Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/204

188 me Professor of Theology in London to the English Presbyterian Church, because my field was not theology proper, but philosophy always in its religious bearings. I do not know the exact duties or emoluments of the New Jersey College; yet if it affords a wider field to me,—a field for turning all my studies in science and philosophy to a religious account,—I am willing to go at my Master’s command, bunt the invitation must come from others, and I will permit no solicitation on my part directly or indirectly. I think you understand my position. I rejoiced more than I can tell you over the success of the Philadelphia Convention. It is a great event in the history of the Presbyterian Church. I was so glad to find you taking a part in it, and a part which led to good results. As soon as I got the accounts I wrote two papers, with my name signed, for the ‘Weekly Review’ of London, and ordered copies to be sent to you.

“In the three kingdoms there is to be a desperate fight on the Endowment question. The battle is to be in Ireland, and I am in the heart of it. I have given my utterance. An attempt was made to bring me before the Assembly for censure. I have incurred a good deal of odium, but public opinion in the town is gradually coming over to the right side. I hope the Irish Establishment will go, and other consequences will follow. Those who stand up for the Donum here are combining with Begg and the Anti-Union men in Scotland. They feel the cause to be one. It will be a keen and disagreeable struggle, but under God I hope the end will be good.”

On February 8, 1868, he again writes :—

“The proposal to make me President of New Jersey University has come upon me with surprise. With so many gifted men in America, I am astonished anybody should think of me. I can look at the office only on one condition, and that is that the call comes spontaneously from the American side, and as a call in Providence. If it thus comes I shall