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THE

SCOTTISH CHRISTIAN HERALD,

CONDUCTED UNDER THE SUPERINTENDENCE OF MINISTERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH.

VOL. I. No. 33.

THE FEAR OF THE LORD, THAT IS WISDOM."

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1836.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S PASTORAL LETTER
TO THE PEOPLE OF SCOTLAND, ON
FAMILY WORSHIP..

THE General Assembly of the Church of Scot-
land, To our dearly beloved People: Grace, mercy,
and peace, from God the Father, and Christ Jesus
our Lord.

On your behalf, brethren, we thank God, whom we serve with our spirit in the Gospel of His Son, that your faith and devotion have long been spoken of throughout the world; and we are bound always to have remembrance of you in our prayers night and day, greatly desiring that, like your forefathers in times of clearest light, you may continue stedfastly in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, abounding in the exercises of that unfeigned godliness, which is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is,

and of that which is to come.

PRICE 14d.

pic, we think it superfluous to enlarge on the high obligations by which the duty is enforced,―obligations which are involved in the very constitution of our frail and dependent being, and impressed on voice of scriptural authority, opening the ears of the understanding and the heart by the persuasive men, and sealing the instruction, by which God speaketh, not once or twice, but at sundry times, and in divers manners, adding line upon line, prethreatening upon threatening, so as to bring percept upon precept, promise upon promise, and petually to remembrance both the blessings which are multiplied to them that fear the Lord, and the fury which is poured out on the families which call not on his name. The appointment of the reasonable service of bowing down at the domestic altar before the Lord our Maker, that, in waiting for the promised effusion of the spirit of grace and supplication, we may be filled with the fruits of righteousness, has ever been regarded by all men In compliance with the solicitations of many of sound mind and Christian experience, not as who watch for your souls, and are jealous over the imposition of an irksome yoke, but as the you with godly jealousy, we have resolved to issue this brotherly exhortation on the sacred and indis-often as we mark the tokens of God's power and conveyance of an inestimable privilege; for as pensable duty of Family Worship,—not as if we had any recent ground for apprehending that it is presence in making the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice, must every enlightened and likely to fall into more extensive neglect, but be- purified heart, lifting up its affections to the Facause we know too well that it is by no means ther of Spirits, acknowledge, with triumphant sauniversally practised, and because even the purest tisfaction, that it is a good thing to shew forth his minds require to be stirred up, by way of remem-loving-kindness in the morning, and his faithfulbrance, that, while they hold fast the profession of ness every night. their own faith without wavering, they may consider one another to provoke and encourage, by good counsel and good example, to the love of truth and holiness, and to the habitual and serious observance of those offices of piety, whereby, as surely as the body is nourished and refreshed by its daily bread and its nightly rest, the soul of man, through the nurture and admonition of the Lord, is progressively matured in excellence and strength, till it is advanced to the perfection and glory of its immortal existence.

In calling your attention to this momentous to• Edinburgh, May 30, 1836.-The General Assembly having conmonition for the purpose of stirring up the people of this land to the faithful and regular observance of the Worship of God in their Families, did, and hereby do, require the following Pastoral Letter to be read by all the Ministers of this Church, from their several pulpits, on the first convenient Lord's Day after it shall come into their bauds. JOHN LEE, C. Eccl. Scot.

sidered and approved the Overtures recommending a renewed Ad

To those only who have tasted and seen it, can

we speak intelligibly of the tranquil delight which is awakened and sustained by such periodical acts of household worship, as are not a mere formal tant or cold compliance, but the fervent utterance ceremony in which the members join with relucof lips, which, out of the abundance of the heart, in which the love of God is shed abroad, are, by the influence of that unquenchable affection, most pleasingly constrained to celebrate the mercies which are new every morning, and to offer up the spiritual incense of prayer with as unceasing regularity, as from the sanctuary of Israel the smoke of the evening sacrifice arose, or as the early dew of Hermon descended on the mountains of Sion, when there the Lord commanded the blessingeven life for evermore.

