(S[atmU Unttteraitt] Sjibtacg 
 
 Jlt^aca, S^etn ^ork 
 
 BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE 
 
 SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND 
 
 THE GIFT OF 
 
 HENRY W. SAGE 
 
 1891 
 
WmkB j^tihli# liij MIM k Cn. 
 
 ^ MmA nf Mm. By the Eev. James 
 Hamilton, P.L.S. A new Edition. 18»!0. Is. Gd. 
 
 lijter. By Caeoline Fet. Tenth 
 Edition. Two vols., foolscap 8vo, 10s. cloth. 
 
 ^nmm f mr^ in tin; ^5mslj IJlittrtl; nf M. 
 
 w George's, Bloomsbury. By the Hon. and Eey. H. MoN- 
 TAGxr VrniEBS, M.A. l2mo, 6s. cloth. 
 
 MWSAam nf tfjE fMt : their scenes 
 and their Lessons. By the Eev. John MTabxase, 
 LL.D. £oyal l2mo, with lUustratiom by Findm, Is. 6d. cloth ; 
 8s. 6<?. half morocco. 
 
 J^Brri} : a Tale of thf Revolution. By Chae- 
 '^*^ LOTTE Elizabeth. Tenth Eijition. Fop. %vo, 5s. cloth. 
 
 1Il\Ms,imm m littes nnii Ml %?. By 
 
 -r ^-^ the Hon. and Eev. Baptist W. Noel, M.A. Fifth 
 Edition. 2s. cloth, 
 
 %tlmt'n Mh tn tljE Inli} (Tnnimrainii. 
 
 Translated from the French of M. Grandpierre, by the 
 Countess of EUesmere. l8mo, doth, c/ilt edges, 2s. 6d. 
 
 iU^ nf (Btm. By the Rev. H. Bonae. 
 
 A new Edition. 18mo, 2s cloth. 
 
 iiig{rt nf ^Ifping. By the same Author. 
 
 A new Edition. 18mo, 2s t 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029267767 
 
A MEMOIR 
 
 LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
Cornell University Library 
 BR1725.C72 H21 
 
 Memoir of Ladv Colquhoun / by James Hami 
 
 olin 
 
 3 1924 029 267 767 
 
A M IE M O ][ U 
 
 ot 
 
 LAW! COLQBMQ'Um, 
 
 bv 
 
 
 S 
 
 ■-^if^^a- tSa^u' 
 
 JAMf^S UISBET AI'll) C? '/l, BERNEfiS .STREET. 
 
A MEMOIR 
 
 LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 BY 
 
 JAMES HAMILTON, F.L.S., /.j^ 
 
 MINISTER OF THE NATIONAL SCOTCH CHUKCH, 
 EEGENT SQUARE. 
 
 LONDON : 
 JAMES NISBET AND CO., 21, BBRNBRS STREET. 
 
 MDCCCXLIX. 
 
ALEX. MACINTOSH, 
 
 PRINTER, 
 
 GREAT NEW-STREET, LONDON. 
 
When the Editor was requested to compile this Memoir, he could 
 not forget his scanty leisure, and his limited acquaintance with 
 Lady Colquhoun. But the invitation of her family, the belief that 
 a near relative of his own, now no more, would have responded to it 
 with all the eagerness of his fervent nature, and the hope that such 
 a narrative might be blessed to the reproduction of similar characters, 
 at length induced him to make the attempt. 
 
 In the prosecution of his undertaking, the Compiler has felt 
 both the lack and the excess of materials. To the affectionate 
 diligence of a family who cannot revere too devotedly the memory 
 of such a parent, and who have kindly put at his disposal all Remains 
 and Recollections likely to illustrate her history, he is indebted for 
 documents which might easily expand this memorial fourfold. On 
 the other hand, many most valuable portions of her Ladyship's corre- 
 spondence are gone beyond recal. One series of her letters perished 
 in a conflagration; another was lost at sea; and many have dis- 
 appeared as they passed into hands less carefiil than theirs who first 
 received them. And, precious as is her Diary, having been kept 
 for uses entirely personal, it contains few singular or extrinsic inci- 
 dents. The difficulty of selection has been great. Many references 
 are omitted which would have been peculiarly gratifying to relatives 
 and friends ; and many passages, in themselves so edifying, that their 
 suppression caused a pang at the moment, and still leaves a mis- 
 giving. But, in a printed book, as in a public address, the writer 
 well knows that the most venal fault is brevity ; and his only grief 
 will be, if, in trying to earn that pleasant censure, he has failed to do 
 justice to one whose rare excellence merited a copious record and a 
 more skiKul biographer. 
 
 London., Avtgiist 10, 1849. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Sir John Sinclair — Thurso Castle — Lady Janet Sinclair — Nurse 
 Morris — Stoke Newington — The Sisters — Dr. Walter Bu- 
 chanan, and WUberforee's " Practical View " ... 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Rossdhu and Loch Lomond — Sir James Colquhoun — Dr. Stuart, 
 of Luss — Aristocratic societyin Scotland long ago — Commence- 
 ment of the Diary — A Mother's Legacy . . . .21 
 
 CHAPTER ni. 
 
 Death of Miss Hannah Sinclair — Luss and Arrochar Bible 
 Society — The poor of Scotland thirty years ago — ^NeUy — 
 " Despair and Hope " — Bell Macintyre — Tract distribution — 
 The School of Industry— The Sabbath School — " Kirkings " 
 — The Diary — Dr. Alex. Stewart — Mr. Legh Richmond — 
 Dr. Chalmers — Miss Jane Farrell 67 
 
VIU CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Publications—" Impressions of the Heart " — Dr. Colquhoun, of 
 Leith— Dr. Hamilton, of Strathblane— Dr. Malan— A Daugh- 
 ter's Marriage— First visit to Brighton — The Pavilion and 
 the Sabbath—" Be not far off; for grief is near "—The Illness 
 and Death of Sir John Sinclair and Sir James Colquhoun . 129 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 ' Thy Maker is thy Husband" — Class for grown-up Girls— Lady 
 Colquhoun's talent in Expounding Scripture — Visits to Suf- 
 folk — Labors amongst the Cottagers of Stutton and the 
 Inhabitants of Thistle-street — Letters to Miss S.— Sunday 
 Trains 183 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The Disruption — The Free Church at Luss — Societies — Educa- 
 tion in India — Irish Mission — Gaelic Schools — Making a 
 friend of the unrighteous Mammon — Piety at Home — Ser- 
 vants — Diary concluded — Death of her Daughter-in-law and 
 Lady Sinclair 215 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Sunset in Autumn — "Waiting for Spring 249 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 O SATISFT tIS EAELT WITH THT MEECT ; THAT WE MAT 
 BEJOICE AND BE GLAD AXI. OUR DATS. PSAXM XC. 14. 
 
 I do remember them, their pleasant brows 
 
 So mark'd with pure affections, and the glance 
 
 Of their mild eyes, when, in the house of G-od, 
 
 They gather'd up 
 
 the 
 
 manna 
 
 that did fall 
 
 Like dew around. 
 
 
 
 MRS. 
 
 SIGOTJENET. 
 
 
 
 S 
 
 
 
To few of her sons is Scotland more indebted than 
 to the late Sir John Sinclair, of Ulbster. Entering 
 into active Kfe at an early age, for sixty busy years he 
 was constantly spending in the service of his neigh- 
 bours and his country excellent talents and a good 
 estate. Whilst yet a lad at coUege he gave earnest of 
 that passion for improvement, and that dauntless enter- 
 prise, which distinguished him through life. Among 
 its many wants, his native Caithness wanted roads, 
 and it was in vain that Mr. Sinclair urged his brother 
 landovraers to supply the deficiency. There was a 
 steep hill, called Ben Cheilt, which ran right through 
 the county, and as an objection to the turnpike, at 
 once witty and fatal, it was always asked, "When wiU 
 you show us a road over Ben Cheilt?" But one 
 summer morning, having beforehand provided great 
 store of implements, the young laird mustered on 
 the spot 1200 labourers, and ere nightfall a good 
 carriage-way was thrown over this terrible mountain. 
 
 B 2 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 And much of his subsequent career was the same 
 exploit repeated. In every undertaking he knew that 
 he must look for a Ben Cheilt,— a Hill Difficulty, on 
 which all the timid and all the lazy would take their 
 stand ; and he always sought to surmount it by some 
 brilhant and conclusive operation. And by dint of 
 his ovim heroic exertions, and by the aid of those 
 friends whom his reputation and his systematic 
 obhgingness were perpetually acquiring, he accom- 
 phshed many works of enormous labor and of more 
 than national utility. Encouraged by the success of 
 his schemes for improving the husbandry of his own 
 ungenial realms, he founded that Board of Agricul- 
 ture which has introduced a new era in the tdlage of 
 the empire, whilst his untiring labors have left his name 
 associated with the productive fisheries and thriving 
 sheep-farms of Scotland. The hst of his publications 
 fills thirty pages of print ; and if the themes be too 
 various, and if fresh projects succeed one another too 
 rapidly, they show the industry of the student who 
 could impart information on subjects so diverse, and the 
 benevolence of the statesman whose only concern was to 
 make other people rich and contented. His " Statistical 
 Account of Scotland " * is a trophy of his unconquer- 
 able energy and unwearied good-humor. It was a 
 * In twenty-one volumes, octavo. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 task for which, saving the engineer of Ben Cheilt, few- 
 would have had faith or perseverance sufficient. In 
 order to compile it, he required answers to one hundred 
 and sixty queries from nearly a thousand ministers. To 
 many of his correspondents, such topics were strange 
 or distasteful, and all of them encountered difficulties 
 in the shiness, and sometimes in the superstition, of. 
 then' natiu"al informants. Tenants would not teU the 
 produce of their farms for fear that their rents should 
 be raised, and Highland shepherds would not count 
 their flocks, lest their vain curiosity should entail a 
 judgment on the fleecy people. But, by a judicious 
 admixture of coaxing and objurgation, the sanguine 
 Baronet quickened the diligence of the ministers, and 
 by patience and adroitness, the ministers ehcited the 
 essential facts from their over-cautious parishioners. 
 One laid aside his Cicero and another his "Poli 
 Synopsis " tUl he should complete his census of pigs, 
 poultry, and milch-kine. Professor Cooper grew 
 archaeological over the " Auld Wives' Lift " and Dr. 
 Gibb waxed curious in acoustics:* in stately periods, 
 
 • Witness the clever and well-bred echo at Mugdock Castle : 
 " Opposite to this tower is heard a very extraordinary echo. It 
 repeats any sentence of six syllables, in the exact tone, and 
 with the very accent, in which it is uttered ; waiting delibe- 
 rately till the sentence is finished before it begins." — Stat. 
 Acct. xviii. 579. 
 
6 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 worthy of a Scottish Johnson, Mr. Sheriff told how 
 many pounds of clover, and how many firlots of rye- 
 grass were sown, in order to procm^e a hundred stones 
 of hay; whilst the mellifluous cadence of Dr. Mac- 
 kinlay lent new charms to printed calicoes, duffles, 
 serges, and mancoes, and all fabrics which owed 
 their glory to Kilmarnock and to " creelman's com- 
 position." When the mighty work was completed, 
 no country possessed a survey of its internal re- 
 sources so comprehensive, or local histories so minute, 
 as were contained in its elaborate pages. It greatly 
 helped to create the science of statistics, and to 
 the Scottish antiquarian it is a record of ever- 
 growing value. — When to such Hterary and economic 
 toils, we add that in mellow age he could reckon two 
 hundred of his countrymen who owed their worldly 
 advancement to his friendly offices, and that he num- 
 bered among his friends and correspondents half the re- 
 novmed names of Europe, we shall convey some idea of 
 his wide acquaintance with his cotemporaries, as weU as 
 a specimen of his ceaseless and kind-hearted activity.* 
 
 * For interesting memorials of Sir John Sinclair we are 
 indebted to the filial affection of both a son and a daughter. 
 See Miss Catherine Sinclair's " Shetland and the Shetlanders ;" 
 and " Memoirs of the late Eight Honourable Sir John Sinclair, 
 Bart.," by Archdeacon Sinclair. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 When the heir of Ulbster was still young, full of 
 the chivalry which through his strong-minded mother, 
 Lady Janet,* he had derived from the ancient house 
 of Sutherland, and exulting in aU the possibilities of 
 an existence which he meant to fill with noble deeds, 
 at the residence of Mr. Maitland, at Stoke Newington, 
 he saw a young lady, whose rare attractions drew 
 many admirers round her. Of these none could be 
 more ardent than Mr. Sinclair, and he soon won the 
 affections of a congenial mind. But Miss Maitland 
 was an only child and an heiress, and her mother 
 grudged that her future home shovdd be so far away. 
 However, the same love which would fain have kept 
 her daughter near her, could not long gainsay that 
 daughter's dehberate choice; and ere long the sanc- 
 tion of either parent gave to the happy suitor his 
 lovely bride. Nine years passed prosperously. Mr. 
 Sinclair was in Parhament ; his knowledge of finance 
 made him an authority on that great question of the 
 day, and gained him the special favour of the Premier. 
 
 * Lady Janet was daughter of William Lord Strathnaver, 
 who, had he survived his father, would have been seventeenth 
 Earl of Sutherland. Her sister, Lady Helen Sutherland, 
 married Sir James Colquhoun, of Luss, grandfather of that 
 Sir James who became the husband of Miss Janet Sin- 
 clair. Consequently, Lady Colquhoun and her husband were 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 He had received the promise of a Baronetcy,* and was 
 daily rising into higher pohtical influence and public 
 celebrity, when his flattering prospects were shrouded 
 in sudden gloom by the removal of his much-loved 
 partner. Along with the memory of her feminine 
 graces and endearing gentleness, Mrs. Sinclair left 
 her representatives in two little girls, almost too 
 yoimg to miss her, but stfll so like her, that, in the 
 daughters, there was a promise that the mother would 
 appear again. Hannah, the oldest, was five years of 
 age, and Janet, of whom we are now to vmte, was 
 only four. She was born in London on the 17th of 
 April, 1781, and during her infancy her parents 
 resided at Westminster and Whitehall. 
 
 The first home of these motherless children was 
 then- ancestral seat, Thurso Castle. That stormy 
 mansion looked more like a nursery for a lord of the 
 isles, or like, what it was at first, the ocean-nest 
 of the amphibious Caithness earls, than a retreat for 
 tender orphans, cradled beneath a southern sun. But 
 in that grim old castle the Orphans' Guardian had 
 provided for them all but a mother's care. Not only 
 
 * After his wife's death, as Mr. Sinclair had no son, by a 
 very unusual concession to the feelings of his friend, Mr. Pitt 
 made out the patent of Baronetcy in favour of Sir John, with 
 remainder to his daughters and their heirs male. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 was it the frequent resort of their fond surviving 
 parent, but it was the permanent abode of their 
 paternal grandmother, a Scottish gentlewoman of the 
 olden school, shrewd, energetic, notable, proud of her 
 ancient hneage, and, as became the descendant of 
 that venerable peer who first affixed his tremulous 
 autograph to Scotland's Covenant, a firm adherent to 
 the Presbyterian pohty ; one who looked well to the 
 ways of her household, and indited hortatory epistles 
 to youthful clergymen ; but also one who, amidst all 
 the strictness of a manager, and all the stateliness of a 
 high-bom dame, carried about that constitutional 
 kindhness, and those profound affections, which — ^like 
 a deep well, fenced with rustic masonry — the old 
 mothers of Scotland sometimes hid within a dry 
 or stoic manner. Lady Janet now lived for the 
 daughters of her son, and though perhaps imper- 
 fectly acquainted vidth the distinguishing truths of 
 the Gospel, it was her anxiety to bring up her 
 youthful charge reKgiously. She constantly took 
 them to the parish church, and then examined them 
 on the sermons they had heard, and required them 
 every Sabbath to repeat to her a Psahn and the 
 Shorter Catechism. At the Castle also resided 
 their father's sister, a kind lady who, throughout 
 her long life, never ceased to be much loved by 
 
10 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 her nieces.* And there, too, sojourned a judicious 
 and affectionate servant — ^the English nurse, Morris — 
 to whose warm-hearted counsels and simple Bible 
 lessons her youthful charge were at that period 
 more indebted than to any human influence. Herself 
 a guileless and God-fearing Christian, this faithful 
 attendant imbued the minds of her young mistresses 
 with much of her own truthfulness and reverence for 
 sacred things. One Sabbath Miss Jessie came in 
 with a lapful of live shell-fish, which she had gathered 
 on the shore at a great distance from the Castle. 
 "I think, my dear," said Morris, "you should not 
 have gathered them on the Sabbath-day; you had 
 better put them again where you got them." Miss 
 Jessie disappeared, and was late of returning. She 
 had scrambled back the whole way along that rocky 
 coast, till she came as nearly as she could judge to the 
 spot where she had found the periwinkles, and then 
 put them carefully back again. To her latest day 
 she retained the simphcity and ingenuousness, as well 
 as the respect for the Sabbath, which she learned thus 
 early ; and to her latest day. Nurse Morris experienced 
 the gratitude of the Misses Sinclair, who provided her 
 
 * She afterwards became Mrs. Baillie, by ber marriage to 
 Lord Polkemmet, one of tbe Senators of the College of 
 Justice. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 11 
 
 with an ample annuity, and were careful that in 
 health, as in sickness, she should want no comfort 
 which money could procure. 
 
 From Thurso Castle it was a grand sight to view 
 the Pentland Frith in its winter's fury — and the 
 sisters often viewed it. On the short December 
 days — ^in Caithness extremely short — they would stand 
 and watch as one long wave after another swung 
 home, and exploded beneath them ; till at last some 
 monster billow, with skirmishers streaming before 
 him, rolled up to the charge, and as he burst on the 
 basement, the windows were washed with brine, and 
 the old tower shook hke a lighthouse. To gaze on 
 that stormy ocean, and hsten to its noisy anthem, were 
 great lessons ; and even in these our days of infant 
 training, it might be well if more provision were made 
 for such bookless education, and the young mind were 
 permitted to commime more freely with nature in 
 her wild and gentle moods. The subject of this 
 memoir often reverted to the solemn and awe-struck 
 emotions with which she used to survey the many 
 waves of that mighty sea. To her it lived. In its 
 gambols it was a familiar and a play-feUow; in its 
 turmoil it was a preacher of Jehovah's majesty ; and 
 when formal instructions had nearly faded from re- 
 membrance, she was stiQ conscious of lofty thoughts. 
 
12 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 and grave impressions, derived from this august but 
 kindly tutor. 
 
 Erom Thurso Castle Lady Janet brought her grand- 
 daughters to Edinburgh. There, for three years they 
 dwelt in the ancient Canongate, whose quaint houses 
 were stiQ occupied by such of the aristocracy as had 
 not migrated to the New ToAvn ; and then, to complete 
 their education, they were sent to the school at Stoke 
 Newington, where their own mother had spent her 
 youthful days. Mrs. Crisp, by whom this school was 
 conducted, received the children of her former pupil 
 with a very warm affection, and, in her well-ordered 
 estabUshment, the business of learning went briskly 
 forward. The different branches were taught by the 
 best teachers ; the Miss Sinclairs enjoyed good health, 
 and were endowed with excellent abilities ; they had 
 already acquired the most essential elements of know- 
 ledge before coming to London, and they had every 
 incentive to study which the affection of their gover- 
 ness and the good-will of their companions could 
 supply. Accordingly, they made signal proficiency, 
 and when, at the respective ages of fifteen and sixteen, 
 they retm-ned to Edinburgh, in person and acquire- 
 ments advanced beyond their years, they found a 
 ready welcome into that brilliant society to which 
 their birth was a passport, and into which their kind 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN, 13 
 
 mother-in-law, Lady Sinclair,* rejoiced to introduce 
 them. 
 
 However, it was the great happiness of the sisters 
 that even then they had no love of fashion and no 
 turn for gaiety. And it was their other great hap- 
 piness that they had an ardent love for one 
 another. Hannah was a student. Even during her 
 childish days at Thurso, she had nearly . as many 
 friends as there were books in her father's hbrary. 
 She knew the haunt of each, and climbing on a 
 chair got hold of her favourite poet or divine, and sat 
 demurely reading whilst the summer tempted her to 
 play. To her it was the great event, not when the 
 carrier brought a package of new toys, but a parcel 
 of new volumes ; and when ministers and learned 
 people visited the Castle, she posed them with hard 
 questions. At school the same tendency bewrayed 
 itself. Her turn was still for thought and knowledge. 
 She was fond of languages; she was an adept in 
 grammar, history, geography, arithmetic; she could 
 
 * The second wife of Sir John Sinclair was the only 
 daughter of Lord Macdonald. She was not more eminent for 
 beauty and accomplishments, than for benevolence and sweet- 
 ness of disposition. The attachment of the Misses Sinclair 
 towards her was warm and well deserved, for she was always a 
 kind mother and a faithful friend to them. She survived her 
 husband ten years, and died in 1 845. 
 
14 LIFE OF LADY COLQXIHOUN. 
 
 calculate an eclipse, or analyse "Reid's Inquiry." 
 And, as might be expected, she was sedate and 
 speculative, and often silent. From extreme modesty, 
 reserved, she was still more self-contained, because 
 amongst companions of her own sex she seldom found 
 much sympathy in her intellectual pursuits. But 
 Jessie was more lively. Dutiful and diligent, and 
 considerate of each one's feelings, she was full of 
 merry life and social glee. There was health in her 
 nimble step and a prepossession in her fair and open 
 features, and a peculiar charm in her tuneful voice. 
 To her sister's turn for music she added a remarkable 
 command of the pencil ; and whilst her sister pored 
 over problems and deep authors, Jessie read for infor- 
 mation. Her sister pondered and reasoned, and 
 carried with her a mind full of queries and surmises ; 
 but Jessie seemed to have an innate affinity for things 
 " honest, lovely, and of good report," almost akin to 
 Christian faith. At first sight contrasts, their characters 
 were really the complement of one another. Their 
 diversity increased their fondness, and enabled the one 
 to supply what the other lacked. Por her erudite and 
 thoughtful sister the younger felt an admiring and 
 up-looking deference ; whilst the limpid perceptions 
 and true instincts of that younger mind often proved 
 lights in dark places to the more abstract inquirer. 
 
LIFE OF liADY COLQUHOUN. 15 
 
 At that period Dr. Walter Buchanan was one of the 
 ministers of Canongate. His warm and affectionate 
 nature had been cast in the movdd of the Gospel, and 
 as it shone from his happy countenance and breathed 
 in his gracious words, holiness was very beautiful.* 
 
 * Dr. Walter Buchanan was born in 1755. After he was 
 licensed he received an invitation to become the minister of the 
 Scotch Church at Rotterdam, and was also called to the chapel 
 of South Leith, of which Dr. Colquhoun was for so many 
 years the eminent pastor. But instead of either charge he 
 accepted the office of assistant to Mr. Randall, of Stirling, 
 whom he succeeded in 1780. In 1789 he was translated to 
 the collegiate Church and parish of Canongate, where he re- 
 mained until his death in 1832. He was a beautiful specimen 
 of Christian urbanity and warm-heartedness, and his house 
 was the natural resort of the pious Churchmen and Dissenters 
 who in those days, — the days of Simeon, Rowland HiU, and 
 George Burder, — came to Edinburgh, and who, until the year 
 1799, were allowed to occupy indiscriminately the pulpits of 
 the Scottish Establishment. Along with Dr. Davidson he was 
 noted for his liberal encouragement of pious students of The- 
 ology, and by the books which he lent them, the friendly 
 advice which he gave them, and the many substantial services 
 which he rendered them, finding a tutorship for one, and 
 the office of schoolmaster or assistant minister for another, 
 and frequently giving goodly sums to those in straitened 
 circumstances, he became a general patron to all proba- 
 tioners of Evangelical sentiments in Edinburgh. For many 
 years he edited a periodical which supplied the godly fami- 
 lies in Scotland with missionary intelligence and instructive 
 Sabbath-reading,—" The Religious Monitor." With that con- 
 
16 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOXJN. 
 
 The sisters looked at him with revereBce. They 
 had been told a great deal about religion, and they 
 thought of it as something strict and precise; but they 
 had never met anything so fascinating as they saw in 
 their saintly pastor. They were quite arrested. Even 
 amidst gay parties and volatile companions there fol- 
 lowed them many a reminiscence of those fervent 
 intercessions and persuasive counsels to which they 
 had hearkened on the previous Sabbath. At last one 
 day Miss Sinclair said to her sister, "If to obtain 
 eternal life, we have only to practise goodness ; if we 
 have only to do what is right in the sight of God 
 and avoid what is evil, I am sure it would be folly not 
 to make the attempt." And the proposal was made 
 to one who had already been pondering the matter 
 in her own mind, and who was beginning to be much 
 impressed with the value of her soul and the imcer- 
 
 stancy which was one of her loveliest characteristics, Lady 
 Colquhoun never abated for one hour in the grateful and 
 venerating affection with which she regarded this earthly guide 
 of her youth ; and when, long afterwards, her own daughter 
 was married, she felt it a hallowing and auspicious circum- 
 stance that the rite was solemnized by her own spiritual 
 father. And in his widow, who survived for fifteen years, she 
 found one of her most esteemed and congenial friends. The 
 house of Mrs. Buchanan was the last to which Lady C. paid a 
 visit. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 17 
 
 tainty of life. The two resolved to become religious. 
 They often retired and read the Bible together, and 
 became very exact in devotional exercises. But still 
 they were not satisfied. They saw that their pastor 
 and Christians like him, "had bread to eat which 
 they knew not of," and they longed for this hidden 
 manna. At this time they found on their father's 
 table a Theological Treatise, newly published and in- 
 scribed, "From the author." It was "A Practical 
 View of the Religious System of Professed Chris- 
 tians in the Pligher and Middle Classes, by William 
 WOberforce, M.P." It seemed the very book they 
 wanted. They carried it off' to their oviTi apart- 
 ments and perused it with avidity. They could 
 easUy recognise in it the same system of Evan- 
 gelical doctrine which their minister preached, and, 
 as one truth after another unfolded in the bland 
 and eloquent expositions of the gifted author, they 
 were transported with delight. In the precision of a 
 printed book, and in the free, inartificial language of a 
 layman, they understood the Gospel. In Christ be- 
 lieved they found their peace with God; in Christ 
 loved they learned a new morality. It was Dr. 
 Buchanan's scriptural preaching and elevated walk 
 which first prepossessed them in favour of vital god- 
 liness, and which long continued to be the chief 
 
18 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. ' 
 
 means of building them up in faith and holiness; 
 but it was the " Practical View " which first corrected 
 their self-righteous errors and first taught them 
 God's OTvn method, — the religion of receiving and 
 relying. 
 
 After this the Canongate Church was dearer than 
 ever. With sacred delight they hailed the return of 
 the Sabbath, and to them the most hallowed spots in 
 the world were the dusky pulpit in which re-appeared 
 that man of God, and their own family pew vnth 
 its faded lining of green baize. With its brown light, 
 its heavy pillars, and clumsy sounding-board, and with 
 an audience becoming rapidly more and more plebeian, 
 that sanctuary had charms which more classical struc- 
 tures and more fashionable resorts could never counter- 
 vail. It was the Bethel where God first met them, 
 and during each sojourn in Edinburgh, the youngest 
 sister used always to revisit it, tiU shortly before the 
 time when she arrived at "her Father's house in 
 peace." 
 
