which the whole ambition of his life was set. He always shrank
from speaking about himself, and in those days was not in the habit
of obtruding sacred things on his fellow-students. His views on
personal dealing then were changing, and became very decided in
after years. Earnest, honest, faithful to his convictions, as a
student he endeavoured to influence others for good more by the
silent eloquence of a holy life than by definite exhortations, and
I feel sure his power over some of us was all the greater on that
account. When it became known that Gilmour intended to be a foreign
missionary, there was not a little surprise expressed, especially
among rival fellow-students--men who had competed with him to their
cost. The moral effect of such a distinguished scholar giving his
life for Christ among the heathen was very great indeed. To me his
resolve to go abroad, though it induced a painful separation,
proved an unspeakable blessing. The reserve which had so long
prevailed between us on sacred things began to give way, and much
of our correspondence during his residence at Cheshunt College was
of a religious turn, though still more theological than practical.

'The last evening we spent together before he left for China can
never be forgotten. We parted on Bothwell Bridge. We had walked
from the village without speaking a word, burdened with the sorrow
of separation. As we shook hands, he said with intense earnestness,
"Paterson, let us keep close to Christ." He knew Him and loved Him
much better than I did then; but about nine years ago, after
hearing good news from me, he wrote to say that for twelve years he
had prayed for me every day, and now praised God for the answer.'

In the diary from which we have already quoted Gilmour thus concludes
the sketch of his education:--

'Near the close of the session of 1867 I opened negotiations with
the London Missionary Society, the consequence of which was that I
was removed to Cheshunt College in September of that same year.
Here (1867-1868) a new experience awaited me--resident college
life. At Glasgow we dined out, presented ourselves at classes only,
and did with ourselves whatever we liked in the interval. At
Cheshunt it was different. All the students live in the buildings
of the college, which can ac