y be judged of by one instance,--a
letter to Mr. Heriot of Ramornie, in reference to a charge which many
were anxious to offer him:--

"Dundee, _Dec. 24, 1841_

"DEAR SIR,--I have received a letter from my friend Mr.
M'Farlane of Collessie, asking what I would do if the people of
Kettle were to write desiring me to be their minister. He also
desires me to send an answer to you. I have been asked to leave
this place again and again, but have never seen my way clear to
do so. I feel quite at the disposal of my Divine Master. I gave
myself away to Him when I began my ministry, and He has guided
me as by the Pillar Cloud from the first day till now. I think I
would leave this place to-morrow if He were to _bid_ me; but as
to _seeking removal, I dare not_ and _could not_. If my
ministry were unsuccessful,--if God frowned upon the place and
made my message void,--then I would willingly go, for I would
rather beg my bread than preach without success; but I have
never wanted success. I do not think I can speak a month in this
parish without winning some souls. This very week, I think, has
been a fruitful one,--more so than many for a long time, which
perhaps was intended graciously to free me from all hesitation
in declining your kind offer. I mention these things not, I
trust, boastfully, but only to show you the ground upon which I
feel it to be my duty not for a moment to entertain the
proposal. I have 4000 souls here hanging on me. I have as much
of this world's goods as I care for. I have full liberty to
preach the gospel night and day; and the Spirit of God is often
with us. What can I desire more? 'I dwell among mine own
people.' Hundreds look to me as a father; and I fear I would be
but a false shepherd if I were to leave them when the clouds of
adversity are beginning to lower. I know the need of Kettle, and
its importance; and also the dark prospect of your getting a
godly minister. Still that is a future event in the hand of God.
My duty is made plain and simple according to God's word.

"Praying that the Lord Jesus may send you a star from his own
right hand, believe me to be," etc.

It was during this year that the Sabbath question began to interest
him so much. His tract, _I Love the Lord's Day_, was published
December 18; but he had already exerted himself much in this cau