Six Plain Rules

In 1862 one of Cowan's young sons was leaving home to begin his life work, Cowan wrote the young man the following short letter. It was headed: "March, 1862-For David." Then it read as thus: Six Plain Rules for Constant Observance."

1. Ever fear the Lord: and yet love Him as your Father in heaven;
2. Read a portion of His Word daily, and commit yourself in prayer to His guidance;
3. Be truthful in everything: and hate nothing so much as falsehood;
4. Obey your Master cheerfully and without grumbling;
5. Give you whole heart to what you are doing, whether in work or play;
6. Be kind and generous to your companions and avoid all selfishness.

Then he adds: "And the blessing of God almighty, your loving Father in heaven, will surely be with you. And at the foot, just the initials "J. C."

-James Black