A pleasant picture of the great Missionary has been given by one of his converts. "We joined Dr. and Mrs. Duff, (their children being away in Scotland) at family worship both morning and evening. Duff was punctual as clockwork. At eight in the morning, not one minute before or after, the prayer-bell rang, and we were all in the breakfast-room, where the morning worship used to be held. Duff was always observant of the forms of politeness, and never forget to shake hands with us, asking us the usual question, 'How do you do?' By the way, Duff's shake of the hand was different from that of other people; it was not a mere formal stiff languid shake, but like everything else of him warm and hearty. He would go on shaking, catching fast hold of your hand in his, and would not let it go for some seconds. "We always began by singing one of the grand old Psalms of David . . . The reading over we all knelt down. Oh! how shall I describe the prayers which Duff offered up both morning and evening! Much as I admired Duff in his public appearances in the pulpit or on the platform, I admired and loved him infinitely more at the family altar, where in a simple and childlike manner he devoutly and earnestly poured out his soul before our common Father in Heaven." In 1847 Dr. Duff was deeply grieved by news of the death of a dear and revered friend, Dr. Chalmers, who was called the Father of the Free Scotch Church. Dr. Chalmers had indeed held the highest and most influential position of all the church ministers in Scotland, and an anxious question arose as to who would be worthy to succeed him. There was one man indeed, who was felt by many to be most worthy, talented, devoted and wise; that man was Alexander Duff. By vote the opinion of the Free Church was taken in this very important matter; and the result was that Dr. Duff received a call from the General Assembly to come back to his native land, take the Theological chair,—and so in clerical matters hold the position of leader. So certain were some that Dr. Duff would with pleasure accept so highly honourable a post, which would restore him to his country and children, that not only individuals, but writers in newspapers congratulated him upon what they called his promotion.