withstanding she had to subdue the almost invincible prejudices of education and country; she was led firmly to believe, that the inspired volume teaches, in the unsophisticated sense of the terms, that "God is loving to every man," "and would have all men saved;" that " the righteous may turn from his righteousness, and die in his sin;" and that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin." But, though she differed in sentiment with Lady Glenorchy, and some others of her early religious acquaintance, which at times occasioned painful exercises of mind, there was no interruption of religious friendship, nor the smallest diminution of Christian affection. Like the two champions of that day in the field of controversy, they went hand in hand, as far as they could; and when they could go no farther, without a dereliction of principle, they kindly agreed to differ. In fact, Lady Maxwell occupied such a respectable situation, both for sense and piety, that her eloquence and influence were often highly serviceable in defending the doctrines of Mr. Wesley and his ministers; and also in removing much bitter prejudice from the minds of those persons, who, either had not, or would not have, any other means of learning the truth. With respect to Lady Glenorchy, such was the estimate in which she held Lady Maxwell, that at her death we find her appointing Lady M- her sole executrix, and the principal manager of her chapels, both in England and Scotland. This appoint

ment, as will be seen, devolved on her Ladyship much painful solicitude; but it also led her into an extensive field of usefulness, and furnished her with many sources of satisfaction and joy. Her call to this work she steadfastly believed was the call of God: and, though she often deplored the small success which attended some of these religious institutions, with a scrupulous conscientiousness, she carried into effect every tittle of Lady Glenorchy's will. There is, however, reason to believe, that the anxiety to which she was hereby subjected, and the additional labour which it imposed upon her, had, in her latter days, an unfavourable effect on her declining health, and in all probability tended to accelerate her death.'

Another of Lady Maxwell's most intimate friends and correspondents, was, Lady Henrietta Hope, third daughter of John, Earl of Hopetown. This excellent lady was remarkably formed for eminence. Her understanding was clear and strong, and her judgment sound. By reading, conversation, deep thought, and observation, she greatly improved her intellectual powers; and in early life afforded pleasing promise, should she survive to mature years, of being useful and ornamental to society. The expectations so fondly entertained by her relatives and friends were not disappointed. She manifested the nicest moral sense;" possessed a heart formed for friendship; had a keen sensibility of human pain, with an unceasing desire to relieve, or at least alleviate,

in

every possible way, the varied distresses of her fellow-creatures. Such an amiable and benevolent disposition secured for her the warm attachment of all around where she resided. She was indeed beloved by all who had the happiness of her acquaintance. This affection, from superiors and inferiors, is a circumstance always honourable, and rendered peculiarly so in some situations.

"Yet, though favoured with a mind thus enriched with every virtue of the moral character, united to the most lovely dispositions and engaging manners, it was not till her twenty-fifth year that Lady Henrietta Hope began to inquire about the great realities of eternity. At that time, an impression concerning the one thing needful was made upon her mind, which never after was effaced. Her own words upon this subject, at that memorable period, are, 'O to grace how great a debtor! Called at first out of nothing; and after twenty-five years obstinacy and rebellion, awakened from a state of sin, misery and death, and brought to the light of the glorious gospel, to the knowledge of Jesus Christ revealed therein, and (though by slow degrees, through various mazes, manifold temptations, and sundry trials, may I not, in all humility, say) to good hopes through grace. How shall I praise the riches of that grace which has abounded towards me.""

"Being thus brought from darkness to light, and her mind relieved from anxiety, respecting

her own state, the language of her heart was that of the royal psalmist : 'What shall I render -unto the Lord ?' Believing it her duty, and viewing it as her privilege, she made an entire dedication of herself, with all she had, or ever should stand possessed of, to that great and gracious Being, who had dealt so bountifully with her. Nor did she ever breathe a wish to recal the solemn deed; no, the residue of her life, by its uniform tenor, proved the sacrifice not only sincere, but universal, in so far as her situation would permit."'*

The particular circumstances, which, under God, led to this important change in Lady Hope, have not been noticed by her biographer; but the nature of the correspondence between her and Lady Maxwell, renders it highly probable, that Lady M-was the honoured instrument employed by the Great Head of the Church, in bringing Lady Hope to a knowledge of God her Saviour. The former invariably addresses the latter as her "Dear Daughter," and frequently subscribeth herself, "Your affectionate Parent in the Gospel.” Between these illustrious individuals there existed no jar of sentiment; but possessing a oneness of soul, a congeniality of feeling, they entered cordially into each others views, and greatly assisted each other in their benevolent purposes. Lady Maxwell was, perhaps, more formed for action, than her pious companion; she therefore had the

* Gibbon's Mem, Vol. II. p. 260.

principal management of their varied charities; but Lady Hope, whose humility, "almost to excess," kept her much from public view, was, as it respects advice and pecuniary aid, one of her most steady and powerful auxiliaries. Lady Hope evidently considered Lady Maxwell as her spiritual adviser, and therefore laid open to her, with the most unreserved freedom, the diversified exercises of her mind and in the replies of the latter, there will be observed a solicitude, a tenderness, and affection, truly maternal and Christian. So intimate and endeared was this friendship, that for several years few days were permitted to elapse, without some interchange of expressions of mutual esteem.*

:

Such were two of the illustrious companions of Lady Maxwell; but she had learned also to condescend to persons of low estate. She had in Edinburgh other intimate religious friends, with whom she used statedly to commune on the deep things of God; and these, though eminently pious, were principally selected from the humble walks in life. Her correspondents also became numerous; a few of these will be noticed afterwards. But the manner in which her Ladyship. spent her time may be here detailed, as tending greatly to illustrate many of her allusions. She had always, especially after the death of Lady Glenorchy, much business on her hands, and had as much writing as might have employed a

* For particulars respecting the death of these two eminent and pious ladies, see Vol. II. p. 1..