Letters to Dr. Rainy of Glasgow

JSdiiiburgJi, llth February 1844.

MY DEAR SIR, — I have not been more moved for a long time than by the replies of Mrs. Darroch and Mrs. Cardwell to my letters, which both arrived by the same post — the one from London and the other from Gourock — and the perusal of which at the same time I felt to be peculiarly impressive. The powerful reaction of their mother’s death upon each of their minds will, I trust and pray, be signally blest to them both. I know not a death, indeed, within the whole compass of my recollection, more fitted to be spiritually fruitful than hers. Verily though dead she yet speaketh, and her memory is blest.

I think it was you who gave me Fisher’s “Catechism,” the doctrine of which (the Marrow doctrine) is very congenial to me. Let me recommend three recently republislied Essays on the Assurance of Faith, by Anderson, Erskine, and Cudworth, which I think you would like. I shall be glad when you have read it that you tell me what you think of Anderson, who is new to me, but whose views I think are very clearly given and very precious. They are quite at one with those of Fisher, whose Catechism you gave me. Had I lived a hundred years ago, I would have joined the Marrow men.

I do hope that dear Mrs. Parker’s death will tell beneficially upon all her children. I cannot rid myself (and most assuredly I have no wish to do it) of the feeling of a very strong and special affinity — as strong as that of blood or kindred — to them all. By this death I feel as if I had one tie less to earth and one tie more to heaven.

Give my very kindest regards to Mrs. Rainy; and with earnest prayer for God’s best blessings upon you and yours, ever believe me, my very dear Sir, yours most truly,

TIIOMAS CHALMERS.

N.B. — The three Essays I mention are bound up in one small volume, entitled “Essays on the Assurance of Faith.” Johnstone here is publisher. — T. C.

No. CXXXIII.

Edinburgh, 6th March 1847.

MY DEAR SIR, — I am anxious to know if you think that larger sacrifices and exertions are necessary to keep our country men from dying of hunger. I have a very strong persuasion that we greatly underrate the magnitude of the distress, and I should have the greatest value for your testimony upon the subject.

I send you one or two documents that have at least some relation to the matter in question.

I have the utmost liking and respect for your son, as one of the most intellectual, and, I hope, pious, and altogether among the best conditioned of my students. Kindest regards to Mrs. and Miss Rainy. — I ever am, my dear Sir, yours very truly, How I rejoice to observe the notice which is taken of your brother’s patriotic efforts in the Government volume of Correspondence on the Highland Destitution. — T. C.