measure of bodily health, with a sensibility of my obligations to God for it, and strong desires to. improve it to his glory. I have enjoyed, in general, constant desires for an increase of grace, for the full accomplishment of the promises relative to sanctification, and these desires have been steadily breathed forth in prayer, though not always with the same degree of frequency and fervour. Through the greater part of this year, a degree of uncertainty, with respect to the state of my soul, as it relates to the blessing of sanctification, has frequently perplexed me, and I believe, has deprived me of much comfort 1 might otherwise have enjoyed. The use I endeavoured to make of this trial, was, to cry more earnestly to the Lord for the full accomplishment of the promises; that he would shine upon his work in my heart, and give me to see light in his light; that I might give all the glory to him, while I took the comfort to myself. I have seen and felt more of the emptiness of the creature than formerly, and have had more power steadily to confess God than ever. Upon the whole, I hope, if any thing, I have rather gained ground this year; though I am deeply conscious that I have been very unfaithful, very unfruitful, little better than a cumberer of the ground. If my God sees meet to spare me another year, O that he may quicken me in his ways; cause me to cleave to him, and to follow him fully as one of his witnesses for the truth! May he ever enable me to see the way in which he would have me to walk.

Correspondence with Lady Hope-Miss Ritchie-The Hon. Miss Napier-Reflections on temptations— Diary continued.

LETTER XIX.

TO LADY H. HOPE.

Edinburgh, February 14, 1781.

I wrote a few hasty lines last night to my dear Daughter; having more time to-day, maternal affection inclines me to be more particular than I could at that time. I trust you feel the same degree of strength in body and mind that has been graciously allowed for some time. One capital stream of creature comfort is now cut off, by the wise appointment of Him that cannot err. I know you would wish the strong current of affection, which ran in that channel, now to return to the fountain: and surely your God wills it too. It is the best improvement that can be made of affliction; and O, what gainers are those who thus improve it! They are wise for themselves, they are wise for others, and they are wise in the estimation of God. In order to be thus

wise, much prayer is needful; peculiarly so in these seasons, because the emptiness of created good generally then appears in a very clear point of view, and the heart feels more disunited from the things of time, more susceptible of Divine impressions, and more desirous of being closely united to what appears a substantial, a lasting good, of which neither our own death, nor that of others, can deprive us. From these causes, the prayers of the afflicted are more free from worldly desires, are offered up with more fervour; and are, I believe, more acceptable to the Most High, than those that ascend in the sunshine of worldly prosperity. To use a plain simile, the iron is hot, and the hammer moulds it more easily than when it is cold. May the Lord pour a spirit of prayer upon my dear daughter at this time, and make her frequent and fervent at a throne of grace; that she may come out of the furnace more pure, and sensibly prove her affliction bringing forth the peaceable fruits of righte

ousness.

There is one device of satan to which I fear you may be exposed just now, and from which you may suffer; and therefore, with the freedom of a parent, solicitous for your profit and comfort, I would caution you against it. Do not dwell upon the distressing thought of not having obtained the evidence you wished of your dear father's eternal welfare. This often diminishes the Christian's comfort, grieves the Spirit of God, and proves a fruitless source of pain. When the

thought, occurs, carry it to God, and by prayer entreat him, if agreeable to his holy will, to give you that persuasion of your parent's happiness that will satisfy you; and if denied, to give you power to leave it with himself, who is the Judge of all the earth, and who will do right. The Lord, in some cases, gives the former; and when that has been for wise ends denied, bestows the latter; may he give you what he sees best for

you.

He loves you better than you believe, and will make all work for your good; I fear that both your body and mind will sink in a degree; be not surprised at it, nor too rigorous in your exactions from either. At present you are called to believe, to love, to suffer. When stronger, active service will be expected; but not till then. I hope a proper attention will be paid to the body for the soul's sake. If you look on me as a parent, see that you use me as such, by writing me freely, and telling me if in any way, except by prayer, I can help you. The eternal God be your refuge, and underneath you be the everlasting arms.

Lady W.'s situation calls for much sympathy; her loss is great; may the Lord make it up. All will feel less or more. This is not their rest: how happy are those that find rest in Christ. When you can easily, I shall be glad to know how you do. According to custom, I have been much interrupted since I began this, which must

excuse many improprieties. Believe me, my dear daughter, ever your affectionate parent in D. M.

the Lord.

LETTER XX.

TO LADY H. HOPE.

Edinburgh, March 27, 1781.

I thank my dear daughter for her letter which I have just received. I was desirous to know how she did, and the more so, lest any thing I had said, had helped to make the scale preponderate in favour of remaining at O. H. and perhaps thereby hurt her health. I trust your determination was of God; it appeared to me from the beginning the most excellent way, (and in this path I would ever wish my dear daughter to walk) even without the knowledge of particular circumstances. Those you mention in your last do not surprise me, and still more confirm my judgment of the propriety of the choice you have made that it is denying yourself I doubt not; but the cup, I hope, will be sweetened by a sense of the presence of your God, and a consciousness of having done what you believed most for his glory. If the Lord make you useful in healing breaches, or preventing their widening, it will afford you more pleasing sensations than the Bath journey could have given you; considering the service done to others, besides the claim given you to the blessing promised