.
Theologians often do perplex their readers, and more par
ticularly in the handling of objections ; all of which, howev
er, raight be overborne by the self-evidencing power of the
Bible, when we sit down to its lessons with the docility of lit
tle children. There is a sufficiency in the Spirit and the word
which might well make us independent of all uninspired writ
ers ; and yet in their written statements frora the press, just
as in their spoken stateraents frora the pulpit, there is often
a very powerful influence. The reflection of inspired truths

MRS. DUNLOP. 489

frora other rainds than our own has in it a peculiar virtue, de
rived, I ara apt to think, from the force of sympathy with the
experiences, and the impressions, and the felt wants or com
forts of feUow-sinners like ourselves. Certain it is that God
has been pleased to annex a great power to human agency in
the business of Christianization.
The four short epistles from Galatians to Colossians are
among the raost precious corapositions in the New Testament.
I have been dwelling on them with great interest. I ara, my
dear madam, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCC.
Edinburgh, Churchhill, 23d November, 1845.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — The case you raention is not un-
comraon — that of a good raan of society trenched in self-suf
ficiency, and inaccessible to every arguraent for convincing
him of sin. The only way in which it can be logically treat
ed so as, if possible, to gain over his understanding, is to rea
son with him on the two distinct standards of morality, the
terrestrial and the celestial. He will scarcely refuse that
surely soraething is due frora the creature to the Creator ;
and then he may be closed with oirthe question, whether that
soraething has been really given or really withheld. The
more we can convince him how rauch is due, and the more
we can lay bare to hira his deficiency therefrom, the greater
is the Ukelihood of our carrying at least the intellect, if not
the conscience and the heart. The Bible uniformly regards
the world in the Ught of its being God's world ; and it treats
the question between God and man as hinging upon this —
What has he done unto God ? It views God as the Being
with whom we have to do ; and it resolves the controversy
between the parties into this — that throughout the vast mul
tiplicity of our doings, little or nothing is done unto God. The
charge or the complaint against us is, that it is not His will,
but our own wiU that we foUow — not His way, but our own
way (Isaiah, Iiii., 6) that we walk in. These ways are ex-
X 2

490 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
ceeding various — a way of profligacy, or business, or amuse
ment, or science, or even philanthropy and patriotism. Some
of these, therefore, estimable, useful, lovely, and of good re
port ; yet what Luther would rather coarsely, and revolting-
ly it raay be, but in substance truly, denorainate courses of
splendid sin, because one and all of thera destitute of godU
ness. It is thus that a man may rank very high on the ter
restrial standard of morality, and on the celestial raay be at
the bottora of the scale ; so that, when raet on the awful day
of reckoning with the question. What have you done unto me ?
he raay be left without a speech and without an argument.
This is the sort of reasoning wherewith a good raan of the
world might be plied ; and it is right that he should be so
dealt with. But, sensible as I am of the need of a higher
illumination, he should not only be pleaded with, but prayed
for, that the Spirit may convince him of sin, and cause him
so to feel his need of a Savior, as that Christ shall no longer
be lightly esteemed by him, nor the preaching of His cross
sound any longer as foolishness in his ears.
When looking upon ungodliness as the great master sin of
humanity, reaching deep into the heart of raan, and pervad
ing the whole systera of his habits and desires, I have often
gathered frora the contemplation a fresh argument for the
completeness and sufficiency of the Gospel; and this I would
fain address to yourself for the purpose of corafort and confir-
raation. For, though this ungodliness be the very acme or
extremity of human guUt, I am told of a far-reaching power
in the Gospel-remedy that overtakes, as it were, and goes be
yond it. In this view I hold the phrase in Roraans, iv., 5,
to be of special iraportance^ — " justifieth the ungodly." Here,
then, is a justification that overraatches the deepest and dead
liest of our Criraes, And of kindred encourageraent to this
is Romans, xi., 26 : " He will turn ungodliness firom Jacob."
Here there is a sanctification which does away the raost vir
ulent of these moral and spiritual maladies under which we
labor. Thus there is that in the Gospel which makes head

