MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1872. without much preparatory training and without a Patron, "If my own talents will not patronize me, I will be willing to give in, but then I must first try" was his answer to all the reasons urged by Mr Ross to induce him to abandon the scheme— Till the old Gentleman with tears in his eyes confessed that "He had been only trying him" and the path he himself had chosen, was the very one that He (Mr Ross) had mapped out for him years before in the Sunday School, and that his labour could not be all in vain if He could live to see John Waight a successful Minister of the Gospel— this was followed by the gift of "Five Pounds" and several other "nameless presents" which must have proved extremely useful both to the pocket and scanty wardrobe of the would be student— He entered St. Andrews that season and was successful in gaining a small bursary (Ten Pounds I think) which also aided him through the session— His first vacation was spent partly at home and partly around Kinfawns. After this I saw but little of him. The "Voluntary Controversy" was then at its height and he at this time was a staunch "Established Churchman" Woodside had then a popular library, founded and supported entirely by "Thomas Ross" in connection with the Woodside School Open on Monday evenings "free to all" the Theologians & Politicians made the library their weekly head quarters. Much discussion in a desultory way, had been indulged in by both parties, Finally John was induced to challenge the leader of the Voluntaries a Mr John Haggart, a worthy man and an Elder in the U.P. Church of Coupar Angus (Mr Marshall's) to debate in public