Untitled - Electric Scotland

i8o LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP TAIT [CH. vn.
been fully and ably and energetically worked for many years. Here
I come to a system which is dead and powerless, but where there
is every facility for revivification, if only I am regular and faith
ful. By my sermons, by schools, by visiting the poor especially
the sick and dying by being earnest and energetic in assisting
those around to undertake any good works. Lord, give me grace
so to labour."
"Saturday, 2\st Dec. 1850. My birthday; I am 39. How
very long a portion of my life have I lived. How little have I
done, especially in that greatest of all works for me, that which goes
on within my own soul. How overwhelming is the thought of
the deep responsibilities through which I have passed. How many
scenes of my life are gone like dreams in the night each bear
ing with it a thousand opportunities of serving God which can
never return ; each having its recollection of persons into whose
society I was thrown, whom I can never meet again this side the
grave, or whom circumstances have made it now very difficult
for me to influence.
"My life at school, at Glasgow, as an undergraduate,
as a
Fellow, at Rugby what thoughts of God s mercy and of my neglect
crowd into each ; and, at Rugby especially, what wonderful in
terests and what great warnings from God. The time of the year
is fast approaching which brings back the recollection of my terrible
illness. O Lord, how great was Thy mercy in that judgment.
And now what duties are there here. Teach me, Lord, to labour
in them faithfully. Keep me near to Thee through Jesus Christ."
"Sunday Afternoon, Deer. 22, 1850. I have preached twice,
and visited the workhouse. I have been very busy for others.
Lord grant that the growth of holiness in my own soul may keep
pace with my activity for others. The difficulty for such a character
as mine is inward holiness. Ortward activity comes naturally.
Lord replenish me with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit. O Lord,
give me holy thoughts. May I have no desire but to glorify
Thee."
"
Christmas Eve, 1850. Preparation for the Lord s Supper
to-morrow. . . .
sake."
"O Lord, help me by Thy Holy Sacrament, for Christ s
"Saturday, 2%th Decr.--T\\\s day I have had pain in the
heart, evidently intended to remind me that my health is still