MRS. DUNLOP. 491

against both the guilt and the power of our deadliest trans
gression, and is commensurate to the salvation of the chief of
sinners from the chief of sins.
It is my prayer and hope that you may more and more ex
perience of Christ that He is the power of God unto salvation
from all your distempers, erasing your name from the book
of condemnation, and making you alive to the sense and the
enjoyment of God as your reconciled Father. May He shed
abroad in our hearts the love of Himself by the Holy Ghost ;
and what a precious assurance for us to pray over, that as
He has already given for us His own Son, much more wiU
He with Him freely give us all things.
I shall be most happy at all times to hear from you. Our
family here are a good deal colded, and I myself am slightiy.
Grace will be delighted to receive a letter from you. The
college enrollments are going on faster this year than they did
last ; and there is the promise of a larger attendance at the
Hall than we have ever yet had. I ever am, ray dear Mrs.
Dunlop, yours raost affectionately and with great esteem,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCCI.
Edinburgh, Morningside, 4th January, 1846.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I beg that you will not scruple
to write me at all times. The labors of my correspondence
have been greatly lightened by the employment of an aman
uensis whom the Free Church kindly allows to me ; so that
I have far more leisure and liberty than I formerly enjoyed
for writing with my own hand to my own more special and
personal correspondents.
I feel greatly obliged by the kind invitation of your neph
ew, though I do not purpose being at Liverpool. I have
the greatest desire for the object of the raeetings there ; but
I can not undertake any distant locomotion in its behalf All
my extra attentions are now confined to my local enterprise
in ihe West Port^in which, if I succeed, and am followed

492 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

up by the imitations ofother philanthropists, I believe I shaU
do raore good than by distracting and dividing myself between
this and other objects, however excellent.
From the interest which Mr. Dunlop takes in the moral
and religious state of the people in Liverpool, it occurs to me
that he may perhaps like to see what progress we have made
in our Edinburgh attempt. I therefore beg to inclose for
hira the " Witness" report, although it be an iraperfect one,
of the speech I delivered the other day upon the subject.
I raost thoroughly accord with your aspirations for greater
love and enlargeraent than you feel you have yet attained ;
and you have, indeed, singled out the best expedient for the
accomplishment of your wishes — which is prayer, whether
it be our own prayers or the intercession of others. I believe
that the most advanced and cultivated Christian upon earth
will persevere to the end in the veiy attitude which youi
letter evinces — not of satisfaction with present graces, but of
longing expectancy for raore. It was quite so with Paul. So
little did he think of having yet attained, or being already
perfect, that he counted all that was behind as nothing, and
so pressed onward. The very progress of one's discipleship
makes him more alive than before to his yet remaining cor
ruptions and deficiencies. And it is my beUef that Paul to
the last half hour of his history would have complained of
his vile body, and said, " that in me, that is in my fiesh,
there dwelleth no good thing ;" and exclaimed, "Oh wretch
ed man, who shaU deliver me ]" And yet he could follow
up this sad and desponding utterance, regarding himself with
an expression of the most grateful confidence in the Savior :
" I thank God through Jesus Christ ray Lord." It is the ex
perience of all Christians. When looking to ourselves, there
maybe great dlscorafort and disquietude — to make our escape
from which, we should look unto Jesus. This was the con
stant habit and exercise of the Apostie. — (Scq, PhU., iu., 3 •
2 Cor., xii., 8-10.) It is in the maintenance of this habit
that, in spite of all our foars and all our short-comings, we

