Then laboring in Strat bogie, on his being elected minister of Wallace town.

DUNDEE, September 18, 1840.

MY DEAR FRIEND, —I cannot tell you how sincerely I thank God for the event of this evening. You are unanimously chosen minister of Wallace town. I have already been on my knees to praise God for it, and to pray that you may be filled with the Holy Spirit for this glorious work. I hope you will see your way clear in leaving your attached people at Botriphnie. Make good use of your last days among them. Warn every man. Take each aside and tell him you will be a witness against him at the last day if he does not turn and obey the gospel. The Lord gives you a spiritual family in that place; and may you come to us in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. I am persuaded the Spirit of God is still remarkably present in this town. You could not become a minister in a more blessed season, or in a more promising field. Oh, pray to be fitted for the arduous work! I was just praying this morning over Matt. 9:36–38, and little thinking that God was about to answer so graciously.

I have had a severe illness of late and been taught to look more toward the church above. But I am better, and my heart warms again towards the Lord’s work below. Now, farewell! The Lord humble, empty, satisfy, and fill you, —make you a Boanerges and a Barnabas all in one. May the Lord arise, and his enemies be scattered; and may poor parched Angus become like the garden of the Lord. —Ever yours, etc.