Without all controversy, the benefits produced by this hallowed exercise are ineffably precious. It is not enough to say that thus are devout and grateful emotions awakened,-thus is faith in the superintending providence and holy promises of God confirmed, thus are the graces of humility, resignation, and patience, nourished and increased, while, with the contemplation of the infinite excellence, the unwearied beneficence, and the everlasting strength of the Lord Jehovah, we contrast the instability, deceitfulness, and desperate wickedness of the heart of man. By the infallible testimony of Heaven, we are authorised to affirm constantly that there is an efficacy in the prayer of faith, which, though inexplicable by our feeble understandings, must, through all ages, continue to avail as much as it did in the days of those patriarchs, prophets, and righteous men, who, as princes, had power with God, when, receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, they had grace to serve him acceptably with reverence and godly fear. The Lord is ever nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit, when, taking with them the words which inspired wisdom has taught them to utter, they lift up their desires at his footstool, not seeking great things for themselves, or panting after the dust of the earth, or sighing for the vain delights of the sons of men, but thirsting and longing for the blessedness of the man whose transgression is forgiven, and who, being justified by faith, has peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have no encouragement to hope that, by taking thought for temporal satisfactions, we shall find grace in the sight of the Lord; but if we aspire after the best gifts which are the heritage of the faithful, seeking first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, we believe and are sure that his divine power will give us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Though our Father in the heavens knoweth what things we have need of before we ask them, and though the purposes of his everlasting kindness are often fulfilled more substantially by withholding than by granting the desires which we naturally cherish, it is only to them who worship him in spirit and in truth, that he has promised to do exceeding abundantly above all that they ask or think; and we have no more solid ground to expect that we shall receive without asking, or that we shall find without seeking, than the husbandman has to look for an abundant harvest springing up in the fields which he has neither planted nor watered, or than the merchant has to calculate on receiving his own with usury, for the talent which has been tied up in a napkin, or buried in the earth.

hold after him, to unite with him in the exercises of a holy life, that the Lord might bring upon Abraham that which he had spoken of him,—even so, in all generations, may the willing and obedient hope, that, while seeking unto God, and committing their cause to him who doeth great things and unsearchable, they place their confidence, not in their own importunity, or their own efforts, but in the exalted merit and prevalent intercession of the Mediator of the New Covenant, they cannot fail to be made partakers of that abundant grace which ought to be the chief object of all our prayers, and which is never denied to the humble. We know assuredly that our heavenly Father giveth his Holy Spirit to them who ask him; and if, for the sake of his beloved Son, he is pleased to bestow this unspeakable gift in answer to the prayer of the believing soul, why should we hesitate to admit that it is of the Lord's mercies, that by the eternal ordination of divine wisdom, prayer has been rendered one of the sure and sufficient means of transmitting to the faithful every other good and perfect gift which cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning?

To the duties of social prayer and thanksgiving, accompanied with that instruction in righteousness which the reading of the Scriptures is calculated to impart, let the benefits thus conferred on your several domestic circles operate as a strong incitement. It is not, indeed, within the compass of human ability to infuse grace into the souls which are most tenderly beloved. But great will probably be the influence of a pious example on those who confide in your affection, and have cause to revere your worth. If your children and dependents perceive, that, while you are not slothful in the business of time, you are also fervent in spirit serving the Lord, and that, while you provide for your own the food and the raiment which are obtained by the blessing of God on the hand of the diligent, you ask for them that bread of heaven which strengtheneth the heart, may you not hope that they will be stirred up both to pray and to labour for the meat which endureth to life everlasting, and that they will learn to regard the favour of God as a better portion than the abundance of corn and wine? May you not hope, that while your own minds are elevated by contemplating the works of creation, providence, and redemption, and by reflecting on the dignified and endearing relation to which you have been raised in having "received the spirit of adoption, whereby you cry Abba, Father," they who look up to you for guidance and protection will take pleasure in approaching to God, and, through the experience of the peace of walking with the wise, will be taught to It is not for us to unfold the laws of the spirit- abhor the enticements of sinners, and to hold ual world, so as to demonstrate why and how it is fast that which is good? And even in the case that the communications of heavenly influence and of those who, through perversity of heart, and the favour are in any degree suspended on the fre- snares of an evil world, have forsaken the path of quency and fervency of our supplications. But integrity and truth, may it not be hoped that the this we know, that, as in old time, the father of wise counsels which they have for a season forthe faithful commanded his children, and his house-gotten, and the devotional habits which they have

day with thanksgiving in their hearts, and the high praises of God in their mouths, wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of those times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, when his works shall appear before the face of his servants and his glory to their children; and they that fear the Lord, being all replenished with the riches of grace, shall take that sweet counsel to

