[17] Reformed Pastor, 4:2.

The work of the Spirit went on, the stream flowing gently; for the heavy showers had fallen, and the overflowing of the waters had passed by.  Mr. M’Cheyne became more than ever vigilant and discriminating in dealing with souls.  Observing, also, that some were influenced more by feelings of strong attachment to their pastor personally, than by the power of the truths he preached, he became more reserved in his dealings with them, so that some thought there was a little coldness or repulsiveness in his manner.  If there did appear anything of this nature to some, certainly it was no indication of diminished compassion; but, on the contrary, proceeded from a scrupulous anxiety to guard others against the deceitful feelings of their own souls.  A few notes of his work occur at this period.

“Nov. 27, 1839.—­A pleasant meeting in the Cross Church on Wednesday last, for the seamen.  All that spoke seemed to honor the Saviour.  I had to move thanksgiving to God for his mercies.  This has been a real blessing to Dundee.  It should not be forgotten in our prayers and thanksgivings.”

“Nov. 28, Thursday evening.—­Much comfort in speaking.  There was often an awful stillness.  Spoke on Jer. 6:14:  ’They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly.’” etc.

“Dec. 1.—­This evening came a tender Christian, so far as I can see; an exposition of that text, ‘I will go softly,’ or of that other, ‘Thou shall not open thy mouth any more.’  A child of shame made one of honor.  Her sister was awakened under Mr. Baxter’s words in St. Peter’s, of whom he asked, ‘Would you like to be holy?’ She replied, ‘Indeed, I often wish I were dead that I might sin no more.’”

“Dec. 3.—­Preached six times within these two days.”

“Dec. 8.—­Saw J.T. in fever.  She seems really in Christ now; tells me how deeply my words sank into her soul when I was away.  A.M. stayed to tell me her joy.  J.B. walked home with me, telling me what God had done for his soul, when one day I had stopped at the quarry on account of a shower of rain, and took shelter with my pony in the engine-house.”  He had simply pointed to the fire of the furnace, and said, “What does that remind you of?” and the words had remained deep in the man’s soul.

“Dec. 11.—­A woman awakened that night I preached in J.D.’s green, about two years ago, on Ezek. 20:43.  For twenty years she had been out of church privileges, and now, for the first time, came trembling to ask restoration.  Surely Immanuel is in this place, and even old sinners are flocking to Him.  I have got an account of about twenty prayer-meetings connected with my flock.  Many open ones; many fellowship meetings; only one or two have anything like exhortation superadded to the word.  These, I think, it must be our care to change, if possible, lest error and pride creep