Yesterday I finished Alexander Smellie’s excellent biography of M’Cheyne and in the course of reading I was reminded of a story about Robert Bruce, the famous Scottish pastor around the turn of the 17th century.

Bruce was well known for his earnest prayer before preaching. An old book on Christian rhetoric says “his chief preparation [for preaching] was lifting up his mind into a holy reverential mood, and pouring out his heart before God in wrestling prayer.”

Perhaps no story about Bruce’s mighty storming of the mercy seat is better than this one.

At this place it was his custom after the first sermon to retire by himself some time for private prayer, and on a time some noblemen who had far to ride, sent the beadle to learn if there was any appearance of his coming in; — the man returned, saying, I think he shall not come out this day, for I overheard him say to another, “I protest, I will not go unless thou goest with me.” However, in a little time he came, accompanied by no man, but in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ; for his very speech was with much evidence and demonstration of the Spirit. It was easy for his hearers to perceive that he had been in the mount with God, and that indeed he had brought that God whom had met in private. – John Howie, Biographia Scoticana

Brothers of the pulpit, let us resolve never to enter the pulpit without the power of God attending our work. Yearn for it, plead for it, and expect it.