January 3rd 1884

I feel rather better today, but had a restless night, up almost every hour, feeling the Comforter far from me. Probably there is something more than comfort nedded at present. Awake, O north wind, and blow. Be not silent. "My ways are not your ways," saith the Lord. O Thou art the only wise. Let Thy blessed will be done, because Thou knowest the end from the beginning, the Omega now as sure as Thou art the Alpha. May I call Thee Father. Thou art not ashamed to call Thy children sons. "What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness!" "Father, sanctify them through the truth." May that prayer be answered in my behalf, as well as for all the family. "Him the father heareth always." And as Thou delightest in the inward parts being right, send the breaking and the healing word that will not return void. Let it be known that Thy blessed Word is a solid foundation for a good hope through grace, a word of promise to which Thy name is bound, and revealed through the blessed Mediator by the Glorifier of Christ. I offer the family, in the name of Thy dear Son, to Thee. Accept my freewill offering. Let all mine be Thine, and let them only be exalted in Thee. Deliver from the mighty through Him who came to destroy the works of the devil, and came not to condemn the world, but to save. O let not my untenderness or unwatchfulness prove a stumbling-block. Look on them in the face of Him who endeavoured and delighted to do Thy will. O, Shepherd of Israel, lead and guide!
A letter has been received from Mrs A____ , asking what are the old things that Paul says have passed away when people get union to Christ. Wrote Donald Duff, Stratherrick, and Mrs S___, Thurso.