MRS. DUNLOP; 493

are enabled to make progress — more advanced than before,
and yet more hurabled than before, under a sense of manifold
infirmities now more clearly seen, and now more painfully
felt, in virtue of the very additions which have been made
to our knowledge and to our growth in grace. The summit
of creature-perfection, says good old Riccalton, " lies in bring
ing our own emptiness to the fullness that is in Christ Jesus."
With best and most grateful acknowledgments to Mr. Dun
lop, I ever am, my dear madara, yours most affectionately
and truly, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCCII. Edinburgh, 15th March, 1846.
My very dear Madam — I should have replied sooner, but
the last month of the session is always a busy one. I can,
however, assure you that your letters are always most wel
come, insomuch that I do hope you will often write, irrespec
tive of my replies, which, at the same tirae, Lfeel the great
est pleasure in raaking.
Your statement of the benefit derived from what I write,
and similar statements from others, is to me an experimental
proof of the reality of the Spirit's operations. I have long
felt this to be a striking evidence ; and raany are the clergy
men who depone to the same thing, when told, and most
credibly told, of the good that has been done to hearers by
their sermons, and to correspondents by their letters, and a
good that often outruns and goes far beyond the infiuence
which the things said or written have had on the preachers
or writers theraselves. It raay be all true, and most im
portantly true, what we give forth ; yet with us it raay only
be the wisdom of the letter, while with those whom we ad
dress it may be the wisdom of the Spirit — as if He had taken
up our utterance by the way, and given it an irapression on
the rainds of others to which those from whom it carae are
altogether strangers. This has been the frequent experience
ofdergyraen ; and perhaps it is well that it should be so.

494 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
to keep thera hurable and prayerful, under the sense of as
great dependence on illumination from on high as the veriest
babes in learning or intellect.
I know not if you are acquainted with the works of John
Newton. I think that you would thoroughly congenialize
with them. I am reminded of hira by a passage in your let
ter regarding your deeper conviction of the sin of ungodliness
now than you ever had prior to your experience of the com
forts of the Gospel. Newton was consulted by an inquirer,
who thought that, ere he was warranted to lay hold of Christ,
he should have a raore tender sense and fuller view of the
evil of sin than he had yet attained to. Newton told hira
he was wrong, bade him repair to the Savior immediately ;
and stated to him what had been his own prayer — " Reveal
to rae Thy Son, and after that what Thou pleasest."
It is said of Jonathan Edwards,' that long after his conver
sion he had prayed for a raore adequate sense of the raalig-
nity of sin, and got such a view of it as was like to over
whelm and unhinge hira altogether, that he would never re
peat such a course of prayer over again.
God knows how to teraper and proportion His various raan
ifestations in the way that is best for us, so as that we shall
not be tried beyond what we are able to bear, but with the
trial will provide a way to escape, that we raay be able to
bear. It is well that your raind was preoccupied with'the
doctrine of Christ's atonement ere getting such a view of the
evils of sin. I rejoice in your felt comforts, and pray that
they raay more and more abound. I perfectly share in your
dislike of narrow sectarianism, and do hope that the cause of
union will prosper and prevail over it. There are certain
points, however, of direction and manageraent — a line of pro
cedure which still requires to be laid down ; and I do not
think that it has yet been fallen upon. I ever am, my dear
Mrs. Dunlop, yours very cordially and truly,
Thomas Chalmers.

MRS. DUNLOP. 496

P. S. — All join in affectionate regards, and Tommy, who is
here, among the rest. No. CCCCIII.
Morningside, 11th September, 1846.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I ara reading the Diary with
deepest interest ; but it will require a day or two ere I can
finish the perusal of it. It is all most impressive, and some
of its passages are to myself peculiarly affecting. As a rec
ord of the breathings of a mind in earnest, it is one of the
most touching I ever read. I ever am, my dear raadam, yours
with great regard, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCCIV.
Morningside, 15fA September, 1846.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — 1 send back the Journal. I feel
it a great privilege that I have been perraitted to read it. It
endears the writer* more than ever to my heart, and places
her very high in my estimation both for her intellectual pow
ers and spiritual attainments. Permit rae to say that it has
given me a hvelier interest in aU her surviving friends ; and
now that I have identified the niece to whom she makes such
repeated and affecting allusions with the present Mrs. Rob
ertson, I can not but feel for her all the regards which are
due to a relative and friend.
May the providence of God go along with you. May His
grace operate powerfully and savingly within you. Do write
and let me know your address, that I may have the pleasure
of converse with you when replying to your letters. I ever
am, my very dear madam, yours most cordially,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCCV. Edinburgh, 22d October, 1846.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I earnestly hope that my reply
* Mrs. Glasgow, of Mountgreenan.

