strengthened, and comforted, in their pilgrimage through this world.

At what time Lady Glenorchy began to keep a Diary is not certain; but from circumstances, it would appear to have been about this period, perhaps somewhat earlier. She frequently corrected and transcribed her papers, especially such as she wished to preserve, and wrote them on a fine quarto page, with a large margin, ruled off at the top and bottom, and on each side, by a red line. Two-thirds of her Diary are nearly written in this manner, apparently taken from a scroll, and entitled Extracts from the Diary of The remainder is contained in a book of coarse paper, interlined and blotted, and evidently not intended to be seen in that shape by any eye but her own, and which she seems not to have found leisure to transcribe. It is probable, that the Diary which she kept during the first part of her religious life had been destroyed by herself. From the view which Miss Hill's letters give of her experience, it is likely she judged it not requisite to preserve it; and to this conjecture we are led from this singular fact, that the Diary which exists commences but a very short period before that part of Miss Hill's correspondence with her ceased, which, as we have before said, Lady Glenorchy thought fit to preserve. Neither is it unlikely that the existence of her diary was the reason why she did not think it necessary to transcribe any more of her friend's letters: this circumstance accounts for the very abrupt manner in which it begins. Lady Glenorchy had by this time acquired courage not merely to defend her own religious opinions, but even to animadvert on those of others which she thought to be

erroneous.

The steward, or factor as he is called in Scotland, of the Breadalbane estates, usually lived at Taymouth during the time that the family resided there. He was the proprietor of a neighbouring ancient family estate, and a gentleman of great talents and learning. With this gentleman Lady Glenorchy ventured to argue; and, as is not unfrequently the case in disputation, unfortunately lost her temper. She had too much good sense and religious feeling, however, not to be aware of the great impropriety of this, and too much integrity and candour not to confess it. Hence, on the 11th day of May 1768, her Diary thus begins.

EXTRACTS

FROM THE

DIARY OF LADY GLENORCHY.

May 11, 1768.-THIS morning I awoke with a great desire to praise God for his mercies; but my lips were sealed, I could not utter what I felt.-At breakfast, I renewed the argument upon faith with Auchalladear, and was led away by the impetuosity of my temper to say what I did not at first intend, and some things that savoured too much of Antinomianism. In the course of the argument, I felt much carnal pride and self-applause in my heart, and I did not apply, as I ought to have done, to the Holy Spirit for his assistThis I take to be the reason why I was left to fall into error. After this, I walked out to the place

ance.

H

which I have chosen for my morning devotions. My mind was much disturbed in reading the word: I was in great darkness, but it pleased the Lord to enable me to utter my wants to him, and to pray fervently, with many tears, for myself and all my friends. After this, in walking home, I sung part of the 71st psalm, and felt much joy and comfort in the latter part of it, from the 20th verse:

Thou, Lord, who great adversities

And sore to me didst show,

Shall quicken, and bring me again,

From depths of earth below, &c. &c.

After dinner, I met with a sore trial of patience, and here (from not looking to Jesus for help) I felt most sadly. I lost temper, and said many bitter things. I recalled to mind all my former grievances, repined at the will of God, and thought my case uncommonly hard. In short, the Lord left me to my own proud heart; and I sinned greatly. This has cost me many tears. Lord forgive me this offence, and wash it away in thy precious blood.

I this day resolve (with the assistance of the Spirit) to watch over the first risings of passion, and to pray daily for the grace of a meek and quiet spirit, and above all for humility, in which I am greatly deficient. This has been a day of many errors and infirmities. Lord, if thou shouldst mark iniquity, who could stand before thee? but with thee there is mercy, and plenteous redemption. O clothe me with the righteousness which cometh by faith from Jesus; for all my righteousnesses are as filthy rags: even my best duties are stained with sin. My trust is in thee, O Lord; let me never be confounded.

out my

May 16.-This day I came home from a visit at Dunkeld, where I have spent three days very unprofitably, and wasted the precious time given me to work salvation. I there fell into a sin that most easily besets me, which is seeking the praise of my fellow-creatures, more than the approbation of God. Although I had opportunities of worship evening and morning, yet my thoughts wandered, and I could not apply my mind to any thing that was good. The world and sin got possession of me, and corrupt nature led me captive. I often groaned under the oppression, and lifted up my cry to my Redeemer for help, but could not obtain relief; my sinful heart separated me from God. O remember not against me these three mispent days, most merciful Father; but blot out my numberless transgressions, by the precious blood of the Lamb; raise me up and set me in a straight path, stablish, strengthen, and settle me in the faith, and uphold me with thy free Spirit.

I resolve, by the grace of God, to stay as much at home as possible for the future, and, when abroad, to set a watch over the door of my lips, that I offend not with my tongue; likewise, to mortify this desire of admiration and love of the world. O Lord, grant me thy assistance; lead me by thy Spirit, create a clean heart within me, and deliver me from the temptations of the devil, the world, and the flesh.

May 17.—I awoke this morning in a holy frame, desirous of living to God; but, alas! it was as the morning dew, it soon passed away. I read the word carelessly, and found no benefit from it. I lent an ear to flattery; and on hearing that a person had expressed

a good opinion of me, I sought to increase it, talked too much, and uttered words of vanity. Upon the whole, I have spent this day most unprofitably.-0 when shall I begin to live to thee, my blessed Lord, who so freely gave thy precious blood for me! I am ashamed and confounded when I think on my sins. I am a vile creature, unworthy of the least mercy. Blessed be God, who hath opened unto us a fountain for sin and for uncleanness. O wash me, good Lord, and I shall be whiter than snow!

I have met with a trial of patience to-day; but I need the rod-I know that the Lord sendeth every affliction for my good. Thy will, not mine, be done, O Lord!

June 10.-Many have been the sins and vanities of near a month past, and little good done. Blessed be God who hath sent Jesus Christ to be a propitiation for sin; in him only can I hope for mercy: "In me dwelleth no good thing," Rom. vii. 18. I have broken God's righteous law in every particular, and cannot have the least hope of salvation by works; for my best duties are defiled by sin. The sins of one day are enough to ruin me for ever. O gracious God, look upon me in thy beloved Son, and save me for his sake; for he has borne my transgressions, and was wounded and bruised for mine iniquities: he has fulfilled the law for all those who believe on him, and all believers are justified from all things. Lord increase my faith!

I have been in great darkness for some weeks past, and have had little comfort in prayer. This, I believe, is greatly owing to negligence in that duty, and allowing a slothful spirit to prevail, and to prevent my fre