and not
a clever one. Latterly he showed a considerable desire to know more
about religion. Went with J. Sandilands to be present at the formation
of a branch of the Church Society at Glasgow--made a regular speech!" On
September 4th he writes--"The first day of meeting of the general
committee for business of the Scottish Episcopal Church Society. I gave
a large dinner. Much have I worked for this society, and done better
things than give dinners. By the by William Ramsay [his brother the
admiral] made a capital speech." On March 5, 1841, it is noted, Bishop
Walker died--"a good man. His mind cast in a limited mould of strong
prejudices; but a fair man, strictly honest in all his ways. He was not
fitted to unravel difficulties in his episcopate, and scarcely suited to
these times. He had been a furious opponent of the old evangelicals. A
constant and kind friend to me. May his memory be honoured. Bishop
Terrot elected bishop. I am very grateful to think that in all this
business I can look with satisfaction upon everything that has been
done by me."

From this time Mr. Ramsay's thoughts were very much taken up with the
Episcopal Church Society, and he records in his journal most of its
meetings, and the English friends who came across the Borders to help
them. He mentions also a Scotch Presbyterian churchman who became
convinced of the apostolical authority of episcopacy--"an excellent
man." Then a visit of Mr. ----, "an accomplished and able man, somewhat
strong of the popish leaven." That was in 1842, and on the margin is
written--"Gone over to the Church of Rome, 1845." He mentions also the
"stupid business at Portobello and squabbles," and his going down to
make peace. On September 4th we have some things which seemed important
at their time--the Queen's visit to Scotland. He says, "It was a
stirring subject for old Scotland." "This day, 4th Sept., I read prayers
and preached before her Majesty, and also dined and sat near Prince
Albert and the Queen. In the evening presented to the Queen and Prince
Albert, and introduced to Sir Robert Peel." Then comes the cry--"All
vanity of vanities!" At the end of this month the Bishop of
London--"very agreeable"--was in Edinburgh, and the Dean accompanied him
to Glenalmond, to see the proposed site for Trinity College. In 1843 he
mentions the death of a friend, who, he feared, died an infidel:
"However, I have no wish to proclaim his errors. To me he was ever kind
and consid