496 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
to your raost interesting letter of October 6 is not so late but
that it raay reach you by the London address. I perfectly
enter into your pleasurable feelings amid the glories of such
a landscape as you have described, and still more into the
sentiments which you experienced on your visit to Cambridge
— a place which I have now visited three tiraes, and at each
tirae with a more intense gratification than before, associated
as it is with the highest names of English philosophy and
hterature ; and over and above this, rich in that architecture
which with me is the most impressive of the fine arts. I
have gone over King's College with old Simeon, and expa
tiated in moonlight both with fellows and under-graduates
through Trinity and St. John's, and what to me is a perfect
gem, though but a miniature, Cains College. Its walks and
academic groves, and all the relics and memorials of New
ton, are every one of them raost dear and precious to my
heart. It rejoices rae to find that, however dissatisfied with your
own personal Christianity, you keep a firm hold of the .atone
ment. Let nothing dislodge you from this ; and I speak not
merely for the sake of your peace, but for the sake of your
progressive meetness in raind and heart for that inheritance
which Christ hath purchased for all who believe on Hira.
Sure I am that it is looking unto Him, and keeping fast and
firm hold upon Hira, which constitutes the right attitude for
receiving from Him all the needful supplies both of light and
grace from the upper sanctuary. And I would not measure
ray own state by another raan's experience. The Spirit is
exceeding various in His raethods of dealing with believers ;
so that, instead of looking to others and measuring myself
by others, I would recommend a simple yet steadfast regard
toward Hira who is not only the Savior, but the Sanctifier of
raen, alike able to prepare a place for us (John, xiv., 2), and
to prepare us for the place.
I know not if I ever spoke to you of" MarshaU on Sancti
fication." He is at present my daily companion ; nor do I

MRS. DUNLOP. 497

know an author who sets forth the Gospel in a way so suited
to proraote the conjoint interests of peace and holiness.
I need not say how much I ara gratified by your account
of the English parson. You may well believe that such in
stances are most genial to my feelings. I would almost wish
to raake him more specially acquainted with our objects and
views. But I perceive frora your statements that he is abun
dantly intelligent as weU as zealous ; and I can perfectly un
derstand how both he and his faraily should be in that state
of happy enjoyment which you have so impressively described
in your letter.
I forget whether you received a copy of the accorapany-
ing lithograph, which you ought to have gotten long ago, as
it was prepared for ray West Port subscribers. Perhaps it is
well fitted to give any English philanthropist whom you may
meet with some general idea of our objects and proceedings.
We often hear of the delays of law ; they are not more pro
voking than the delays of architecture. We shall not get into
. our new church tUl January. The masonry, however, is com
pleted ; and it really raakes a fine appearance.
The services of Miss Anna Maria Vans are invaluable, and
above all praise.
I do hope to see Mrs. Robevtson occasionally this winter.
The Hannas are now with us ; and little Tommy, I am
glad to say, goes forthwith to Merchiston.
Do, my dear Mrs. Dunlop, allow me to hear from you fre
quently. Your letter, as I go over it again, is a raighty sol
ace to rae ; for, amid discouragements and a thousand raoral
discomforts, it is an iraraense eraollient to know of truth and
friendship in this world.
All join in warmest regards ; and I entreat that you will
ever believe rae, my dear Mrs. Dunlop, yours raost cordially
and with the greatest regard, Thomas Chalmers.
P.S. — Pray what is the narae of the French town near
est to the place where Mrs. Glasgow -was buried ?

