due respect, Reverend Sir, your most humble ser"W. GLENORCHY."

vant.

The majority of the Presbytery being fully satisfied with this letter, and with the report of their committee, it was moved, that in case Mr Balfour's relation to the parish of Lecropt should be loosed, the Presbytery, upon intimation thereof being made to them, should appoint Dr Webster, who had previously declared his willingness to obey the appointment, to introduce him to the chapel, by preaching upon the occasion. But the motion being opposed by some members, the question was put, Appoint or not? Which being determined in the affirmative, Mr Chiesly dissented, and craved liberty to complain to the Synod of Lothian and Tweeddale. To which Mr Robertson of Ratho adhered; Dr M'Knight dissented.

There was no dispute about continuing the chapel in communion with the Church, for in this all the members of Presbytery agreed; neither did the opponents object to any minister of the Presbytery preaching at Mr Balfour's introduction to the chapel, if he chose to do so, but only to a formal judicial appointment for that purpose. Hence it was expected, that after Mr Balfour's settlement in the chapel the complainants would fall from their complaint; and with this impression Lady Glenorchy left town, and went, at her accustomed time, to Taymouth. Here she experienced her usual spiritual exercises, often complaining of distress, and sometimes finding peace and joy; but always endeavouring to have a conscience void of offence towards God and man. The feelings of her mind, on her birth-day this year, are fully expressed, and most decidedly evince the simplicity and godly sincerity of her heart and life, and

her entire devotedness to God, and subjection to his blessed will, as will be seen by the following portions of her Diary.

Taymouth, July 11, 1776.-Having formerly enjoyed much of the Lord's presence here, and felt relieved from the cares that often distract my mind when at Edinburgh, I came hither this year in hopes of finding a seasonable time of refreshing to my soul; but hitherto the Lord has seen fit to deny me the comforting influences of his Spirit, and for three days past I have been left to a state of deadness and dissipation of thought.

July 21.-I continued all last week in the above uncomfortable state of mind, groaning under a sense of my unprofitableness, yet unable to pray, meditate, or read with understanding. On Friday, my heart was a little softened with reading Mrs Rowe's Devout Exercises of the Heart; and on Saturday morning I got access in prayer, and liberty to spread my wants before the Lord. Yesterday I experienced a quiet waiting on God.

Sunday, July 28.-Last Friday I determined to seek the Lord by prayer, with fasting. In the forenoon I had some liberty in pouring out my complaint before him. I also got some comfort in meditation and reading the Scriptures; but company came to dinner, and I was taken up with them all the rest of the day. On Saturday forenoon I enjoyed some refreshing moments when thinking on Romans viii. 33. to the end.

I found some comfort this morning in reading and prayer; but, alas! I have much cause still to com

plain of a hard heart, want of the spirit of grace and supplication, and of wandering thoughts. O to be more spiritually minded! Yet this I perceive, my heart is more weaned from earthly objects, and the enjoyment of God in Christ is my chief desire, for which I would forego all that the world calls pleasure. This is surely the Lord's doing, and if he has begun the work he will perfect it; for faithful is he that has promised. I may therefore rejoice in hope of being delivered from sin, and rest assured that when Christ, who is my life, shall appear, I also shall appear with him in glory. Glory be to God! Hallelujah!

Thursday, August 8.-The Lord was pleased last week to give me at times peace and joy in believing. I had more access to God in prayer, and ability to meditate, than for some time before. For several mornings past I have had a longing for more of the image of Christ, and an ardent desire to give up all for him. I am resolved to sell my estate as soon as I can, that I may have more to spend in promoting the interest of his Church: I see nothing worth living for but to do good to the souls or bodies of men. To feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to comfort the distressed, to support the feeble, to instruct the ignorant, to relieve the destitute-brings heaven into the soul. Can I better employ my time, talents, or fortune, than in such offices of kindness to others? The Lord hath enjoined it-hath given an example of it-and hath connected with the performance of such duties a peace which surpasseth all understanding.

The Lord has of late delivered my mind from anxious cares about the several works in which I am engaged, and has shown me his overruling hand bringing to pass whatsoever he hath purposed. I

have committed all to him, and spread all my desires before him concerning those things he knows I intend for his glory. I leave them there, and wait the issue with tolerable composure of spirit, desiring to praise him when he overturns as well as when he fulfils my plans.

Sunday, August 11.-Last Friday I spent alone, and found comfort in drawing near to God, and had a sense of his presence with me. Saturday I got liberty in prayer for the whole church militant. This day I have been at the Lord's table, but my spirit seemed sunk within me--I had no sensible outgoings of heart towards the Lord, nor intercourse with him. I could barely keep hold of the word of promise, and receive the outward elements as a memorial of his love, and a testimony given to my senses that Jesus was crucified on Calvary for the sins of many; and that as surely as I did eat the bread and drink the wine, so surely were my sins atoned for, and washed away by his blood, and that he would come again the second time without sin unto salvation. I was employed at the table in calmly and coolly considering the grounds of my hope; but, alas! my heart was unaffected. I had no mourning for sin, no love in exercise,—my feelings were more suitable to a stoic than to a redeemed sinner. I have been still more dead since I left the church, absolutely incapable of thinking a good thought. I seem as if left to feel the utter depravity of my heart, and my absolute dependance upon God for all things.

[Aged 35.] September 2.-This day I may set up my Ebenezer, for hitherto the Lord hath helped me. When I look back upon the number of years I have

lived in this world, what a scene do I see of sin and folly on my part-of goodness and mercy from the Lord. How oft have I been rescued by his gracious interposition from evils brought upon me by my own folly, and from dangers I could neither foresee nor prevent. How hath he taught me by afflictions, pains, and trials of various sorts, yet still I have need to be taught the same lessons over and over again. Surely the greatness of my stupidity and obstinacy can only be equalled by the patience and long-suffering of my God. I would review the Lord's dealings with me since this day twelvemonth, and first call to mind my fears, perplexities, and distresses experienced about ten months ago, when a snare was laid for my feet to draw me into the world, a bait was offered in a pleasing form, while at the same time the professors of religion were permitted to afflict me, and my corrupt nature seemed to say, why tarry any longer among those who misunderstand and grieve you? get into this resting-place, accept of the ease and comfort now offered you. Satan also, like a roaring lion, came upon me, crying, "Where is now thy God?" In that day, when my soul was oppressed beyond measure, did the Lord appear for my help, he sent his word and healed me, he rebuked the enemy, and, by his gracious interposition, caused by unbelieving heart, with Thomas, to cry out, My Lord, and my God!

How did he bring down my pride by pains and sickness, and cast me into a furnace for a season, to purify me from my dross. My body was afflicted, and my mind agonized with the bitter spirit of some, and the hypocrisy of others, the disappointment and frustration of all my plans, uncertainty about the path of duty, and darkness as to my own state. At length the Lord saw fit to mitigate my pains, restore my sight,