Diary of Alexander Jaffray, provost of Aberdeen

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tlie glory of God, that makes you appear in such
a matter.
Upon second thoughts of the matter above men-
tioned, and of a conference on the same which I had
with the Lord Swintoune a day before, I resolve to
examine more narrowly and diligently the thoughts
of my heart concerning it ; and, by the grace of God,
to have my corruption more mortified, and my heart
in a better frame, that I may warrantably proceed in
that matter. [See Appendix, HH.]
The 22nd day. Having formerly gotten some good,
by reading a little Treatise, Of Mortification, written
by Dr. Owen, and now finding another Treatise, by the
same author, On the Duty of Watchfjilness ; I was
seeking, that the Lord may bless the reading of that
Treatise to me, that I may be helped in the knowledge
and practice of that duty. [See Appendix, IL] — I
was also recommending to God the condition of my
family, — that my wife and children may find mercy.
And more particularly for my eldest son, [Alexan-
der,] — that God would now give him the graces and
gifts necessary for one of his years, he being now
about sixteen years of age ; and that the Lord would
bless his studies, that he may be directed in them ;
especially that he may learn to know Christ; and
that I may be ordered of the Lord, what calling to
direct him to follow.
The 8th of August, 1658, I was earnestly seeking
of the Lord, that I might know his mind in relation
to the dispensation I am under. And I thought I
had liberty in prayer, and also direction, to fall rightly
upon one thing, among others intimated to me by my
present indispositioTi and weakness of body ; — name-
ly, too much carefulness and provision-making for