498 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

No. CCOCVL Edinburgh, 22d November, 1846.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I should have replied sooner to
your very interesting letter of the 6th. I beg that you wiU
not think it too much for me to meet your letters with an
early answer to each, as I have real pleasure in keeping up
this correspondence, and felt an especial interest in your last
coraraunication. But I have first to thank you for a small note of still later
arrival than yours of the 6th, and from which I have obtain
ed a very distinct idea of the site and geography of dear Mrs.
Glasgow's burial-place — a document highly prized by rae, and
which I shall place in ray personal and family scrutoire be
side the forraer meraorandura that you gave me of your be
loved sister.
You ask me if it is superstitious to feel the lesser move
ments of one's life as if coraing from on high. I think not.
There is a charm altogether natural, and I ara sure altogeth
er fitted to tranquilize and reconcUe us to whatever raay cast
up in the minutest appUcations of the doctrine of a special
Providence. It is well to recognize God in every thing ; and
I know not a more memorable or precious verse in the Bible
than where it is said that there is a diversity of operations,
but it is God who worketh all in all.
I wish that, along with Elliot's book on the Apocalypse,
yOu would get Dr. Candlish's reply to his very rash and ig
norant attack on the Free Church. Altogether I hold his
work to be the best and ablest exposition of the book of Rev
elation I have met with. But he went sadly out of his way
when he raade his onslaught upon us. Dr. Candlish's pam
phlet may be commissioned frora London, I should think, by
your nearest bookseller ; and I should be well pleased if it
could be raade known in your present neighborhood.
Btit I ara most interested of all by the expression of your
self-dissatisfaction toward the close of your letter. I will not

MRS. DUNLOP. 499

promise to relieve you of this feeling so long as you are in the
body ; but I think that the Gospel is very clear as to the di
rection which this feeling should impress on all who experi
ence it — a lesson that has been made all the clearer of late
to my raind hy ray perusal of a book which I think I recora-
raended to you, " Marshall on Sanctification," The Apostle
Paul was haunted through life by the very feeling of which
you complain. He called out in agony, " O wretched man !"
He counted all as nothing. He spoke of his vile body ; and
would, I bdieve, have so spoken of it to the last hour of his
history. Nay, let us look onward to the judgraent-day, and
we thehfind the unconscious disciples on Christ's right hand,
asking what good thing they had ever done for Him. They
forgot or made no reckoning of aught which they had ren
dered Him in the way of service. But He did not forget—
He reckoned in their favor, not unrighteous -to forget their
work and labor of love. The upshot of all is, that under a
sense of our own nothingness in ourselves, we should cast our
case upon Him as the Lord orur Strength and Sanctifier. We
should subordinate our holiness as rauch as our pardon to
faith in Him who has undertaken for both, to work in us as
well as to do for us. We should put the one case, the one
necessity, as much into His hand as the other, saying, "Lord,
take me such as I am, make me such as I should be." I
think it was because of this attitude habitually kept up that
Paul said of himself, " I am dead ; nevertheless I live, yet
not I, but Christ liveth in me." Let us do the like, laying no
confidence in ourselves, but rejoicing in the Lord Jesus ; and
as the sure result of this. He will put forth upon us the hand
of a Sanctifier-^He will perfect His own work in our souls,
and see in us of the travail of His own soul and be satisfied,
even as He will be on the day of judgraent with those on His
right hand. Let us, therefore, at all tiraes bring our own
emptiness to Christ's fullness. Henceforth let the life which
we live in the flesh be a life of faith on the Son of God ; and
thus will our peace and our holiness keep pace the one with

500 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
the other. In quietness and confidence we shaU have strength ;
and the very God of peace wUl sanctify us whoUy.
Should Mr. Pope be -stiU at Torquay, give him ray best re
gards. I raade his acquaintance at Learaington in 1835. I
ever am, my dear Mrs. Dunlop, yours very truly,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. C CCCVIL
Edinburgh, 13th December^ 1846;
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — Our Free Church committee have,
by an advertisement in the " Witness," and I should think in
other papers, given forth an invitation to all who raight choose
to co-operate in their work of charity, and also their willing
ness to raerge their collections in a general fund to be ad-
rainistered by a general' and all-coraprehensive coraraittee.
Meanwhile, all remittances ought to be sent to Archibald Bo
nar, Esq., of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Bank, Edinburgh.
What an awful state Ireland is in ! They are now dying
in dozens of hunger, and in a little while I believe they will
be dying in hundreds. It will be the same thing in our High
lands soon, unless a far greater-effort be made on their behalf
than people have yet thought or felt to be necessary.
I am truly glad that you have caught the spirit and design
of Marshall, and not less thankful that it has come home of
late to the heart and good Uking of Mrs. Chalraers. She has
been very low, and though better for the present, yet I would
say that hers is a frail and precarious condition.
I do not wonder, for it is by no raeans rare, that you should
have received Christ raore for pardon than for sanctification.
All do so at first , and it is often much later that they recog
nize Hira, and still later that they make habitual use of Hira
as the Lord their strength. I look on 1 Cor., i., 30, as a very
precious verse, in that it gives a full view of Christ's salva
tion in the various parts of it. I have great value, too, for
Phil., in., 3. The order in which Paul enumerates the three
habits of the believer is reverse, I think, to the order in which