long failed to imitate, will, like the bread cast upon the waters, be found after many days? Small must have been your experience of the discipline of providence, if you have never known so much as one who had wandered so far from the way of peace as to disappoint the earnest expectations of his father, and to turn the joy of her who bare him into bitterness, but who, after his own wickedness had corrected him, and his back-gether which revives the inward part, and knits slidings reproved him, has been awakened to new obedience, by recalling to his agonized mind, with reverential awe, the solemn image of the parental guide, in whose quiet habitation the daily exercises of prayer and praise hallowed every pursuit, lightened every care, soothed every sorrow, and seasoned every enjoyment, so as to render the voice of rejoicing and salvation in the tabernacles of the righteous, a lively type of the blessed conversation of heaven, and a delicious foretaste of the fellowship of the saints in light.

and

If ye know these things by your own experience, or by the incontrovertible testimony of them who have tasted that the Lord is gracious, happy are ye if ye do them. Nor can you have peace safety if, knowing what is good, you leave it undone. And while you present your supplications for yourselves and your families, forget not the eternal concerns of the families which call not on the name of God. If it be, as it ought to be, your heart's desire, that they may be brought to the obedience of the Gospel, brethren, pray for us, and for all the ministers of the truth, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you. Such an intercession as this will assuredly prove efficacious towards the enlargement of the household of faith, if all of you, both small and great, not only in the congregations of the upright, who in heaviness of heart sigh for the abounding of iniquity and the failing of truth, but in your families apart, and in your unseen retirements, prostrate yourselves at the footstool of your Father in heaven, who seeth in secret, and desires before him in that out your pour effectual fervent importunity which, like the long and patient waiting of the husbandman for the precious fruit of the earth, will, according to the sure word of promise, issue in plenteous showers of blessings, not confined to any favoured spot, or any privileged community, but dropping down fertility far and wide over fields co-extensive with the inhabited world, filled as it shall be in that evening-time of light with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea: And thus the God of the whole earth, in remembrance of his holy covenant, and in fulfilment of the good pleasure of his goodness, will arise and have mercy not only on the mountain of holiness in which he had his dwelling in time past, but on all in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord; so that, while he clothes his priests with salvation, and makes his people shout for joy, the ways of Zion, which have mourned because few came to the solemn feasts, shall be thronged with the multitudes who keep the holy

the brotherhood of Christians in the unity of the faith and the holy bond of perfectness. "Then shall the offering of his people be pleasant unto the Lord as in the days of old, and as in former years." "And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory shall be a defence."

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILIELMA VISCOUNTESS GLENORCHY.

THIS estimable and highly useful individual, who was

the daughter of William Maxwell, Esq. of Preston, in the stewartry of Kirkcudbright, was born after her father's death, on the 2d of September 1741. Her education and early training, as well as that of her sister, devolved entirely upon her mother, who, of a proud character of mind into her daughters. About the same and ambitious spirit herself, strove to instil the same time the two sisters, still in the bloom of youth and beauty, were married; Mary, the eldest, to the Earl of Sutherland, premier of Scotland; and Wilielma, the subject of our present sketch, to Lord Viscount Glenorchy, the only son and heir of John the third Earl of Breadalbane.

Lady Glenorchy, besides being possessed naturally of a strong mind, had received a very expensive and liberal

education, and was thus well fitted to adorn the high station to which, by her marriage, she had been raised. But amid all the amiable and endearing qualities which she possessed, she appears to have been nearly, if not altogether, destitute of piety. Spending her whole time in the gay and giddy round of fashionable pleasure, she walked according to the course of this world; and she felt the more pleasure in the pursuits and amusements of the world, from the habits and inclinations acquired in the course of two years' residence on the Continent. This mode of life, however, was productive of considerable injury to her naturally delicate constitution; and often in her seasons of indisposition did she resolve to abandon her present pursuits, and devote her life to the practice of piety. These resolutions were, no doubt, in themselves good, but alas! they too often proved like the morning cloud or the early dew which soon passeth away."

