Dr. Woods was eminently a man of prayer. It is safe to say that no duty was undertaken without the blessing of God being invoked. In joy or in sorrow, in prosperity or in adversity, the Father's hand was recognized, and his guidance sought. "Many a time, " says one of his daughters, "I have listened, while waiting at his study door, and heard a low voice in earnest supplication, his tone rising with the intensity of his emotions. When admitted, I have been struck with awe at the calm serentiy, the holy elevation of his features. This was a lesson not soon forgotten." His trust in the efficacy of prayer is well illustrated by an incident whcih occurred in connection with the ordination of Dr. Hawes, in Hartford, 1818. Dr. Woods was invited to preach the sermon. It was in the spring of the year, and he was delayed by the bad travelling. When, at length, he reached the Connecticut River, the bridge had been carried away by the freshet, and the floating ice made crossing extremely dangerous. At the edge of the river he found a boatman, who reluctantly consented, in such an emergency, to attempt to get him accross. Then he went to an old house, which stood near, and asked the privilege of a retired room

for a short time. There he knelt and sought direction from God concerning his duty. Then committing himself to the Divine care, he returned to the river, crossed in safety, and reached the church just in season for the service he had engaged to perform.

From one of my father's pupils, a clergyman, occupying a high position in the church and in a theological seminary, I have received the following incident, which illustrates the statement that Dr. Woods was eminently a man of prayer. He says:-

"The little incident, known only to myself, I hesitate to divulge to any one, but it will not be without interest to you, as showing your father's devotional habits.

"At one of the anniversary gatherings, the professors' houses were usually crowded. At that time, I occupied an upper room in your father's house, but vacated my chamber on the arrival of additional and unexpected guests. As night approached, I found my way to the barn, sleeping quite comfortably on the hay. Very early the next morning, -before daylight, I think, -some one came quietly through a side door, and, after a short pause, the voice of prayer was heard. It seemed that a very busy day could not be begun without a session of communion with God, though at an unusual time and place. To me it explained the secret of my revered teacher's sanctified self-control."