Robert and James Alexander, were the sons of Captain James Haldane of Airthrey, and Katherine, daughter of Alexander Duncan, Esq. of Lundie, and sister of Lord Duncan, the hero of Camperdown. Robert was born in 1764, and his brother in 1768. Two weeks before the birth of the latter their father died, and they did not long enjoy the benefits of a mother's care. In 1774 she also was removed; but during the short period in which she was allowed to exercise her maternal duties, she discharged them with admirable fidelity and tenderness; and her pious instructions made a deep and indelible impression on their youthful minds. The charge of the orphans now devolved upon their maternal grandmother and uncles, who did all they could to supply a mother's place. Under their direction, the education of the boys was carried on first at Dundee, and subsequently at the High School and University of Edinburgh, where they proved themselves to be possessed of excellent abilities, and made respectable progress in their studies. At the age of seventeen both Robert and James went to sea, and from this point we shall notice the leading events of their lives separately. In 1780 Robert entered the royal navy, served in the Foudroyant under Captain Jervis, afterwards Earl St Vincent; and during the memorable night engagement with the Pégaïe, distinguished himself so much by his ability, energy, and intrepidity, that Captain Jervis wrote him a letter of congratulation, predicting the eminence of his nephew. At the peace in 1783 Robert retired from the navy. He was then in his twentieth year. In 1785 he married Katherine Cochran Oswald, second daughter of the late George Oswald, Esq. of Scotstown, and soon after settled on his beautiful estate of Airthrey, in the neighbourhood of Stirling, in the improvement of which he spent the most of his time for several years. The stirring events of the French Revolution also occupied much of his attention. He disapproved of the war with France in which Britain was engaged, and gained himself many enemies by stating this boldly at a meeting of the freeholders of the county of Stirling. He was afterwards often charged with holding the most violent and democratic views; but these charges were wholly without foundation. It is true, however, that he did sympathize with the revolutionary movements of the French, and expected benefits to flow from them which were never realized. And he tells us that the disappointment he felt on this account contributed in no small degree to hasten and mature a vital change that was going on in his own mind, and led him to confess and submit to that Supreme Power by whose influence alone individuals and nations can be regenerated. The forms of religion he had indeed never cast off; but it was not till now that he was awakened to a clear perception of its impressive and momentous realities. No sooner were these opened to his view than he, with characteristic energy, devoted himself to the pursuit of truth, sincerely desirous to find and follow it wherever it led him. He read much, and thought deeply, on the evidences of Christianity, and carefully studied the records of divine revelation. The issue of his studies was a profound conviction that the Christian religion was from above. He now resolved to consecrate his time, talents, and wealth to the advancement of Christianity. His motto was, "Christianity is everything or nothing. If it be true, it warrants and commands every sacrifice to promote its influence." If it be not, then let us lay aside the hypocrisy of professing to believe it." A report of the Baptist missions which fell into his hands, excited his sympathy toward the heathen population of India. A vast missionary scheme was formed on their behalf; several eminent missionaries were appointed, and this staff was to be supplemented by catechists and schoolmasters, and provided with a printing establishment. The entire expense was undertaken by Mr Haldane; and in order to supply the requisite means, and be ready to depart without delay, his fine estate was sold. But the East India Company refused to sanction the scheme, and he was therefore obliged most reluctantly to abandon it. Other fields of usefulness, however, were open to him, and to these he turned. At his expense many chapels were hired, and many erected, throughout Scotland; and many pious young men supported and educated for the ministry. Nor was the exercise of his Christian philanthropy confined to his own country. In 1816 he visited the Continent for the same end; and first at Geneva, and then at Montauban, was occupied night and day in expounding the gospel to all who would listen, and especially to those who either were ministers or were under training for that profession. These pious labours were attended with remarkable success. After a sojourn on the Continent of nearly three years Mr Haldane returned to Scotland, and spent the remainder of his days either in Edinburgh or on his estate of Auchengray, which he had purchased in 1809. In all good works he continued to the last to manifest unwearyed zeal and undiminished liberality; and from whatever quarter divine truth was assailed, it always found in him an able and uncompromising champion. In December 1842 this good man rested from his labours. His writings were numerous; the chief are—his work on the Evidences and Authority of Divine Revelation, and his Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans.—We now resume the narrative of James Haldane's life. In 1785 he went to sea, and entered the East India Company's service, with which his family had been connected for several generations. He was an enthusiast in his profession, and became an intrepid and skilful seaman. After the completion of his fourth voyage in 1793 he was appointed captain of the Melville Castle, and had the sure prospect of soon acquiring an ample fortune. In the same year he married the only daughter and child of Major Joass of Culleonard in Banffshire. Instead of putting to sea immediately as was intended, the Melville Castle was unexpectedly detained for months. Meanwhile he was led to study the Bible more carefully than he had ever done before. He then, under deep religious impressions, threw up his naval command with all the worldly advantages which it promised, and settled in Edinburgh. Like his brother, whatever he did, he did with all his might. The low state of religion in his own land, and the prevalence of error and immorality, he most earnestly began to counteract. They distributed tracts, opened Sabbath-schools, and proclaimed the Word of God to all who would hear them, first in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, and then throughout all Scotland. As a preacher James Haldane met with the greatest success. He attracted large audiences wherever he went; and there were few towns, or even villages, of his native country to which his missionary labours did not extend. In churches or halls, when accessible, or, if not, in the market-place or adjoining field, and often in the face of obloquy, detraction, and under the most violent threats and opposition, he calmly and resolutely persevered in his work. Besides these itinerant labours, he discharged gratuitously the duties of pastor to a congregation in Edinburgh, to which he was ordained in 1799. This charge he held till his death. As a minister he was a bright example of fidelity and zeal, and always ready to lend his aid in the promotion of every good work. But his labours were not confined to one locality. With James Haldane, as with his brother Robert, the field to be cultivated was the world; and wherever a door of usefulness was open, his voice and pen were ready to be employed. His zeal and activity remained undiminished; and when above fourscore he still preached to his congregation with great regularity. In 1849, the jubilee of his pastorate was celebrated. In 1851 he rested from his labours. Though Baptists from conviction, the Haldanes gave no unseasonable or exaggerated prominence to the peculiarities of their denominational views; but, both by example and precept, made the great fundamental truths of the gospel the grand centre of union among all true Christians. The record of their lives is one of the most interesting of Christian biographies, and, if its lessons and example have their due influence, may be one of the most profitable.