 Now, also, was found the benefit of " two walking 
 together." Miss Sinclair's seriousness and reflective- 
 ness at an earlier period had proved of essential 
 service to Miss Janet; and now that service was 
 requited, for, indulging the metaphysical propensity 
 of her mind, Miss Sinclair was soon involved in per- 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 19 
 
 plexity as to the primary truths of revelation.* The 
 doctrines of the Trinity, the incarnation, the eternity 
 of future punishment, the Divine sovereignty, all in 
 succession proved stumbling-blocks ; and though much 
 distressed at her own reluctant doubts, she had not 
 within her own resources the means of removing 
 them. In spiritual matters her only confidant was 
 her younger sister; but a mind hke hers could not 
 have sought a better counsellor. To Miss Janet the 
 Gospel had always been its own witness. She cared 
 not to reason about " fate, free-wiU, foreknowledge, 
 knowledge absolute ; " but she saw the glory of God 
 in the face of Jesus Christ. To her the rehgion of the 
 Bible was beautiful. To her, in His revealed cha- 
 racter, God was light, and she perceived no darkness 
 at all. To her the Bible was truth, and the Gospel 
 was the vdsdom of God. And instead of debating 
 with her sister, she directed her mind to the same 
 objects which had assured herself. That which she 
 had seen of the Word of Life she declared to her 
 disquieted friend; and by dwelling on the fitness of 
 the Gospel, and the loveliness of the Saviour's cha- 
 racter, and by urging her to pray, she sought to bring 
 
 * We here anticipate the narrative by a few years. It was 
 not till Miss S. had reached her 21st year that she felt the 
 doubts described above. 
 
 c 2 
 
20 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 that friend to " fellowship with the Pather, and with 
 his Son Jesus Christ." And she succeeded. By 
 means of the more prominent and practical truths of 
 Christianity, she conjured away her sister's abstruser 
 doubts and intellectual difficulties, and had the happi- 
 ness to see that dearest of her kindred a sharer of her 
 own ingenuous and healthful piety. Our language 
 contains few summaries of Evangelical Christianity 
 more simple and comprehensive than Hannah Sin- 
 clair's "Letter on the Principles of the Christian 
 Paith ; " and in reading it we feel our interest 
 deepened by remembering that this labor of sisterly 
 love is in good measure the result of sisterly prudence 
 and piety ; for under the blessing of God the Spirit 
 it was her younger sister's meekness of wisdom and 
 simplicity in Christ which mainly contributed to 
 establish Hannah Sinclair in the " Christian Faith." 
 
 But an event had now occiirred which, whilst it 
 left them attached as ever, interrupted their daily 
 communings. On the 13th of June, 1799, and in the 
 nineteenth year of her age. Miss Janet Sinclair was 
 united in marriage to James, eldest son of Sir James 
 Colquhoun of Luss, Baronet. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 GROW IN GEACE, AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUK LOKD AND 
 SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. 2 PETER III. IS. 
 
 Lady, that in the prime of earliest youth 
 
 Wisely hast shunn'd the broad way and the green, 
 
 And with those few are eminently seen, 
 
 That labour up the hill of heavenly truth, 
 
 The better part, with Mary and with Euth, 
 
 Chosen thou hast. 
 
 Thy care is fix'd, and zealously attends 
 
 To fill thy odorous lamp with deeds of light. 
 
 And hope that reaps not shame. 
 
 milton's sonnets. 
 
Has the reader ever spent a bright day on Loch 
 Lomond? Has he gone at leisure, and carried to it 
 a spirit free from guilt and foreboding? Rising 
 healthily and praying earnestly, has he opened his 
 soul and consented beforehand to let in all the 
 wonder and delight with which the great Creator 
 _may be pleased to fill it? And, in his own hired 
 boat, dropping from isle to isle, has he taken leisure 
 to gaze and meditate and dissolve into the scene? 
 And was there ever day hke that ? Not that you can 
 describe the sights unutterable; though you carry 
 within yourself placid visions and sunny images of 
 which you know that the origin was there : a silvery 
 fulness, and standing forth from it, mossy rocks and 
 clumps of verdure ; a giant mountain on a throne of 
 empyrean, with a foot-stool of lazulite ; vistas through 
 the hot and flickering air, such as the fire-tinted 
 pencil of Turner only can depict ; pure summits and 
 a polished flood, which made you think of the hills of 
 
24 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOXJN. 
 
 immortality, and the snowy robes which sweep the 
 sea of glass : whilst, like the music which breaks a 
 dream and then makes it beatific, through all the 
 trance there went and came the sense of a pervading 
 Presence, — the nearness of that Eternal Wisdom 
 which built the mountain and up to its green edging 
 brimmed the flood. But though no words can restore 
 the landscape, you remember how it refined your 
 perception and ennobled aU your faculties : the 
 fallow-deer on Inchlonaig and Inchmm-rain grew tall 
 as the elk, and you were sure that the hawk was an 
 eagle. The Persicaria in the bays, with its rosy 
 spikes, and the toad-flax on the beach, were new and 
 gorgeous flowers ; and Bible texts and stanzas of 
 favourite hymns thrilled you with excessive emotion. 
 You had put off the commonplace, and were clothed 
 upon with fine and pellucid senses ; and there was no 
 longer aught tame or vulgar in the world, for you 
 yourself were nobler. 
 
 With a keen eye for its varied beauties, the 
 subject of our biography now found her home in 
 one of the loveliest regions of aU these lovely shores. 
 Surrounded by its stately trees, and sheltered from 
 the blast by the ferny slopes of a Higliland moun- 
 tain, Rossdhu looks out upon Loch Lomond, where 
 its waters are widest and its isles and margins 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 25 
 
 fairest.* And, though encompassed by soft lawns 
 and blossoming parterres, it is near enough to 
 
 * A small volume lias been compiled, describing the sensa- 
 tions of different travellers in visiting Niagara. A similar 
 volume might be devoted to Loch Lomond. Such experiences 
 are interesting. Be it the perfection of grandeur or the per- 
 fection of beauty, the tendency of noble scenery is to concentrate 
 the soul, and nothing can be more revealing of the real character 
 than the genuine utterance of such intensified moments. And, 
 after the lake in all its loveliness had subsided into her calm 
 and daily consciousness, few things vrere more delightful to 
 Lady Colquhoun than to witness the rapture of a fervent 
 novice. Near the mansion of Rossdhu is the Island of Inchta- 
 vanach, from whose elevated crest, tradition says, a great bell 
 used to summon to their several churches the people of four 
 parishes. Of course, this belfry-knoll commands a splendid 
 view ; but, owing to his lameness, it was with some difficulty 
 that they dragged Legh Richmond to the summit. Once there, 
 however, they could not drag him down ; but, slowly revolving 
 his radiant visage, and through his great round-eyed spectacles 
 devouring the landscape, he always hushed his fldgetty com- 
 panions with the sentence, — " The eye is not satisfied with 
 seeing." But a shorter glance sufficed his friend and cotem- 
 porary, Mr. Simeon, of Cambridge. With his usual vivacity 
 he pirouetted round to look at every object as they pointed it 
 out ; then, turning to his hospitable guide, he exclaimed, " Sir 
 James, you turn to this side and you say, ' That is mine ;' and 
 you turn to the other side and say, ' That is mine ;' but," lifting 
 both his hands, " I look up and say, Heaven is mine ! " On 
 the same spot Dr. Chalmers exclaimed, " I wonder if there 
 will be a Loch Lomond in heaven ! " And there Dr. Malan 
 knelt down, and poured forth the fulness of his heart in such a 
 
26 LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. 
 
 the mornitains to be constantly visited by breezes 
 from the broom and the heather. Some of the 
 windows look out on a ruined gable of that castle 
 from which the fierce Sir Humphrey used to sally 
 with his followers when he went to fight the 
 Clan Gregor; and near that castle, overshaded by 
 ancient yews, is the roofless chapel, where the fierce 
 Sir Humphrey was laid to sleep when aU his fights 
 were over. With its pictures and its library and its 
 spacious halls, with three parishes for its manor and 
 the queen of Scottish lakes for its outlook, and with 
 all the self-contained luxury which marks the country- 
 seat of a wealthy Baronet, at the period of life most 
 susceptible of enjoyment, the younger Miss Sinclair 
 found herself the lady of Rossdhu.* But the grace 
 of God had full possession of her mind, and, amidst 
 all the blandishments of smooth-going existence. He 
 Himself was her chiefest joy, and His Word her 
 
 prayer as many have heard beside his own Lake of Geneva. 
 Perhaps, however, the mood of mind niost congenial to her own 
 was that expressed by one whom she never personally knew. 
 In the diary just published of the devoted missionary, John 
 Macdonald, he writes, — " I took an opportunity of visiting Loch 
 Lomond, and was exceedingly delighted. O how sweet and 
 tranquil was the bosom of the lake ! I thought of the ' peace of 
 God that passeth understanding.' " 
 
 * Her father-in-law died, and she became Lady Colquhoun, 
 in 1805. 
 
i»T, ,4 
 
 ,'rn-r 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 27 
 
 chosen guide. Amidst all the charms of the landscape 
 and all the fascinations of refined society, she never 
 neglected a household duty. " The lines have fallen 
 to me in pleasant places," was her devout acknow- 
 ledgment regarding her earthly lot ; and, though 
 embowered in scenes so fair that they almost justified 
 the relaxation to which they perpetually tempted, she 
 never ceased to hear a voice, authoritative and earnest, 
 sajdng, " Occupy till I come." 
 
 Of retiring habits, and fain to dwell among his 
 own people. Sir James Colquhoun was much beloved 
 by his dependants. Personally cognizant of their 
 character and circumstances, there survived betwixt 
 himself, his farmers, and cotters, the best rehc of 
 feudalism, — ^its mutual affection. He took the prin- 
 cipal management of his own estates, and never 
 turned adrift on the world the orphan or the widow.* 
 It was his greatest happiness to have a vsdfe like Lady 
 Colquhoun. At &st, proud of her looks and her elegant 
 
 * In early life Sir James had served in the army. Having 
 raised a company in his own neighbourhood, according to the 
 regulation at that period, he was appointed to the command of 
 it, and thus joined his Regiment with the rank of Captain. 
 He was afterwards elected Member of Parliament for the 
 county of Dumbarton. On the death of his father he retired 
 from the army, and chiefly resided on his estate, devoting 
 himself to its improvement. 
 
28 LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. >,^ 
 
 manners, he learned to value her gentle wisdom and 
 unworldly goodness, till at last harmony of affection 
 merged in harmony of faith. She saw his prejudices 
 against evangehcal religion. She scarcely hoped to 
 remove them by conversation ; but she prayed for 
 " oil in her lamp," and sought to make her own light 
 shine. Her prayers were answered; her consistency 
 was rewarded. Her husband became gradually and 
 more and more intelligently attached to the same 
 principles. In appointing pastors to the eight parishes 
 of which he was patron, it was his first anxiety to 
 find ministers of fervent piety. And when, by and 
 by, he was chosen an elder of the Church, and had 
 a voice in its supreme Assembly, his vote was ahvays 
 given for those measures which conferred privileges 
 on Christian congregations, and which promised most 
 effectually to extend the Gospel. 
 
 Luss can boast of more than one celebrated divine. 
 It was here that Maclaurin commenced his eminent 
 ministry, and here that he would have been content 
 to spend his fife in preaching those sermons so fuH of 
 holy eloquence and magnificent theology. And it 
 was here that John Colquhoun was born. In his 
 boyhood he herded sheep on the Mulea Hill, and till 
 thirty years of age plied the shuttle of a hand-loom 
 weaver, when he got his heart's desire, — ^went to 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 29 
 
 College, and became one of the most useful preachers 
 and solid authors of the Scottish Church. But, for 
 many years after Lady Colquhoun came to Rossdhu, 
 the parish minister was Dr. John Stuart. Although 
 not eminent as a preacher, he was famed for his 
 scholarship and his scientific attainments. To his 
 knowledge of the original Scriptures, and to the 
 idiomatic purity of his Gaelic, the Highlanders are 
 mainly indebted for the perfection which their version 
 of the Bible has attained. And at a time when few 
 cared for natural history, he was pursuing it with 
 enthusiasm among the mountains of Breadalbane ; 
 and with such success, that when Pennant, Lightfoot, 
 and Sir Joseph Banks came to explore the Scottish 
 Pauna and Flora, 'it was from Mr. Stuart they derived 
 their most important information. The " Manse 
 Garden," at Luss, contained many exotic rarities, 
 and, still more interesting to the botanist, many of 
 the scarcest plants of Scotland ; and in that garden it 
 was a great delight to Lady Colquhoun to walk, and 
 view those treasures with which no hand might 
 tamper save the Doctor's own. In these visits she 
 was soon much prepossessed in favour of the minister's 
 eldest daughter. Along with her father's warmth 
 and generosity, Miss Stuart inherited much of his 
 talent and his turn for botany. She was often the 
 
30 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 companion of his rambles through the glens and up 
 the mountains, and, having on these occasions shared 
 all the delight of his discoveries, she could guide the 
 curious traveller to the spot vfhere the Lysimachia 
 thyrsijlora or the Osmunda regalis flourished, and 
 knevi^ where on Ben Lomond might be gathered the 
 finest specimens of the Sihbaldia procumhens and the 
 purple Saxifrage. But, in that amiable and ardent 
 mind, Lady Colquhoun quickly recognised an affinity 
 more precious still. Miss Stuart's thoughts were 
 deeply occupied with those great truths in which she 
 herself had found all her salvation and all her desire ; 
 and, until Miss Stuart's marriage to an eminent 
 minister, when they met they took every opportunity 
 to commune together on the things which per- 
 tained to their everlasting peace. In one of these 
 walks round the garden at the manse Lady Colquhoun 
 stopped to admire a beautiful dwarf-shrub (the B,lio- 
 dodendronferruffineum). Next morning, on entering 
 the breakfast-room, she found a tiny slip of the plant 
 in a miniature flower-pot; it grew, and soon needed 
 a larger receptacle, and ere long was transferred to a 
 choice plat of the flower-garden ; and, on her return 
 from any temporary absence, one of the first spots 
 which Lady Colquhoun was sure to visit was this 
 border, that she might see " dear Betsy Stuart's plant." 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 31 
 
 The place no longer knows either, but the memorial 
 of their hallowed affection, the little shrub, with its 
 clusters of rich crimson, still flourishes. 
 
 However, during the first years of her married life. 
 Lady Colquhoun had much reason to lament the 
 want of Christian society. Her spirit craved for it. 
 AH her desire was towards the excellent of the earth, 
 and when, with letters of introduction, pious strangers 
 took their place at her table, or turned aside to tarry 
 for a night, she had towards them a venerating 
 feeling, as if they were angels of God. But usually it 
 was in vain that she longed to have spiritual conver- 
 sation with them. They assumed that she was like 
 most gentlewomen of that day, — ^more amiable and 
 interesting than many, but as destitute of real rehgion 
 as the rest. And then, when they had passed on 
 their way, and when it would have been equaUy just 
 to have charged the lost opportunity to their excessive 
 prudence or erroneous politeness, her sensitive spirit 
 took home all the blame, and she upbraided herself 
 for her sinful timidity. On the other hand, in the 
 visiting circle of her own neighbourhood there were 
 at that time few, at least few known to her, in whose 
 intercourse she could find spiritual invigoration or 
 intellectual enjoyment. Amongst the landed aris- 
 tocracy of Scotland there were then less mental 
 
32 LIFE OF LADT COLQXJHOUN. 
 
 expansion and less religious enlightenment than in 
 the middhng class of towns-people, and much less 
 than amongst their own modern representatives. 
 Political rancour was extremely virulent. The preju- 
 dice against evangehcal Christianity was nearly uni- 
 versal. And if the gentlemen did not drink so freely 
 nor swear so coarsely as a bygone generation, they 
 did not read their Bibles more, nor keep the Sabbath 
 better. Card-parties, elaborate carriage airings, and 
 the news of the neighbourhood, were the recreations 
 of their wives and daughters ; but few took pains to 
 cultivate their minds, and still fewer were engaged in 
 works of usefulness ; so that in the general absence of 
 literary tastes and refined enjoyments, the houses of 
 our Scotch grandees repeated with awful uniformity 
 the same scenes of pompous inanity and stolid merry- 
 making. And, although there were exceptions, all 
 the more prized for their rarity, it was rather by an 
 effort of benevolence than in obedience to her natural 
 inclinations that the young lady of the manor paid 
 visits which added nothing to her mental resources, 
 and often left repentant misgivings in her devout and 
 conscientious mind. 
 
 This comparative isolation was not without its 
 benefits. It gave a more personal character to her 
 piety. Instead of deriving all her impressions and 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 33 
 
 impulses from ardent or endearing friends, her religion 
 increasingly became communion witli the Saviour. 
 And it left her more leisure for that employment into 
 which she had thrown aU her soul, — ^the instruction 
 and training of her children. And, whilst it prepared 
 her for hailing with pecviliar deUght the congenial 
 intercourse at length so abundantly vouchsafed to 
 her, it drew her in the meanwhile vnth especial 
 tenderness towards such humble disciples as the 
 parish then contained, — ^those "poor" whom the 
 Lord had promised that she should "have always." 
 
 Judging by the hand-writing, it was soon after 
 her arrival at Rossdhu that the following " Helps to 
 SeK-Examination " were written out : — 
 
 " HELPS TO SELF-EXAMINATION. 
 
 "1. Did I awake as with God this morning? 
 
 "2. How were the secret devotions of the morning 
 performed ? 
 
 "3. Did I offer my praises of thanksgiving, and 
 renew the dedication of myself to God with becoming 
 attention and affections ? 
 
 "4. How did I read the Scripture or any other 
 useful book ? Did they do my heart good ? 
 
 " 5. How have the mid-day devotions been attended 
 to? 
 
34 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 "6. Have I pursued my common business with 
 diligence as unto the Lord ? 
 
 " 7. What time have I lost this day, and for what 
 cause ? 
 
 " 8. Have I seen the hand of God even in little 
 mercies and afflictions ? 
 
 "9. Have I received my comforts with thankfulness 
 and my afflictions with resignation ? 
 
 "10. How have I guarded against passion and 
 vanity ? 
 
 "11. Have I lived by the faith of the Son of God? 
 
 "12. Have I governed my thoughts well, especially 
 in sohtude? 
 
 " 13. What subject of thought was chosen this 
 day, and how was it regarded ? 
 
 "14. Has my heart this day been fuU of love to 
 God and to aU mankind ? 
 
 "15. How have I profited this day by the negli- 
 gences I observed in last night's examination ? 
 
 "16. How did I pray last night? " 
 
 In the hope that it might prove a stimulus to 
 increased activity, and a help in the great business of 
 self-culture, in 1805 she began to keep a Diary. Its 
 precious volumes have been intrusted to the perusal 
 of the Editor, and have left on his mind a very sacred 
 impression regarding the sainted writer. And although 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 35 
 
 extracts will probably fail to transfer that impression 
 in its fulness to the mind of the reader, they may 
 give him some idea of the tender lowlihood, the 
 faithful seK-observation, the ingenuous truthfulness, 
 the simple dependance, and the devout aspirations, 
 which resulted in a character at last so complete and 
 blameless. As illustrative of her calm and constant 
 nature it may be right to notice how perseveringly 
 this private narrative was kept up. Perhaps the 
 reader has himself tried to keep a journal. In a 
 zealous moment he has commenced a daily register of 
 employments, or the story of a tour, or a record of 
 his experiences ; but he soon wearied of its methodical 
 routine, and the written leaves have long since been 
 cut away to. render the book available for some new 
 project. But Lady Colquhoun was eminently sted- 
 fast. Her undertakings were never prompted by 
 romantic fancies, but by sober judgment ; and, there- 
 fore, the longer she persisted in them the more she 
 liked them. And the successive volumes of this 
 journal, extending over forty years, and sustained 
 with scarcely an interruption, are only a symbol of 
 that continuous industry with which she prosecuted 
 every enterprise, and that loving faithfulness with 
 which she clung to all her friends. 
 
 During the first period this Diary is usually brief; 
 
 D 2 
 
36 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 but a few specimens may throw some light on the 
 writer's position and employments : — 
 
 "Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1805. — Awoke m an unhappy 
 frame, but was enabled to pray with fervour. Prayed 
 for an unlikely thing, which I hoped might be helpful 
 to my spiritual interests. To my astonishment my 
 prayer was heard. Called at Cameron. Mr. Slight 
 came to dinner. Much benefited by his prayer." 
 
 Mr. Slight was then, and for a few years longer, 
 the Minister of BonhUl. He was a man of cultivated 
 mind and fervent piety. He sometimes, but not 
 often, spent a day at Rossdhu, and "the unlikely 
 thing" for which Lady Colquhoun had prayed on the 
 above occasion was, that he might be sent to their 
 house that day. In going to Cameron she met Mr. 
 Shght, who stopped his horse, and said that he was 
 on his way to Rossdhu, and, if convenient to her, he 
 would still proceed. The Journal resumes : — 
 
 " Wednesday, 16. — Arose with God. Mr. Slight 
 left us. The joy of God's salvation restored. I 
 would do anything for a continuance and increase of 
 it. Retired twice to read and pray for some time 
 during the forenoon. 
 
 " Saturday, Bee. 28. — Resolved to read no more 
 novels, having been enticed to read one which too 
 much occupied my time. Retired, and read and 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 37 
 
 prayed with much love and trust in my Lord. This 
 week and last I have seen how unable I am to resist 
 temptation. Oh ! that Christ would strengthen me ! 
 
 "Saturday, July 21, 1810. — Prayed earnestly to 
 be kept from worldly-mindedness this day, being to 
 dine at . Escaped pretty well at the dinner- 
 party ; but I fear transgressed in the evening at the 
 theatre, where I went vdthout vdshing it." 
 
 As, in the sequel of this Journal, there will be no 
 allusion to the theatre, it may be right to mention, 
 that, up to this period, and in deference to the wishes 
 of others, Lady Colquhoim occasionally went to it; 
 but she had long ceased to feel happy there. With 
 successive visits her repugnance strengthened, and 
 soon after the above was vmtten she saw so clearly 
 the sinfulness of patronising such places, that she 
 made a decided stand, and never entered a play- 
 house again. 
 
 "Sunday, Aug. 12. — Do not remember for a long 
 time being so little disposed for the services of the 
 day. Prayed in the morning seriously, but with little 
 life. Unfortunately no service at Luss.* Read a 
 
 * The communion was then dispensed in most rural parishes 
 only once a-year ; and, as the pastors and flocks of adjacent 
 parishes used to adjourn to the scene of its celebration, each 
 pulpit was apt to be vacant several times in the course of the 
 
38 LIEE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 sermon aloud, but felt little interested. Heard the chil- 
 dren, and by reading Doddridge's ' Rise and Progress' 
 tried to find out what I should do when this deadness 
 is upon me. Read over this book and felt a little 
 enUvened by finding some of my own experience in 
 it. In temptation, without Christ I cannot conquer ; 
 but through him I may surely do all things. Let me 
 struggle on in the way of duty; He cannot forsake 
 his own servants. Lord, Lord, help ! — ^After vmting 
 the above, retired to pray to my Lord. Entreated 
 with great fervour to be supported in the ways of 
 God, in the midst of innumerable evils. In prayer 
 my faith and love revived. How gracious is my Lord ! 
 
 " Thursday, 23. — ^Dehghted with some pleasing 
 accounts of George. 
 
 "Friday, Oct. 12. — Sir J. and Lady M'Gregor 
 Murray here. Read and prayed early. 
 
 "Saturday, Oct. 13. — This whole day so engaged 
 as to find it impossible to read the Bible. Prayed in 
 the forenoon, and felt affected while walking in the 
 island among the tombs.* 
 
 " Sunday, Nov. 25. — ^Read, with delight, ' Theron 
 and Aspasio,' on the freeness with which Christ is 
 offered. Retired and prayed, with tears, for accept- 
 ance and pardon. 
 
 * Inct Cailliacli is tte burying-ground of the M'Gregors. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 39 
 
 "Sunday, April 14, 1811. — Have been three 
 months in Edinburgh, from which I retmned about 
 a week ago ; and, though constant occupations of one 
 sort or other have prevented my vmting, I now set 
 my hand to it that God is true and merciful to those 
 who trust in Him. I left this place fearful that the 
 dissipations of an Edinburgh winter would draw my 
 thoughts from my only real good ; but, merciful Lord, 
 thou hast made me more than conqueror ! My prayer 
 was, that thou wouldest shine as a Light around me 
 in temptation, and surely thou hast heard me. The 
 means of grace were powerful, and, by the Holy Spirit 
 working in them, far outdid any contrary influence. 
 The Sabbaths I was able regularly and deUghtfuUy to 
 keep, and I had an opportunity of sitting down at the 
 table of the Lord when Dr. Buchanan preached, — a 
 time which I hope was not lost to me. Now I return 
 here to the want of those lively means; but, Lord, 
 thou art here also. Hold thou me up, and I shall 
 be safe; and so shall I keep thy statutes con- 
 tinually. 
 
 " Wednesday, April 17. — ^Prayed fervently in the 
 morning. Resisted a temptation to anger. This day 
 I am thirty years old. Let me now bid a cheerful 
 adieu to my youth. My young days are now surely 
 over, and why should I regret them ? Were I never 
 
40 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOTJN. 
 
 to grow old I might be always here, and might never 
 bid farewell to sin and sorrow. Lord, teach thy 
 servant to rejoice in the hope of thy glory. 
 
 " Saturday, July 13.— Sir W. W. W. and Mr. and 
 Mrs. S. and Mr. C. came. Prayed that my affairs 
 might be ordered for me, and that the duties of 
 to-morrow might not be interrupted. 
 
 " Sunday, 14. — ^AU our visitors went away before 
 breakfast, except Mr. C, who is almost no interrup- 
 tion to my devotions. Prayed in the morning with 
 much thankfulness. God is my Helper in every time 
 of need. 
 
 " Friday, 26. — Read with pleasure, and saw my 
 adoption from the character of the children of God. 
 How great is my privilege ! I would not resign it 
 for worlds. 
 
 " Sunday, 28. — ^Meditated with pleasure on the 
 Divine disposal of aU my concerns. 
 
 " Saturday, Aug. 3. — ^Mr. Campbell and Wilhelmina* 
 here. Happy to find dear W. stiU pious as I remem- 
 ber her. Meditated vdth pleasure on the goodness of 
 God to her and to me, and to aU his people. Oh ! 
 how does He heal our backshdings and forgive us 
 freely ! 
 
 * Sister of Sir James Colquhoun, and wife of John Campbell, 
 Esq., of Stonefield. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQXJHOUN. 41 
 
 " Monday, 5. — Had a long conversation with Wil- 
 helmina at night on rehgious subjects. 
 
 " Sunday, 18. — Heard the children. — made me 
 happy by saying she often forbore doing what she 
 thought displeasing to God, and that she prayed for 
 His Spirit every day. Prayed for them all with much 
 earnestness, and with thankfulness for every serious 
 impression. 
 
 " Tuesday, Sept. 3. — The light of God's coun- 
 tenance restored. Convinced that I would be heard 
 by my gracious Lord, from considering that, when on 
 earth, He never rejected any one who apphed to Him 
 for either temporal or spiritual blessings. 
 
 "Friday, Nov. 1. — ^Forgave an injury, in order to 
 follow Christ. 
 
 " Saturday, July 25, 1812. — ^Read on the religious 
 education of children ; which led me, with my whole 
 soul, to pray for God's blessing on my endeavours to 
 bring up mine in the ways of piety. He knows my 
 almost only wish for them is directed to this end. 
 
 " Thursday, Sept. 24. — ^Mr. Millar and his friend, 
 Mr. Gorham, here. Peel refreshed by the sight of 
 these dear disciples of my Lord, though I had no 
 opportimity of conversing vidth them on religious 
 subjects. 
 
 "Friday, 25. — ^When it is so pleasant to meet 
 
42 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 
 
 with Christ's people here, think, O my soul, how 
 dehghtful win be the society of heaven ! Peel a 
 desire to depart, but am grieved that I love my Lord 
 no better. I long for more acquaintance with Him. 
 However, I feel assured that I am his, and trust to 
 his promise, that I shall one day be as I would. 
 Did not resent an injury. 
 
 "Sunday, Feb. 7, 1813. — ^During the past week 
 have got by degrees into a more comfortable frame, 
 not from being sensible of any amendment in myself, 
 but from trust in my Saviour, and from being sensible 
 that I must rest in Him, sinful as I am. Peel very 
 comfortable, and full of faith in the atonement of 
 Christ. Resolved to endeavour never to think of 
 myself any more, but to look on my salvation as 
 finished, whatever my frame may be. 
 
