January 9th 1884

Sleep very disturnbed last night. Often out of bed, the cough being very troublesome. Last night I was very pleased, getting a letter from Donald Duff, Stratherrick, and another from Donald Swanson, Thurso, though I must acknowledge, owing to my present weakness, that the former had much to do in keeping me awake during the night, and scared me with dreams regarding the dear faithful brother. I was led by experience to know that communion with him could not give peace, although I fancied so, as there is no other I would like better to hear from. He says, "When I look for more than forty years on my profession I am ashamed to lift my head before the Searcher of hearts." His speech bewrays him when shame still remains. (Ezek. xliii. 10, 11.) Dear Mr. Swanson seems to feel the sad aspect of the Church and of individual professors, not excluding himself. Read the hundred and third psalm today, and found it wonderfully precious. Wrote my brother George, Donald Duff, Mrs A, and GS.