The duff missionary lectureship was founded by William Pirie Duff, Esq., son Of the Rev. Alex ander Duff, D.D., LL.D. Dr. Duff was a man dis tinguished alike by his fine genius, his glowing eloquence, and his Christian zeal — a man whose name, familiar as a household word in many parts Of India at the present day, stands in the front rank Of those great missionaries who have been incalculable blessings to India during recent generations. When Dr. Duff died on the twelfth of February, 1878, leaving his son, his heir, Mr. Duff immediately proceeded to make arrangements for the establishment and endow ment Of a quadrennial course Of lectures on some subject within the range Of foreign missions, and cognate subjects, as a suitable memorial Of the venerable missionary. He was prompted to this at once by filial piety and by the fact that, during his later years, his father had repeatedly expressed a wish that, as a means Of perpetuating his in?uence, a considerable portion Of the bequest which he would leave behind him, should be consecrated to this end.