 " Aprils* — In these duties not very lively, but have 
 an abiding persuasion of acceptance through the right- 
 eousness and atonement of my aU-righteous Saviour. 
 Refreshed with the text, ' Whosoever receiveth whom I 
 send receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth 
 Him that sent me.' Surely I joyfully receive and attend 
 
 * After this period Lady Colquhoun usually wrote in her 
 Journal only once a-week, viz., on each. Sabbath. Unless, 
 therefore, the day of the week be mentioned, the reader will 
 understand that it was the Lord's-day. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN, 43 
 
 to the people of God. In the evening had a conver- 
 sation with Sir James on rehgious subjects, vi^hich 
 greatly pleased me. Oh ! how are my prayers con- 
 tinually answered ! 
 
 " 25. — ^Walked alone. My meditation sweet. 
 Among other things reflected with pleasure that, as 
 every creature is placed in a situation most adapted 
 to his wants, so surely that noblest work of God, 
 the new creature, must and shall be one day placed 
 where it shall grow and flourish. Oh ! that I were 
 thus transplanted; for this world is indeed a barren 
 sod. 
 
 "Aug. 15. — ^Went to church at BonhiU, there 
 being no sermon at Luss. One part of Mr. Gregor's 
 discourse struck me. Speaking of our justification, 
 he said, 'that the people of God, or believers in 
 Christ, are really as much in a state of acceptance as 
 their Lord Himself: He being their Surety, all their 
 debt is paid, and there is nothing to object against 
 them.' 
 
 " Sept. 19. — ^For some months have been led con- 
 tinually to meditate on death, and anxiously to wish 
 that I could look with outstretched neck to the time 
 of my dismission. My fears of it begin to abate. I 
 feel heartily willing to leave the world, which, except 
 for my friends in it, has no attraction to me. What 
 
44 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 principally staggers me is, that I do not sufficiently 
 love my Lord, and long to be with Him. 
 
 " Edinburgh, Feb. 13, 1814. — Got a tooth extracted 
 yesterday; and one thing which influenced me was 
 the desire to attend the house of my God to-day. 
 The gum was still painful when exposed to air; 
 however, I resolved to go and hear Dr. Buchanan. 
 Refreshed by the sermon, though sometimes in much 
 pain. One remark comforted me, — ^that love to our 
 Christian brethren is a sure sign of being Christ's 
 disciples; as mentioned more than once in the 
 Bible. I do, indeed, with my whole heart, love 
 them. 
 
 " Rossdhu, April 10. — We all returned safe home 
 last week, accompanied by Hannah, and Mr. Proud- 
 foot,* who conducted fanuly worship, which I wished 
 to establish, and we are to have it every Sabbath 
 evening. I hope it may turn out for the good of 
 us all. 
 
 " June 26. — No sermon at Luss. Heard Sir James 
 read one. Went out and meditated on the love of 
 Christ, and his frequent exhortations to faith. Oh ! 
 that I could not doubt, and then I might say to this 
 mountain of sin, — ' Be thou removed, and it should 
 be done,' and nothing should be impossible to me. 
 * Then tutor of her sons, afterwards Minister of Arrochar. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 45 
 
 Well, I trust my Lord has undertaken to cure my 
 hard heart. 
 
 " July 24. — Impressed with the shortness of my 
 abode in this world, which is to me a reviving, as 
 well as avdul idea. Indeed, I would not hve here 
 always. 
 
 " Sept. 4. — In the past week Hannah left me, and 
 I parted with her and with my father and Lady 
 Sinclair with more regret, as they are shortly going to 
 England to reside and I can see comparatively httle 
 of them. But shall I not trust to my Lord that aU is 
 right and well ? I know that this dispensation is for 
 good for me and us all, and I would not alter it. 
 
 " Edinburgh, Jan. 15, 1815. — At St. George's in the 
 morning, and heard Mr. Thomson. At the Canongate 
 in the afternoon, and heard Dr. Buchanan, Ps. cxvi. 
 16. He concluded with a few advices to those who 
 were determined to serve the Lord: — ' 1. Beware of 
 seK-confidence. 2. Beware of sloth. 3. Beware of 
 worldly-mindedness. 4. Mix not too much with the 
 world. 5. Be constant and fervent in prayer. 6. Be 
 sure you trust in the mediation of Christ, and in him 
 only.' Oh! what means of grace do I here enjoy, 
 for which in some periods of my life I would have 
 given anything. As yet httle temptation has befallen 
 me throughout the week. Have found benefit by 
 
46 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 realizing tlie presence of Christ when in the world. 
 Were He, indeed, visibly there, how little should I 
 care for others ! 
 
 "Feb. 5. — At Mr. Grey's chapel in the afternoon. 
 He preached on the forgiveness of injuries. By the 
 help of grace, resolved to practise this difficult duty 
 in its fullest extent. I trust I am not utterly a 
 stranger to it. 
 
 " 12. — In the past week put in practice, as far as 
 possible, my intentions as to forgiveness. Think Mr. 
 Grey's sermon was designed for my good, as I had 
 much to try me in many little things, which are 
 sometimes as difficult to overlook as greater matters. . 
 
 " March 26. — After dinner we made an attempt to 
 hear Mr. Chalmers, but the crowd was so great we 
 could not. Felt disappointed, particularly as it is my 
 last opportunity here; but was soon reconciled. I 
 have more need to go home and meditate and pray. 
 Did so, and my heart, from being dead, became ahve 
 to God. 
 
 " Bossdhu, April 23. — Have of late been distressed 
 with the weakness of my faith, which cannot take 
 Christ at his word when He says that He wiQ receive 
 all who come to Him. I can reason very well, that 
 He could do no more to shew his willingness, and that 
 we must buy without money and without price ; and 
 
LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. 47 
 
 yet I cannot feel satisfied, because I do not love my 
 Lord sufficiently. What is this, however, but resting 
 on my own performances ? And did I love Him as 
 his dearest saint, it would only be the work of his 
 own Spirit, and He can work it even in me. If not, 
 I win endeavour to rest on his naked word, that I 
 am accepted in Him. This night my faith firmer. 
 
 " July 25, Tuesday. — This day met with a trial of 
 its kind. Mrs. Millar had given Mr. Simeon, of 
 Cambridge, a letter of introduction to me. I should 
 have been delighted to see him, ia hopes of getting 
 some refreshment from his conversation and prayers ; 
 but, from some accident, he went away before I knew 
 of it : and, although I sent to Luss, I found he was 
 gone. Of course, this was ordered by my Heavenly 
 Pather ; but I have found it hard to be resigned. Lord, 
 I hope I covild be more easily reconciled to temporal 
 losses ; but perhaps not. Oh ! if I may not receive 
 help from men, be thyself my Ught and my salva- 
 tion ! 
 
 " 27, Thursday. — The Lord has heard my prayer. 
 This day Mr. Proudfoot lent me ' Edwards on the 
 Rehgious Affections.' On reading it I felt a stronger 
 impression of the reality of Divine things, and of the 
 infinite holiness and beauty of God and my Redeemer, 
 than I recoUect for very long. I now feel more 
 
48 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 
 
 certain of being his ; have more love to Him ; and 
 (what makes me hope it is indeed his Spirit's 
 influence) am more humble. Lord, I bless thee for 
 this refreshment. Thou hast seen fit to do thy own 
 work without any intercourse with creatures, and 
 now I am resigned. Mrs. MiUar, in her last letter, 
 mentions her meeting with Mr. Simeon, who took 
 leave of her in these words, — ' God bless you. 
 Commit yourself to Him. Keep Him in your heart. 
 Remember there is no happiness without Hun, either 
 here or in heaven! 
 
 " Uarnock House, Aug. 10. — Have been here for 
 some days, and have left Hannah at Polkemmet. 
 Arose early this morning to read and pray. At 
 church in the forenoon at Hamilton, and in the after- 
 noon at Blantyre, when Dr. Hodson gave us an 
 excellent sermon on prayer, and the certainty of its 
 prevalence if ofiered for things agreeable to the will 
 of God. How often have I experienced this ; and do 
 I not now experience it? having prayed for the 
 presence of God, and that I might hear his Word 
 faithfully preached ? I have met with the people of 
 God in my journey, and Mr. Millar has given me 
 many rehgious books to read. 
 
 " Rossdhu, Oct. 8. — ^Prayed but coldly in private, 
 but with fervour in the family. What a refreshment 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 49 
 
 is family prayer, when my heart is dull, but longing 
 for grace ! 
 
 " EdinhurgJi, Feb. 11, 1816.— Not at church in 
 the morning, having ear-ache. Have reason to be 
 thankful for this complaint, — it has kept me from two 
 parties ; and the day before I took it I had heard of 
 the great attainments of poor BeU (formerly my 
 housemaid), who, amidst great bodily distress, has 
 become eminently pious. I felt envious, and ahnost 
 prayed that I might be made such by any means; 
 but God soon taught me gratitude for the good 
 health I enjoy. Pain is hard to be borne. 
 
 " March n. — Another striking event among our 
 connexions happened last week, in the sudden death 
 of Lord Polkenunet. He had been long complaining, 
 but was much in his usual way, when he dropped 
 down and expired. Have been much with Mrs. 
 BaiUie, and have tried to comfort her and raise her 
 mind to God. I also saw the corpse — the first I 
 ever saw. I felt no terror ; but to me the sight was 
 rather consolatory. I thought — Is this all death can 
 do if we are Christ's ? then, I will not fear it. 
 
 " March B\. — And now I am come to my last 
 Sabbath in Edinburgh, and this day took leave of the 
 dear pew in the Canongate Church, where my first 
 rehgious impressions were awakened ; for this spring 
 
50 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUK. 
 
 the church is to be fitted up anew, and the seats 
 altered. As I left it, could not help feeling — 
 Thanks, thanks, O my God, that I ever sat there ! 
 Praised be my gracious Lord that I ever heard Dr. 
 Buchanan and sat under his ministry ! Glory be to 
 God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that it was 
 effectual to lead me to Him ! Now I leave the means 
 I so much love ; nevertheless, I am continually with 
 Thee. Thou wilt hold me by my right hand. 
 
 " Bossdhu, April 14. — Read Dr. Colquhoun on 
 ' Spiritual Comfort.' Think I enjoy what he describes 
 as the lowest degree of it, — a hope in the mercy of 
 God through Christ, and a trust that everything shall 
 be ordered for the best for me. How often have I 
 vidshed for more ! How have I longed for joy unspeak- 
 able and full of glory ! But it is all right and well 
 ordered. My easy, comfortable life does not require 
 those supports which are afforded in pain and suffer- 
 ing ; and my weak heart would perhaps grow vain if 
 I were not often reminded that I am nothing and can 
 do nothing. 
 
 "April 28. — Sir James and his brother were 
 ordained elders. How truly did I join in the prayers 
 which were offered up for them ! Last week I was 
 
 much distressed with the fear that my sweet had 
 
 formed an improper acquaintance, and had got much 
 
liirE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 51 
 
 attached to her. After fervent prayer, spoke to her, 
 with tears, on the subject, and she gave me every 
 satisfaction I could wish, seeming willing to do what 
 I pleased. Oh, my God ! protect my children ! 
 Make them Thtae, early Thine, for ever Thine ! I ask 
 nothing for them but in subservience to this. My 
 whole drift in their education has been towards this 
 end ; but. Lord, thou only canst give the increase. 
 
 " June 23. — ^Was afraid of Lord and Lady 
 
 being here either to-day or next Sunday; but my 
 God has heard my prayers, and they are to come on 
 Wednesday. This week have the prospect of being 
 four days following in the world: have prayed for 
 support. I feel the influence of worldly company 
 less hurtful than I once did, and can lift up my heart 
 to God in the midst of it much more frequently. 
 
 "July 18, Tliursday. — My dear Hannah arrived 
 here on Tuesday. I have reason for thankfulness that 
 her hfe is stiU spared. Oh that she may enjoy 
 when here, and while Hfe lasts, the fulness of the 
 blessing of the Gospel of Christ ! This is the fast- 
 day preparatory to the Sacrament. This communion, 
 I have httle prospect from means, as even Mr. Gregor 
 is not to be here. But I must endeavour to look 
 from the dispensers to the ordinance. 
 
 " 19, Friday {before the Communion). — ^Let me 
 
52 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 examine my evidences of faith in Christ. In the first 
 place, I have no rehance on anything I have done, or 
 can do, for acceptance vrith God. Secondly, I do 
 trust in Christ alone for salvation ; and, w^ere I to die 
 this moment, I should have no other plea before the 
 throne but his life and his death. Thirdly, I have 
 given myself up to Him, and am endeavouring to do 
 his wiU and live to his glory ; but ' faith works by 
 love,' and here the v^eakness of mine is very, very 
 perceptible. O my Lord, how little do I love thee ! 
 Yet, methinks, I must love thee, when I can be 
 satisfied vdth nothing vnthout thee, and when I 
 almost think I could be satisfied with thee and with 
 nothing else ; when I love thy image wherever I find 
 it ; and when I desire communion with thee more 
 than anything else. 'Paith purifies the heart.' 
 Whatever defilement there may be, and undoubtedly 
 is in mine, yet its desires are after purity ; and surely 
 I should not do justice to the work of the blessed 
 Spirit, did I not think that it is more pure than once 
 it was, or than it would have been without this 
 gracious infiuence. ' Paith overcomes the world.' 
 Here I can be more decided. The world? it is 
 nothing to me ; its pomps, its pleasures, its vanities, 
 — all nothing, nothing. Its cares are far less than 
 they once were. Its sorrows I know not how I may 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 53 
 
 feel, but I trust for Almighty support. Faith has 
 overcome the world. 
 
 " Sept. 29. — My dear Hannah leaves me to-morrow. 
 God only knows if we shall meet again ; however, she 
 (as well as I) belongs to Him, and it vnU be ordered 
 for the best for us both. 
 
 "Nov. 24.— Read 'Life of Mrs. NeweU.' For 
 some time past I have been in an uncommon state of 
 mind, as I think, owing to one and another difficulty 
 and trial. Feel in the strongest manner the import- 
 ance of religion, and it is continually in my thoughts, 
 and yet my affections seem dead. Read to the 
 children both before and after dinner. Heard them, 
 and prayed vrith them. Happy to hear them say 
 that they had prayed alternately aloud in a room by 
 themselves. Is not this some sign of good impres- 
 sions ? 
 
 "Feb. 2, 1817. — After dinner read to Sir James 
 the ' Life of General Burn,' a most interesting book. 
 I feel quite happy here in my beloved retreat, away 
 from the gay and busy world.* 
 
 " May 4. — ^Reading ' Doddridge's Lectures on 
 Divinity,' dehghted to find some cases described as 
 frequently occurring to Christians similar to my own 
 
 * This winter was spent at Eossdhu. Her sons and their 
 tutor were in Edinburgh. 
 
54 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 experience. Tor instance, texts of Scripture occurring 
 with power to the mind. Well do I recollect ' the 
 deceitfulness of riches' occurring to me again and 
 again, almost as if I had heard a voice, and when I 
 could not recollect in what part of the Bible it occurs ; 
 and still the impression of it is fresh. Then, a strong 
 persuasion of some particular request being granted, 
 which removes from the spirit an overwhelming 
 buiden. Yes, my God, I know this case by expe- 
 rience. Thou hast seen me for weeks oppressed and 
 groaning under what seemed a wound incurable, but 
 thy own sweet words, O Saviour ! healed it, — ' AH 
 things whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall 
 receive.' Man, I knew, would tell me I must not 
 take these words so literally; but I determined to 
 credit God. I see no limitation, and I will make 
 none ; and never since have I doubted that I shall be 
 heard. Some signs of it I aheady see. I seldom 
 read this verse vdthout tears, and the chapter con- 
 taining it (Matthew xxi.) is dear to me. 
 
 " May 8, Thursday. — Mr. Proudfoot was ordained 
 Minister of Arrochar. And now, my God, who would 
 not trust thee ? ' In the shadow of thy wings wiU I 
 make my refuge, until all calamities be overpast. I 
 win cry unto God Most High, unto God that per- 
 formeth all things for me' I went up to Arrochar 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 55 
 
 and witnessed the ordination. Mr. Gregor conducted 
 the service uncommonly well. His text was, ' Neces- 
 sity is laid upon me : yea, woe is unto me if I preach 
 not the Gospel.' The crowd was great, and he 
 preached in the tent. 
 
 " June 8. — ^Read to Sir James, and prayed for a 
 blessing. I never had more dehghtfol views of the 
 Lord Jesus than last night, in reading the parable of 
 the good Samaritan. What a beautiful one it is ! I 
 could have kissed his sweet, compassionate, heavenly 
 words. Art thou. Lord, such a pure, glorious, gra- 
 cious Being ; and yet do I sometimes fear thee as my 
 enemy? Thou knowest the reason. Nothing but 
 thy Spirit can open mine eyes, and I wiU trust thee 
 that it shall be given. The most dehghtful view I 
 can form of heaven itself is, that I shall love and serve 
 thee. 
 
 " July 17, Thursday. — This being the fast before 
 our Sacrament, rose earlier and thought over my sins 
 vdth penitence. How constantly do I sin in neglect- 
 ing God, — ^that God who is giving me so much to be 
 grateful for! How constantly do I sin in my best 
 works ! However praiseworthy in the sight of men, 
 every action is defiled with this disgusting quahty. 
 My most fervent prayers are tainted with this poison. 
 My most self-denied labours for the good of others 
 
66 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 are sometimes rendered unworthy in the sight of God 
 by pride. And how often am I far more gratified by 
 thinking that a pious action will procure me the 
 approbation of the dear disciples of my Lord, than 
 of that Lord Himself ! Oh ! vanity, how dost thou 
 defile my almost every thought! And have I not 
 been envious? Am I clear of doing injury to the 
 souls of my dearest friends, and of aU around me, by 
 neglect? These are a few of innumerable sins. 
 ' Woe is me ! for I am of unclean lips, and dwell in 
 the midst of a people of unclean Hps ?' but let a coal 
 from thine altar touch them, and take my iniquity 
 away. 
 
 " 27. — ^Expected that Sir Gregory and Lady Way 
 would have been here to-day. Once, a sight of these 
 disciples would have been quite a refreshment to me ; 
 now, through the goodness of God, I have much more 
 intercourse with his people. I suppose we shall see 
 them to-morrow. 
 
 " Oct. 26. — ^Dined out yesterday. All seemed to 
 make hght of rehgion, or worse. I dared to put in 
 one word for it, and am happy to think I gain a little 
 more courage in this respect. Why, — oh ! why have 
 I been taken out and made separate? Why? but 
 because God would be a Father to me, and would 
 have me for a daughter even of the Lord Almighty I 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 57 
 
 Oil ! that He may dwell in me, and walk in me, and 
 be my God for ever and ever ! " 
 
 Lady Colquhoun's Journals have left upon our 
 mind a delightful impression of sinceeity and 
 PROGRESS. Whilst, on the one hand, there is no 
 constructive effort to prove against herself infirmities 
 and sins with which she was not chargeable ; on the 
 other hand, every significant circmnstance in her 
 spiritual history, whether encouraging or adverse, is 
 detailed with scrupulous accuracy. And, as the great 
 end which she kept constantly in view was self- 
 improvement, she was not content with confiding to 
 these mnemonic pages her weekly portraiture, but 
 against detected faults she resolved and prayed and 
 watched until they were completely overcome. God 
 gives grace to the humble, and when, in later life, 
 she perused these minute and ingenuous records, she 
 must have been cheered by a thankful consciousness 
 of expanding views and maturing character. 
 
 And should any reader of this narrative have 
 adopted a similar plan for his own improvement, may 
 we suggest that its entire value wiU depend on similar 
 faithfulness? Apart from the haunting idea that it 
 may fall into other hands, a diary wiU prove a snare 
 if its writer tries to feel other people's feehngs, and. 
 
58 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 failing that, uses language in advance of his own expe- 
 rience. Like those piratical molluscs which take up 
 their abode in the rejected shells of their neighbours, 
 the rehgious professor who only prays or journahzes 
 in other men's phrases will be sure to distort or dwarf 
 his piety. And in the subject of this biography we 
 see how much more growthful is a lowly commence- 
 ment, if genuine, than the most brilliant beginnings, 
 if made in borrowed exuviae. 
 
 Although we have forborne from transcribing those 
 passages iu which a mother pours forth her desu-es 
 and prayers, in the foregoing pages the reader has 
 obtained occasional glimpses of her parental affection 
 and assiduity. During this period her main employ- 
 ment was the education of her two daughters. With 
 the exception of some branches, for which, whilst in 
 Edinburgh, she called in the aid of masters, she 
 taught them everything herself; and in the illusion of 
 her own dear society her pupils never felt a task in 
 any lesson. On the Sabbath evening they were joined 
 by their three brothers, and the time was spent in 
 repeating the catechism and hymns and psalms, and 
 in hearing their mother read some book adapted to 
 their years. Amongst her papers were found two 
 letters, the one addressed to her sons and the other to 
 her daughters. They are not dated, but must have 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 59 
 
 been written when her cMldren were very young, 
 and when she had on her own mind the impression 
 that she might soon be taken from them : — 
 
 " My dearest James, and John, and WiUiam, 
 " I cannot leave you in this vain world without one 
 parting advice, and without once more assuring you 
 how dear you have ever been to me. Now that my 
 body is consigned to the grave, and my soul has re- 
 turned to God who gave it, to you, my dear children, it 
 will not signify whether you ever knew a mother's care 
 or not, except in so far as you profit by her counsel. 
 Let me, therefore, ask you, and let me beg that you 
 would ask it of your own consciences, — Are you hving 
 to God? Are you trusting in Christ for salvation, 
 and obeying his commands ? 
 
 " To promote this my every thought with regard 
 to you has been subservient. Were I assured of 
 this, I should feel comparatively easy as to everything 
 else. Oh ! my children, this is the one thing needful. 
 
 " I feel a pleasing confidence that none of you are 
 ignorant of the method by which sinners obtain 
 reconcihation with God. I would, therefore, only 
 urge yotir immediate acceptance of Christ as your 
 Saviour ; of God as your God. There is no impedi- 
 ment on God's part. Blessed be His name, all His 
 
60 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 
 
 offers are free ; be willing, then, and you are His for 
 evermore. 
 
 " How many temptations you must pass through 
 I tremble to think of ; but I have an assurance, which 
 I would not part with for worlds, that my prayers for 
 you are heard, and will be ansv/ered, when I am 
 sleeping in the dust. I feel a hope that you will be 
 blessings to the circle in which you move, and that 
 you win glorify God by your conduct through life. 
 What higher honour can you aspire to ! 
 
 " You, my dearest , wiU probably have many 
 
 opportunities of usefulness. If you live you ■will have 
 much of this world's good things to dispose of; value 
 them, I beseech you, only as giving you more of the 
 power to do good. Oh ! let aU you are and all you 
 have be devoted to God. Encourage every useful 
 undertaking, and give liberally to the poor, as you 
 have received liberaUy from God. Do aU in your power 
 to place pious clergymen in any church in which you 
 may have influence, for this is a most important 
 method of doing good. 
 
 " Should any of my dear boys think of entering 
 the sacred profession of the ministry, — Oh ! consider 
 the weight, the importance of the charge. Remember 
 it is doubly incumbent upon you to be yourself what 
 you exhort others to be. I charge you, my child, to 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 61 
 
 preach Christ Jesus the Lord. Remember, if you do 
 not use every means in your power to bring to the 
 Saviour the souls of those committed to your charge, 
 you are responsible for them. 
 
 " With one other advice I vpUI conclude. I exhort 
 you, my dear children, if any of you should at any 
 future time think of marriage, that you will not allow 
 beauty, or any outward accomphshments, to be the 
 only thing you look for. In the choice of a wife seek 
 for one who fears and loves God, and I will venture 
 to assure you of happiness with her. . Such a one in 
 your own rank it may be more difficult to find ; but 
 among the famihes of the pious it is far from impos- 
 sible. Pray to God, and he will direct your choice. 
 I trust you will ever love and assist one another, and 
 be dutiful and afiectionate to your dear father. 
 
 " And now, O my God, shower down thy grace 
 in abundance on my children. Remember aU my 
 prayers for them ; be to them what thou hast been to 
 me ; — I can ask no more. ' Save them from the evil 
 that is in the world.' Grant, oh ! grant that we may 
 meet in glory, through the merits of thy well-beloved 
 Son. Amen. 
 
 " I remain, your most attached Mother, 
 
 " Through life and in death, 
 
 " J. CoLQUHOUN. 
 
62 LIFE OF LADY COLQTIHOUN. 
 
 " Keep this letter by you, and occasionally read it 
 over; when you are older you may understand it 
 better." 
 
 The following are extracts from a similar letter 
 addressed to her daughters : — 
 
 " My dearest Sarah and Helen, 
 
 " When this shall be put into your hands, I hope, 
 my darhng children, you will be in some degree 
 reconciled to the loss it has pleased God you should 
 sustain in the death of your most affectionate mother. 
 I am sensible that it is a great loss to be deprived of 
 a parent whose anxious care it was to bring you up 
 in the fear of the Lord ; and nothing could reconcile 
 me to the thought of parting with you, but that I 
 commit you to Him who has been my God in life and 
 in death. 
 
 " And now, my children, when deprived of an 
 earthly parent, to whom should you go but to your 
 Heavenly Father? Beheve me, there is in Him 
 enough to make up for every loss, and much more 
 than enough to satisfy every desire. Fall down on 
 your knees before Him. Entreat Him to receive you. 
 Entreat Him to be to you what He has been to your 
 mother. Entreat Him to guide and instruct and 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 63 
 
 sanctify you. And entreat Him, througli the merits 
 and righteousness of Christ Jesus, which, if you ask, 
 are yours. 
 
 " Read the Bible carefully, and with a desire to be 
 instructed by it. And pray for a blessing on it. 
 Read, also, other good books, many of which I leave 
 behind me. Never neglect fervent prayer. 
 
 " My dearest Sarah, to you I leave my Diary, 
 which you wiU find in my bureau, in the small place 
 that locks inside of it. Let your brothers and sister 
 see it ; and I would recommend you aU to keep one 
 yourselves. I have found much benefit in doing so. 
 By it you wfil judge what were my aims and desires. 
 How far I fell short, God and myself only know. 
 But you wiU also see, that I have trusted alone for 
 acceptance in the ' Lamb of God, who taketh away the 
 sins of the world.' 
 
 " Dearest Sarah, take some charge of your sister. 
 Endeavour to instruct her in those truths in which I 
 have instructed you, and by which she was perhaps 
 too young to get much benefit. Try all methods to 
 win her to the love and practice of rehgion; and if 
 they fail, try them again. Be a mother to her, and 
 God wiU bless your weak attempts. 
 
 " In whatever relation or station you may be 
 placed, try to act as God would have you. Be very 
 
64 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 cautious of your friendships. Shun, as the plague, 
 those who have not the fear of God, whatever other 
 attractive quahties they may possess. Meet with such 
 you must ; but do not, oh ! do not make them your 
 friends. Whatever it may appear to you now, the 
 time, be assured, is not far distant when death shall 
 snatch you from everything here. Surely, my dearest 
 girls, all my care, aU my prayers for you shaU not be 
 in vain. Oh ! then, dread the world ; dread its follies, 
 its gaieties, its company. Oh! then, place your 
 happiness in religion. Oh ! then, keep the command- 
 ments of God. Oh! fly to Christ for redemption. 
 Do the angels rejoice when one sinner repenteth? 
 and shall not my joy be unbounded to see my children 
 saved with an everlasting salvation ? 
 
 " With one more request I wiU conclude. My 
 dears, do not mourn for me, as those who have no 
 hope. Look up. I am safe, I am happy, unspeak- 
 ably happy. You may follow. All things are ready : 
 Come to the wedding. Christ stretches forth his 
 hand to save and support you; put forth yours and 
 lean on the Beloved. ' The Spirit and the bride say, 
 Come. And let him that is athirst come. And who- 
 soever wUl, let him take of the water of life freely.' 
 
