CHAPTER XVII. Lady Glenorchy directs her attention to supply the vacancy occasioned by Mr Sheriff's death-The offer of the chapel is made to the Rev. Mr Hodgson-Extracts from Diary-Lady Glenorchy goes to Taymouth-Extracts from Diary, from July 13. to September 13. 1778Lady Glenorchy returns from Taymouth, and comes to EdinburghMr Hodgson declines accepting the chapel-Lady Glenorchy again thrown into perplexity-Mr Dickie sent to London to offer the chapel to the Rev. Mr Clayton-Extracts from Diary, from October 28. to December 27. 1778-Letter from Lady Glenorchy to Mr Jones, requesting him to aid her in inducing Mr Clayton to accept of the cha pel-Mr Clayton declines-Letter from Lady Glenorchy to Mr Jones, inviting him to supply the chapel for a few months, which he complies with-Offer of becoming the minister of the chapel made to him, which he accepts-His ordination in London-Returns to Edinburgh, and enters on his ministerial duties-Extracts from Diary, from January S. to May 30. 1779. WHEN Mr Sheriff's remains were removed to their long home, and his mother, and other friends who had attended him in his last days, had departed, Lady Glenorchy left Barnton, and went to Edinburgh. From the comfortless state in which her mind is usually seen, it might be thought that this event would have much increased it; but it should be remembered, that it was not temporal afflictions altogether that occasioned her distresses; for these she could bear with a fortitude rarely shewn by her sex; her distress was occasioned chiefly by spiritual mortifications, on account of imperfection in the sight of God, and these may be said to be the only source of her mental pain: hence, on this occasion, her attention being turned aside for a 1778. TO BE PASTOR OF HER CHAPEL. 431 little from the old subject of her complaints, she appeared not merely composed and resigned, but rejoicing in tribulation. On her return to Edinburgh, her first employment was to supply the vacancy which had occurred in her chapel. She called together for this purpose, those friends who most interested themselves in her concerns. After prayer for divine direction, she advised with them what was best to be done. Their unanimous opinion was, that Mr Joseph Hodgson, minister of Carmunnock, ought to be invited to accept of the office of pastor. They sent, therefore, a deputation to converse with him. He received them kindly; but requested time to make up his mind with regard to their proposal. Her mode of expressing her views on these events, will be seen by the subsequent extract from her Diary. Edinburgh, Saturday, June 27.-Since I came to town, I have experienced much of the loving-kindness of the Lord, in comforting and supporting me, and carrying me above the present affliction, to seek for comfort in himself. My heart is depressed, yet my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; and he, as it were, says, Am I not better to you than ten pastors? Yes, Lord, thou art my portion; my chief good; my only desire. O that I may never, never seek any other good but thee! "Take thou my heart, and let it be Truly my soul has experienced something of the peace that passeth understanding, even when outward things appear most gloomy. I feel a secret power enabling me to rest in the will of God, and believe, that all is working together for my good, the good of his church, and the glory of his name. O for ever blessed be the Lord my God, now and evermore ! Sunday, June 28.-Yesterday was a day of mercy from the Lord; begun in distress of body, but afterwards strengthened, and carried on in much peace and comfort of mind, particularly in the evening, when I had a meeting of some Christian friends for prayer, to seek the mind of the Lord concerning the steps which ought to be taken for obtaining another pastor. After prayer, and singing the 147th Psalm, I asked them what occurred to them as the most scriptural and proper method of proceeding. I mentioned some ministers, particularly Mr Hodgson, as one I supposed would be agreeable to the congregation: they all were of opinion that he would be the most acceptable of any that could be procured. It was then agreed that two of the number should go to him, and lay our plan before him; this, after another meeting for prayer with a view to him in particular, was done. There was a spirit of love and unanimity appeared so remarkable in our conversation, that surely the Lord himself was with us. We concluded with a very lively and fervent prayer by Mr Scott Moncrieff, and then sung part of the 102d Psalm, and parted. My heart was lifted up in thankfulness to the Lord for giving me such helpers. in his work; their hearts appeared to be full of love to the Lord, and their eye single to his glory. This morning I have had some comfort and pleasure in hearing Mr Bonar lecture on the ascension, and preach from Psalm lxxii. 20. " The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended." I have since been able to pour out my heart in prayer, and to commit the providing a minister to the chapel wholly to the Lord, with a 1778. DIARY. 433 degree of confidence in his answering my request; also for myself, that he will perfect that which concerneth me, and grant me eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. As nothing more could be done in this business till Mr Hodgson's determination was known, Lady Glenorchy went, as usual at this season of the year, to Taymouth. Nothing remarkable occurred during her residence in the Highlands. The chapel was supplied by the assistant, while she and the people were waiting Mr Hodgson's decision. In August she experienced another unexpected stroke, in the death of the master of her school in Edinburgh; a man of high respectability, and greatly beloved. Her mind at this time was much more comfortable than usual. The following reflections on her past experience and conduct, and on the events of the preceding year, are uncommonly interesting. Taymouth, Monday, July 13.—I came to this place last Saturday. I was rather in a dead frame on the road, and since I came here: but I feel strong desires after the Lord; my mind goes out towards him; I want to be wholly dead to the world, and alive to him. The Lord, I trust, will keep me from the snares which surround me, else I know I shall fall. I hope the Lord, who is my strength, will manifest his power in preserving me from this present evil world. O grant this, blessed Jesus, for thine own holy name's sake! Friday, July 17.-This morning I set apart some time for seeking the Lord by self-examination, meditation, and prayer. I have been convinced of much E e working together for my good, the good of his church, and the glory of his name. O for ever blessed be the Lord my God, now and evermore ! Sunday, June 28.-Yesterday was a day of mercy from the Lord; begun in distress of body, but afterwards strengthened, and carried on in much peace and comfort of mind, particularly in the evening, when I had a meeting of some Christian friends for prayer, to seek the mind of the Lord concerning the steps which ought to be taken for obtaining another pastor. After prayer, and singing the 147th Psalm, I asked them what occurred to them as the most scriptural and proper method of proceeding. I mentioned some ministers, particularly Mr Hodgson, as one I supposed would be agreeable to the congregation: they all were of opinion that he would be the most acceptable of any that could be procured. It was then agreed that two of the number should go to him, and lay our plan before him; this, after another meeting for prayer with a view to him in particular, was done. There was a spirit of love and unanimity appeared so remarkable in our conversation, that surely the Lord himself was with us. We concluded with a very lively and fervent prayer by Mr Scott Moncrieff, and then sung part of the 102d Psalm, and parted. My heart was lifted up in thankfulness to the Lord for giving me such helpers. in his work; their hearts appeared to be full of love to the Lord, and their eye single to his glory. This morning I have had some comfort and pleasure in hearing Mr Bonar lecture on the ascension, and preach from Psalm lxxii. 20. "The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended." I have since been able to pour out my heart in prayer, and to commit the providing a minister to the chapel wholly to the Lord, with a |