who held its essential truths might preach :-a scheme which, however fair it appeared in theory, was soon found to be impracticable. With this object in view, she hired St Mary's Chapel, in Niddry's-wynd, originally a Roman Catholic chapel, but then and now the Hall of some of the Corporations or Companies of the Tradesmen in Edinburgh.

Prior to opening this place of worship, she informed Mr Walker of her intentions, who expressed his decided disapprobation of the measure, and dissuaded her from attempting its execution, declaring, at the same time, his determination to give her no aid. She found, however, an adviser more accommodating to her views in Dr Webster, one of the ministers of the Tolbooth Church, a clergyman of great abilities, and the projector and first administrator of the fund for the provision of an annuity to the widows of ministers of the Church of Scotland. The polished manners, and fascinating conversation of this clergyman, made his society much courted by all sorts of persons, but especially by those of rank and fortune. Dr Webster was an avowed Calvinist of the higher class, but very liberal in his sentiments and conduct to those who differed in opinion from him. He was, from the time Lady Maxwell became decidedly serious, her intimate friend and adviser, as well as pastor, and usally attended her on the evening of every Lord's day to Mr Wesley's chapel, then in the Calton, which was built some time before. The religious meetings to be held in St Mary's Chapel, appear to have been regulated by a plan laid down by Lady Glenorchy and Lady Maxwell, with the assistance of Dr Webster; and divine service was intended to be performed by Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and one day in the week by Mr Wesley's preachers. The chapel was not to be occupied in canonical hours; but there was worship

in it on the Lord's day at seven in the morning, in the interval between the morning and afternoon services in the churches, which was then much longer than now, and in the evenings, and in some of the evenings of the week days. To this institution and its concerns,

some short references are made in the Diary.

Friday, February 2.-This morning I lay long in bed, having a headach. Devotions were slurred over

in a slothful manner. I had two hours' conversation this forenoon with a minister about the chapel. He disapproved much of attempting to reconcile sects and parties, by bringing them to preach alternately in one place: he said it would give great offence, and used many arguments to dissuade me from my plan; and concluded by saying he could not preach in it, if the Episcopal forms were ever allowed there. Upon which I told him, that since both establishments refused me assistance, he must not be surprised if I asked the Methodists next.

Monday, February 5.-For two days past I have had no time for writing; my trials have been great. The Lord knows what I have suffered. This morning I met with Dr Webster at Lady Maxwell's, to consult about the chapel. It is determined that I am to seek an English Episcopal minister to supply it; and to give one day in the week to the Methodists. Lord, provide thou one after thine own heart! I paid a visit to-night to Lady G; and although I wished to say something to edification, could get no opportunity, and so passed an hour unprofitably. O Lord, thou knowest the desire of my heart is to glorify thee at all times; open thou the door to me, and give me a tongue to magnify thy name!

In many Diaries, the reader is presented with all that is fair and commendable in the writer's spirit and conduct, and with nothing more. Lady Glenorchy's Diary, on the contrary, bears evident proof of its having been a full as well as faithful record of what she thought, and felt, and did, whether it was pleasant or painful, or whether it tended to place her temper and conduct in a favourable or unfavourable point of view. The quo tations which will next appear, illustrate the truth of this remark.

Tuesday, February 6.-This has been an uncom fortable day. When on my knees this morning, a crowd of vain thoughts broke in upon me: ashamed to continue in that posture, I got up and walked about the room in great distress, and before I could return to prayer, was sent for, and the whole day has passed in worldly business, till five-when I went to our meeting, at Mrs Walker's. I have had several

severe trials to-day, and not my usual consolation of pouring out my complaint to God. O that he would take compassion on me, and deliver me from my sins and this present evil world! I would willingly depart and be with Christ.

Thursday, February 8.-This being the fast-day in the parish church, Canongate, I got up early, and be sought the Lord to sanctify it to my soul. I endeavoured to recollect the sins of my life, and spread them before the Lord, that he might blot them out by the blood of the covenant, and renew me by his Spirit, I did not feel them as I ought, neither did I abhor myself, although I knew I was very sinful in the sight of God. O when wilt thou give me the victory over

myself!-I went to church, was very dead under the preaching of Mr B. in the forenoon; and notwithstanding my desire and prayer to be more benefited in the afternoon, by Mr Plenderleath's discourse, was still dead, and felt a heaviness on my spirits, and fears of not being worthy to come to the Lord's table. I have now been pouring out my complaint to the Lord, and crying to him to help me, and deliver my soul; but have no answer to my prayers. Yet still will I wait upon him. To whom can I go but unto thee, blessed Saviour; thou only canst deliver and I have chosen thee for my portion, I have counted the cost. I desire to be wholly thine; to follow thee whithersoever thou mayest be pleased to lead me. Only do thou grant me an interest in thy redemption, and sanctify me by thy truth, that I may glorify thee in soul and body in this world; and when thou hast no more use for me here, receive me into thine everlasting habitations, to dwell in thy presence for ever. Amen!

give me peace.

Friday, February 9.-This morning I was much comforted by a visit from Mr Plenderleath; he stayed two hours, and exhorted and prayed in the family. He seems full of love to God and man. My heart warmed towards him. I felt much sweetness of spirit, both while he was here and after he was gone; it seemed as if the Lord was present with us-and surely he was, since we were met in his name. How dif ferent the afternoon !-my usual trials; my affections cold, my thoughts confused-unable to pray or meditate. I have written to a friend who is a bigot, to exhort her to love and charity. I have also spoken a few words of exhortation to a servant; but after all, I

must set this down as an unprofitable day, and pray that it may not be remembered against me in judg

ment.

February 10.-After prayer and reading this morning, I was thinking on my trials, when the Lord was pleased to show me that they proceed from the malice of his enemies, who rage violently when likely to lose their prey. This accounts for my trouble increasing when I get nearer to the Lord. This plainly appears from the nature of my trials, as they tend to make me weary of religion, and to comply with the world for present ease. But art not thou, O blessed Jehovali, stronger than the enemy? Thou art able to preserve me. Unto thee I flee for protection and strength in the hour of temptation. Unto thee do I commit my

soul.

This afternoon I was enabled to continue some time in prayer. I endeavoured to lay hold on the Lord as my righteousness and my intercessor. I solemnly gave myself to him, and besought him that I might not rest short of any of the privileges of his people; but that he would purify my soul, and bring it to as great a degree of conformity to his image and will as was possible in this life, whatever I might suffer. I desired him alone as my portion, and took him to witness that I was willing to forsake all things for his sake. I went in the evening to the meeting, and found some access to the Lord in singing the first hymn, and in prayer. In my way home, I put up a prayer, which was answered. My trials this even

ing were more severe than common; I have reason to bless God for the composure of spirit with which I have been enabled to bear them. Thy mercies, O God, are infinite! O that my heart was more grateful!