an inexplicable consciousness of my union with Jesus, a oneness with him, that is better felt than expressed.

December 9. Found more power to-day in reproving sin than usual. I find it almost the hardest task I have, fearing lest people should imagine I do it from a self-righteous principle; but this, unless my heart deceive me, is certainly not the motive by which I am actuated. Nothing could make me do it, but the strongest conviction of duty, and an ardent desire to do the whole will of God. There is, I acknowledge, another motive which helps to determine me ;— a desire to be free from distress, and to enjoy comfort. The latter, I seldom fail to obtain when I obey; the former I am sure to feel if. I refuse. Yet I am positive, the glory of God is with me the most powerful stimulative to duty; and has ever been so, since he gave his Spirit, to witness with my spirit, that I belong to him : but of late this has sensibly increased.

29. Have endeavoured to do the will of God to-day, but have not had so much comfort in it as usual. Yet I desire to persist, and through grace to press vigorously on, in spite of all opposition; that I may at last obtain the glorious prize of uninterrupted communion with God here, and eternal glory hereafter. Often does he own my labours, by comforting, supporting, and animating my soul, and by filling me with an insatiable desire for power to be entirely devoted to him. The road to this I know is, by en

deavouring to be faithful to the light already imparted; by believing constantly on Christ with a lively faith; a faith always working by love and purifying the heart. Faith, genuine faith, is of a very active nature, leading its possessors continually to desire to be employed for the glory of God, and the good of mankind; and, therefore, they endeavour to embrace every opportunity for either which may offer; nay, they will even seek for opportunities. O how does my heart pant to feel more of the transforming power of grace..

31. This being the last day of the year, I endeavoured to spend some special time with God at night, and had the comfort to find, upon examination, I had, upon the whole, made some small progress in his ways; especially, in zeal for his glory; in power to act for him; in desires after entire devotion, and also in faith and love. O how numberless have his mercies been to me in the course of the last twelve months: how graciously and tenderly, and also bountifully, has he dealt with me. In some of his dispensations towards me, his mercy has been so great, his love so astonishing, as no languåge can adequately describe. While meditating upon them, I have often been "lost in wonder, love and praise." O! my God, what am I that thou shouldest deal thus with me? What shall I render unto thee?

"Take my body, spirit, soul,

Only thou possess the whole."

Maintain what thou has wrought in me, and still keep me through faith, until thou hast fulfilled in me all the good pleasure of thy goodness.

1770.

Lady M-establishes a School in Edinburgh-retires to Saughton-Hall-has the Gospel preached in her House-Diary continued.

IT was on the second of July in this year, that Lady Maxwell established a School in Edinburgh, for the purpose of affording education and Christian instruction to poor children. The necessity of impressing the minds of the rising generation with scriptural truth, was not, at the period alluded to, so deeply and extensively felt as at present. But her Ladyship was fully alive to its vast importance, and her benevolence was not to be confined within the limits of common and every day charities. As her heart devised liberal things, so she was studious to find out new methods of usefulness, and her exertions could only be bounded by her abilities.

This school was ever after one of the objects of her pious solicitude. Its sole management and superintendence remained with herself; but as the benefits flowing from it were seen and acknowledged, others came forward with pecuniary aid. Her Ladyship was particularly careful to admit none as masters, but men of undoubted piety; frequently examined the children with regard to their improvement in knowledge and seriousness; and in a great number of cases, she was favoured with pleasing indications, that a truly religious concern had been excited in their youthful minds. She has also recorded several instances of permanent good:-of persons who afforded in mature life, decided evidence of established piety; and who gratefully acknowledged, that their first religious impressions were received at this School. A few, after they had been absent from their native country a number of years, returned to offer their kind benefactress their tribute of thanks. But all the good that has been, and which yet may be done by this institution, will not be fully known until the grave gives up-her dead. Each child, unless dismissed on account of improper conduct, went through a regular course of instruction for three years; and at the expiration of that period, a bible was presented, to be their guide and companion through life. At the time of Lady Maxwell's death, eight hundred children had enjoyed all the benefits of this very laudable charity and it is still in active ope

ration; her Ladyship having by her will made provision for its existence, so long as time shall last. May its energies never be diminished.

But in her endeavours to 66 save souls from death," she did not confine herself to the rising generation. Other barren fields, needing cultivation, soon presented themselves; and she entered upon the work with a pleasing alacrity. Having suffered much, for some time, from bodily indisposition, and hoping, that a residence in the country might be beneficial to her health; she removed for a short period to Saughton-Hall, a venerable mansion at a small distance from Edinburgh. On witnessing among the villagers, a prevailing carelessness with regard to religion, she became deeply interested for their spiritual welfare. That she might convey to them religious instruction, and if possible awaken them from their dangerous slumbers, she opened her house; in person invited them to attend, and engaged different ministers to preach unto them the unsearchable riches of Christ. Many gladly flocked to hear, and evidence was afforded that these labours of love were succeeded by the Divine blessing. This, however, to some appeared irregular, and opposition was excited. "Let all things be done decently, and in order," is certainly a Divine injunction; and there are some individuals, who appear to think, that to attempt to promote religion, or even to make any allusion to it, except under some conse