wonder, rehearsing the great things, as was said, that I had gotten
my lord at different times, and on divers occasions, to do, which
had a vast of influence among my brethren of the presbytery, and
they grew into a state of greater cordiality with me, looking on me
as a man having authority; but I was none thereat lifted up, for not
being gifted with the power of a kirk-filling eloquence, I was but
little sought for at sacraments, and fasts, and solemn days, which
was doubtless well ordained; for I had no motive to seek fame in
foreign pulpits, but was left to walk in the paths of simplicity
within my own parish. To eschew evil myself, and to teach others to
do the same, I thought the main duties of the pastoral office, and
with a sincere heart endeavoured what in me lay to perform them with
meekness, sobriety, and a spirit wakeful to the inroads of sin and
Satan. But oh, the sordiness of human nature!--The kindness of the
Lord Eaglesham's own disposition was ascribed to my influence, and
many a dry answer I was obliged to give to applicants that would
have me trouble his lordship, as if I had a claim upon him. In the
ensuing year, the notion of my cordiality with him came to a great
head, and brought about an event, that could not have been
forethought by me as a thing within the compass of possibility to
bring to pass.



CHAPTER XX YEAR 1779



I was named in this year for the General Assembly, and Mrs
Balwhidder, by her continual thrift, having made our purse able to