… through over-work. It is very trying in his present position in view of the Shaw Competition. I went to hear W. Gray[3] preach on Sabbath Afternoon. He did very well — in his flowery style but good and with great energy and with good action.
There is an essay in Genesis in the Theol. on Friday by Bell – I fancy I shall have to take a pretty prominent part in the criticism, so wd. like my essay of last year sent to me — it is in the box of which Charley has the key — ask him to get it. If sent on Thursday morning I should get a look at it in time.
There was a most riotous meeting of the Theol. On Friday – quite a row was raised by a man Mackintosh[4] and as the president was too weak he was not properly snubbed. However there is a general feeling against the man and for the tightening of discipline. As Secy. I get more involved in these rows than I like. I had to take a prayer in the missionary meeting on Saturday for the first time. It was rather trying – but I must get accustomed to these things now.
Tait’s Introductory lecture to the Ladies is to be published along with Masson’s and Fraser got the proof to read so I hope I shall get a copy.
I suppose I told you that I got a copy not only of the book on Heat but of Tait’s other new thing — the abridged Thomson and Tait (T & T′, as Tait calls it) for the use of the class.
I am quite well and like my work. I can’t say that between it and my philos. reading, I have done a great deal of Theology of late — in fact Rainy’s class is slow. There are some very good lectures but no push. They are too diluted — I must stop here however, and,
I am,
Your aff. Son,
Wm. R. Smith
P.S. The enclosed affairs for Ellen.
[1] CUL ADD 7449 C088 TS, to William Pirie Smith or Jane Smith.
[2] The opening page or pages of this letter are missing and it is difficult to date accurately from internal evidence.
[3] Gray, William Alexander (b.1846): a contemporary of WRS but a year ahead, educated at Aberdeen University and New College, was ordained in 1869 and ministered first at Logiealmond (Perthshire) before being called to Elgin South in 1874.
[4] Probably Alexander MacIntosh (1842–1889) who ministered at Bowmore, Islay, from 1874, resigned in 1879 and emigrated to Australia.