 " Let your brothers, and, if you hke, your father, 
 see this letter ; and get a reading of theirs. Keep it 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 65 
 
 by you, and let Helen have a copy. Be ever dutiful 
 to your only remaining parent, and endeavour to 
 prevent his feeling my loss. 
 
 " PareweU, till we meet (oh ! may I not hope ?) 
 never to part, v^here we shall be ever with the Lord, 
 ever with one another. My God, my Jesus, let thine 
 everlasting protection shield my children from aU evil. 
 Save them, and they shall be saved. Make them 
 holy and heavenly. I have endeavoured to lead them 
 to thee; receive them graciously, love them freely, 
 and even in glory put a new song into my mouth, — 
 praise for the wonders of redeeming love to those 
 dear as a right hand. 
 
 " I die, as I have lived, 
 
 " Yovir most anxiously attached mother, 
 
 " J. COLQTJHOUN." 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 EEMEMBEKING TOUE WORK OF FAITH, AND LABOUR OF LOVE, 
 AND PATIENCE OP HOPE IN OtJB LORD JESUS CHRIST. — 
 1 THESS. I. 3. 
 
 Therefore love and believe ; for works will follow spon- 
 taneous, 
 
 Even as day does the sun ; the right from the good is an 
 offspring, 
 
 Love in a bodily shape ; and Christian works are no more than 
 
 Animate love and faith, as flowers are the animate spring-tide. 
 
 LONGFELLOW. 
 
 P 2 
 
Hitherto the summers of Rossdhu had been often 
 cheered by long visits from a beloved sister ; but the 
 last of these had now been paid, and, in the spring of 
 1818, that sister lay a dying invahd at Ham Common, 
 in Surrey. There, besides the affectionate assiduities 
 of her own family, she was favoured with occasional 
 visits from a faithful minister of Christ, and the 
 frequent society of an attached Christian friend. Lady 
 Colquhoim could not come to her, but, on this very 
 account, her supphcations were the more ceaseless, 
 and her solicitude relieved itself in letters, which, for 
 their sisterly tenderness and faithfulness, proved the 
 chief cordial of the weary sufferer. In penning them 
 the fond writer sought help from a Wonderftd Coun- 
 sellor, and, as they were fall of His wisdom, as well 
 as her ovra warm-heartedness, they always arrived 
 like " words in season." Miss Sinclair kept them 
 under her pillow, and used to have them often read 
 over to her. 
 
70 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 The following extracts from her Journal show how 
 the mind of Lady Colquhoun was exercised during 
 this anxious spring : — 
 
 " Bossdhu, March 8, 1818. — After church was 
 quite overcome by receiving two or three hues from 
 my dearest Hannah, written with great difficulty and 
 in much weakness, but expressive of the composure of 
 her mind and resignation to every issue. Oh ! my 
 God, I will praise thee ! Yes, I will praise thee even 
 in the fire of affliction, when thus tempered with 
 mercy. 
 
 " Jpnll2. — It has pleased the Lord to lay his 
 afflicting hand upon me ; but it has also pleased him 
 in great mercy to support me. I heard yesterday, 
 that my dearest sister is no better, and getting still 
 weaker. I have been agitated, but quite resigned; 
 and I see so much, so very much mercy in every part 
 of the dispensation, that I dare do nothing but he 
 quietly in the hand of God. After some thought, I 
 wrote her a letter telhng her of her danger. Oh ! how 
 was I puzzled how to frame it ! but I trust my 
 pen was guided by an invisible Hand. O Lord! 
 accompany this bit of paper ; be with her when she 
 opens it; support her spirits; give her triumph m 
 the thought of death ! I trusted to thee for 
 direction ; may it answer the end for which I wrote 
 
lilFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 71 
 
 it ! Employed much as usual to-day ; but in the 
 eveniag felt nervous and vmweU. Still, I have the 
 greatest possible confidence in the safety of the dear 
 saint. I cannot mourn as those who have no hope, 
 and I could not have beheved that I should be so 
 tranquil. 
 
 " 26. Oh ! I am cold and dead at present. I am 
 indeed worthless ; my services worthless, my heart 
 worthless. I feel some pleasure in writing these 
 lines, and making this acknowledgment. In glory, 
 and there alone, shall I love and serve my God. And 
 heaven is mine, — ^freely and vpithout money, mine. 
 Had not Christ died, my portion were heU. Had 
 the happiness yesterday to hear that dear Hannah 
 is no worse, and that Mr. Gandy and Miss Massie 
 were to see her. How kindly is God dealing with 
 her ; and thus he deals with all who are his. 
 
 "May 10. — ^Prayed vdth sincerity in the morning, 
 and laid aU my burdens on my covenant God ; for, 
 burdens I have, and one very heavy to be borne. 
 All hope is over. Dear, dear Hannah is much worse, 
 and I look for her death every day. Still, Lord, 
 thou art faithftd, thou art kind. Did not I pray 
 for evidence as to her eternal state? and is not my 
 prayer fuUy answered? Is she not everjrthing I 
 could wish? a pattern of meekness, patience, long- 
 
72 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 suffering, — ^faith ? What would I have more ? Must 
 she be detained from glory because I cannot part 
 with her? No, Lord! I would only still further 
 implore that thy everlasting arms may enfold her 
 now and for evermore; that her passage through 
 the dark vaUey, which is but a ' shadow/ may be 
 easy, and that thou wouldst be graciously pleased to 
 support me, thy poor afflicted servant, and sanctify it 
 to me. 
 
 " 17. — Received a very gratifying letter from my 
 sister Catherine; not that my Hannah is getting 
 better : my dear saint must go to her blissful home ; 
 but I was gratij&ed vidth the affection expressed for 
 her and me, and above aU, with the piety which 
 appeared in it. Tliere is the fruit of my Hannah's 
 labors. 
 
 " 24. — My beloved sister still lives ; at least, I 
 have not heard of her death. Oh 1 how hard it is 
 to give up one so truly dear; yet I feel resigned. 
 My heart is sometimes rent, especially when I hear 
 anything of her affection for me; but, in general, I 
 am calm to a miracle. God has done it. In this 
 trying dispensation, how kind has he been to me, 
 warning me for eleven years of its approach, and at 
 last taking her in the gentlest manner. I trust, too, 
 it has already been sanctified. My heart has been 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 73 
 
 raised to Jesus, and I have been enabled, in a 
 faltering manner, to lean on the Beloved. Could I 
 but know this dear Lord, I should trust him. 
 
 " Tuesday, 26. — Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest! 
 I have just heard that my beloved Hannah is in glory! 
 What cause for praise ! ' Unto Him that loved us, and 
 washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath 
 made us kings and priests unto God, and his Father, 
 to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. 
 Amen.' Sweetest saint, thou art now far removed 
 from me; but far, also, from sin and sorrow, and 
 enjoying the presence and the smiles of Jesus. Oh, 
 that my end may be peaceful, hke thine ! Not a 
 fear distm-bed thy serene composure, and thou 
 shppedst gently away, as if afraid of disturbing 
 others. Oh, my Hannah, hardly shall I find thy 
 equal, as none can be equal to me ! yet, could raising 
 a finger bring thee back, I would not be so cruel. 
 Though I must sojourn here a longer or shorter time 
 without my darling sister, have we not an eternity to 
 spend together? Let me rejoice in the thought. 
 Oh, that I could raise this dead heart above the 
 world! My God! sanctify this event to me, and 
 accept my praise for thy great kindness to the dear 
 departed, and for so wonderfully supporting me. 
 
 "31. — Beloved Hannah! I would once more 
 
74 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 write a little to thy beloved memory. What a heart 
 was thine ! — fiUed with the desire of doing the wiU of 
 God, and of conferring good on all around thee. 
 Yet, hadst thou died some years ago, I should not 
 have been so confident of the safety of thy state. 
 God heard my prayers, and completely established 
 thee in the faith, and now I have nothing to say but 
 'Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 
 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him : 
 for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife 
 hath made herself ready. And to her was granted 
 that she should be arrayed in fine linen : for the fine 
 linen is the righteousness of saints.' — Read to myself 
 and Sir James. Read to my children with much 
 enlargement. At night prayed with tears. Even my 
 prayers distress me, for I used always to pray for my 
 dear departed Hannah. I cannot omit her name, so I 
 turn it into thanksgivings for God's goodness to her." 
 Miss Sinclair died on the 22d of May, and soon 
 after her death a Httle volume was published, con- 
 taining her own beautiful "Letter on the Principles 
 of the Christian Paith," and a brief memoir from 
 Legh Richmond's happy and descriptive pen. In 
 its accessible pages the reader may learn more fdly 
 how worthy was Hannah Sinclair of her sister's 
 devoted love, and how fuU of immortality was the 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 75 
 
 hope which sparkled amidst that sister's tears ; and 
 it is only for us to add, how fraught with peaceful 
 fruits to the survivor was this long and deeply-felt 
 affliction. These chapters may be read by some who 
 have sustained recent bereavements ; if so, may their 
 sorrow ia like manner be sanctified ! 
 
 And, perhaps, the most natural effect of this trial 
 on a mind like hers, was the effect which Calvin's 
 death produced on Beza, — "Now is heaven more 
 dear, and death less dreadful." She had learned 
 how hghtsome the Saviour can make the dark valley, 
 and she almost vdshed that she had traversed it 
 when the " door of hope" opened so wide, and 
 let so much of glory shine athwart it. And she 
 could think of the better country more vividly, 
 because one so famihar was there. To quote some 
 of the simple rhymes into which about this period 
 her contemplations often ran : — 
 
 In sweet surprise that anthem swelling 
 
 With notes of joy and love ; 
 What seraph's form is this that treads 
 
 Jerusalem's courts above ? 
 
 That form, methinks, I yet should know ; 
 
 That heart, it once was mine ; 
 And still, my Hannah, does my soul 
 
 Unite in love to thine. 
 
76 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 Together, from our earliest years, 
 
 In every thought united, — 
 Each in the other's grief downcast, 
 
 In th' other's joy delighted. 
 
 Oh ! may we still such union prove. 
 
 And one in Christ be found ; 
 And through one glad eternity 
 
 The Saviour's praise resound. 
 
 Arrayed in the deep mourning, which was little 
 needed to remind her of her loss, many were the 
 solitary walks she now took in the garden, and 
 in the sequestered by-paths of the " Pohcy ; " and 
 there, or seated on the margin of the silvery lake, she 
 loved to meditate on the multitude before the throne : 
 and just as in that multitude she recognised one dear 
 as her ovra soul, for that dear one's sake " the Lamb 
 in the midst of the throne" became yet dearer. 
 Nor was it long till the sisterly thoughts, which used 
 to travel to England, as naturally ascended to heaven. 
 
 But along with this result came another, as important. 
 For many years she had ceased to live unto herself; 
 but up to this period her solicitude and self-denial 
 had been mainly for her husband, her children, and 
 her immediate family circle. This Providence, how- 
 ever, broke open a door of exit, and bade her seek a 
 wider sphere. She received it as a personal message, 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 77 
 
 and, admonished that " the time is short," she looked 
 eagerly around for opportunities of larger usefulness. 
 
 Accordingly, the first time that her neighbours 
 saw her, except at Church, was at the formation of a 
 Bible Society, a few weeks after her bereavement. 
 The day is thus recorded in her Diary : — 
 
 "Monday, June 29. — I had the happiness of 
 witnessing the establishment of a Bible Society at 
 Luss. It is to be called ' The Luss and Arrochar 
 Bible Society.' I hope I was of some use in setting 
 it a-going, though not the original mover. O Lord, I 
 rejoice to be in any way the instrument of forwarding 
 thy kingdom in the world, and saving poor lost 
 souls. With dehght I heard Sir James make a 
 most excellent speech on accepting the office of 
 President ; and thus supported, I trust it may be 
 of great benefit to the neighbourhood." 
 
 And from this time forward she devoted herself 
 in more systematic efforts to the poor of her vicinity. 
 And although the national reserve prevented her 
 from gaining all the access she desired, or doing 
 all the good she wished, her labours of love were 
 generally appreciated, and she was conscious of a 
 recompense in her own soiil. 
 
 " Blessed is he ttat wisely doth 
 The poor man's case consider : " 
 
78 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 So sings the Scottish version of the forty-first 
 Psahn ; and we have often heard that most enhght- 
 ened of the poor man's friends, Dr. Chahners, quote 
 it vsdth applauding emphasis. And there was much 
 "wisdom" in the way that Lady Colquhomi dealt 
 with " the poor man's case." Amongst the natives of 
 Luss she found Scottish pride in union vidth Celtic 
 touchiness. Under the home-spun coat and Highland 
 bonnet it was the same high mettle which often 
 stalks in hungry magnificence beneath the Spanish 
 cloak and sombrero, afraid of obhgation, and affronted 
 at alms-giving. " Na, na, I'm no in want," was the 
 instinctive rejoinder of a tattered old woman, as a 
 stranger shpped half-a-crown into her withered palm, 
 which, however, as instinctively closed over the goodly 
 coin, tin the sense of want and the sense of honor 
 were happily harmonized by some courteous word of 
 explanation. And even after they consented to 
 receive the gifts of individual kindness, it was a 
 prime point of honor to owe nothing to pubhc 
 charity. One aged female, who was at last entirely 
 supported by the Rossdhu family, used to place five 
 pounds, the savings of a frugal Hfe, beneath her 
 pillow every night, lest, by any possibihty, she might 
 be chargeable to the parish for the expenses of her 
 funeral. And another, who in extremity had accepted 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 79 
 
 some relief from the poor's money, by her latter will 
 provided that her personal property should be dis- 
 posed of, and the proceeds refunded to the Session, 
 and as the sale of her efiFects reahzed near forty 
 shillings, it is likely that in her case the parish was 
 no great loser. But grotesque as might be the 
 occasional manifestations of this spirit. Lady Col- 
 quhoun respected and encouraged it. She was proud 
 to know that her poor neighbours were not paupers, 
 and, " considering their case," she bestirred her 
 ingenuity how to reheve their wants, and save 
 their independence. Amongst her pensioners was 
 an aged and pious woman who formerly had charge 
 of the poultry at Rossdhu. Her chief means of 
 support was now derived from a humble class of 
 lodgers, and the produce of a cow, the keep of which, 
 along with her cottage, she had rent-free. She was 
 also installed in the guardianship-general of the bee- 
 hives, a post which entitled her to a small yearly 
 stipend, and which- only called for her attention in 
 the pleasant hours of sunshine and summer. And 
 when, at last, lingering infirmities left her long bed- 
 ridden, her kind benefactress was constantly resorting 
 to her cheerful but lowly chamber. There Lady 
 Colquhoun confessed that she had learned many a 
 lesson of gratitude and trust in God. Her joyful 
 
80 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 tribulation and patient hope were a visible sermon ; 
 and all the more instructive because derived from 
 constant communion with heaven. Often when her 
 visitor would draw near to her peaceful bedside and 
 ask, "And what have you been doing, NeUy?" her 
 answer would be, " My leddy, I 've been wussin'." * 
 
 One day Nelly's cottage was fuU of smoke, and on 
 her entrance Lady Colquhoun was greeted with the 
 exclamation, " Eh, my leddy ! ye canna come in here 
 for the reek, siccan a fine leddy as you." " Hold 
 your peace, NeUy," was the answer ; " when you and 
 I are in the grave, if any person takes up your dust 
 in one hand, and mine in the other, he won't be 
 able to tell which was the lady." But amidst all 
 this consciousness of the common humanity and the 
 common frailty, there was an obvious elevation which 
 commanded the respect, whilst it did not lessen the 
 affection of the poorest. There was in her words 
 enough of fellow-feehng to assure them of the 
 speaker's friendship j but there was also that in her 
 aspect which gave to these words the enforcement of 
 a superior nature. And, surely, that is the truest 
 grandeur which, even if station were lost or unsus- 
 pected, would stiU be noble, in virtue of its own 
 
 * Wishing, i.e., praying. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 81 
 
 refinement; just as that is the truest condescension 
 which can lay aside everything except inherent 
 dignity. So graceM were her manners, so dehcate 
 her cultured mind, and so lofty the homestead of 
 her habitual thoughts, that, though she could forget 
 or conceal the accidents of rank, she could never 
 cease to be the Christian gentlewoman. 
 
 Walking in the beautiful founds of Park-place,* 
 one day last summer, a picturesque cottage was 
 pointed out to the writer, and he was told how, in 
 the minds of some of the family, it was associated 
 with Lady Colquhoun. In the course of her first 
 visit, they were sauntering through the pleasure- 
 grounds, when they came to that cottage, and she 
 was asked if she would like to go in and see the aged 
 gardener, then laid on his dying bed. She eagerly 
 assented, and, after talking to him a little in her own 
 sweet and engaging way, she begged her friends to 
 continue their walk, for she could not speak so freely 
 whilst they were present. By and by she joined 
 them, radiant with that happiness which celestial 
 natures feel when visits of mercy have been paid; 
 and as the old man continually reverted to that 
 
 • The seat of E. Fuller Maitland, Esq.,' near Henlej-on- 
 Thames, One of Mr. Fuller Maitland's daughters was 
 married to Lady Colquhoun's second son. 
 
82 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 
 
 interview, and the prayer with which it ended, as 
 a sort of angehc epiphany in his homely history, 
 we may hope that it was blessed to his everlasting 
 benefit. And though it must be admitted that for 
 such services she possessed a rare felicity, neither 
 should it be forgotten that of that fitness the main 
 element was her rare benevolence. Those who would 
 fain be the benefactors of their brethren possess the 
 main pre-requisites if they are blessed with warm 
 hearts, and clear views of the Gospel; and for an 
 open ear and a welcome they need not be anxious, 
 if into the abodes of their neighbours they carry a 
 bosom glovidng with the Saviom-'s heavenly kindness. 
 
 In a tract, first published anonymously. Lady 
 Colquhoun has supplied us with a specimen of her 
 cottage conversations ; and, as illustrative of herself 
 and of the blessing which sometimes crowned her 
 labours, we may copy a few paragraphs : — 
 
 " On my entrance I beheld an old man stretched 
 upon a bed, apparently in great pain, whose face was 
 haK eaten away by that dreadful disease, a cancer. 
 Yet his countenance bore marks of inteUigence, and 
 of that cultivation of the mind, which, even among 
 the lower orders, is so common in Scotland. His 
 features were aquiline. He was pale and emaciated, 
 and a certain wildness in his stare seemied to 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 83 
 
 announce that he suffered greatly. The bed on 
 which he lay was cased round with wood, excepting 
 a space in front, by which to enter. The remaining 
 furniture of the room consisted of another bed, a 
 few wooden chairs, a table, and cupboard. The 
 fire, wjiich was of peat, burned upon the ground, 
 withoiit grate or chimney, the smoke seeking its 
 exit through a small opening in the roof, which, 
 however, seldom allowed of its entire escape. And 
 a window, oft repaired, but dimly admitted the hght 
 of day. Yet this uncomfortable lodging, I am con- 
 vinced, made no part of the misery of my new 
 acquaintances; they had never known a better, and 
 custom had completely reconciled them to the want 
 of aU the conveniences of Hfe. 
 
 " I advanced towards the poor man, and said, — 
 
 " * I am sorry to hear you are so unwell.' 
 
 " ' Very bad,' was his reply. 
 
 " ' Aie you in great pain ?' 
 
 " ' Very great.' 
 
 " 'Does anything give you rehef ?' 
 
 " ' Nothing.' 
 
 " ' Are you always equally distressed?' 
 
 "'No; sometimes the pain is much more in- 
 tolerable ; I could not speak to you if the fit came 
 on now ; but I shall never, never be better.' 
 
 G 2 
 
84 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 " This last answer reminded me of the hint his 
 wife had given as to the state of his mind. 
 
 " ' It is a consolation,' said I, ' to know that trials 
 are sent for our benefit ; and this one, hard as it 
 is to bear, may prove a great blessing to you.' 
 
 " ' There is no blessing for me,' said he, hastily ; 
 ' I am lost, undone, miserable here, and wiU be so, 
 for ever.' 
 
 " As I gazed upon him, I saw despair pictured in 
 his ghastly and disfigured countenance. 
 
 '"I hope you are mistaken,' I replied. 'Do you 
 not know that there is a Saviour for poor, lost, undone 
 creatures ? that he is able to save to the uttermost 
 all who come unto God by him; that he came to 
 seek and to save that which was lost ; and that he 
 will in no wise cast out any who apply to him for 
 salvation ? ' 
 
 " ' I know all you can tell me,' said John, ' for 
 I am well acquainted with the Bible ; but I know 
 likewise that there is no salvation for me.' 
 
 " ' Does any particular sin oppress your con- 
 science ? ' I inquired. 
 
 " ' No,' said he, ' I have lived a rehgious life. 
 Unlike many of my neighbours, I have kept the 
 Sabbath — prayed morning and evening — abstained 
 from swearing — attended on ordinances — thought 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 85 
 
 I was serving God ; but lie has rejected rae ; and 
 this is a judgment sent from heaven; it is the 
 beginning of those pains virhich will last eternally — 
 it is heU begun.' 
 
 " I hstened with horror as he spoke^ for, from the 
 expression of his countenance, his words, dreadful as 
 they were, seemed inadequate to convey his meaning." 
 
 For more than a year Lady Colquhoun continued 
 to visit assiduously her afflicted neighbour without 
 seeing any break in the gloomy cloud vnth. which 
 his soul was enveloped. It was on a day when a 
 grievous accident had befallen his grand-daughter, 
 who was the chief support of himself and his aged 
 partner, that the following conversation occurred : — 
 
 " ' Is it not a judgment now?' said he, on seeing 
 me : ' would stroke upon stroke thus follow me if 
 I was not abandoned for ever — ^lost — going dovni to 
 the pit ? Oh, the bottomless pit ! it has a chain and 
 key none can escape. To be tormented day and 
 night, for ever and ever ! ' — 
 
 " He would have proceeded, but I interrupted 
 him by saying, 'You have forgotten this text, "Whom 
 the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every 
 son whom he receiveth." ' 
 
 " ' He win never receive me,' was the reply. 
 
 " ' John,' said I, ' you certainly labour under an 
 
86 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 unfortunate delusion; it is necessary that I should 
 examine you a little more closely. Are you wilhng 
 to accept of a full and of a free salvation ? I know 
 you wlU say that you are ; but let me explain the 
 meaning of these expressions. 
 
 " ' To receive a free salvation means, that you 
 accept of it without respect to anything on your 
 part ; that your past hfe has nothing to do with it, 
 and that even your future life can have no effect iu 
 justifjdng you in the sight of God; that the life 
 and the death of Christ are your only grounds of 
 hope ; and that you expect an eternity of happiness 
 from him, as a gift for which you can give no 
 retima. 
 
 " ' To receive a fuU salvation means, that you are 
 wilhng to accept of the whole which Christ offers, 
 salvation from the power of sin dweUing within you, 
 as well as from heU. Jesus came to save his people 
 from, not in their sins. Is there, then, anything 
 which you know is displeasing to God, but which 
 you are imwiUing to give up? any right hand you 
 would not cut off, or right eye you would not pluck 
 out ? Christ addresses you as he did the man at 
 the pool of Bethesda, "Wilt thou be made whole?" 
 And the same Divine compassion is ready to be 
 imparted to you that was exerted in his case. Any 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 87 
 
 obstacle must be on your side ; for the Gospel offers 
 axe without hmitation.' 
 
 " ' O, God bless you ! and he will bless you,' said 
 John. 
 
 " ' I scarcely know any blessing,' I repUed, ' that 
 would afford me more satisfaction than to be useftd 
 to you. But consider what I have been saying ; 
 are you wiUing to accept of the salvation I have 
 described?' 
 
 " ' Ask a man,' he answered, ' on the rack, if he 
 will accept of rehef ; he cannot feel more anxious to 
 obtain it than I am for an interest in Christ. I 
 would do anything, everything, to know that I am 
 his, and he mine.' _ , ■_ 
 
 "'Can you consent,' .said I, 'to what is still 
 harder to our proud natures, to tmst in nothing 
 that you ever can do, or ever have done, for justifi- 
 cation in the sight of God ; to let Christ have the 
 undivided glory? His is a finished salvation; oiir 
 part is to accept of it.' 
 
 " ' Oh, if I dared to hope !.' said John. 
 
 " ' And why not ?' I answered. ' Can any invita- 
 tions be more universal than these, which are the 
 words of our Lord himself ?—^" Ask, and ye shall 
 yeceive ; geek, and ye shall fijid ; knock, and it shall 
 beopened to you." " If any man thirst, let him come 
 
88 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 unto me and drink." " Him that cometh unto me, I 
 wiU in no wise cast out." ' 
 
 " ' I think I am under the influence of temptation/ 
 said John, ' for I cannot hope.' 
 
 " ' No doubt you are,' I rephed ; ' but pray to 
 Him who overcame the powers of darkness, and 
 suffered being tempted, for strength to overcome 
 the videked one, — to Him, who in a sense above 
 our comprehension could say, "Thou shalt not tempt 
 the Lord thy God." I, too, will pray for youj and 
 I feel inchned to trust that the cloud vrill at length 
 be dispelled, and the Sun of Righteousness yet arise 
 upon your soul, with healing under his vidngs.' 
 
 " ' Never was any one thus interested for my 
 salvation,' said the old man. 
 
 " ' Ah ! John,' said I, ' there is One who has 
 shown himself infinitely more interested for your 
 salvation. If laying aside for a season the glories 
 of divinity, living a life of persecution and distress, 
 and dying a death of extreme anguish, both of soul 
 and body, can prove it, the Son of God feels a 
 solicitude to pluck sinners as brands out of the 
 burning, to which no created being, in heaven or 
 earth, is ahve. And yet you fear to trust Him.' 
 
 " Tears gushed from the hoUow eyes of poor John ; 
 he evidently felt the conclusiveness of my argument. 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 89 
 
 and the impossibility of reply. His countenance 
 brightened — it spoke volumes; but he uttered not 
 a word. He appeared for some time silently to 
 feed upon the ray of hope which had imperceptibly 
 entered his benighted mind ; he seemed scarcely 
 himseK to credit that he entertained it, and yet 
 afraid to lose the first dawning of joy, to which he 
 had so long been a stranger. 
 
 " Oh, blessed Spirit ! (I mentally prayed) erdighten 
 his darkened soul, irradiate it with thy bright beams, 
 purify it by thy benign influence ; lead him to Jesus, 
 teach him how universal are the offers of thy Word, 
 and at length may he find peace and rest in thine 
 everlasting arms."* 
 
 The day had now dawned, and soon the remaining 
 shadows fled away; and it was the privilege of his 
 kind instructress to know that his last days were 
 irradiated with a joy unspeakable and full of glory. 
 
 It was not till a later period that she was much 
 in the habit of visiting the poor of Edinburgh; but 
 there was one forlorn invalid there in whose case 
 she felt much interested. Bell Macintyre had been 
 a housemaid at Rossdhu, and was then a good- 
 looking and a very thoughtless girl. Erom Rossdhu 
 
 * " Despair and Hope." By Lady Colquhoun. 
 
