to Dr. Candlish. He asked Mr. M'Cheyne what he would think of "being
useful to the Jewish cause, during his cessation from labor, by going
abroad to make personal inquiries into the state of Israel?" The idea
thus suddenly suggested led to all the after results of the Mission of
Inquiry. Mr. M'Cheyne found himself all at once called to carry
salvation to the Jew as he had hitherto done to the Gentile, and his
soul was filled with joy and wonder. His medical friends highly
approved of the proposal, as being likely to conduce very much to the
removal of his complaints,--the calm, steady excitement of such a
journey being likely to restore the tone of his whole constitution.

Dr. Black of Aberdeen readily consented to use his remarkable talents
as a scholar in this cause; and Dr. Keith intimated his expectation of
soon joining the deputation. I also had been chosen to go forth on
this mission of love to Israel; but some difficulties stood in the way
of my leaving my charge at Collace. In these circumstances Mr.
M'Cheyne wrote to me, _March 12_, from Edinburgh.

"MY DEAR _A._,--I have received so many tokens for good from God
in this matter, that it were a shame indeed if I did not trust
Him to perfect all which concerns me. I am glad you have
determined to trust all in the hands of Israel's God. I am quite
ready to go this week, or next week, but am deeply anxious to be
sure that you are sent with me. You know, dear A., I could not
labor in this cause, nor enjoy it, if you were not to be with me
in it. Would you be ready to give your Jewish lecture on the
evening of Sabbath week?... And now, pray for us, that we may be
sent of God; and, weak as we are, that we may be made
Boanerges,--that we may be blessed to win some souls, and to stir
up Christians to love Zion. Much interest is already excited, and
I do look for a blessing. Speak to your people as on the brink of
eternity.... As to books, I am quite at a loss. My Hebrew Bible,
Greek Testament, etc., and perhaps Bridge's _Christian Ministry_
for general purposes--I mean, for keeping us in mind of our
ministerial work. I do hope we shall go forth in the Spirit; and
though straitened in language, may we not be blessed, as Brainerd
was, through an interpreter? May we not be blessed also to save
some English, and to stir up missionaries? My health is only
tolerable; I would be better if we were once away. I am