“April 1.—­Presbytery day.  Passed the constitution of two new churches,—­blessed be God! may He raise up faithful pastors for them both,—­Dudhope and Wallace-Feus.  Proposal also for the Mariner’s Church.  A fast-day fixed for the present state of the church.”

“April 5, Sabbath evening.—­Spoke to twenty-four young persons, one by one; almost all affected about their souls.”

“April 6.—­Lovely ride and meditation in a retired grove.”

“April 7.—­Impressed to-night with the complete necessity of preaching to my people in their own lanes and closes; in no other way will God’s word ever reach them.  To-night spoke in St. Andrew’s Church to a very crowded assembly in behalf of Israel.  Was helped to speak plainly to their own consciences.  Lord, bless it!  Shake this town!”

“April 13.—­Spoke in private to nearly thirty young communicants, all in one room, going round each, and advising for the benefit of all.”

“April 22.—­Rode to Collessie (Fife) and Kirkcaldy.  Sweet time alone in Collessie woods.”

“July 30.—­One lad came to me in great distress, wishing to know if he should confess his little dishonesties to his master.”  About this time, he has noted down, “I was visiting the other day, and came to a locked door.  What did this mean?  ‘Torment me not, torment me not!’ Ah, Satan is mighty still!”—­referring to Mark 5:7.

A few of his Communion seasons are recorded.  We could have desired a record of them all.  The first of which he has detailed any particulars, is the one he enjoyed soon after returning home.

“Jan. 19, 1840.—­Stormy morning, with gushing torrents of rain, but cleared up in answer to prayer.  Sweet union in prayer with Mr. Cumming, and afterwards with A. Bonar, Found God in secret.  Asked especially that the very sight of the broken bread and poured-out wine might be blessed to some souls, then pride will be hidden from man.  Church well filled—­many standing.  Preached the action sermon on John 17:24, ‘Father, I will,’ etc.  Had considerable nearness to God in prayer—­more than usual,—­and also freedom in preaching, although I was ashamed of such poor views of Christ’s glory.  The people were in a very desirable frame of attention—­hanging on the word.  Felt great help in fencing the tables from Acts 5:3, ‘Lying to the Holy Ghost.’  Came down and served the first table with much more calmness and collectedness than ever I remember to have enjoyed.  Enjoyed a sweet season while A.B. served the next table.  He dwelt chiefly on believing the words of Christ about his fulness, and the promise of the Father.  There were six tables altogether.  The people more and more moved to the end.  At the last table, every head seemed bent like a bulrush while A.B. spoke of the ascension of Christ.  Helped a little in the address.  ‘Now to Him who is able to keep you,’ etc., and in the