90 LIBB OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 she removed to a family near Edinburgh, and was 
 glad to find herself in that gay neighbom-hood ; but 
 in consequence of having swallowed a needle, . she was 
 seized with an tatemal affection, acute and lingering, 
 and was nevfir.fit for service any more. Her terrible 
 suffering was aggravated by extreme penury; and 
 hearing. that her first kind mistress was in town, she 
 sent her a message, which soon brought her to the 
 poverty-stricken chamber. But Lady Colquhoun was 
 not more struck by the sad alteration in her old 
 servant's outward lot, than dehghted with the mani- 
 fest change in her character. In sohtude, and often 
 in great agony, the Gospel was now her constant 
 support; and, aided by a remarkable memory, she 
 could repeat many long portions of Scripture, and 
 turn to almost any passage, chapter and verse. 
 Even accompanied by a servant, it needed some 
 resolution to dive into the close, and climb the high 
 and dirty stair at the top of which BeU usually 
 lodged; but even into these repulsive abodes Lady 
 IDjolquhoxm was glad to find that philanthropy could 
 penetrate. One day, whilst . she was seated by Bell's 
 bed-side, itwo yflung. ladies entered, smiled, placed 
 sixpence on. ihe. stable, and instantly withdrew. 
 The sixpence was the weekly gift of the "Desti- 
 tute Sick Society;" the young ladies were its 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 91 
 
 visitors; and their coming was a gleam of sun- 
 shine to which the poor sufferer could always look 
 forward in her lonehness. And though BeU could 
 never ascertain their names, for some time a young 
 officer and his wife came daily from the Castle, 
 and brought their sick neighbour her dinner, usually 
 some dehcacy in a covered dish, and waited tiU she 
 ate it. But is it worth while to chronicle these Httle 
 charities ? It is worth while, inasmuch as Lady 
 Colquhoun dehghted to recount the kind deeds of 
 other people. It is worth while, inasmuch as the 
 dainty dish carried to the pain-worn prisoner may 
 be noted ia that Book where even the cup of cold 
 water is recorded. And inasmuch as Uttle charities, 
 done in the Redeemer's name, are twigs of healing 
 in the Marah of himaanity, — ^balm-drops on poverty's 
 broken heart, — ^it Avill be worth while, dear reader, 
 • if you and the writer go and do likewise. Bell had 
 an only brother ; he was a private in the forty-second 
 Highlanders, and did not know of her distress. But 
 as his detachment was under orders for Scotland, 
 he sent his sister five pounds, that she might look 
 smart and respectable when he arrived with his 
 regiment. The letter was also accompanied with a 
 present of his old mihtary great-coat. When, at last, 
 he arrived, he found her in a miserable lodging, and 
 
92 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 sitting up in bed, with his old great-coat wrapped 
 round her. As long as he was quartered at the Castle 
 he was very attentive to his sister ; but he was soon 
 sent abroad on foreign service, and Bell heard no more 
 of him tiU tidings of his death were brought to her, 
 accompanied by his watch and Waterloo medal. The 
 watch was a great comfort during the sohtary days 
 and nights of many successive years. 
 
 Every year on the estate of Luss an oak coppice 
 or "hag," is feUed, and in cutting it hundreds of 
 labourers are employed during a portion of each 
 summer. These congregate from all quarters, many 
 of them being natives of the sister isle. And this, 
 as well as the harvest-season, was an opportunity 
 which Lady Colquhoun always improved for dis- 
 tributing tracts. Through the overseer, something 
 could usually be ascertained regarding the previous 
 history and character of each, and in this way he 
 was presented with a word in season. The tracts 
 were always received with avidity, and, besides being 
 read on the Sabbath, they were usually carried away, 
 perhaps to do good in distant places. 
 
 The Southern reader may have some difficulty in 
 realizing such a state of matters ; but many of our 
 northern countrymen can stUl recal the period when 
 the parish schools of Scotland comprehended the 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 93 
 
 entire population. Partially endowed by the landed 
 proprietors, it was their boast that they offered an 
 education so thorough that the opulent did not 
 disdain it ; but withal so cheap, that the poorest 
 could easily command it. Accordingly, with the 
 exception of the principal gentry, who could afford 
 a tutor, and the gipsies, to whose crepuscular habits 
 day-schools were not congenial, the juvenility of the 
 district all mustered at the same seat of learning, and 
 in its playground the sons of farmers and weavers 
 and ploughmen, the minister's laddie, and the 
 bell-man's , heir-apparent, aU kept their daily Satur- 
 naha. Nor did any mischief result from this blend- 
 ing of various classes. Its chief tendency was to 
 lay the foundation of a cordial and friendly feehng 
 through subsequent Hfe. And not only was this 
 education unconscious of caste ; it was cathoHc. 
 Although intensely scriptural, within Presbyterian 
 limits, at least, it was thoroughly unsectaxian. The 
 scholars were mighty in the Proverbs, and marvellous 
 in the "proofs;" but we never heard of a parish 
 schoolmaster so misguided as to tamper with a denomi- 
 national " testimony," or who taught young ideas to 
 shoot in any ecclesiastical direction ; but, sitting at his 
 feet, little Churchmen and incipient Dissenters were 
 closely united in catechetical alliance. And to crown 
 
94 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 this conipreheiision, brofters and sisters went to 
 school togetheV, learned the saine lessons, and com- 
 peted for the same prizes ; so that ttaditions rmi of 
 great authors, who, in their second lustrum, yielded 
 the "writing medal" to some little daijy-maid; and 
 more romantic traditions of undeveloped East India 
 directors, who vainlj'strove for arithmetical precedence 
 with the future Lady Mayoress. But although this 
 system savoured of patriarchal simphcity, and tended 
 to diffuse through the countryside a notable sense of 
 neighbourhood, it was not without its drawbacks, 
 and there was one which, in her domicijiary visits, 
 especially -forced itself on Lady Colquhoun. She was 
 sorry to remark the absence of neat arrangement and 
 thrifty housekeeping in the surrounding cottages ; 
 and she felt that nothing effectual could be done 
 for the in-door comfort of her neighbours till a girls' 
 school was estabhshed. Opportunely for her object, 
 a neat cottage, not far from Rossdhu, vs^as accidentally 
 burned to the ground, and the occupants being pro- 
 vided with another ■ abode, at considerable expense 
 Lady Colquhoun rebuilt it, and fitted it up as a 
 school-house. Neatly fenced, and the enclosure laid 
 out in shrubbery, it became the type of that new 
 order of things which she sought to introduce ; and, 
 attracted by a splendid fuschsia, which nearly covered 
 
LIFE OF LADT CaLQTJHOUN. 95 
 
 one gable, strangers and tourists often turned aside 
 to visit the school. A suitable teacher wAs selected, 
 and was sent to Edinburgh to perfect herself in 
 needlework, and to learn the most approved methods 
 of teaching. Lady Colquhoun herself visited the 
 school almost daily, and the severest penalty for 
 misconduct was exclusion from the . class which her 
 Ladyship conducted. A striking^: improveisient' was 
 soon perceptible in the district, and whUst the most 
 casual observer could mark the softened manners and 
 pleasing appearance of the scholars, the parents began 
 to acknowledge their own advantage. Hitherto, so 
 little had the manual arts interfered with the abstract 
 sciences in the education of their daughters, that few 
 of them were able to sew, and consequently for the 
 most rudimental essays in dressmaking they were 
 obhged to call in professional assistance. It was, 
 therefore, a great surprise and satisfaction when they 
 found that they had sempstresses nearly as accom- 
 phshed in their own abodes. 
 
 Of course vrith the day-school was associated a 
 Sabbath-school. To Lady Colquhoun her class 
 became an object of ever-deepening interest, and 
 by studying appropriate passages, and searching for 
 memorable anecdotes and illustrations, she success- 
 fully laboured to make it attractive to her pupils. 
 
96 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 As a teacher she had many advantages. Her voice 
 vsras svs^eet and well-modulated, her countenance 
 benevolent, and her v^hole manner was fuE of 
 engaging earnestness ; so that she gained entire 
 ascendancy over her scholars, and by the accounts 
 which they received of her proceedings, many of the 
 parents were also induced to attend. 
 
 And she was not content vdth mere doctrinal 
 instructions. She warned her youthful hearers 
 against the sins to which they were actually exposed. 
 And in many instances these affectionate persuasions 
 succeeded. There was one bad custom in the West 
 of Scotland at which she was especially grieved. It 
 was the people's habit, after a marriage, a baptism, 
 or a funeral, at the close of pubUc worship, to invite 
 their friends to the tavern, and there they regaled 
 them -with, ardent spirits. Against this desecration 
 of the Lord's-day Lady Colquhoun set herself with 
 all her might, and often alluded to it in her class. 
 Her remonstrances were not without effect. Invete- 
 rate as the custom was, at the time of their own 
 marriage some of her former scholars had courage 
 to set it at nought, though others yielded; and it 
 is to be feared that nothing except the spread of intel- 
 Ugence and piety wiU extirpate the disgraceful usage. 
 However, it is time that we allow the reader to 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 97 
 
 return to that Journal in which Lady Colquhoun has 
 undesignedly preserved her autobiography. 
 
 "Saturday, July 18, 1818 (before the Communion). 
 — In time of worship there was an awful thunder- 
 storm. How easily could God crush us worms ! 
 How shaU we stand in that day when He shall be 
 revealed in flaming &e ? And how can any endure 
 luiless covered with the robe Himself hath viTOUght ? 
 Blessed Jesus! though most unworthy, I feel a 
 confidence that I am complete in thee. 
 
 " Monday, 20 {after the Communion.) — Mr. 
 Gregor preached on 1 Thess. iv. 13, 14, — to me a 
 most affecting subject. I never was so overcome 
 in church before. Every word pictured my dear, 
 dear saint to my imagination. Many a pang do I 
 feel when I think of her. Yes, my Hannah, 
 I cannot easily give thee up. Oh, that name ! How 
 many times have I uttered it with delight ; and often 
 now do I repeat it, — sweet, sweet Hannah ! Dr. and 
 Mrs. Buchanan were at church, and dined at the 
 Manse, returning with us in the evening. 
 
 "Auy. 16. — My spirits for this Httle while have been 
 low, I can hardly say whether from my recent loss 
 or not ; but the world appears dead to me, and my 
 heavenly hopes less lively than within the last few 
 weeks they were. I can hardly reahze the thought 
 
98 LIEE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 
 
 of joy, even in heaven. Still, my beloved Lord lives, 
 and my life is hid with him in God. Thinking of 
 God is the only refreshment I experience. 
 
 "Sept. 13. — This morning vi^as much enhvened by 
 Isaiah li. 11, — ' Therefore the redeemed of the Lord 
 shall return, and come with singing unto Zion ; and 
 everlasting joy shaU be upon their head : they shall 
 obtain gladness and joy ; and sorrow and mourning 
 shall flee away.' Why have the redeemed this joy? It 
 is because they ' obtain' it from God. Oh, the perfect, 
 the everlasting joy to which they are introduced ! 
 May the thought of it make the trials of life sit 
 Hghtly ! Methinks, could I always view the promised 
 land, even through ever so thick a veil, these crosses 
 would not be weighty. 
 
 " Nov. 1 . — Once more, within these few days, I 
 have endeavoured to do every action only as I think 
 God would have me. I have tried to ask myself. 
 Is this what God at this time would desire me to do ? 
 
 " Wednesday, Dec. 2. — Attended another meeting 
 of the Luss and Arrochar Bible Society. It flourishes 
 beyond my hopes. Nearly 30/. have been collected ; 
 and though there were not many present, there were 
 more than formerly, and they seemed to enter into 
 the spirit of it. AU the office-bearers spoke; Sir 
 James twice, and he affected me much, in particular 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 99 
 
 when alluding to oiir Lord's question to Peter, 
 ' Lovest thou me ?' What could I have answered had 
 it been addressed to me ? Strange, that in this I can 
 never be decided ; but if a desire to feed his sheep 
 be a sign, of that I am confident. Oh, prosper, 
 Lord, the means of spreading thy Gospel ! ' Let the 
 people praise thee; let all the people praise thee. 
 Amen, and amen. Then shall the earth yield 
 her increase, and God, even our own God, shall 
 bless us ! ' 
 
 " March 28, 1819. — This day is memorable from 
 two interesting conversations ; one vsith a dear friend, 
 another with a servant, to whom, along with the rest, 
 I had given tracts. Oh, for a blessing on my poor 
 feeble endeavours ! 
 
 " May 9. — ^Read in Scott's Commentary and a 
 Prench Bible. One passage in the latter (John xvii. 
 24) dehghted my heart. It strikes me as more 
 impressive than the EngHsh, — 'Pere, mon desir est 
 touchant ceux que tu m'as donnes, que la oii je suis, ils 
 y soient aussi avec moi.' Is this the desire of my Lord ? 
 How much more should I desire to be with him, and 
 where he is? And why, sweet Jesus, dost thou 
 desire to have me Tvith thee? Prom love it must 
 be — everlasting love ! Prom a dehght, too, in the 
 fruits of redemption ; from seeing the travail of thy 
 
 H 2 
 
100 
 
 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 soul; from the satisfaction of beholding pollution 
 pure. And, doubtless, from the beneficent delight 
 of carrying forward the saints, even in glory, to 
 higher degrees of nearness to God, of holiness, of 
 happiness. 
 
 " May 23. — 'Tis now a year since my beloved 
 sister has, I trust, been in glory. How differently 
 has it been spent from all her other years ! How 
 contemptuously, perhaps, how wonderingly does she 
 look down on the many earthly things wliich n^ight 
 once have agitated the mind ! How pure are her 
 thoughts ! how delightftd the taste she has got of 
 seraphic employments and entertainments ! and how 
 overjoying the thought that they shall never, never 
 end ! Oh, that we poor earthly pilgrims could 
 realize something of such scenes, and rejoice in the 
 hope of the glory of God ! 
 
 " June 20. — Yesterday my father in Christ, worthy 
 Dr. Buchanan, arrived here, and to-day he preached 
 to us from 1 John i. 7. It was a short but compre- 
 hensive compendium of the Gospel. Was happy in 
 hearing him, and also much struck with his heavenly 
 temper and child-like confidence in God, combined 
 with the largest charity. How rare are such graces 
 even in Christians ! Had a long and interesting 
 conversation vdth him. Among other things, he 
 
LIFE OF liADY COLQUHOUN. 101 
 
 exhorted me never to let slip an opportunity of 
 declaring my sentiments, and endeavouring to do 
 good, even to strangers. He also related several 
 instances where ejaculatory prayer had been remark- 
 ably ansvirered, and recommended its frequent use. 
 
 " 27. — I was struck with the trustMness, I might 
 say assurance, of Dr. Buchanan in prayer; and 
 recollecting how much in every page of the Bible 
 it is warranted to the believer in Jesus, I resolved 
 to dismiss my childish fears, and trust in God as 
 mine for evermore. It is wonderful what an influ- 
 ence this behef has on the heart, and how it prepares 
 for the practice of those graces which appear so 
 beautiful in Dr. Buchanan. Gave Boston's "Four- 
 fold State" to the servants as part of their little 
 Hbrary. 
 
 " July 35. — Afterwards heard my children — all 
 my children ; and, I tremble to viTite it, our little 
 circle may never again meet in such circumstances. 
 My beloved J. and J. leave us this week for Mr. 
 Grainger's academy in Lincolnshire, and if I am 
 spared to see it, when they return they may be 
 beyond this mode of instruction. The precious 
 moments are gone when a mother's warning voice 
 might be heard vrith most effect. I have, indeed, 
 this happy assurance, that if I could in any way 
 
102 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 have led my lambs to Christ, joyfully would I have 
 done so ; and that this was my first, and almost only 
 ambition for them. And now would I commend 
 them to God, and to the Word of his grace, which 
 is able to bmld them up, and to give them an 
 inheritance among them which are sanctified. Read 
 to them Acts xx. 
 
 " Sept. 19. — Am at. this time happily situated in 
 the society of my Lord's dear children, dear to him 
 and dear to me. Mr. Legh Richmond, who has been 
 honoured to do so much good by his beautiful 
 little tracts, came here last night, accompanied by one 
 of his daughters, and another clergjmian, Mr. Westoby. 
 They came in answer to prayer ; my Lord has been 
 loading me with benefits. Oh, how I love the fruits 
 of the Spirit ! there is nothing on earth can attract 
 my regard half so much. With joy I beheld the image 
 of my Lord shining brightly, and prayed fervently 
 that these beauties may not only appear, but may 
 flourish and abound in my whole hfe. Oh, that others 
 might clearly discern that I had been vnth Jesus ! 
 At present I feel much encouraged and elevated. 
 God is near. Have had some little trials, and do 
 think I acted vdth regard to them as he would have 
 me ; and by prayer, and by trusting in him alone, 
 aU was ordered for the very best. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 103 
 
 " Nov. 28. — Last week I was reading the Life of 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton. She seems to have been 
 amiable, and rehgiously incUned; but oh, I pity the 
 person, of whatever talents possessed, who is not 
 hmnbled at the foot of the Cross ; and this, I fear, 
 she was not. She talks of the greatest enjoyment 
 in this life as being the society of persons of genius. 
 Ah no ! she knew not that other happiness, commu- 
 nion with God and his people. She speaks in 
 raptures of Mr. Alison's Sermon on the Talents, 
 where he distinctly assigns a reward to the use 
 we make of our intellectual powers, &c. A reward ! 
 For our services ! It must be of grace, not 
 of debt. But these things x are often hid from the 
 wise and prudent, and revealed to babes. DazzHng 
 genius, how little canst thou do for thy possessor ! 
 
 " Edinburgh, March 12, 1820. — In the evening I 
 had my children and read the Life of Pearce. When 
 reading the hves of eminent Christians, I am pleased, 
 but humbled. 'Less than the least of aU saints,' 
 should be my motto. Without any affectation of 
 humility, or the least intention of writing what is 
 not strictly true, I see a very great disparity between 
 the experience I read of, and what I feel. When 
 behevers complain, and mention how easily they 
 yield to temptation, &c., I can say, This is my case ; 
 
104 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 but when they speak of their joys, their raptures, 
 their wiUingness to do, to be, or to suffer anything 
 for Christ, their great love to him, &c., my hands 
 hang down, and I can only exclaim. Oh, that it were 
 thus with me ! Yet will I, too, hope in the Lord 
 my righteousness. Let me be content to sit down 
 in the lowest room, for so has he appointed. 
 
 " Bossdhu, Aug. 20, 1820. — My brother Alexander 
 and sister Catherine are here. C. is to remain for 
 some months. I prayed to be permitted to benefit her. 
 What real dehght it would give me ! She gave me 
 to-day the manuscript of my Hannah's ' Letter,' which 
 I read over this forenoon, and could have thought I 
 was conversing with my earhest friend. It is, 
 indeed, a wonderful production, and has scarcely any 
 corrections for the press. This forenoon I also read 
 the first portion of my Diary, and was struck with 
 the struggle against sin which appears in it; was 
 comforted by observing it, but almost fearful that 
 my watchfulness is not so great now. I do, however, 
 think that I have attained to an easier victory over 
 some sins, especially anger. Resolved and prayed 
 to be enabled to scrutinize my heart and hfe, more as 
 a Christian ought; to pass no fault unnoticed, to 
 consider no evil trifling. Spent this evening in 
 reading, and hearing C. read. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 106 
 
 " Nov. 12. — After dinner read in Romaine's 
 ' Walk of Paith.' He says that it is impossible to 
 love God for Ms holiness, without loving him as our 
 reconciled Pather. To myself it appears that I have 
 done SO; that the lovehness of his character was 
 a great means of leading me to Christ. But probably 
 I know not my own heart ; at least, I would vdth 
 diffidence contradict so great a writer. 
 
 " Royal Hotel, Edinburgh, Jan. 28, 1821. — I 
 should be ashamed that any one of my fellow- 
 Christians heard my prayers, or knew how cold and 
 indifferent they usually are. And yet it truly does 
 astonish me; God hears them. In very many 
 instances they have been answered, and I hardly 
 know an instance in which the rest may not be 
 answered yet. I must indeed remember that it is 
 through Christ, and I hope I feel that I have no 
 other plea for acceptance. When begging for any 
 blessing with a cold heart, I used to think, This 
 prayer I cannot expect to be heard ; but now I can 
 trust, wonderful as it is, that this lifeless petition 
 win find acceptance before the Throne. Often have 
 my prayers been brought to my remembrance by 
 their fulfilment. 
 
 "Feb. 11. — Heard Dr. Stewart of the Canongate, 
 whom I have not heard since he was settled here. 
 
106 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 Was much interested in the sermon, and in the 
 preacher, who is in very delicate health. May God 
 spare and bless his devoted servant ! " 
 
 In the firmament of our Northern Church few 
 names shine brighter than that of Dr. Alexander 
 Stewart. Born in the Manse of Blair, and spending 
 his boyhood amidst such romantic scenes as the Pass 
 of Kilhcrankie, he received an early tincture of that 
 enthusiasm and poetic fervour which make the 
 Highlanders sublime; and then, after a brilliant 
 career in St. Andrew's University, by ducal patronage 
 he was softly deposited in the Manse of Moulin. 
 Just emerged from minority, and radiant with life and 
 hope, he could scarcely credit the rare fehcity which 
 had landed him in this goodly preferment, aU un- 
 conscious of the probationer's usual fears and perils. 
 The Living was ample, the scenery delectable, the 
 very congregation was picturesque ; and in the quiet 
 of a Scottish parsonage he could pursue those classical 
 studies to which he was powerfully attracted, as in 
 the society of an hospitable neighbourhood he could 
 recreate his spirit vdth the mirth or the music iu 
 which he equally excelled. But all this while his 
 heart was so Httle in his sacred calling that it was 
 a great relief when few people came to his catechetical 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 107 
 
 meetings, and from the most solemn engagements he 
 hmried away to the dance or the novel. However, it 
 was his great happiness to have for his friend a 
 minister so enhghtened and fervent as Mr. Black 
 of St. Madoes. Impressed by his holy example, Mr. 
 Stewart began to take more serious views of the 
 pastoral office, and longed to possess that piety which 
 so beautified his neighbour's character and so dehght- 
 fuUy inspired his labours. An affectionate intercourse 
 commenced, and Mr. Black's letters and conversations 
 had ftdly instructed in the way of God this yoimg 
 Apollos, when, in June of 1796, Mr. Simeon paid a 
 short visit to Moulin. Sufficient knowledge and an 
 evangehcal bias he had already received, and the 
 vivid words of his guest were employed by the Spirit 
 of God to impart his first jojivl emotions. And now 
 that the gracious principle, slowly elaborated but 
 hitherto invisible, had received the spark celestial, it 
 blazed up, a burning and a shining light. The con- 
 version of Mr. Stewart was followed by a remarkable 
 awakening amongst his parishioners ; and never did 
 minister preach more powerfully than this ardent 
 evangelist, never did hearers hsten more wonderingly 
 than these simple mountaineers. Its result was a 
 revival, singular as occurring in the dullest age of the 
 Scottish Church, and of which the many fruits are 
 
108 
 
 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 now ripening in places as remote as Cromarty and 
 Calcutta.* After a translation to Dingwall, Dr. 
 Stewart was brought for the last months of his hfe to 
 labor in Edinburgh. His earnest and richly scriptural 
 sermons derived much additional impressiveness from 
 his enfeebled and death-stricken looks ; and during 
 her remaining Sabbaths in town, Lady Colquhoun 
 continued to wait on his ministry with mournful 
 affection. And when, next year, his friend Dr. 
 Sieveright published his Life, it became her favourite 
 book in Christian biography. 
 
 " March 18. — Oh, with what words of grateful 
 acknowledgment shall I record the serious impression 
 I have observed this day and lately in one very dear 
 to me ! I was dehghted in conversation, and my 
 hopes rise almost to confidence. I think, and wonder 
 at my prayer-hearing God. I can hardly in strong 
 enough terms express my astonishment, I dare not 
 say my gratitude, though I do feel grateful, at the 
 numberless answers to prayer I am daily receiving. 
 Bless the Lord, my soul ! 
 
 " Bossdhu, April 22. — ^Felt much interested in a 
 
 * Dr. Duff at Calcutta is a native of Moulin. Dr. Stewart's 
 eldest son, in many respects the most remarkable preacher in 
 Scotland, lately died the Minister of Cromarty. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOXJN. 109 
 
 plan which I this day began, — reading aloud and 
 explaining Doddridge's Rise and Progress to two 
 of my maids, Mrs. B. and G. Have long thought I 
 neglected my duty towards them, in not myself ex- 
 plaining to them the doctrines of the Bible. Want of 
 courage was the hhiderance ; but I resolved to begin 
 with these two, who have been very long with me. 
 
 "July 8. — Read and prayed with aU my children. 
 Since the return of my sons my heart has been much 
 engaged in prayer for them all. I began a new plan 
 with them to-day, — to get them to prove the various 
 doctrines from the Bible direct. 
 
 " 15. — To my great joy heard this day that Dr. 
 Chalmers wiU preach at Luss in September. May the 
 Spirit of God bring home to my heart the truths he 
 so forcibly preaches ! 
 
 "Aug. 5. — The Sacrament Sabbath at Axrochar, 
 and Sir James has gone there. May his heart be 
 prepared according to the preparation of the sanc- 
 tuary, and may he be benefited ! A few days ago 
 I received Mr. Legh Richmond's Memoir of my 
 Hannah, — my dear Hannah. The delineation of her 
 character is very complete; she was what is there 
 described. I trust a blessing will attend it, and it 
 gives me pleasure to think that I have had some 
 hand in it. In many parts my words are retained, 
 
110 LIFE OF LADY COLQtJHOUN. 
 
 and I may thus be honoured to be useful without 
 being seen. 
 
 " Sept. 9. — My God is gracious. I scarcely re- 
 member to have been favoured with so much of the 
 
 society of His people as at present. remained till 
 
 Tuesday, and was succeeded by Mr. Legh Richmond, 
 his daughter, &c., and we had much agreeable and 
 spiritual conversation. Mr. Hamilton of Strathblane 
 came here yesterday, and preached to-day. He is 
 a faithful and able labourer in God's vineyard. I 
 delight in the saints, the excellent of the earth, but it 
 is out of their power to lead me to God. The best 
 society will not do, without much retirement. I find 
 deficiency in aU. I would listen to the lesson which 
 I ought to deduce from these observations, to ' cease 
 from man;' I would learn to look forward with 
 outstretched affections, to uninterrupted communion 
 with God, — my God, my exceeding joy, — and to inter- 
 course with the blessed without any mixture of defect. 
 
 " Sept. 16. — ^Again would I confirm what I 
 vprote last Sabbath ; it is deeply impressed upon my 
 mind. Emptiness, insufficiency, is in the world, and 
 in the world's inhabitants, and is even found in the 
 people of God. Can we expect spiritual light from 
 creatures who are only in the dawn of their spiritual 
 existence ? God may work, and often does work 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. Ill 
 
 by them; but when disappointment occm-s we need 
 not wonder. Dr. Chahners preached here to-day. 
 In the pulpit his powers are certainly great, and his 
 reasoning very clear; but having heard that he is 
 so extraordinary, I was, on the whole, disappointed. 
 Mr. Simeon's deep devotion and beautiful style 
 impressed me more. Though heard above twenty 
 years ago, his sermons are still vmtten on my heart. 
 Thanks, Lord, that I ever heard them — that these 
 affecting ordinances were afforded to me when I 
 so much required them ! By the remarks now made 
 on communion with the saints I may seem to con- 
 tradict what I wrote Sept. 19, 1819. What I mean 
 is this — God may draw near, as Jesus drew near the 
 disciples going to Emmaus, and may bless intercourse 
 ■with his children; and then it becomes a dehghtfol 
 means of grace : but he often does not, to disappoint 
 their hopes, and lead them from the streams to the 
 fountain." 
 
 This extract is printed for the sake of its true and 
 important reflections, and all the rather, because 
 these are connected with a name transcendant 
 amongst modern preachers, and to which eventually 
 none could pay more cordial homage than Lady 
 Colquhoun. But if this fu-st sermon did not fulfil 
 
112 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 all her expectations, perhaps it was for a reason which, 
 had she known it at the time, would have only 
 made hitn, to her pious mind, appear more noble. 
 His text was, " The common people heard him 
 gladly;" and, as was his wont on such occasions, he 
 would lay aside his grand originahties, and labour 
 after those obvious truths which common people are 
 glad to hear. The Doctor always adverted to this 
 visit with peculiar pleasure ; nor must we forget to 
 add the delight which it afforded to his new acquaint- 
 ances at Rossdhu, from the boatmen who rowed him 
 on the lake, and the little girl with whom he played 
 at battledoor, up to the guests whom he one evening 
 dazzled with an astronomical lecture, converting the 
 dinner-table into an extempore orrery, with a d'oyley 
 for the sun, decanters for the planets, and glasses 
 for the moons. To Mr. Simeon's clear and vivacious 
 sermons Lady Colquhoun had been deeply indebted 
 at the outset of her Christian course. There was 
 one particularly to which she often adverted. The 
 text was, " Ye will not come unto me that ye might 
 have life ;" and after reading it the preacher, in his 
 own striking and pecuhar manner, exclaimed, " Life ? 
 blessed Lord! dost thou offer us life?" and in an 
 instant enchaining the attention of his auditory, he 
 kept it solemnly rivetted to the close of his discourse. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 113 
 
 " Nov. 18. — With mucli interest read and ex- 
 plained to my maids. I have now had resolution to 
 take them aU, and cannot but hope, from their ap- 
 parent attention, that some benefit will accrue to 
 them. 
 