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The time at length came when Lady Glenorchy was rescued from a state of thoughtlessness in regard to the concerns of her soul, awakened to a sense of her sin and danger, and called effectually out of darkness into God's marvellous light. Her attention was first called to the subject of religion, through an intimacy which she contracted with the pious family of Sir Rowland Hill, at Hawkstone, in the neighbourhood of her occasional residence, Great Sugnal, in Staffordshire. To this family she became much attached, and often wished that she could imbibe somewhat of their pious spirit. The impressions thus excited in favour of godliness were every day acquiring strength, when it pleased God, by means of an afflictive dispensation of his pro

gious purposes, composed chiefly of ladies of rank and fortune, at which the Rev. Mr Walker, senior minister of the High Church, and colleague of Dr Blair, was accustomed to preside, conducting their devotions, and delivering either an exposition or a sermon.

About this time Lord Glenorchy sold his estate of Sugnal in Staffordshire, and purchased that of Barnton, about four miles from Edinburgh. This change of residence was particularly pleasing to Lady Glenorchy, as it afforded all the advantages of a retirement in the country, combined with the advantages of a vicinity to the town. Though she had now assumed a decided part, however, in every Christian work, she was exposed to many trials and difficulties unknown to those in the humbler walks of life. She felt the truth of our Lord's statement, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter the kingdom of God." Amid her many discouragements she derived much comfort and support from the counsels and kindness of a friend whom she highly valued, Lady Maxwell. In the cause of religion Lady Glenorchy and Lady Maxwell were zealous cooperators. They strengthened each other's hands and employed their thoughts in devising plans for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. Their first scheme was to open a place of worship, in which ministers of the Gospel, of every orthodox denomination, might preach. With this design Lady Glenorchy hired St. Mary's Chapel, in Niddry's Wynd, Edinburgh.

vidence, to render them permanent and efficacious. | fashionable friends. When residing at Taymouth, where Early in the summer of 1765, while residing at Tay- the beautiful and romantic scenery often attracted stranmouth Castle, in Perthshire, she was seized with a dan- gers from different parts of the country, she occasionally gerous putrid fever. In recovering from this disease, enjoyed the society of pious and devoted clergymen, her thoughts turned frequently upon the vanity and whom she invited to the castle. In Edinburgh she enemptiness of all things here below, on the awful con-joyed the privilege of attending meetings held for relisequences of sin, and on her own melancholy condition, as in God's sight a sinner. For some time she continued in a state of despondency and deep dejection of mind, but by means of a letter from Miss Hill, a member of the above-mentioned family at Hawkstone, she was encouraged to look by faith to the crucified Redeemer, and to view all her sins as washed away in his precious blood. From that period she resolutely bade a final adieu to the unsatisfying pleasures of time, and dedicated herself to the service and the glory of God. To her correspondence with Miss Hill, Lady Glenorchy was at this time indebted for much of the spiritual instruction and consolation she received. In her retirement at Taymouth, she spent much of her time in reading and reflection, and, by the blessing of God, she felt her mind much relieved. As the family were in the habit of spending the winter in London, she was not a little afraid lest, immersed once more in the follies of fashionable life, she would be deprived of those serious feelings which had now begun to take possession of her soul. It was her earnest desire that in her whole conduct and deportment, she should evince the purifying efficacy of religion. The peculiar doctrines of Christianity, which happened then to be the common topics of pulpit discussion and private conversation, were frequently present to her thoughts; and being distrustful of her own judgment on points of such vital importance, she applied to Miss Hill, her valued counsellor and friend, who furnished her, in a long letter, with a very clear and luminous statement of the mode of our justification in the sight of God, and the nature and necessity of regeneration by the influences of the Holy Spirit. In these fundamental doctrines of God's Word she felt a lively interest, and lost no opportunity of attaining a complete knowledge of them. In vain did her friends attempt to divert her mind from such topics, by persuading her to return to the dissipated world. She remained firm to her purpose, and neither severity nor art were of any avail. Nor did her stedfastness, in adhering to a religious course, tend, in the slightest degree, to lower her in the esteem of some members, at least, of the noble family with which she had become connected. Lord Breadalbane entertained for her the warmest regard, and continued to do so till his latest hour. And although in some other respects she was not exempt from domestic sorrows, she bore them with a resignation becoming her Christian profession.

Naturally of an amiable and sensitive mind, Lady Glenorchy felt deeply the frequent annoyances to which she was subjected. But while lamenting these, her heart was torn by a painful bereavement, in the death of her only sister, Lady Sutherland, who, a few days after her husband, was cut off suddenly, in the midst of youth and prosperity. The stroke was heavy, but Lady Glenorchy had ere this learned to seek the true source of consolation. With such accumulated trials, arising from her domestic sorrows and the death of her sister, she looked to heaven for help, and on earth she found a sympathising friend in Miss Hill.

