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buted by her to wandering and vain thoughts, to cold affections, to guilt on the conscience, to sensible distance from God, and to the want of liberty in prayer. But these are rather to be considered as the effects than as the causes; for if the mind has peace and comfort, these things have no place,—it is only when they are absent that they exist. The truth is, as the Scriptures teach, salvation is of the Lord, and the peace and joy which flow from it are also from the Lord, (for every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights; and as we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, it being the gift of God,) so we receive the peace, and joy, and comfort of salvation in the same manner, that is, by grace, through faith given us of God. This enables the believer to apply the doctrines and promises of the Scripture respecting the saving virtues of the blood of atonement, and reconciliation to his own mind and conscience, and hence arises his peace, and joy, and comfort. The moment he ceases so to apply the blood of atonement, his peace, and joy, and comfort, wanting their only support, will fail, and like Samson, when deprived of his hair, he will become, in these respects, like other men. No integrity, no diligence, no separation from the world, no devotedness to God, can be of any avail in these circumstances. Lady Glenorchy was indeed occasionally enabled to apply these doctrines to her conscience, and at these seasons she did enjoy a certain degree of peace and comfort; but not applying them with that habitual perseverance which she ought, and which is emphatically styled in Scripture, living by faith, she, as might be expected, notwithstanding her eminent attainments in religion in other respects, became not unfrequently very comfortless and distressed.

These remarks will receive illustration from what is next to be exhibited from her Diary.

January 5.—I had great comfort in reading Owen on Communion with God, and felt my heart drawn out towards him, in love and gratitude for his numberless mercies towards me, but especially for his love manifested in Jesus. All night and next day I experienced great joy and peace in believing.

January 6.-I had more than usual comfort in hearing Mr Walker preach from 1 Thess. v. 16, 17, 18. "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." The Lord enabled me to hear and retain the things spoken, and the word was refreshing to my soul. I saw it to be my privilege in every thing to give thanks: this sweet frame lasted during Friday and Saturday. Perhaps I was lifted up and thought my mountain stood so strong, I should never be moved, for on Sabbath the 9th, as I was dressing for church, and full of the hope of being refreshed there, a sudden temptation came across my mind; at first I repelled the thought, but at church it returned with more violence; a seeming accident made it more plausible-it took possession of my mind, and I could not attend to any thing I heard. Haste, Lord, to my help, for thy own name's sake.

Sunday January 16.-This evening I got uncommon liberty and comfort while speaking to some of my servants about their souls. My temptation ceased while I was thus employed.

Sunday, January 30.-All last week my time has been consumed in fruitless attempts to conquer vain thoughts. I have had much time alone, which I endeavoured to spend in meditation, reading, and prayer. One evening I attempted to write something for the benefit of a backslider, which brought my own backslidings to remembrance, and filled me with apprehensions about my state. In the night I lay some hours awake, and got a sight of the holiness and purity of God, and of my own unholy life. I saw myself as an unclean thing in his sight, utterly unfit to partake of the pure and holy life to which I aspired in the world to come:-towards morning these words, "Deny thyself, take up your cross and follow me," came forcibly upon my mind; I saw that I had not obeyed this command. I got up and besought the Lord for power and strength to obey him, and obtained liberty to plead for mercy to pardon, and grace to help in time of need. I was desirous to hear what the Lord would say to me from the pulpit. The Psalm first given out was the lxxxv. 8.

I'll hear what God the Lord will speak:

To his folk he'll speak peace,
And to his saints; but let them not
Return to foolishness.

The sermon, Ezek. xxxvi. 31. "Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations." Both were suited to my case. The afternoon's sermon also came home to my heart. I found it good to be there.

This evening my frame has been dull; I attempted to instruct a child and pray with her, but to little purpose. I have cause to bewail my negligence in my

family; in all things I come short. God be merciful to me a sinner!

Monday, January 31.-This day Lady Maxwell and I agreed to set apart an hour or two every Friday forenoon, to pray for a revival of religion in our souls, and in the souls of the Lord's people, and that he would pour out the influences of the Holy Spirit on the church in general; and that we should ask others to join in doing the same.

March 5.-For some time past I have had many ups and downs; sometimes rejoicing in hope, at other times cast down through the prevalence of sloth, and carelessness, and a carnal spirit, which leads me to waste precious time, and opportunities of seeking intercourse with God. For some time past I have been much engaged with some who lately appear to be under serious impressions; my desire to help them forward has been inordinate; they are become a temptation to me; I have forgotten that it is the Lord's work, not mine.

On Wednesday last I went to see a dying person, who was awakened only a fortnight ago. She said, "When I lay down on this bed I was a polluted miserable sinner, but now I hope I am pardoned and redeemed. I cannot find words to express the joy I feel in the view of the glory I believe I am about to enjoy."

She longed to depart and to be with Christ, but said she waited patiently God's time. She seemed to enjoy a full assurance of hope, and a clear view of the glory of Christ in the redemption of sinners. She was afraid of returning again to the world, and longed to depart. She was twenty-one years of age.

Sunday, March 20.—I have this day been at the Lord's table. My heart was dead and wandering, yet I was enabled to believe on him as the bread of life, and to receive the elements with calm composure of spirit, in the full persuasion that his body was broken for me, and his blood shed for the remission of my sins.

Friday, March 25.-I was much distressed all this morning with confusion of thought, and inattention in hearing the word.

like a door on its Sometimes I fear

The Lord's dealings with me are mysterious. Sometimes he seems to withhold support from me in duty, either by laying sickness on my body, or withdrawing the influences of his Spirit, when I would perform them. I am permitted to help others, while my own soul is left a barren desert, as if I was only an instrument to be thrown aside when the work is done. I have many misgivings of mind about my state, yet no power to wrestle with God for a better one; hinges, I move, yet get no farther on. he has taken his Spirit from me as a punishment for not improving the grace bestowed. bestowed. I am tempted and harassed by vain thoughts, and can get little comfort from the promises, or from any other source; the only thing which yields me any consolation is, to see the work of grace going on in others. They are increasing, whilst I am decreasing; but if the Lord be glorified thereby, I will rejoice, and do rejoice. Let him do with me what seemeth good in his sight.

Sunday, April 3.-For some days past I have been indisposed in body, but more so in mind. Yesterday these words came to my mind, Isaiah xli. 17. “ When the poor and the needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear

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