 " May 5, 1832.— This Sabbath the influences of 
 the blessed Spirit appear to me more sensible and 
 sweet ; genuine religion has more exercised its empire 
 over my soul. I have lately been deeply humbled 
 on account of heart sin, and last night in meditation 
 had some realizing views of the necessity of salvation 
 by Christ, and of his fitness to be a Saviour. To- 
 day, in the morning prayed with sincerity and truth, 
 and felt interested in church. Read three times 
 aloud — to my young people, to my maids, and again 
 at night, in the parlor. Felt pleasure in all, and 
 longed and prayed for some fruit of my labor. Took 
 a walk before tea, and spent an agreeable half-hour 
 in meditation. Went to the family burying-place, 
 and remembered those who are mouldering there, 
 one of whom (Sir James's father) I had intimately 
 known. Imagined my dear husband and myself 
 consigned to this narrow cell, and tried to look 
 forward to the resurrection, and consider what alone 
 can make it a joyful day to me. Por life and death 
 commended myself to my Redeemer, whose pro- 
 
114 
 
 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 tection alone can avail in the solemn scenes through 
 which I must pass. 
 
 " June 3. — Was led to remember my fellow- 
 worshippers at Halkirk. Their new pastor, Mr. 
 Munro, who has got the church from Sir James, 
 so much to the satisfaction of the parish, was 
 to preach there for the first time to-day. May 
 the Lord, the Spirit, descend on pastor and 
 people !" 
 
 Por more than a year anterior to this date the 
 health of Lady Colquhoun had been very delicate, 
 and her allusions are frequent to that event which 
 the most skilful physicians told her was its 
 probable issue. In the prospect her feelings were 
 calm, humble, and, although solemn, full of confi- 
 dence in God. 
 
 " Oct. 27, 1822.— Last week I have felt far from 
 well, which has led me to consider the possibility of 
 this complaint still finishing my earthly career. The 
 thought has done me good, and the prospect has not 
 been dark. I have been enabled to view Christ as 
 my eternal portion, and nearly to give up all besides. 
 I feel wonderfully reconciled to leaving my husband 
 and children, and I know I shall die or live as 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOTJN. 115 
 
 God sees best for me. Dear Lord, thou art at aU 
 times managing for the best my little concerns. Last 
 week, also, I had a most interesting private conversa- 
 tion vrith Miss Jane Parrell, vrho now appears a true 
 disciple. I have seen her to-day, probably for the 
 last time in this world, as she leaves Camstraddan on 
 Tuesday for Ireland, and is shortly going to India, to 
 be married. Well, in a future state ' there shall be 
 no more sea;' nothing to divide the blessed inha- 
 bitants ; nothing to interrupt their communion. I 
 hope I have been of some use to this interesting 
 girl." 
 
 Mr. ParreU was proprietor of an estate near the 
 Giant's Causeway, in Ireland; but his vnfe was 
 in deHcate health, and along with their three 
 daughters they had resided for four or five summers 
 at Camstraddan House, near Luss. Young ladies 
 so well informed, and of manners so pleasing, were 
 welcome visitors in most houses of that neighbour- 
 hood, and they were very often at Rossdhu. Miss Jane 
 especially drew towards herself the affectionate 
 observation of Lady Colquhoun. A prepossessing 
 appearance, good sense, a cultivated mind, a 
 warm heart, and frank and hvely manners, made 
 her a universal favorite; but, beyond a weekly 
 
 I 2 
 
116 
 
 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 attendance at the parish church, she gave no evi- 
 dence of an interest in the things of God. And 
 even this church-going was a mere formality. 
 " Have you remarked that picturesque old woman 
 who on Sundays sits on the pulpit stairs?" she one 
 day asked her friends at Rossdhu. Of course they 
 had. "Oh!" said the amateur artist, "she is such 
 a fine-looking old woman, -I cannot take my eyes off 
 her the whole time of the sermon, and I am painting 
 her likeness from memory. I can carry away each 
 Simday an impression of her features sufficient to 
 employ my pencil during the week." But, in 
 conjunction with other circumstances, the prospect 
 of leaving home solemnized her mind, and led her 
 to ask whether, separated from all the means of 
 grace, her religion had strength to stand? and this 
 led to another question — ^whether she had any 
 religion at all? A severe mental conflict ensued, 
 and at the time when her thoughts were all engrossed 
 with these anxious questions, at a dinner-party she 
 met Lady Colquhoun. On leaving the dining-room 
 the ladies went out to walk round the garden. 
 Lady Colquhoun and Miss Jane Farrell having 
 separated from the rest, in her own sweet and 
 engaging manner Lady Colquhoun introduced the 
 subject of religion, and her young companion opened 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 117 
 
 to her all her mind. After this their interviews 
 were frequent, and as they were the principal means 
 of leading this interesting inquirer into the light of 
 the Gospel, they originated an ardent and life-long 
 attachment. " Her last visit," says our informant, " is 
 still fresh on my memory. It was a bright autumnal 
 morning, and I well remember her hght and elegant 
 form, as she glided along the avenue, after bidding 
 farewell to her friend and adviser." In company 
 with Sir Edward and Lady Barnes she sailed for 
 Ceylon, and was married to her brother's partner, 
 Charles Scott, Esq. From her home among the 
 cinnamon-groves she wrote to her friend on Loch 
 Lomond letters brimming over with the fulness of 
 her own felicity, mingled with occasional misgivings 
 as to her spiritual progress. " I possess great earthly 
 happiness. I hear of my beloved family being in 
 excellent health, and have the prospect of rejoining 
 them in a very few years ; and I have one of the 
 kindest and most indulgent husbands that ever lived. 
 But all these blessings, instead of raising my heart 
 in thankfulness to the Giver of every good, and leading 
 me to devote myself more to his service, seem only 
 to bind my thoughts more firmly to this world ; and 
 I am often made to fear that I shall be deprived of 
 some of those great mercies I am so unworthy of 
 
118 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 possessing. Yet no contrition seems to accompany 
 the knowledge of my own sinfulness, and I have 
 generally a gaiety and happiness of heart which 
 should only be produced by the hope of daily 
 advancing in meetness for the kingdom of heaven. 
 When my prayers are cold and wandering, I feel 
 I cannot deplore it as I ought, nor do I ask with 
 sufficient earnestness for assistance to pray better; 
 at the same time, I certainly do often feel the 
 indescribable happiness of being able to trust in One 
 mighty to save, and that it is not for our sakes 
 that our prayers are accepted by God. I think I 
 am gaining rather more knowledge of my sinfulness, 
 and of the waywardness of my heart ; but, as I said 
 before, it is unaccompanied by sorrow for my 
 offences, and does not diminish that lightness of 
 mind which is certainly gaining on me." It 
 was thus that Lady Colquhoun's gentle and guile- 
 less nature drew forth the confidence of her 
 younger friends especially, and encouraged them to 
 tell her "all that was in their heart;" for they were as 
 sure of kind sympathy as of wise advice. And, 
 perhaps, the fears of her ingenuous correspondent 
 were not without foundation. God may have seen 
 what she herself suspected, and in order to bring 
 the roaming spirit back into its quiet rest, he sent 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 119 
 
 the windy storm and the tempest. Six weeks after 
 these lines were written Mr. Scott was seized by 
 a fatal malady, and in a few hours it tore him from 
 the arms of his distracted wife. A devoted mis- 
 sionary, Mr. Mayor, heard of her distress, and along 
 with Mrs. Mayor, the beloved sister of a man greatly 
 beloved, — ^the Rev. E. Bickersteth, prevailed on her 
 to come for a season to their calm and secluded 
 abode. There she gradually regained composure, — 
 at least serenity enough to benefit by the conversa- 
 tion and prayers of her deeply sympathizing friends ; 
 and when, in 1828, she returned to her native land, 
 although she brought with her a heavy load of sorrow, 
 she also brought a mind uncommonly devoted to 
 God. From DubUn, on February 13, 1829, she thus 
 wrote to Lady Colquhoun : — 
 
 " I have often intended writing to you. In the 
 time of my deepest affliction, you were one of the 
 very few my heart seemed to turn to, feeUng that you 
 would understand where consolation can alone be 
 found. I have indeed been in a strong fire of afflic- 
 tion since I last wrote to you. Oh ! that the fire had 
 consumed more of the dross. Then I was at the 
 height of earthly happiness. The fall was sudden 
 and violent, and unless upheld by an Almighty arm, 
 I must have perished in my affliction. On the first 
 
120 LIFE OF LADT COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 shock I was left to my own strength, and the mind 
 wandered mider the acuteness of anguish. It seemed 
 as if I could not pray; yet even the first look to 
 Him whose compassions fail not, was answered, and 
 in a way I could not have conceived before. I was 
 made to experience my ovoi inability to have so much 
 as one thought, except by the help of God, and his 
 wondrous power to shed into the soul the richest 
 spiritual consolations in the midst of nature's woe. 
 Oh the deep, deep, almost overpowering views then 
 given me of the vastness of eternity; and great in 
 proportion was the consolation, when, by the tender 
 mercy of God, there came back on the mind the 
 transporting conviction that the soul, which seemed 
 the dearer part of my own, was entered on an 
 eternity of blessedness, — ^that, as surely as Christ 
 died and rose again, even so them also that sleep in 
 Jesus will God bring with him. And the evidence 
 that his state was such, was so abundant, as to raise 
 my soul in wonder and gratitude. My earthly, back- 
 sliding heart had been so satisfied with present happi- 
 ness as to be comparatively forgetful of spiritual; 
 but now I remember with indescribable comfort, these 
 last seven or eight months in particular, the gradual, 
 the beautiful change, that often made me exclaim 
 to myself, ' I may have more of religion on my lips, 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 121 
 
 but he has infinitely more of it in his heart.' The 
 sting of my many omissions, in regard to his spiritual 
 welfare, I thought at first could never be extracted ; 
 but my compassionate God has been pleased long to 
 remove it, and even change it into an additional 
 motive of gratitude to Him who did it all himself, 
 and who did not allow my sinfulness to come in the 
 way of the great work of His salvation." 
 
 Then, after mentioning Mr. Mayor's providential 
 visit to her dying husband, and her sojourn in the 
 house of the missionary and his "truly Christian 
 wife," she concludes : — 
 
 " My voyage was such as to keep faith in constant 
 exercise, — ^many dangers, but a powerful, protecting 
 God appearing through all. I may humbly say, 
 ' Hitherto hath the Lord helped me.' I am con- 
 tinually made to feel my weakness. Were I trying 
 to look to earth, in any shape, for comfort, the heart 
 would yet entirely sink under sorrow. But, blessed 
 be our faithful God, who wiU never leave nor forsake 
 us ; who can give us faith to rest in his promises ; 
 and who can show the blessed termination, when 
 those sundered on earth shall unite for ever in praising 
 redeeming love. My dear Lady Colquhoun, I have 
 given you a letter filled about myself; but I know 
 you win join with me in praising the mercy and love 
 
122 
 
 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 of our. Saviour God. Your letter was indeed most 
 comfortable to me. I received one from you at 
 Baddagama, written when you thought me in the 
 midst of earthly happiness. I was struck by your 
 saying in it : ' If we cannot give our hearts to God, 
 let us pray that he wiU take them — ^by any means 
 take them.' You had httle idea then that it required 
 my best earthly treasure to be taken to heaven before 
 I could feel that my all was there." 
 
 The eighteen years of her vsddowhood were 
 spent in a succession of nunistrations to one invahd 
 or afflicted relation after another, which in several 
 instances appear to have been blessed to their ever- 
 lasting salvation. At last, in the year 1845, and when 
 she hoped to see again her spiritual parent, the Lord 
 called her to himself. She said, when dying, " I 
 laid too much stress on the ministry of man, and 
 dehghted in it. I cannot now converse but with 
 difficulty. God is dravniUg me off from all earthly 
 props that I may lean solely on himself. How 
 abundantly I felt the promise fulfilled last night ! 
 The Comforter, the Holy Ghost, was indeed sent, and 
 abundant was the supply of Scripture brought to my 
 remembrance. Not merely what I had committed to 
 memory, but large portions that I had not, came 
 pouring in to comfort me." And as God had taught 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 123 
 
 her to live upon himself, so she was very fearful of 
 bemg too highly exalted, or too much spoken of by 
 others. A diary which she had kept she destroyed 
 before her death, and when told that a friend 
 had written to inquire how she was, and how 
 she had felt supported, she said, "I can so well 
 understand Mr. Simeon's feeUngs,"* and, hke him, 
 she for a moment or two waxed quite eloquent in 
 extoUing her Saviour, and disparaging herself; and 
 like him also she silently departed, teUing her 
 attendant to keep the room quiet, for she was 
 going to sleep. 
 
 Thus, on earth they never met again, and in the 
 many thoughts which followed her to her Indian 
 
 * " He was evidently much hurt at the thought of even his 
 dearest friends coming round to disturb the privacy which he had 
 always wished for in his dying hour. He had repeatedly 
 charged me to keep every one away from him when that solemn 
 season should arrive, and remain with him myself alone. * * * 
 Next morning he referred to what had happened the previous 
 night. ' Now, I was much hurt at the scene last night : a 
 scene ! a death-hed scene I abhor from my inmost soul. No ! ' 
 he continued, smiting three times slowly on his breast, ' No ; 
 I am, I know, the chief of sinners ; and I hope for nothing 
 but the mercy of God in Christ Jesus to life eternal ; and I 
 shall be, if not the greatest monument of God's mercy in 
 heaven, yet the very next to it ; for I know of none greater.* " 
 — Carus^ Life of Simeon, p. 810. 
 
124 
 
 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 bungalow, her Irish home, and her cottage on the 
 brink of Niagara, in the fancy of her friend it was 
 always the same Jane Parr ell. And though the 
 widow's garb was worn, and though many griefs and 
 watchings by sick beds had doubtless changed that 
 pleasant countenance, no change came over that 
 ardent, ingenuous, and self-devoting mind. And 
 down to the close of life Mrs. Scott retained a 
 fervent attachment to Lady Colquhoun, and in her 
 letters fondly reverted to the happy days when " first 
 she knew the Lord," and when they were wont to 
 take sweet counsel together. "Dear, dear Lady 
 Colquhoun, I have indeed often thanked God for 
 having given me such a Christian friend. When 
 my mind was awakening, you were the first that 
 spoke home to me. You first directed me plainly 
 to Jesus, and encouraged me with the assurance that 
 He would carry on the work which He alone could 
 commence. And, dear friend, what increasing 
 comfort there is in that view, grounded on God's own 
 Word, that He wiU perfect that which concerneth 
 us, and wUl not forsake the work of his own hands. 
 What a God we have ! God in Christ. Truly you 
 say, ' The end of our trials is to endear to us Jesus, 
 and loose our hold of everything else.' " Of these 
 trials the meek writer had many, and one was the 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 125 
 
 loss of the letters addressed to her by her endeared 
 correspondent. During a sojourn at Kingston, Upper 
 Canada, the house in which she was residing was 
 burnt to the ground, and we cannot forbear inserting 
 a portion of the letter in which she describes the 
 calamity, April 8, 1837 : — 
 
 " You kindly said you would send me ' The 
 Kingdom of God.' AU my efforts to procure it have 
 been vain, and, alas ! its beautiful sister, which I 
 prized so much, is gone. Where ? Like many other 
 fair and lovely things, to dust and ashes. We were 
 living in greater comfort than I ever expected to 
 meet in Canada ; too much at ease, no doubt ; when 
 one night a fire broke out below us. The flames 
 spread rapidly, and all our worldly goods were 
 consumed. It was night ; the house, of course, in 
 total darkness, and aU sound asleep, till wakened 
 by loud cries of ' Fire ! ' Our rooms were at the 
 greatest distance from the hall, and worst situated 
 for escape. The fire originated in a hardware store 
 under the boarding-house, and when we got outside 
 the house we heard there was gunpowder in the 
 store sufficient to blow it up. Two explosions there 
 were ; but they did no additional harm. So there 
 we stood, in the snow, watching the fierce flames 
 forking up from our rooms, so shortly before the 
 
1,26 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 picture of peace and comfort. Nothing could be 
 done, and the whole of it was so ordered that one 
 could only offer it up into His hands who can make 
 aU things work together for good, and pray that we 
 might effectually learn the lessons it was meant to 
 teach. Besides much valuable property, I have lost 
 all my books and written papers and letters, my Indian 
 things, with all mementoes of beloved friends and 
 past times. Another hint to forget the things which 
 are behind, and press forward. But why do I thus 
 detail our little losses? I meant not to do it. Rather 
 let me speak of the great gain, the ever-increasing 
 comfort of the promises, and of our Lord's love, who 
 in every trial condescends to speak such peace as 
 raises the heart to Himself in continual thanksgiving. 
 When I think of what I deserve I can only wonder 
 at his gentle dealings. He often says, 'What I do 
 thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know here- 
 after ;' and he graciously lets so much of his hand of 
 love be seen in every trial, that it is easy work to 
 trust him with the remainder." 
 
 Of the many letters which Lady Colquhoun 
 addressed to this younger sister "in the kingdom 
 and patience of Jesus Christ," we are thus precluded 
 from offering to the reader any specimen. But even 
 this shght record of so dear a friend may reflect some 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 127 
 
 light on the character of Lady Colquhoun. It shows, 
 at least, how alert she was for opportunities of 
 doing good, and how graciously God honoured her 
 consistency and prospered her fidelity. Nor will it 
 be a vain digression if it enkindle in the reader or 
 the writer aspirations after that heavenly-mindedness 
 and holy skill which made the subject of this 
 biography a living epistle, and which so frequently 
 converted morning calls and evening visits into 
 " walks of usefulness." 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 NO CHASTENING FOE THE PRESENT SEEMETH TO BE JOYOUS, 
 BUT GEIEVOUS : NEVERTHELESS AJ-TER-WABD IT YIELDETH 
 THE PEACEABLE EKUIT OP EIGHTfiOUSNESS UNTO THEM 
 WHICH ABE EXERCISED THEREBY. HEB. XII. 11. 
 
 What causes the freshness which gives the flower 
 
 Its scent and its summer hue ? 
 It came in the dark and midnight hour 
 
 In drops of heavenly dew : 
 So, often in sorrow the soul receives 
 
 An influence from above, 
 "Which beauty, and sweetness, and freshness gives 
 
 To patience, and faith, and love. 
 
 EDMESTON. 
 
The last extract from her Journal represented Lady 
 Colquhouii as sitfFering from enfeebled health. This 
 trial was of long continuance ; but it was sanctified. 
 It turned her thoughts more stedfastly towards that 
 world of which she thought it hkely that she might 
 so soon be an inhabitant, and it roused her to make 
 more efforts for the good of that one which she was 
 leaving. Amongst other plans of usefulness was one 
 which, abruptly suggested, would have startled her 
 diffident and retiring nature; but the idea stole on 
 her so gently, and the process went on so imper- 
 ceptibly, that almost before she saw it formidable, 
 she found it a fact accomplished. During those 
 languid months when debarred from active employ- 
 ments, she might often be observed seated on her 
 camp-stool, beside the lake, or in some sheltered 
 spot, and with her pencil tracing her meditation as 
 it rose. And as such papers grew upon her hands, 
 
 K 2 
 
132 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 and she felt some pleasure in perusing them, the 
 thought occurred that in a connected form other 
 people might read them, and might haply derive 
 some profit. And she liked the scheme all the 
 rather when she thought how isolated she was, — how 
 few, comparatively, came within her personal in- 
 fluence, and how seldom, even to those few, she 
 could talk on the things importing their eternal 
 peace. So that this expedient of addressing 
 them anonymously in little books seemed quite the 
 plan for doing all the good and shunning aU the 
 notoriety. 
 
 Her first publication was the tract to which refer- 
 ence has abeady been made.* With that scrupulosity 
 which strikingly distinguished her character, it was 
 entitled, " A Narrative founded on Fact." Although 
 every particular was stated vdth aU the accuracy of 
 an excellent memory, yet, as she had taken no notes 
 at the time, and could not answer for every turn of 
 expression which occurs in the dialogue, she thought 
 it needful to insert this qualification. The story is 
 not only essentially true, but it is an afiecting record 
 of God's grace. It wfil be read with much 
 advantage by those who are in the habit of visiting 
 
 * " Despair and Hope." See p. 89. 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 133 
 
 their poor or afflicted neighbours, and we believe that 
 it has been the means of conveying to some troubled 
 spirits light and comfort. 
 
 Next year, viz., in 1823, appeared "Thoughts on 
 the ReUgious Profession and Defective Practice of the 
 Higher Classes of Society in Scotland. By a Lady." 
 This Httle volume she wrote with an especial eye to 
 her own personal acquaintances ; and though it did 
 not excite general attention, under her incognita she 
 was frequently cheered by knowing that it had fallen 
 into the very hands for which she designed it, and 
 that in some cases beneficial results had followed. 
 
 This encouraged her to give to the world, in 1825, 
 " Impressions of the Heart, relative to the nature and 
 excellence of Genuine Rehgion." Even in its 
 nameless disguise this work was widely circulated, 
 and from its good sense and high-toned spirituaUty, 
 along with the refinement of taste and delicacy 
 of feeling which it everywhere betokened, many of 
 her personal friends suspected the authoress. And 
 its popularity has not exceeded its merits. Of that 
 artistic skill which makes the most of materials, and 
 which, ia the pages of some celebrated female 
 essayists, brings out effects so brilliant. Lady Col- 
 quhoun was nowise ambitious ; and here and there 
 it would be easy for an ordinary critic to balance the 
 
134 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 antithesis more nicely, or nib into a sharper paradox 
 the pungent aphorism. But to a higher order of 
 readers these beautiful essays bear a special charm, 
 by reason of their graceftd ease and natural truthful- 
 ness. Like the conversation of their compiler, they 
 are genuine and inartificial, spontaneous and heart- 
 felt; but stiU the utterance of a mind whose every 
 tendency is upward, whose every association is with 
 things pvire and good and elevated. And in such 
 chapters as " The Invisible Mark," " Cease ye from 
 Man," "The Ascent of the Mountain," "The 
 Celestial Visitant," and " The Multitude before 
 the Throne," we are persuaded that aU congenial 
 minds will eagerly respond to the devotional fervour, 
 the bright but chastened fancy, and the holy 
 fidelity in which the gifted authoress has so weU 
 transcribed herseE Calm, cheerful, Christ-loving, 
 no book could be more rightly named than these 
 "Impressions of the Heart;" for, according to 
 the Indian's definition of writing, she who penned 
 them has " pressed her soul on paper." 
 
 " Minhurgh, 117, George-street, Jan. 19, 1823. — 
 After dinner, being unable to read aloud from my 
 cough, I had a most interesting conversation with a 
 very dear friend, for whom I prayed with tears and 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 135 
 
 faith. Since last Sabbath, and indeed before it, I 
 have been remarkably happy in my devotional 
 exercises. I have secm-ed more time for them, and have 
 been confined at home, my cold hindering me from 
 going to several parties. I have also been busily 
 employed in a work that seems strange to myself. 
 Early last summer my little book was published, and 
 has met with acceptance ; I even heard one instance 
 in which it had been beneficial ; praised be God ! 
 And I am now attempting something on a larger 
 scale, though whether or not it will see the hght, I 
 cannot tell. But I have been earnest in my prayers 
 for direction and assistance, which encourages me to 
 hope it may be blessed. Amen. 
 
 " March 2. — Again detained at home by a cough, 
 which has never entirely left me since coming 
 here. My frame has been far fi?om Hvely; but I 
 have had some feehng thoughts of my wants. Read 
 Traill's Works with great pleasure ; they are fuU of 
 spiritual food. My book came out last week. I have 
 prayed to be kept out of sight, and to be honoured 
 as an instrument in the hand of God. Who knows 
 what good may be done ? I have also prayed to be 
 kept humble if it should meet vvdth any approbation, 
 and I am not sensible of any elation regarding it. If 
 it should pass with little notice it could do me no harm. 
 
136 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 " 23. — ^Attended in the Canongate and in St. 
 George's, and heard two excellent sermons. Mr. 
 Thomson's, on the value of the Scriptures, was very- 
 striking. The duties of the evening were performed 
 as usual, and at night I really prayed. This day has 
 been comfortable; but last week I was much in 
 company, and I seem as unable as ever to withstand 
 its influence. I am almost weary of repeating my 
 conviction of gmlt, of weakness, of earthliness ; but 
 each day proves it, and every period of my life. In 
 town I fancy I should be better in the country ; in 
 the country I imagine a change of means would 
 enliven me. No. It is myself I would fly from. 
 
 wretched being, who shall deliver me ! I thank 
 God, through Jesus Christ, my Lord. 
 
 " Bossdhu, June 1. — One great cause of complaint 
 with regard to myself I think is, that I live too 
 little upon Christ. I could not live without him ; but 
 
 1 forget my need of daily and hourly supplies from 
 his hand of support and grace. I forget to ask his 
 aid, not merely formally in the morning, but often, 
 and as my necessities arise. I forget to hold with 
 him a continual intercourse of prayer and praise ; in 
 short, to hve by his constant bounty, as the Israehtes 
 lived by the heavenly manna.: — It has given me no 
 small concern to find that I am suspected by some 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQXJHOUN. 137 
 
 as the author of my last little work; but I have 
 entreated my Lord to manage for me everything 
 concerning it, and I am confident he wiH. 
 
 " 8. — No sermon at Luss, being the Sacrament 
 at Bonhill. Have, during the forenoon, been very 
 happy in reading and prayer, and in conversation 
 with Sir James on the great and glorious events 
 which we are led by prophecy to anticipate as very 
 near. In ah probability we shall be laid in the 
 grave before the time is fulfilled; but stOl the 
 prospect is cheering, that the kingdoms of this world 
 shall become the kingdoms of the Lord and his 
 Christ. 
 
 " 22. — Thanks be to his mercy, the love of Christ — 
 that long-wished-for grace — of late has dawned upon 
 my heart. I have been more alive to my Saviour's 
 beauty, and have felt my dependance upon him for 
 everything, ahke for one moment's comfort, and for 
 the happiness of a whole eternity. My intercourse 
 and communion with him have been sweeter, and I 
 can cast on his care myself and aU my concerns. I 
 feel the inferiority of creature love. Amen ; thus be 
 it to thy poor worthless child more and more, dear 
 Lord ! 
 
 "July 13. — Since last Sabbath a powerful tempta- 
 tion has occurred to my mind, and damped my joy. 
 
138 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 It was first impressed upon me that om* Lord is 
 not equal with God the Father ; but after searching 
 my Bible, this text set me at rest regarding that 
 point, 'Making himself equal with God,' an in- 
 ference which he does not deny, John v. 18. 
 But here my spiritual adversary did not rest; for 
 being relieved as to that point I was next tempted 
 to doubt the truth of revelation. Sad was my heart 
 for some days as I laboured to recoUect the evidences 
 that the Scriptures are divinely inspired. I felt that 
 Satan was envious of my hope in God, and strove 
 to destroy it ; and yet doubt would force itself on my 
 mind. If I had no God on whom to rest, all was 
 lost. Among other bookfe, 'Watson's Apology' 
 has been of use in leading me to see the reasonable- 
 ness of belief in Jesus. That the facts recorded 
 in the Bible are true, profane as well as sacred 
 history testifies ; and if these are true, Christianity is 
 true. O Lord, confirm my weak and wavering faith! 
 