Under the pressure of these severe and complicated distresses Lady Glenorchy's health began to suffer, and change of air and scene being recommended, she repaired to a distance from home, where she was not only deprived of the assistance and encouragement of religious friends, but exposed to considerable opposition. The summer she generally spent at Tayinouth, and the winter at Bath, or London, or Edinburgh, where she was subjected to a constant series of visits from her gay and

Before opening this place of worship, she consulted Mr Walker, who decidedly disapproved of the plan. Dr Webster of the Tolbooth Church, however, lent the project his countenance and support. The chapel was not to be open during canonical hours, but on the mornings and evenings of the Sabbath, when Presbyterian or Episcopalian clergymen were indiscriminately to officiate, and the Methodists of Mr Wesley's connection were to occupy the chapel one day in the week.

At this period Lady Glenorchy resolved to establish the regular worship of God in her family, morning and evening, a practice which she adhered to through life; she had also a sermon occasionally delivered in her drawing-room at the Abbey of Holyrood House.

On Wednesday the 7th of March 1770, St. Mary's chapel was opened for preaching the Gospel, by Mr Middleton, who was at that time minister of a small Episcopal chapel at Dalkeith. The countenance which Lady Glenorchy gave to the Methodist preachers, by inviting their occasional assistance in her chapel, led to her acquaintance with Mr Wesley, who seems to have been very desirous that she should join the Methodist connection. This, however, she always declined, though she continued to hear Mr Wesley while in Edinburgh, often accompanied by Dr Webster. Probably at her request, these two ministers held a conference together, at which she was present, and the result she thus states in her diary:

"This morning the Rev. Dr Webster and Mr Wesley met at my house, and had a long conversation together. They agreed on all doctrines on which they spoke, except those of God's decrees, predestination, and the saints' perseverance, which Mr Wesley does not hold. After Mr Wesley was gone, Dr Webster told me in a fair and candid manner wherein he disapproved of Mr Wesley's sentiments. I must (according to the light I now have, and always have had, ever since the Lord was pleased to awaken me) agree with Dr Webster. Nevertheless I hope Mr Wesley is a child of God. He has been an instrument in his hands of saving souls; as such I honour him, and will counte

nance his preachers. I have heard him preach thrice; and should have been better pleased had he preached more of Christ, and less of himself. I did not find his words come with power to my own soul. I desire to bless God for having enabled me in some measure this day to be faithful to the convictions of his Spirit. O that I may daily receive more strength and courage, to be accounted a fool for Christ's sake!"

Before entering upon the estate of Barnton, considerable improvements were found necessary, and a great number of workmen were accordingly employed in preparing it for the reception of the family. Ministers were often employed to preach to the workmen, and after the house had been repaired, a chapel was built, attached to it, where divine service was conducted by her domestic chaplains, generally every Lord's day, after the conclusion of divine service in the parish Church. This practice was steadily maintained, as long as Lady Glenorchy retained possession of Barnton. Among the persons who presided on these occasions, as being chaplains in the family, were Mr De Courcy, a very valuable Episcopalian minister, the late Dr Balfour of Glasgow, the late Mr Russel of Stirling, the late Dr Campbell of the Tolbooth Church, Edinburgh, and the late Mr Black of Lady Yester's Church, Edinburgh.

Though resident during the greater part of the year at Barnton, Lady Glenorchy spent part of the summer generally at Taymouth, where, notwithstanding the weakness of her constitution and the frequent attacks of sickness, and the exertion required in managing the domestic concerns of her large establishment, she was unwearied in her endeavours to promote the temporal comfort and spiritual improvement of all around her. Her heart was particularly refreshed, about this time, by the society of her friend Miss Hill, who spent the summer and autumn with her at Taymouth. On her return to Edinburgh, though in possession of the highest spiritual privileges, she was often visited with dejection of mind, which, by means of prayer and stedfast waiting upon God, was gradually removed. The intercourse she enjoyed with the pious clergymen of the city, particularly with Mr Walker, Mr Plenderleath, and Dr Erskine, had a considerable effect in strengthening her faith, and enlarging her views of divine truth. The mind of Lady Glenorchy was so deeply imbued with the spirit of her Redeemer, that she embraced every opportunity of communicating religious instruction to the members of her own household, and even to the cottagers in the neighbourhood of her residence at Barnton. She went familiarly to the houses of the poor, conversing with them on their best interests, as an instructor and a friend. On some occasions her labours were attended with most encouraging success, but on others her kindness was returned with rudeness and incivility. In consequence of some instances which occurred of the latter description, her friends attempted to dissuade her from a practice which they considered as unsuitable to her station in society, and harassing to her feelings.

