When this work was finished, the Lord had other employment ready for him in his own parish.  His diary has this entry:  “May 22.—­I have seen some very evident awakenings of late.  J.G. awakened partly through the word preached, and partly through the faithful warnings of her fellow-servant.  A.R., who has been for about a year in the deepest distress, seeking rest, but finding none.  B.M. converted last winter at the Tuesday meeting in Annfield.  She was brought very rapidly to peace with God, and to a calm, sedate, prayerful state of mind.  I was surprised at the quickness of the work in this case, and pleased with the clear tokens of grace; and now I see God’s gracious end in it.  She was to be admitted at last communion, but caught fever before the Sabbath.  On Tuesday last, she died in great peace and joy.  When she felt death coming on, she said, ‘Oh death, death, come! let us sing!’ Many that knew her have been a good deal moved homeward by this solemn providence.  This evening, I invited those to come who are leaving the parish at this term.  About twenty came, to whom I gave tracts and words of warning. I feel persuaded that if I could follow the Lord more fully myself, my ministry would be used to make a deeper impression than it has yet done.”

CHAPTER VI.

THE LATTER DAYS OF HIS MINISTRY.

   “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish
   his work.”—­John 4:34.

During the summer of 1842, he was exposed to several attacks of illness, experienced some severe personal trials, and felt the assaults of sore temptation.  His own words will best express his state:  “July 17.—­I am myself much tempted, and have no hope, but as a worm on the arm of Jesus.”  “Aug. 4.—­Often, often, would I have been glad to depart, and be with Christ.  I am now much better in body and mind, having a little of the presence of my beloved, whose absence is death to me.”  The same month:  “I have been carried through deep waters, bodily and spiritual, since last we met.”  It was his own persuasion that few had more to struggle with in the inner man.  Who can tell what wars go on within?

During this season of trial, he was invited to form one of a number of ministers from Scotland, who were to visit the north of England, with no other purpose than to preach the glad tidings.  The scheme was planned by a Christian gentleman, who has done much for Christ in his generation.  When the invitation reached him, he was in the heat of his furnace.  He mentioned this to the brother who corresponded with him on the subject, Mr. Purves of Jedburgh, whose reply was balm to his spirit ...  “I have a fellow-feeling with you in your present infirmity, and you know for your consolation that another has, who is a brother indeed.  In all our afflictions, He is afflicted.  He is, we may say, the common heart of his people, for they are one body; and an