t might be amended, especially in young
scholars and young ministers, as being but the froth and vanity of the
foolish mind. Among other things he lamented the pride of many young
preachers and students, by usurping priority of place, &c. which
became them not, and exclaimed frequently against himself for his own
practice, yet he said he was in the strength of God brought to mortify
the same. He frequently exhorted his parents to carry themselves to one
another as the word of God required, and above all things to fear God
and delight in his word, and often said, That he dearly loved the book
of God, and sought them to be earnest in prayer, showing that it was an
unknown thing, and a thing of another world, and that the influence of
prayer behoved to come out of heaven, therefore the Spirit of
supplication must be wrestled for, or else all prayer would be but
lifeless and natural, and said, That being once with the Lady Houston
and some country gentlemen at Bagles, the Spirit of prayer and
supplication was poured upon him, in such a powerful and lively manner,
two several days before they went to dinner that all present were much
affected, and shed tears in abundance, and yet at night he found himself
so emptied and dead that he durst not adventure to pray any at all these
two nights, but went to bed, and was much vexed and cast down, none
knowing the reason. By this he was from that time convinced that the
dispensation and influence of spiritual and lively prayer came only from
heaven, and from no natural abilities that were in man.

The laird of Cunningham coming to visit him (as he did frequently), he
enumerated all the remarkable passages of God's goodness and providence
to him (especially since he contracted sickness), as in shewing infinite
mercies to his soul, tender compassion towards his body and natural
spirits, patience and submission to his will without grudging, calmness
of spirit without passion, solid and constant peace within and without,
&c.:--This is far beyond the Lord's manner of dealing with many of his
dear saints, &c. "Now Sir, think ye not but I stand greatly indebted
to the goodness and kindness of God, that deals thus graciously and
warmly with me every way;" and then he burst out in praise to God in a
sweet and lively manner.

At another time, the laird being present, May 26, looking out of his bed
to the sun shining brightly on the opposite side of the house, he said,
"O what a splendor and g