there
was a large and ample field in Glasgow for the exercise of his energy
and talents, at last agreed to accept the call. His ultimate consent was
given, we believe, mainly through the importunity of the Rev. Dr.
Taylor, who has for many years been his most attached and intimate
friend. Dr. Taylor went to Alnwick with the view of seeing and arranging
personally with Dr. Ker; and it is a notable fact that although Dr. Ker
had determined to treat the second call as he had treated the first--by
returning a distinct and unqualified refusal--Dr. Taylor's entreaties
had the effect of inducing him to alter his decision. So far, indeed,
had Dr. Ker's mind been made up that he had actually written a letter
negativing the call, and the letter was on its way to Glasgow while Dr.
Taylor was _en route_ to Alnwick, the two having thus crossed each
other. We do not, however, believe that Dr. Ker has had any reason to
regret his decision. The field that was open for his efforts in Glasgow
was much more extensive if not more congenial than that presented by a
remote country town like Alnwick, and Dr. Ker has been instrumental in
raising up a congregation second to none in Glasgow as regards numbers
and influence. Shortly after he removed to Glasgow an effort was made to
secure a more eligible church for his large and increasing congregation,
which was at length removed from East Campbell Street to Sidney Place.
The new church cost upwards of L8000, and the opening services were
conducted by Dr. Edmond and Dr. Cairns of Berwick, the respected pastor
being himself absent at the time from ill health. At the present hour
there are upwards of 800 members in connection with Sidney Place Church,
and it is seldom indeed that the membership of a church covers so wide
a radius, some coming four and six miles every Sunday.

During the first few years of his residence in Glasgow, and even prior
to that date, Dr. Ker was most zealous and indefatigable in the promotion
of every good word and work. No one was more frequently before the
public during the years 1854-55-56 as the upholder of truth, as the
advocate of justice, as the bitter and uncompromising foe of error and
ignorance, as the alleviator of misery and distress. The amount of
physical and mental work which he undertook during these years was more
than any ordinary mortal could stand; but it was to him a labour of
love, and he did not stay his hand until an enfeebled and broken-down
const