 "13. — My faith is confirmed. The proofs from 
 prophecy, from miracles, from the life of Christ, from 
 the tendency of the Gospel, and many others, are 
 indeed satisfactory. And now, Lord, what wait I 
 for ? my hope is in thy word. 
 
 " 20, Communion Sabbath. — When I consider the 
 price paid for our redemption, how marvellous is the 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 139 
 
 theme ! So faxniliar to our thougMs lias it become 
 that we can scarcely reflect on the amazing truth that 
 God suifered to save us. O may I for ever live to 
 praise him ! He suffered in no slight measure, but 
 intensely, and with the natural dread and aversion from 
 agony that we all feel ; yet calmly, resolutely, and with 
 the dignity which his divinity alone could inspire. 
 
 "Aug. 31. — ^Death has made an inroad on my 
 real friends. My old and faithful servant, Morris,* 
 has gone to her eternal rest, full of days, at the age of 
 eighty. She brought up my beloved Hannah and 
 me, not only with care and affection, but with an 
 endeavour to lead us in the paths of piety. I rejoice 
 to think that we were a comfort to her in her 
 decUning years. And now I alone am left of our 
 nursery circle. Both the departed have gone, I trust, 
 to glory. Oh may I foUow ! 
 
 " Oct. 5. — Have to complain to-day of a lifeless 
 heart. What a difference is there between the duties 
 of rehgion as performed when the blessed Spirit 
 enlightens, warms, and purifies, and when all is the 
 outward act ! I hope, however, I am not wrong in 
 relying on the Saviour for acceptance, even in per- 
 forming duties such as these. He is perfect, and 
 through his sacrifice and righteousness my poor 
 * See p. 9. 
 
140 
 
 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 services will, I trust, be pardoned and received. In 
 going to cliurcli I saw a melanclioly scene. The 
 excessive rain of last nigtt liad flooded whole fields of 
 com, and in some places the sheaves had floated into 
 the lake, and the poor people were trying to save 
 them. 
 
 "117, George-street, Bdinlurgh, i^eS. 15, 1824. — 
 Oh how shall I praise the Lord for his goodness ! 
 Last week I was much in company, and alas, alas ! I 
 much forgot my God. But hearing that this was 
 the Communion Sabbath in the Canongate Chapel, 
 though without the possibility of devoting any time 
 to preparation, I resolved to attend, and never did 
 I enjoy more of the presence of God at his table. 
 Oh ! he is kind, he is gracious to a poor, weak, 
 inconsistent, lifeless creature. Every word of Mr. 
 Tait's exhortation reached my heart. He exhorted 
 us first to remember our transgressions, our short- 
 comings in duty, our unworthiness. I thought, I 
 am sure this is for me. But having wounded he 
 healed, and next pronounced the mourner 'blessed.' 
 He then exhorted us to expect largely, for here God 
 smeUs a sweet savour in Christ crucified; and he 
 concluded by enforcing holiness, — ^yea, to shine with 
 the lustre of holiness, while we exhibit the depth of 
 humihty. Returning home, I prayed to my exalted 
 
LIFE or LADT COLQUHOUN. 141 
 
 High Priest with very much feehng, giving myself 
 entirely up to him, and imploring his blessing on 
 me and my family for evermore. In the evening 
 I read to my young people and servants with pleasure, 
 and all the day have felt near to God, united to him 
 in covenant, complete in Christ. 
 
 " Bossdhu, Sept. 5. — Last Lord's-day I was in 
 Edinburgh, having gone for medical advice. . . . At- 
 tended St. George's with benefit ; but, alas ! I have 
 to record an act of transgression in return for the 
 Lord's mercy towards me. I was Living at the 
 
 British Hotel, and Mrs. asked me to dine with 
 
 her after sermon. We never accept invitations on 
 Sabbath; but somehow I agreed, as we were to 
 remain only two days in Edinburgh, and the following 
 one was to be spent with my father's family. It 
 did not occur to me that I had done wrong, tiU 
 I found how the evening was employed, and then 
 all the objections to my going occurred in full force ; 
 my own loss of spiritual feeling ; example to others ; 
 the remark of one asked to meet me, but who did 
 not come, and which stung me to the quick, — ' I am 
 sure I may do what Lady C. does ; ' besides the 
 employment of servants in preparation, &c. O Lord, 
 pardon this wilful offence, and may I never thus 
 spend thy holy day again ! 
 
142 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 
 
 " Oct. 17. — Being employed last week in some 
 deeds of mercy, rejoiced to think that such was the 
 frequent employment of my Lord. Was dehghted in 
 reviewing his character, and longed for greater as- 
 similation to it. 
 
 "Nov. 21. — Have been again in Edinburgh. 
 Went with Sir James to witness my sister Julia's 
 marriage to Lord Glasgow, ^n event which gives 
 satisfaction to the whole family. May it be blessed 
 to their everlasting good ! It was the time of the 
 Edinburgh sacrament. I attended in St. George's, 
 and was pleased, but I fear not much edified. This 
 day, at home, with no means but my book, my heart 
 has been with God. 
 
 " 4, Charlotte-square, Edinburgh, Jan. 16, 1825. — 
 I have been weak and low, and prevented last 
 Sabbath from writing here ; but I cried unto the 
 Lord and showed before him my trouble, aud he 
 Ustened to my supphcation. To-day have been twice 
 to St. George's, and particularly blessed in the 
 afternoon : the sermon upon ' abounding more and 
 more in religion.' My intended work, ' Impressions 
 of the Heart,' is in the press. Oh for a blessing 
 upon it ! Lord, hear my many prayers for this ! Let 
 it find acceptance with the world. Give it access, 
 not only to the closets, but to the hearts of thy 
 
LIFE OF LA.DY COLQUHOUN. 143 
 
 people. It is indeed much to ask from a means so 
 inconsiderable ; but, Lord, make it extensively useful. 
 "Feb. 6. — On Friday, accompanied by Sir James, 
 my brother George, Mrs. Sinclair, &c., drank tea 
 with Dr. Colquhoun of Leith. It was truly affecting 
 to hear the venerable man discourse on prayer and 
 other religious topics. He gave me and mine his 
 fullest blessing, and I was refreshed by the visit." 
 
 As has already been noticed. Dr. Colquhoun was a 
 native of Luss, and, of course, a member of the 
 clan. For nearly fifty years he was minister of the 
 New Kirk, Leith ; and to his sohd and systematic ex- 
 positions of Scripture hearers resorted not only from 
 the city of Edinburgh, but from places as remote 
 as Dalkeith and Newbattle. Besides Boston and 
 the Erskines, his theological models were Witsius and 
 Msestricht, Voetius and Cloppenburg, and his own 
 mind had all the system and precision of a Dutch 
 Divine. No modern better merited the title so often 
 bestowed on the puritans, — " a painful preacher of the 
 holy Gospel." His expositions were ready-made 
 commentaries, and every sermon was a chapter in a 
 forthcoming treatise, whilst his dehberate enuncia- 
 tion, hke an audible typography, rendered ample 
 justice to every italic, dot, and hyphen. It would, 
 
144 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 however, be a great mistake to fancy that he was 
 a mere systematist. Much as they valued his 
 methodical arrangement and exhaustive copiousness, 
 the best of his hearers prized still more his affec- 
 tionate applications of the truth, and the singular 
 judgment with which he handled questions of con- 
 science. And in the midst of his mUd catholicity, to 
 many there was a pecuhar charm in his covenanting 
 fervour. Some of them can still remember with what 
 pathos he used to pray that the Most High " would 
 revive the credit of a covenanted work of reforma- 
 tion, that he would repair the carved work of the 
 sanctuary, which had been broken dovra, and build up 
 the breaches of Zion, which are Mride as the sea ; " 
 and they can tell how, in concluding an exposition of 
 the Psalms which had lasted seventeen years, he 
 remarked, "I have much reason to bless the Lord 
 that I have never, like many of my brethren, been so 
 far left to myself as to use in the public worship 
 of God hjrmns of human composition." * 
 
 * It must be regretted that, in common with, so many dis- 
 tinguished ministers of the Church of Scotland, Dr. Col- 
 quhoun has passed away without any tribute to his memory. 
 The natural repositories — the religious magazines of the country, 
 are vainly searched for fuller notices. In the " Christian 
 Instructor," vol. xxvi. p. 860, two of the most remarkable 
 ministers of that day are thus disposed of : — 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 145 
 
 Except in theological soundness, the minister 
 named in the next paragraph was a great contrast to 
 Dr. Colquhoun. The fair, soft countenance, sur- 
 mounted by its sleek, yellow wig, the measured tones 
 and quiet air of the outer man, were in true keeping 
 with the phlegmatic temper of the South-Leith divine; 
 and as true an index of his lofty ideahsm and san- 
 guine through-going, were the tall form, the brUliant 
 but pensive eye, the nervous gait, and the impas- 
 sioned address which marked the pastor of Strath- 
 blane. By nature a recluse, and rejoicing in a 
 splendid hbrary, his philanthropy and his love of 
 freedom drew him frequently into public life, and 
 eventually health and life were lavished in efforts to 
 break up the rehgious apathy of a singularly callous 
 neighbourhood. With peculiar emotion the writer 
 sometimes recals those magnificent exhibitions of 
 redeeming love with which his own boyhood was 
 
 "Died, 28tli Oct. (1827) the Rev. Dr. Thomas Davidson, 
 of Muirhouse, one of the ministers of Tolbooth Church, 
 Edinburgh, in the 81st year of his age and 57th of his ministry. 
 
 " 27th November, the Rev. Dr. John Colquhoun, Minister 
 of the Chapel of Ease, Leith, in the 80th year of his age and 
 46th of his ministry." 
 
 For the above notice of Dr. Colquhoun the Editor is 
 indebted to his esteemed friend, Mr. Rowan, of the Free College 
 Library, Edinburgh. 
 
146 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOTJN. 
 
 familiar, and wonders how, like his fellow- 
 parishioners, he was so httle thriUed by their 
 grandeur, so little softened by their tenderness. To 
 Lady Colquhoun, however, these attributes of the 
 ardent evangelist were a sufficient attraction; and, 
 after the death of Dr. Buchanan, the minister who 
 enjoyed most of her friendship was Dr. Hamilton. 
 And it is only because her fittest biographer died 
 before her, that another pays to her Ladyship's 
 memory this tribute of inherited respect and attach- 
 ment. 
 
 "March 13. — Have been much in the society of 
 the pious during the past week, and it has been 
 blessed to me. I had an unexpected call from Dr. 
 Hamilton of Strathblane, which gave me great 
 pleasure. He wishes that I should give my name 
 to the next edition. Oh ! what shall I, what should 
 I do? Lord, take it or not as thou wilt, and may 
 my fears, or perhaps vanity, be quite excluded. I 
 would stand by, as having nothing to say in the 
 decision. Let thy glory, and thy pleasure be the 
 rule, and influence my mind according to these. On 
 Tuesday was at a dehghtful meeting for the Irish. 
 On Thursday heard Dr. Gordon preach a charity 
 sermon for difiusiag rehgious knowledge among the 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 147 
 
 poor. Friday dined with my brother- George, and 
 met Mr. Wynne, and some others ; and yesterday 
 George took me to call for Lady Carnegie. AH these 
 advantages have not been entirely lost upon me, but 
 have been the means of raising my heart to God. 
 Oh how dehghtftd will be the society of heaven, ever 
 with one another, and ever with the Lord ! 
 
 " Bossdhu, July 17. — Our communion. My mercies 
 are new and my feelings varied. In the first place I 
 have been greatly hindered in heart-work by bodily 
 weakness. When I would pray, I incline to sleep ; 
 and I have been greatly exhausted both to-day and 
 yesterday. Surely my Lord, my own Lord Jesus, 
 who was himseK united to humanity, knows this. 
 Would a kind father say to a worn-out child, Get up 
 and work ? May I not rather hope that the Re- 
 deemer's language to me is, ' the spirit is willing, but 
 the flesh is weak ? ' Nevertheless, I did come to 
 Christ, and I did hope in liim; and I do feel some 
 love to my adorable Saviour. With somethmg of 
 joyful anticipation I look forward to being with him 
 for ever. Here, I am labouring to catch a spark 
 or two of celestial fire ; but oh 1 to have it blazing 
 around me, enhghtening and warming my whole 
 affections in the paradise above 1 
 
 "May 28, 1826. — (Beginning a new volume of 
 
 L 2 
 
148 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 the MS. journal.) My life wears apace ! My 
 appointed time is running on, years roll over and 
 axe gone. Where are those with the occurrences of 
 which I filled my last little volume ? They have fled ; 
 but the remembrance of them lives not only in that 
 httle book, but in the mind of the eternal God. 
 Each thought and every action is present with him, 
 even as if it were only passing now. Then what 
 a poor creature do I appear ! and how rich is his 
 mercy in compassionating and blessing such! I 
 commence this book : shall I finish it ? or shall this 
 hand be arrested by death, and shall these fingers 
 be consigned to the grave to mix with their native 
 earth? Lord, thou knowest. But whatever awaits 
 thy child, be present, my God, to cheer, to support, 
 to strengthen, to sanctify, to glorify. Amen. Sir 
 James has been absent about a fortnight, attending 
 the General Assembly, of which he is for the first 
 time a member. 
 
 "July 9. — Oh how great is thy goodness towards 
 them that fear thee ! towards them that hope in thy 
 mercy ! Thou hast refreshed the soul of thy poor 
 weak servant, my God ! Last week we had the 
 happiness of a visit for some days from Mr. Malan 
 of Geneva, with whom James resided for a year. 
 He is a most devoted servant of God, and has been 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 149 
 
 the instnunent of arousing, and I hope confirming, 
 my too wavering faith. He dwells much on the 
 necessity of assurance, and even appears to think 
 it essential to saving faith. In this last I cannot 
 agree with him ; but I am convinced we doubt when 
 we ought not. Wherefore doubt? Is it not the 
 truth of God that we doubt ? Perhaps our sins 
 are the cause. Well, cleave the closer to the Saviour ; 
 we shall not fall away if he upholds us. Or, we are 
 not sure that we have come to Christ. Then come 
 now. To-day I am unable to attend the house of 
 prayer ; but oh ! how sweet were my morning hours, 
 when all the family were at church. Surely, Lord, 
 thy dear servant who was lately here cried mightily 
 unto thee for me, and thou hast heard his petitions. 
 Present thou wast, even as if I had seen thee with 
 me. I read the eighty-sixth and eighty -ninth 
 Psalms. In the latter I read that ' in thy righteous- 
 ness I am exalted.' The righteousness of God ! 
 noble thought ! clothed with this, how perfect am I ! 
 where can blemish be found ? I read that ' Thou, 
 Lord, art my strength.' Then I shall never, never 
 forsake thee, but go on from strength to strength. 
 I read that ' Thou, Lord, art my defence.' Then 
 evil cannot assail me. No, what I think evil is good, 
 God stands between me and aU harm. Let that 
 
150 LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. 
 
 barrier be broken, if it be possible ! I read, ' The 
 Holy One of Israel is my King, and help is laid on 
 One that is mighty.' Oh ! what a King ! Dear Lord, 
 thou art mighty, thou art holy ; I will fight under 
 thy banner ; I will rejoice in thy name all the day 
 long. 
 
 " JEdinhurgh, Feb. 11, 1827. — Have once more 
 heard good Dr. Marshman preach from Romans xii. 1. 
 Had likewise the pleasure of meeting him at my 
 brother's house last week. With my heart I gave 
 him the right hand of fellowship. We may never 
 meet again on earth, as he is going very soon again 
 to India, to Hve and die in his Master's service there ; 
 but I trust we shaU meet in the multitude of the 
 redeemed around the throne. My prayers ascend for 
 him that he may be supported in whatever trials he 
 is called to endure, and that after turning many to 
 righteousness he may shine as the stars for ever and 
 ever. 
 
 " Bossdhu, July 22, 1827. — ^A sweet day this, for 
 though not in his temple, I saw the beauty of my 
 King. I was prevented going from indisposition, 
 which however did not prevent enjoying myself at 
 home. I sat by the water's edge, and in my httle 
 summer-house, with the Bible ; and the loveliness of 
 Jesus never appeared to me more apparent. How 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 151 
 
 kind, how gracious his words ! I have been thinking 
 a good deal on the doctrine of assurance, of which 
 much is said since Dr. Malan's visit to Scotland. It 
 appears to me plain that assurance is perfectly war- 
 rantable in any sincere believer, and ought perhaps to 
 be more pressed upon such, than is often done ; but 
 I cannot exclude all who have it not. It is a grace, a 
 gift, and is not given to all; and I do believe 
 that saving faith exists without it. Does not our 
 Lord himself speak of weak faith, accompanied by 
 doubting? (Matt. xiv. 31.) I feel, however, that 
 unbehef is siniul, and do indeed hope, and am confi- 
 dent of being myself accepted, freely, for His name's 
 sake. Mrs. Bailhe and my sister M. are here. 
 
 " Edinburffh, Feb. 3, 1828.— Mr. Tait's sermon 
 was from these words, ' O Israel, thou shalt not be 
 forgotten of me,' and it did me good. Oh the 
 height and the depth of the love of God ! I have not 
 been forgotten of htm; not forgotten in youth, not 
 forgotten in trial, in care, in sickness ; not forgotten 
 when sinning, and forgetting God. Nor shall my 
 little unimportant concerns be forgotten while I live ; 
 nor shall I be forgotten to eternity ! Precious pro- 
 mise ! for days of sore trial may come, but if God 
 remembers his poor child they shall be mitigated. 
 And none of my prayers are forgotten. Lord, I 
 
162 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 would acknowledge when I have myself forgotten 
 them, thou hast often brought them to my recollec- 
 tion by granting their petitions. 
 
 " March 30. — In the evening went to my brother 
 George's, where Mr. Mejanel discoursed on the type 
 of the Brazen Serpent. We had a little conversation 
 on prayer, and he is almost the only person I have 
 found who seems to have completely my ovra views 
 on the subject ; that ' all things whatsoever we ask in 
 prayer, believing, we shall receive.' I know not what 
 words to use stronger or clearer than the language of 
 this delightful promise ; and why is it not credited ? 
 Mr. M. said that real Christians are warranted to 
 expect assuredly an answer to every prayer which 
 they can offer vdthout doubting of its success; 
 because this confidence is given by the Spirit of God ; 
 because his Word declares that when they pray 
 believing, they receive their petitions ; and because 
 they vnU not be permitted by God thus to ask and 
 yet ask amiss. By many this would be thought pre- 
 sumption or enthusiasm; but it has long been my 
 belief, founded on experience and the promises. 
 
 "18, Circus, Edinburgh, April 5, 1829. — This is 
 
 the last Sabbath previous to my beloved 's 
 
 leaving me. I feel strangely in the prospect of her 
 being removed from my care, and sorrowfdly when I 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 153 
 
 think of the days that are past, her mfant years as 
 well as those when she has been my sweet and 
 cheerful companion. This marriage is the subject 
 of my ardent prayer; therefore it is well, it is 
 right. I know the Lord hears his poor ungrateful 
 servant, and this completely satisfies me as to the 
 result. 
 
 "Bossdhu, April 26. — My beloved H. and Mr. R. 
 are now in London. They have been pecuharly on 
 my mind to-day, and I have again and again prayed 
 importimately for them. I rejoice in this ; for I know 
 that prayer, real prayer, is heard; and therefore I 
 beheve that spiritual and eternal blessings await my 
 children. I am happy to add that since my return 
 home, I have felt spiritually minded, which is life 
 and peace. I feel confidence in God, and commit aU 
 my concerns into his hand, beheving that he vdll 
 manage for me, what might seem immaterial to a 
 feUow-worm, but which is not beneath the notice of 
 the Eternal. I expect to have more tokens of his 
 faithfulness yet to write of. 
 
 "Edinburgh, March 20, 1831.— I feel that I am 
 not living for God solely and exclusively, as I ought 
 to do, and as his people do. I feel a worldly, carnal 
 spirit, and a sort of put-off rehgion which quiets 
 the conscience, but which does me little good, and 
 
154 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 is not the radical principle influencing every thought. 
 I know it is worldly care which has hurt me, and 
 that Satan has found out a point in which I am 
 indeed vulnerable, my anxiety respecting my family; 
 and he tempts me to forsake the fountain of hving 
 water and hew out broken cisterns, which can hold 
 no water. 
 
 " Bossdhu, June 12. — ^Another happy Sabbath 
 spent at home. This being BonhiU sacrament there 
 is no sermon at Luss. The influences of the Spirit 
 were certainly visible this day in leading my heart 
 to God. The character of Christ appeared to me in 
 something of its genuine loveliness. I could pray with 
 fervour, and feel what I read. Dr. Hamilton's 
 "Mourner in Zion comforted," I found in many 
 parts in unison with my own experience, and I read 
 it with pleasure. Thus, when God is pleased to 
 breathe on these dry bones they live. It may be 
 needless to repeat that I am nothing, and can do 
 nothing, but I am deeply sensible of the truth of 
 it. My family having grown up, their various 
 interests, and connexions, and plans have certainly 
 led me in heart more into the world than I ever 
 expected to be ; but the Lord is faithful ! He will 
 find a method of escape, and surely I shall enter 
 glory, shouting, ' Grace, grace.' 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 155 
 
 ''Regency-square, Brighton, Isfov. 27. — Last Lord^s- 
 day was little like the Sabbath to me. I was in the 
 steam-vessel, and unable to sit up at all from sickness. 
 But in my little berth I remembered my God and was 
 enabled to confide in him. Some repairs necessary to 
 the safety of the ship, which had encountered a storm 
 in coming from London, rendered a delay of two 
 days necessary, and thus I was compelled to be at 
 sea on Sunday, which I had particularly planned to 
 avoid. Our passage was perfectly safe, and my 
 prayers respectrag it aU heard. Was one day in 
 London. How affecting to see that place ! so many 
 interesting years have elapsed since I was there 
 before, and two of my dearest friends there, my 
 much-loved sister and excellent nurse, Morris, are 
 gone to glory. On my way here I saw Mr. Maitland, 
 of Clapham ; — Oh ! how changed ! He is quite help- 
 less from palsy ; but he is one of the Lord's people, 
 and all is well. Nothing could be better ordered 
 than every thing has been respecting this journey. 
 Sarah and James have accompanied me, and Sir 
 James is to follow in January. Mr. Ueade* and 
 Helen we found well, and they are to be with us 
 here. The Lord has fixed the bounds of our habita- 
 tion in a good and cheerful house, and to crown 
 
 * John Page Eeade, Esq., of Stutton, Suffolk, her son-in-law. 
 
156 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 all, my heart has been much with him in prayer and 
 praise. Went to St. James's and heard an excellent 
 sermon, — 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower.' 
 What a tower of strength that name has been to me ! 
 And shall it not continue to be so till death, in 
 judgment, and throughout eternity ? 
 
 " Jan. 1, 1832. — Have again been twice at church, 
 first in the Chapel Royal, where I saw their Majesties, 
 
 and heard the Bishop of preach. I trust the 
 
 truths of the Gospel may sometimes bless the Royal 
 party, but certainly it was not so to-day. I felt inte- 
 rested in our Queen, who seems religiously inclined. 
 
 "Jan. 15. — Have again listened with much plea- 
 sure twice to Mr. EUiot. Sir James arrived here 
 in perfect safety last week, and my brother George is 
 also with us. He gave a noble proof to-day of 
 devotedness to the King of kings. When an invitation 
 from the palace came for him to dine with our 
 monarch on this sacred day, he did not hesitate a 
 moment to send a refusal, which he did in most 
 respectful and affectionate terms. How this will be 
 taken it is impossible to say; but I rejoice that an 
 opportunity has been afforded my brother of shewing 
 his sincerity at the Court, and that I have a brother 
 capable of acting thus. May the Almighty bless 
 and preserve him ! " 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 157 
 
 The incident to whicli the foregoing extract relates 
 aiforded great dehght to Lady Colquhoun. Her 
 brother was staying with her at the time, and as 
 valued reUcs she preserved the card of invitation, 
 dated, " Pavihon, Jan. 15, 1832," and a copy of the 
 answer which she sought leave to transcribe. And 
 we are sure that Sir George Sinclair wiU forgive the 
 pubhcation of that letter if it contribute, however 
 remotely, to a cause which he has much at heart. 
 
 " Sire, — No one can value more highly than I do the 
 honour and privilege of being at any time permitted 
 to enjoy that social intercourse with which your 
 Majesty has, on so many occasions, been pleased 
 to indulge me for so many years. But I am fully 
 aware with how much consideration your Majesty 
 enters into the feehngs and sympathizes with the 
 wishes of those whom you honour with your friend- 
 ship. I have for some time past been led to entertain 
 very different notions from those which I once 
 cherished as to the observance of this day, and sub- 
 scribe fuUy to the views which the Church, and I 
 may add, the legislature, have laid down with respect 
 to its importance. Encouraged by the latitude of 
 discussion which your Majesty has so long and so 
 kindly vouchsafed, I lately took the liberty, though in 
 opposition to your Majesty's opinion, to maintain that 
 
158 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 not merely a part but the whole of this day should 
 be devoted to those great purposes for which divine 
 authority has set it apart. I may be permitted to 
 add, from grateful experience, that this decision has 
 its reward even here. I have found that God honors 
 those who honor him, and, though encompassed with 
 sin and infirmity, I can testify, that he is not an 
 austere Master, that he has strength for aU our 
 weaknesses, indemnity for aU our sacrifices, and 
 consolation for all our troubles. 
 
 " I feel bound, on principle of conscience, to deny 
 myself, what is always one of my most valued gratifi- 
 cations, that of paying my humble and most affiec- 
 tionate respects this day, and must rest satisfied with 
 renewing in my retirement those earnest supplications 
 for your Majesty's health and happiness which are 
 equally dictated by regard for the public welfare and 
 by a thankfully cherished remembrance of much 
 distinguished and unmerited kindness. 
 
 " I have the honor," &c. 
 
 The sequel was no less worthy of the King. Next 
 morning, whilst they were seated round the breakfast 
 table, a royal messenger arrived charged with an 
 invitation to the Pavihon that evening. His Majesty 
 made no allusion to the letter; but to show how 
 perfectly he appreciated the motives of his guest, 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 159 
 
 he went beyond even his usual urbanity and kindness ; 
 and to the close of his reign no interruption occurred 
 in a friendship equally honorable to the accomphshed 
 commoner and to the frank and warm-hearted 
 monarch. To every pious subject it must also be 
 a source of hvely satisfaction to know that in the 
 Pavihon itself originated measures which have ma- 
 terially tended to promote the better observance of 
 the Sabbath in Brighton. It is said that there were 
 certain arrangements in the Royal household which 
 undesignedly entailed a large amount of Sunday 
 labor ; but when the facts were represented to Queen 
 Adelaide, she immediately commanded that the 
 orders in question should be given on Monday 
 instead of Saturday as heretofore; and this act of 
 Christian consideration has been extensively copied to 
 the great rehef of many a laundress who formerly could 
 not " remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." 
 In unison with this tribute to the Divine command 
 was the injunction of our present Queen, forbidding 
 the exhibition, on the Lord's-day, of the state-apart- 
 ments at Windsor Castle ; an act which, along with 
 Her Majesty's patronage of the Sabbath-observance 
 movement among the working classes, has given a 
 much-loved Sovereign an additional claim to the grati- 
 tude and attachment of a Christian people. 
 
160 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 And here we may notice the loyalty of Lady 
 Colquhoun's religion. . She - had no ambition to 
 " dwell in king's houses," and notwithstanding the 
 favor in which both her father and brother stood with 
 successive sovereigns, her biographer is not sure that 
 she was ever presented at Covirt. And when, on the 
 occasion of the Royal visit to Edinburgh in 1822, her 
 husband went to do homage to George IV., from 
 aversion to scenes of gaiety and grandeur she forbore 
 to accompany him. But frequent allusions in her 
 diary showed how eagerly she hailed every indication 
 of piety in high places, and how mindful she was 
 to make intercession for kings and aU in authority. 
 She had hnks of attachment to the throne which gave 
 to her loyalty a sentiment more affectionate than the 
 duteous feehng of an ordinary subject ; and it would 
 be well for the land if the same personal and 
 prayerful interest in its rulers were shared by a 
 larger portion of the religious community. 
 
