p251 [J Leslie] MY DEAR BROTHER, - I have long been thinking of writing to you, and anxious to do it; when I tell you that I disposed last week of above fifty letters, you will not be surprised that I have not accomplished it. But I had a good time in Dublin. … At Belfast we have had very good meetings - except Lord's day, readings morning and evening, and good attendance, and interest, and I have got a little acquainted with them. This is all I have as yet been able to do in Ireland, but only a fortnight there; there is encouragement in the work. …

I find daily the gospels more and more precious, I mean what Christ is in them. There is a perfection in His path there is nothing like; indeed, we learn what perfection is by it. The scene of Gethsemane in Matthew, where He was to suffer all as a victim, has rested on my spirit with astonishing power. I gave the elements of it in -,* for that is all one can do.
{*[Collected Writings, vol. 24. p. 292. See also Notes of Address (given at Rathmines, January 1st, 1874), Collected Writings, vol. 21. p. 99.]}

Affectionately yours in the Lord.

Belfast, January, 1874.

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