MRS. DUNLOP. 501

they take place in his spiritual history. He first has no con
fidence in his own strength, feeling all that he does in the
way of new obedience to be so miserably abortive. He then
rejoices in the Lord Jesus (Phil., iv., 13 ; John, xv., 4), on per
ceiving that His office is to sanctify as well as to justify men.
And, lastly, as the effect of this compound attitude, if it raay
be so termed, that of distrust in ourselves and confidence in
Christ, are we enabled to serve God in the spirit, " striving
mightily according to His grace that worketh in us mightily."
—(Col., i., 29.)
I quite agree with you in thinking that all other coUections
should be postponed at present, rather than the collection
for famine should suffer. They are acting practically upon
this in many places. With earnest prayers for your continued
peace and joy in believing, I ever am, my dear Mrs. Dunlop,
yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCCVIIL Edinburgh, 10th January, 1847.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I ara rauch gratified by your ap
proval of my brief letter on the Sabbath. I can have no ob
jections, but the contrary, to your throwing off copies of it.
I doubt very rauch, however, if your sentiraents in regard to
it will be very much sympathized with, however much I
agree with you in thinking that a great and vital interest for
Scotland hinges on the right determination of this question.
I rejoice in your exertions for our suffering Highlanders.
The public are beginning to arouse ; but they are yet very far
from an adequate view of how great the destitution will be
ere harvest comes round, and what the extent of our liberal
ities, unless we can make up our minds to thousands and thou
sands more dying of starvation both in Ireland and at home.
May He who hath said, they who wait on the Lord shall
renew their strength, fulfill in you all the good pleasures of
His goodness, and cause you abundantly to experience that in
quietness and in confidence ye shall have strength. With

502 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.
the kind regards of all here, ever believe me, my dear m^dam,
yours most affectionately, Thomas Chalmers.
No. CCCCIX. Edinburgh, 31st January, 1847.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — Be assured that there is nothing
in the raere intensity and elevation of your religious feel
ings, and nothing in the strength of your convictions, though
araounting to assurance, which of theraselves bespeak aught
like illusion. For such manifestations and impressions as
you now seem to experience have been often realized, and on
the most solid grounds, by the most advanced and enlighten
ed Christians of whom we have ever read in the history of
the Church. Witness the religious experiences of Doddridge,
and Halyburton, and Boston, and Jonathan Edwards ; and,
better than all, let us only bethink ourselves of the declara
tions of Scripture which inform us of such enlargements as
are perfectly genuine, and which are occasionally vouchsafed
by the Giver of all grace as the foretastes and the glimpses
of our coming heaven. If we but put their inspired meaning
on such verses as the following, we shall not have any doubt
of these spiritual illuminations: Ps. cxix., 18; Isai., Ivia., 18;
John, xiv., 21 ; 1 Cor., U., 10; 2 Cor., iu., 18 ; iv.,4; Eph.,i.,
17, 18; iii., 18, 19; Phil., iv., 7; 1 Thess., i., 5 ; lPet.,i.,8;
2 Pet., i., 19 ; 1 John, U., 27 ; Rom., viU., 16 ; xv., 13.
There can be no doubt of such enlightenments and enhance-
raents of spiritual feeling, given in greater and less degree to
Christians in various stages of their discipleship. Many who
have the faith, and are therefore in a state of safety, are des
titute of the sensible corafort which is soraetiraes given to
others, and springs from the bright and exhilarating views
that they obtain of Divine truth. They are greatly to be
prized and longed aftei- ; but it were a raighty discourage-
raent, on many of whom I believe that they are the real
children of God to represent them as indispensable, or to set
them forth as indispensable.

