midnight
From reading it , because it suited his now serious thoughts , he began to love its contents , and finally he made them the guide of his life . He became a member of the church in the little village where he resided , and was soon regarded as a very promising young man . ` His new friends were exceedingly anxious that he should study for the ministry , and he entered with alacrity upon his new duties . But not content with what he considered the circuitous way to usefulness usually taken , he determined by industry to cut it short , and so the noonday sun and midnight lamp found him at the same task . When worn out by his incessant mental labours , he would throw himself down and sleep for a little time ; but his dreams were only a continuation of his waking thoughts , so that even in sleep he was studying still . ` When his fellow-students expostulated , he laughed at the idea of his health being injured by incessant application , and seemed to be afraid that variety of employment would distract his attention . So he went on from week to week , and month to month , preparing his mind for usefulness , but his body for the grave .