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Martyn’s Life, p. 60. How instructive was his godly jealousy in watching against this subtle temptation! ‘I see’ (he observes at a later period) ‘how great the temptations of a Missionary are to neglect his own soul. Apparently outwardly employed for God, my heart has been growing more hard and proud. Let me be taught that the first great business on earth is the sanctification of my own soul, so I will be rendered more capable also of performing the duties of the Ministry in a holy and solemn manner.’ pp. 263, 264. The same incessant watchfulness was exercised in the work of translations—‘May the Lord in mercy to my soul save me from setting up an idol of any sort in his place; as I do by preferring even a work professedly for him, to communion with him! “To obey is better than sacrifice; and to hearken than the fat of rams.” Let me learn from this, that to follow the direct injunctions of God about my own soul, is more my duty, than to be engaged in other works under the pretence of doing him service.’ p. 272.