MRS. DUNLOP. 503

I can not perceive any delusion in the mental state of
which you have written me. The ultimate and decisive test
is Scripture ; and so long as the ideas which fiU and elevate
your mind are scriptural truths, now seen by you more large
ly and luminously than heretofore by the Spirit shining still
more brightly than He wont to your eyes upon the word, you
have every reason to bless God and to rejoice. Certain it
is, that without going forth of the Bible there is ample ma
terial within it for sustaining and justifying all the high emo
tions which you have expressed — nothing more being neces
sary than to deepen our convictions of Bible doctrine, and to
brighten our assurance of Bible prospects, in order to bring
the mind to a state of elevation, nay even of ecstasy. And
still the Bible is the test-book, the grand touchstone by which
the spirits are to be tried; for, " to the law and to the testi
mony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because
there is no light in them." — (Isaiah, viii., 20.) My judg-
raieut is, that you speak altogether according to this word.
But my observations and even references are perhaps too gen
eral for your case ; and let rae therefore conclude with a few
more specific references, serving to prove that Jesus Christ
does, by His Spirit, dwell in man, and presides over his
movements, actuating, and strengthening, and directing ;
and, in virtue of the close and intimate union which takes
place between Him and the believer, revives hira and makes
him faithful, even as the vine comraunicates life and fertility
to all its branches.
John, XV., 1-8 ; Rom., yiU., 9-11 ; 1 Cor., vi., 19 ; Gal.,
u.,.20 ; Rom., viu., 3 ; Eph., iv., 16 ; Heb., via., 10, 11 ;
Jer., xxxi., 33. Observe that God dwelling in you is as much
part of the promise or covenant under the econoray of the
Gospel, as is the forgiveness ofyour sins.
Pray for all in whose spiritual state you take an interest,
that they, too, may be made to experience these higher at
tainments of experimental Christianity ; for raany, raany are
they whose doctrine outruns their experience, or who have

504 CORRESPONDENCE OF DR. CHALMERS.

not verified in their own personal state and history, what
nevertheless, they know to be true. I ara, ray dear Mrs.
Dunlop, yours very sincerely and affectionately,
Thomas Chalmers.
No. COCCX. Edinburgh, 24th March, 1847.
My dear Mrs. Dunlop — I send Mrs. Glasgow's paper
with the deepest interest, and your observations on your own
state I look upon as being exceedingly just and important.
We must not expect to realize at all times the same bright
manifestations. But though they come to us only in passing
yet precious glimpses, the recollection of thera is most helpful
for the sustaining of our faith, on which faith it is that, under
all the variations of our sensible comfort, our safety hinges.
It is by the power of faith that we are kept unto salvation.
I know not if you ever read Samuel Rutherford's "Let
ters." There is a passage in one of them which rerainds rae
of your present experience. He experienced, when in prison,
a raost remarkable season of spiritual refreshment and illu
mination, during which he wrote an account of it to one of his
correspondents. Araong other things, he says that he was
quite sure the present transport, and elevation and sensible
coraforts were not to last, but that a time was coraing when
they would take leave of hira, and then what he should do
would be, "believe in the dark." It is quite competent to
believe even in the duller and darker frames of the mind ;
for belief does not look inwardly upon the frames, but stays
itself by looking outwardly upon the word ; see Isaiah, I., 10.
Nevertheless, such manifestations are mightily to be prized
and longed after, as the most precious cordials on our future
way ; and the recollections of those which are past are con
firmatory and comforting to the soul. I ever ara, my dear
Mrs. Dunlop, yours very truly, Thomas Chalmers.
THE end.

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