persuaded that I ought never to do anything
without prayer, and, if possible, special, secret prayer.

"In reading the history of the Church of Scotland, I see how
much her troubles and trials have been connected with the
salvation of souls and the glory of Christ. I ought to pray far
more for our church, for our leading ministers by name, and for
my own clear guidance in the right way, that I may not be led
aside, or driven aside, from following Christ. Many difficult
questions may be forced on us for which I am not fully prepared,
such as the lawfulness of covenants. I should pray much more in
peaceful days, that I may be guided rightly when days of trial
come.

"I ought to spend the best hours of the day in communion with
God. It is my noblest and most fruitful employment, and is not
to be thrust into any corner. The morning hours, from six to
eight, are the most uninterrupted, and should be thus employed,
if I can prevent drowsiness. A little time after breakfast might
be given to intercession. After tea is my best hour, and that
should be solemnly dedicated to God, if possible.

"I ought not to give up the good old habit of prayer before
going to bed; but guard must be kept against sleep: planning
what things I am to ask is the best remedy. When I awake in the
night, I ought to rise and pray, as David and as John Welsh did.

"I ought to read three chapters of the Bible in secret every
day, at least.

"I ought on Sabbath morning to look over all the chapters read
through the week, and especially the verses marked. I ought to
read in three different places; I ought also to read according
to subjects, lives," etc.

He has evidently left this unfinished, and now he knows even as he is
known.

Toward the end of his ministry, he became peculiarly jealous of
becoming an idol to his people; for he was loved and revered by many
who gave no evidence of love to Christ. This often pained him much. It
is indeed right in a people to regard their pastor with no common love
(II Cor. 9:14), but there is ever a danger ready to arise. He used to
say, "Ministers are but the pole; it is to the brazen serpent you are
to look."

The state of his health would not permit him to be laborious in going
from house to house, whereas preaching and evangelistic work in
general was less exhausting; but of course, while he was thus engaged,
many concerns