After St. Mary's Chapel had been open for some months, the ministers of the establishment declined to preach in it on account of the admission of Mr Wesley's preachers, with whom the people were dissatisfied. Lady Glenorchy therefore resolved to select a pious clergyman, who, besides acting as her domestic chaplain, should regularly officiate in St. Mary's Chapel. At the recommendation of Miss Hill, the Rev. Richard De Courcy was chosen to that office, and readily accepted. Attempts were made by some malicious persons to prejudice the mind of Lord Glenorchy against this excellent individual, before his arrival from England, but He who has the hearts of all men in his hands" prevented the unhallowed stratagem from succeeding.

For some weeks after Mr De Courcy had entered apon his duties in St. Mary's Chapel, he officiated along

with Mr Wesley's preachers. This arrangement, however, was soon found to be both inconvenient and injudicious. After deep reflection, therefore, and earnest prayer, she resolved to separate herself entirely from the Methodists. This step she knew would give great surprise and pain to Lady Maxwell, who was the friend and correspondent of Mr Wesley. To the credit of both these estimable ladies, however, their friendship continued uninterrupted; so prudently and cautiously did Lady Glenorchy communicate the information of her design to her friend. Christian friendship has in it a peacefulness and a permanence which we in vain look for in the friendships of the world. And such was the character of the intimacy which subsisted between Lady Maxwell and Lady Glenorchy. They encouraged and aided each other in works of piety and true benevolence.

All the repairs and improvements which had been going forward at Barnton were now completed, and Lord and Lady Glenorchy took formal possession of it. Divine service was performed in their private chapel the first Sabbath after their arrival from Taymouth, to a crowded audience. But little more than a month had passed, when the owner of the splendid mansion was laid low, and Lady Glenorchy was written desolate and a widow. The illness of his Lordship was of short duration, but his pious and affectionate partner strove by her own conversation and that of several of her clerical friends, combined with much prayer to Almighty God, to impress his mind with a sense of divine things, and by the blessing of God they had the consolation of thinking that their efforts had not been in vain.

To a mind such as that of Lady Glenorchy, sensitive and keenly affectionate, the stroke which deprived her of her husband was peculiarly severe. Yet even amid the intensity of her grief, there was a calmness, and serenity, and composure of spirit, which showed her to be under the influence of a holy resignation to the divine will.

After her husband's death, Lady Glenorchy took up her residence at Holyrood House. Left in a state of comfort and independence, as far as worldly circumstances are concerned, she was refreshed by the kindness of her father-in-law, Lord Breadalbane, who handsomely paid the balance of the purchase-money of the Barnton estate, and put her in the full and free possession of it. Such was the esteem and affection which Lord Glenorchy bore her, that he bequeathed to her, by will, his whole disposable wealth and property.

The summer and autumn months she usually spent with Lord Breadalbane at Taymouth, and during the winter she resided in Edinburgh. Being now possessed of considerable wealth, which she had freely at command, she formed the design of erecting a chapel in Edinburgh, in communion with the Established Church of Scotland; and several persons were employed to find a proper situation for it. Various places were pointed out, but the Orphan Park was at length fixed upon, where the chapel was speedily erected, and still stands, bearing the name of Lady Glenorchy's Chapel.

Shortly after this, at the request of Mr Stuart, minister of Killin, she built a chapel at Strathfillan, a destitute district of his parish, and endowed it, and placed it under the direction and patronage of the Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge. She also employed, at her own expense, two licensed preachers as missionaries in the Highlands of Scotland, under the sanction and countenance of the same Society. All these deeds of benevolence, however, were far from being subjects of boasting on the part of Lady Glenorchy. Her diary, on the contrary, shews that, while the world around was loudest in its praise of her good works, she was the most deeply humbled before God. When the Christian is aware of his own sins and imperfections, there is nothing which more effectually lays him low at the divine footstool, than the praise and

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