Although too young, even if he had been fit, to be in the front of the battle, the minister of Loudoun was notable among the remnant; and with his repute, besides, as a pastor, it was no wonder that he was besieged with offers of livings. He refused the first charge of Cupar, Fife; the Tolbooth and St. John’s, Edinburgh; Campsie, Maybole, St. Ninian’s. He accepted Dalkeith. Then he learned how much his people at Loudoun were attached to him. Many whom he had thought rocks sent forth tears. At the church gate, after his farewell sermon, there was a mournful crowd; and as he walked home he was waylaid by watchers, who seized his hand, and invoked upon him the blessing of God. CHAPTER III 1843-1851 AFTER THE BATTLE--DALKEITH--EMBASSIES--EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE--DEATH OF JOHN MACINTOSH. That he should have chosen Dalkeith when he had the chance of going to Edinburgh has been remarked as strange. ‘I prefer,’ he said in explanation, ‘a country parish to a town, because the fever and excitement and the kind of work on Sabbath days and week days in Edinburgh would do me much harm bodily and spiritually.’ This is not enough, and indeed, though he did not state them, he confessed that he had other reasons. As the citadel of a glorying dissent, Edinburgh would scarcely be inviting to a man of his temperament. And it is clear that his mind had been stirred to its depths by the secession. At Dalkeith he would have leisure for reading and reflection, and yet be close to the headquarters of the Church.