 "London, March 25, 1832. — ^We returned here 
 last night, after spending a few days pleasantly at Mr. 
 Fuller Maitland's. We are on our way to Stutton, 
 where we intend being to-morrow. At Kingston I 
 went with Miss Massie and saw my beloved sister's 
 grave; it is in a pretty and peaceful resting-place. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOXJN. 161 
 
 The chancel of the church where she is laid is 
 venerable and very spacious ; Jhere she will arise at 
 the resurrection of the just. I have felt animated 
 and invigorated by intercourse with the pious. Oh 
 for grace to follow the footsteps of the flock ! To-day 
 I again had the privilege of hearing Mr. Howells, and 
 having a pencil I wrote dovra a few of his striking 
 observations. From the first lesson for the day 
 (Gen. xxxix.) he noticed the superiority which God's 
 people may acquire over temptation ; that our best 
 security from it is in flight; that the reahty of our 
 principles is generally in some way or other tried; 
 and that we may learn from this chapter tenderness to 
 dehnquents, which Potiphar showed to Joseph, be- 
 lieving him guilty. The second lesson was in John 
 xii. ; from which he observed that our Lord's humili- 
 ation was real, and not like man's, who is often proud 
 of it; that Christ's death was as necessary for our 
 salvation as that wheat must be put into the ground 
 before it springs again; that the beauty of God is 
 hoHness, and how can we hope to attain beauty in 
 anything else ? The sermon was from Jeremiah 
 xxxii. 40. He said, God puts his fear in the heart 
 and keeps it there. The will of God is all holy and 
 good, and when we shall know aU his counsel we shall 
 rejoice in it for ever. The fear is in the believer's heart ; 
 
162 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 his whole heart is changed to love what God loves. 
 He has motives to fear and love God that angels have 
 not. They were not redeemed from sin and saved by 
 Christ's death as he is. Believers fear God from his 
 moral perfections. They fear him in his providence. 
 Have we then seen the beauty of God in his holiness? 
 Have we experienced the pleasure of religion ? And 
 do we rejoice in the appointments of God ? He con- 
 cluded thus : God appoints everything for me, I know 
 it is best for me, I have nothing to do with it, 
 but rest satisfied with his wiQ. Every thing is wel- 
 come that God vdUs. I shall rejoice in it hereafter, 
 and I will rejoice in it now. I need have no anxiety, 
 for aU is arranged by infinite wisdom, and by my 
 Pather. 
 
 " Bossdhu, June 10, 1832. — There is again no ser- 
 mon in this parish, and again I am spending the day 
 happily and profitably. Enjoyed much trust and con- 
 fidence in prayer. Read over a year or two of this 
 book, — ^the latter part of it ; and with thankfulness and 
 pleasure I trace that religion has advanced during the 
 last twelve months. Before this there was a season of 
 declension. I know weU by whose power the good 
 seed is preserved ; and I thank God and take courage. 
 I was much gratified to observe more attention to 
 rehgious reading in my family than common. I went 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 163 
 
 out with the Bible and read at the side of the lake, 
 with much pleasure, the last chapter of St. Luke. I 
 have also satisfaction in the instruction of my maids, 
 who were all attentive and interested. 
 
 " Sept. 16, 1832. — I hope I continue in a frame of 
 mind more like a Christian, than I sometimes expe- 
 rience, but I am far from meaning that any high 
 degree of devotional feeling is my attainment. My 
 best days are thus spent ; in prayer I feel that I 
 address an exalted Priend, who, I believe, Ustens to 
 and answers my supplications. I feel a greater sense 
 of the reality of the being and presence of God. I 
 go from prayer, like Hannah, ' with my countenance 
 no more sad.' I feel a greater soHcitude that myseK 
 and others should do the wUl of God. I feel a 
 greater satisfaction in thinking of God and a future 
 state, and I am more reconciled to the thoughts of 
 leaving the world. And then aU seems bright and 
 cheering, for I commit my present and future con- 
 cerns to the guidance of Almighty power and wisdom. 
 Such as this, is the most I know of experimental 
 rehgion; ecstasies or any rapturous emotions were 
 never mine. Perfect, Lord, that which concerneth 
 me ! 
 
 "Leamington, Boyal Hotel, March 3, 1833. — I 
 have been here more than a week, and have reason to 
 
 M 2 
 
164 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 bless God for many things regarding my removal 
 from home and the state of health in which I found 
 my dear H — . We are comfortably settled here,- 
 and I commit my way to the Lord, trusting in him. 
 My religious feeling has been very low of late, but 
 seems to revive in some degree to-day. I have not 
 been able to attend public worship, having caught 
 a bad cold on the journey. 
 
 " March 17. — I certainly have to lament (yet how 
 little, in truth, do I feel it !) that religion is at a very 
 low ebb with me at present. I have been twice 
 at church to-day, and in the morning heard a scrip- 
 tural sermon from Mr. Pope ; but I have httle feehng 
 of the truths of the Gospel. In the evening I had 
 the chamber-maids of the Hotel up, as I had last 
 Lord's-day, to read and explain to them from the 
 Bible, and I was interested and did my best to make 
 the way of salvation plain to them. I have also been 
 distributing tracts here." 
 
 It would be a disastrous winter which should 
 surprise us in midsummer ; but the great Creator has 
 a way of bringing it so gently on that the world is 
 ready for its arrival, and aU the better for its visit. 
 The day shortens ; the forest seres ; and the world is 
 warned. The air cools; the fervors of the solstice 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 165 
 
 are forgotten, and before the frost appears the world 
 is acclimatized. And by a process somewhat similar, 
 when grief is coming om* Heavenly Father often fore- 
 warns and fortifies his children. So was it with the 
 subject of this biography. In her serene and happy 
 domestic life the simimer was now past and the 
 harvest ending; but God forewarned her. She saw 
 with steps progressive, though not startling, that 
 disease advancing which was to summon from beside 
 her the husband of her youth ; and the impression of 
 approaching widowhood was strengthened by a dream 
 which so fastened in her memory that she could not 
 shake it out. But she had a stiU better preparation. 
 There is no fence against the storm so effectual as 
 vigorous health and a pulse firmly bounding; and 
 God gave her the preparation of soul-prosperity. 
 The last quotation from her journal complains of 
 languor ; the next extracts will show how delectation 
 and trust in God revived, and how by beneficent 
 labours she was regaining spiritual tone and elasticity. 
 Nor, in connexion with the sequel, wiU the reader 
 fail to observe that special providence which called her 
 attention so seasonably to the treatise of the good old 
 Puritan. 
 
 "Bossdhu, April 28. — ^When thinking over the 
 
166 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 
 
 ways of providence, I saw in a bookseller's shop 
 Flavel's ' Divine Conduct of Providence.' Struck with 
 the title 1 bought it. Every word came home to my 
 heart and to my experience. Oh let me praise the 
 Lord for wonderful compassion to a poor sinful worm ! 
 I feel safe in his everlasting arms and in believing 
 that he will perform all things for me. 
 
 " May 5. — To-day I am at home, having a cold, or 
 probably influenza, which is aU over the kingdom at 
 present. I bless God that my frame of mind, 
 although not particularly lively in religious duty, is 
 settled, calm, and not without interest in the subject. 
 I have been enabled to pray in reahty and to commit 
 every concern to God, and to view him ordering all 
 my Httle affairs as- if- there were no other being to 
 care for in the universe. It is thus only that we 
 can bring it home to our hearts that the great 
 God careth for us ; for we are apt to imagine that, 
 Hke man. He cannot manage so much at once, and 
 will be forgetful of what is infinitely interesting to his 
 creatures. Flavel's book on Providence continues to 
 charm me, being completely in unison with all my ex- 
 perience. AU that he says I have known and felt. 
 
 " June 2. — Since writing the above I have been in 
 Edinburgh, with Sir James. His medical attendant 
 there (Dr. Wood) has prescribed various remedies, 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 167 
 
 but evidently thinks seriously of his complaints. O 
 Lord, fit and prepare him and me for whatever may 
 be thy vstU respecting him. I feel assured that God 
 is ordering everything for the very best as regards 
 him ; and one thing gives me the greatest pleasure, — 
 the rehgious impressions my dear husband seems to 
 feel. 
 
 " July 30. — I was at church and taught the school. 
 Oh ! for ever blessed be the Lord ! I now feel as if 
 on a rock, as if God will assuredly so manage every 
 concern for good that no evil shall ever befall me. I 
 do commit my way to Him and trust also in Him. 
 The children whom I teach at the school appear 
 interested, and I am encouraged to hope for a 
 spiritual blessing to them. Amen. 
 
 " October 27. — To-day I took leave of the Sabbath- 
 school, the days being too short to admit of teaching 
 it. I spoke to the girls as impressively as I could, 
 and was happy to observe the greatest interest in 
 most of them. The regular scholars, after a short 
 vacation, wiU meet for rehgious instruction on 
 Mondays, I rejoiced this Sabbath in the Lord, 
 who performeth all things for me, and in whom I 
 am complete. Nothing beside him have I to trust to 
 for temporal or spiritual benefits, — ^yet what more 
 would I desire than a Divine Redeemer ? 
 
168 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 "Jan. 12, 1834. — Have heard of the death of my 
 dear Christian sister-in-law, Mrs. Campbell, of Stone- 
 field. She died at Pan, fuU of peace and hope. She 
 will be an irreparable loss to her family, and a real 
 loss to me. May I be enabled to follow her steps, 
 for they lead to glory ! 
 
 " Edinhurgh, April 6. — ^Was much gratified last 
 week by finding that my little work, ' Impressions 
 of the Heart,' is completely sold off and out of print, 
 and that another edition is called for. To me it is 
 a very pleasing thought that it is now in the hands of 
 so many. I feel a hope that the Lord will use me for 
 his glory. I thank God and take courage in the 
 prosecution of the work I am now writingi Neither 
 win be pubhshed tOl next winter, as this town wfil 
 soon empty now. 
 
 " Bossdhu, April 20. — Once more settled in our 
 beautiful abode, where nature, or rather nature's 
 God, has done so much to charm the eye. I have 
 much reason for gratitude that my dear husband has 
 been so much benefited by medical advice while in 
 Edinburgh. We have aU returned in prosperous 
 circumstances ; but I am detained at home to-day 
 by a rheumatic pain in the face, which has been 
 troublesome for more than a week. This forenoon 
 it is easier; and, along with the Bible, I have been 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 169 
 
 reading Neff's interesting ' Memoir.' Have felt rather 
 stupid and sleepy; but our merciful High Priest is 
 touched with a feehng of our infirmities. 
 
 "May 18. — I was enlivened in religious respects 
 last week by a visit, for a single night, from good 
 Dr. Malan, of Geneva. It is now eight years since 
 he was here before ; and although I was not so much 
 impressed by his conversation as I then was, still 
 I think I was sensibly benefited by it. I am led 
 at present to Hve nearer to God, with a more simple 
 dependance upon him for everything. This day I 
 was more spiritually minded than last Sabbath, and 
 employed myself as usual. 
 
 " Dec. 7. — Experienced real joy this morning in 
 considering that some works of mercy I lately per- 
 formed are acceptable and pleasing to God. This 
 was no self-righteous feeling; for I well know with 
 how much sin all I do is mingled: but it was 
 dehght in thinking I had pleased my best Eriend. 
 I continue happy in communion with him, and 
 trusting in his grace. 
 
 "May 3, 1835.— My kind Christian friend. Dr. 
 Hamilton, of Strathblane, is, alas ! no more. He 
 died, after a short illness, a fortnight ago. Last week 
 I paid my first visit to the prison at Dumbarton. 
 I have undertaken to superintend the female pri- 
 
170 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 soners. May - a blessing rest on my poor en- 
 deavours ! " 
 
 It was by the excellent Mrs. lYy that Lady Col- 
 quhoun was first enlisted in the arduous business of 
 prison-visitation. In a letter vrritten to Mrs. Reade 
 about this period she alludes to these labours : — 
 
 " I was very much interested in the poor depraved 
 boy, and have succeeded in obtaining permission 
 to have him taught to read, about which I was very 
 anxious, as in this way access would be got to his 
 mind. And much to my gratification I have got a 
 very fit person to teach him. He is a schoolmaster 
 in the place, and enters zealously into the business. 
 He went to see his scholar when I was there, and 
 said he had never met with such deplorable ignorance. 
 The youth had never seen a Bible, had never heard 
 of a God, excepting to hear his name taken in vain, 
 and had never entered a church. His master is to 
 strive to instruct him in religion along with the A, B, C. 
 I also visited the poor woman the day before she was 
 Hberated. She received me with great pleasure, said 
 she 'had been through the book I gave her, three 
 times,' and expressed much gratitude for some tracts 
 I left with her. I asked if she would read them. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 171 
 
 ' Yes, ma'am, that I will,' said she, ' and take them 
 wi' me wherever I go.' She is poor, and after 
 thinking whether I ought to give her money or not, 
 as she is rather too covetous I I ventured to give her 
 half-a-crown, thinking she might have nothing when 
 she left the prison. This quite overcame her, and she 
 only said, • Ma'am, I do not deserve it,' with tears 
 in her eyes." 
 
 "July 12. — I have seen much since last I wrote 
 here," the journal resumes, "having been with Sir 
 James and Sarah in Ireland. I spent two Sabbaths 
 very happily there, — the first in Dublin, where 
 I heard Mr. Matthias, of Bethesda Chapel, preach, 
 and Mr. Stewart, of Union Chapel, both dear 
 servants of God. The sermon of the latter, on 
 the influences of the Spirit, came home to my 
 heart; and the whole service, which was in the 
 Presbyterian form, seemed to do me good. The 
 next Sabbath we were at Cushendall, on our way to 
 the Giant's Causeway, — a sweet little village, and 
 where there is a Gospel ministry. I enjoyed the 
 whole day, and my heart seemed alive and happy. 
 I distributed some tracts in poor Ireland, which were 
 gladly received, even by the Cathohcs. On our 
 return to Belfast, I was gratified to meet some 
 apparently very serious Christians, in a shop of the 
 
173 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 
 
 name of M' . One of the sisters gave me a pHal 
 
 of their lavender-water as a remembrance. 
 
 "Sept. 13. — Have been in Edinburgh, where my 
 dear husband's health called me. He consulted 
 Dr. Abercrombie and Dr. Wood. The opinion of 
 both seems to be, that his complaints are alarming. 
 I have long thought so. Oh ! may the Almighty 
 fit him for death, if such is His vdU, and give 
 me strength of body and mind for whatever scenes 
 await me. 
 
 " Sept. 20. — My dear Sir James having been worse 
 than usual, we have fixed on going to Edinburgh 
 to reside, on Tuesday next. This is, therefore, my 
 last Sabbath here for the present ; and, alas ! it 
 appears to me probable that the term when I 
 inhabited this retired and beautiftd abode is now 
 about to end. If so, the Almighty vriU again fix the 
 bounds of my habitation, and I shall be where it 
 is best I should. I have endeavoured to call my 
 beloved husband's attention to what I conceive to be 
 his real state, and I have the heartfelt satisfaction to 
 see him anxious to prepare for life or death. To-day 
 I remained at home with him. Everything regarding 
 our removal to Edinburgh seems providentially ar- 
 ranged. My God continues good. 
 
 " 110, Princes-street, Edinburgh, Sept. 27. — ^We 
 
LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. 173 
 
 have been here for some days, and all has been 
 mercifully ordered respecting our removal. My dear 
 husband is, on the vrhole, better, and has been able 
 to-day to attend in a small chapel in Young-street, 
 where we have got seats, and where a truly pious 
 young man, of the name of Moody, preaches. I 
 have felt rather enlivened from his preaching and 
 prayers, for I have been dull and dead in a great 
 measure to spiritual things. One thought has 
 cheered me, — ^that it appears to me I could give up 
 everything here for God, were I called to it, and did 
 I see Him as He is. I think I shall soon require all 
 the consolation the Gospel affords, and I shall not 
 need without enjoying it. He who has brought me 
 hitherto, and supported me in every emergency, will 
 continue to do so to the end. 
 
 "Sunday, Nov. 1. — Since writing here this day 
 fortnight, there is no very material change in my dear 
 charge. I am still passing through the dark scene of 
 my nearest earthly relation's death, or rather its 
 forerunners. He has talked to me frequently of his 
 religious hopes. He Ues like a httle cMld at the 
 foot of the cross. He says he is vnlhng to be saved 
 in Christ's ovra way, and to serve God to all eternity, 
 and to cast his crown at the foot of the Lamb as 
 humbly as any in heaven. I have always prayed, at 
 
174 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 least to see him die in the Lord, and trust my 
 merciful, forgiving Saviom- has received him into the 
 number of his own. This is the sacrament Sabbath 
 here. I am unable to leave Sir James long, but 
 mean to attend a table service in St. George's, and 
 perhaps the evening sermon. 
 
 "Jan. 3, 1836. — This new year has come mourn- 
 fully in to me, — ^my father just dead, my husband 
 without hope of recovery ! But still the Lord liveth ! 
 Blessed, said the Psalmist, be my Rock ! God is 
 indeed a Refuge from the storm. O that I could 
 lean more on a Foimdation so sure ! There is no 
 risk that it wiU totter, or fail me. 
 
 " 2At7i. — Still my dear Sir James Uves. He is the 
 shadow of what he was. His medical attendants 
 give me no hope that he will long survive. Perhaps 
 ere this hallowed day returns, he may be gone to the 
 house appointed for aU Hving, and his spirit may be 
 rejoicing among the blessed. I wait the sovereign 
 win of my Lord, and beheve that He is doing well. 
 Last night, in reading a sermon of my late worthy 
 pastor. Dr. Buchanan, I was reminded of his prac- 
 tical piety; and the beauty of the Gospel precepts 
 captivated me. I remembered former days, when the 
 purity of the lessons of God's Word was so much 
 my deUght. I felt as if I had lost ground, and 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 175 
 
 earnestly prayed to grow and sliine in universal 
 holiness." 
 
 Mournfully passed that long winter; nor were 
 their toils who watched over the sufferer cheered by 
 any hope of recovery. " The post of observation 
 darkened every hour ; " and to affection it made the 
 trial greater that the mental faculties at last partook 
 of the body's extreme exhaustion, and left httle 
 power of intercourse. But to Lady Colquhoun it 
 was a ceaseless comfort, and it helped to inspire her 
 fervent prayers, that up to the last hour of conscious- 
 ness her beloved husband listened vdth meek earnest- 
 ness to every portion of Scripture which she read, 
 and joined devoutly in every petition offered in his 
 hearing ; whilst in prospect of his coming change, 
 he uniformly declared that the Saviour was his only 
 hope. During these silent watchings word was 
 brought that her venerable father was laid aside from 
 his long and patriotic labours; and, throughout his 
 brief decline, Sir James found a melancholy source of 
 interest in the communications which daily went and 
 came betwixt their sick-rooms. 
 
 On the 21st of December Lady Colquhoun spent 
 some time with her father, and in the course of 
 conversation he caressed a wish that she would affix 
 
176 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 her name to her pubhcations. Two hoiirs afterwards 
 the tidings of his death gave touching import to the 
 interview, and added to the request the solemnity of 
 a dying charge. Sir John was gathered to his fathers 
 from the midst of a hale old age and its cheerful 
 occupations ; and in a few weeks some of the 
 mourners who encircled his grave in Holyrood 
 Chapel, were called to join the sable procession which, 
 up the Vale of Leven, and through the solemnized 
 hamlets, conveyed to the ancestral cemetery the dust 
 of his son-in-law. As it passed, one aged clansman 
 was propped up in bed, and when he saw the hearse 
 containing the lifeless form of his much-loved land- 
 lord, the old man fainted away ; and everywhere was 
 manifested the emotion of a people reverential to old 
 lineage, and grateful to the proprietor whom constant 
 residence had converted into their friend and pro- 
 tector. It was a fine winter's day, and the sunshine 
 had suspended the frost, when, round the old 
 "chapel," were congregated the tenantry of Luss, 
 Row, and Arrochar, as well as many friends, and the 
 gentlemen of the comity, and, borne on the shoulders 
 of three Grants and three Colquhouns, the coffin was 
 lowered into its appropriate resting-place.* Soon 
 
 * Sir John Sinclair died Dec. 21, 1835, aged eighty-one. 
 Sir James Colquhoun died Feb. 3, 1836, aged sixty-one. The 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 177 
 
 after, the sanctuary where so many generations sleep 
 was set in order, and in its roofless solitude, or 
 beneath the shadow of its coeval evergreens, the 
 widowed survivor often Hngered ; and there she often 
 mused on the day when, in the rising of His 
 redeemed, the Saviour shall complete His own 
 resurrection, and consummate their fcHcity. 
 
 The following is the passage in the journal which 
 records this most solemn occurrence in her personal 
 history : — 
 
 "Feb. 7, 1836. — At length my fears are realized ! 
 He to whom I was related by the nearest earthly tie, 
 departed this hfe on Wednesday the 3d and has left 
 me to mourn his loss. I was indeed long prepared for 
 the blow ; yet nature will feel, nor are we forbidden 
 to weep. I dread being more sensible to the afflic- 
 tion hereafter, as there is a bustle incident to such a 
 time which has a tendency to divert the mind, and, 
 alas ! to rob us of the improvement we might derive 
 from it. Apparently my beloved husband suffered 
 
 usage above mentioned has obtained since the time of Sir James 
 Grant. He married Anne Colquhoun, heiress of Luss. Their 
 eldest son succeeded to the Grant estate, and was an ancestor 
 of the Earl of Seafleld; their second son succeeded to the 
 estate and baronetage of Colquhoun. 
 
178 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 for fourteen hours before rather severely; but his 
 medical attendants assured me that from want of 
 consciousness he was not sensible of pain. Yesterday 
 the dear remains were deposited in the coffin ; I loved 
 to look at them, and feel grieved that they must be 
 removed from my care. The key of the room I 
 kept, and many times I had looked on the counte- 
 nance, which fully retained the likeness, and was 
 placid and serene. Lord, I would trust that he 
 is justified freely by thy grace, that he is accepted 
 vdthout money and vdthout price. This was aU his 
 hope and all his desire. And now be to me a 
 husband, a father, a sanctifier, a strong tower to 
 which I may continually resort. AU my hope centres 
 in thee, my God, my all ! " 
 
 It was during this sad and anxious winter that the 
 new edition of her " Impressions " was pubhshed, as 
 well as a companion volume, entitled " The Kingdom 
 of God." In obedience to both her father and 
 husband she now overcame her natural sensitiveness 
 and placed her name on the title-page ; and there can 
 be no doubt that this authentication added weight 
 and interest to works which the rehgious community 
 had ah'eady learned to appreciate. How little of 
 hterary vanity mingled with what was truly a 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 179 
 
 Cliristian sacrifice may be seen from the following 
 extract : — 
 
 "Jan. 10, 1836. — Last week I did what I never 
 expected to do. I gave my name to the public as 
 the authoress of my books ! Not two hours before 
 he died, my father requested that I should do so, and 
 my dear husband always wished it ; so that, from 
 concurring circumstances, I have thought it the will of 
 Grod. And now, O my God! for thy honour and 
 the good of men I have made some sacrifice ; there- 
 fore in mercy use my works to promote these glorious 
 purposes." 
 
 Amidst many communications received from sym- 
 pathizing friends during that sorrowful spring, none 
 was more welcome than the letter of her true-hearted 
 correspondent in Canada, Mrs. Charles Scott. It is 
 dated from the " Cottage of the Falls, U. C, April 
 25, 1836:— 
 
 " Need I tell you with what deep interest I read 
 your letter from Edinburgh, my very dear Lady 
 Colquhoun. It was long on the way, but the sight 
 of your handwriting gladdened my heart in this 
 distant land, when it did arrive. It tells me of 
 
 N 2 
 
180 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 affliction, of the Lord's hand being at work, but 
 shows me, at the same time, a mind resting on the 
 Rock of Ages, a heart supported by the everlasting 
 arms, and much, very much sweetness mingled in 
 the cup administered by the hand of Love. I cannot 
 tell you, dear Lady C, how much I long for further 
 accounts of you. Your venerable father's death 
 I had seen an account of in the newspapers. 
 But your threatened affliction in Sir James's 
 illness, I had not heard of, and do not now know 
 if it may have pleased our Lord to give an unex- 
 pected turn to his illness, or if you are a 'widow 
 indeed.' If such is the case, I have not the slightest 
 doubt that you continue to find our faithful God 
 very present with you, leading you to experience 
 the fulness of many promises, which before you 
 read and believed, but had no opportunity experi- 
 mentally to prove. He who has been precious to 
 you, and present with you so long, who gave you 
 quietness of soul in the midst of outward trouble, 
 will, I doubt not, continue unceasingly so to the end. 
 This I know, but yet I long much to hear particulars 
 from yourself. What a strong foundation the Chris- 
 tian stands upon, for time, as well as for eternity. 
 God in Christ includes all that can be desired; and 
 though our sins may appear deeper and darker each 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 181 
 
 year that passes over, yet it does not seem to depress, 
 but to raise the heart in increased thankfulness to 
 Him who pardons them all, who 'blots out, as a 
 thick cloud, our transgressions, and as a cloud our 
 sins.' .... This situation, so far as temporal matters 
 are concerned, is most desirable for a summer resi- 
 dence. Nothing can exceed the grandeur of the 
 Falls, and no pen could give the least idea of them. 
 We are within about ten minutes' walk of the upper 
 bank, and the view from this cottage is very beautiful: 
 the rapids of the Niagara river just above the Falls, 
 dashing on in continued foam, till lost in the dense 
 body of spray, generally ascending from the Falls. 
 The winter has been the most severe experienced for 
 twenty years, the thermometer varjdng from zero to 
 16° below it. Extremely unpleasant such cold is 
 to the feehng, but it has pleased God to continue us 
 all in good health." 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 rOEGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND, AND BEACHING 
 rOETH UNTO THOSE THESfGS WHICH AEE BEFOEE, I PEESS 
 TOWAED THE MAEK FOE THE PEIZE OF THE HIGH CALLING 
 OF GOD nsr CHRIST JESUS. PHILIPPIANS HI. 13, 14. 
 
 Since the dear hour that brought me to thy foot. 
 
 And cut up all my follies by the root, 
 
 I never trusted in an arm but thine, 
 
 Nor hoped but in thy righteousness divine. 
 
 My prayers and alms, — 
 
 Forgive their evil, and accept their good ; 
 
 I cast them at thy feet — my only plea 
 
 Is what it was, dependance upon thee : 
 
 While struggling in the vale of tears below, 
 
 That never fail'd, nor shall it fail me now. 
 
 cowpee's "teuth.' 
 
Gently as Lady Colquhoun woke up to her bereave- 
 ment, and notwithstanding the redoubled assiduities 
 of an affectionate family, the desolate reality some- 
 times overpowered her; and, though still able to 
 regard it as her home, her return to Rossdhu next 
 spring revived iu all its anguish the woful conscious- 
 ness of widowhood. And it was many a day before 
 the bright landscape shone again through that thick 
 crape in which grief had veiled it. Long afterwards 
 we find her recording, — " I feel the loss of my very 
 dear husband's society more than I did shortly after 
 his death. To me there is an inexpressible blank 
 in this house, and I would gladly leave it. However, 
 I ought to be thankful for the many mercies which 
 still surround me, and should cast my care on my 
 covenant God, beheving that he does right." Nor 
 did her covenant God forsake her. Mournfully re- 
 leased from her long ministrations in the sick-room, 
 
186 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 and no longer called to discharge those multifarious 
 duties which she had so thoroughly and gracefully ful- 
 filled, "her Maker was her husband," and she gave 
 herself to the Lord's work Avith new consecration. In 
 Sept. of that year she writes to her married daughter : — 
 
 " I should have particularly liked to be more alone 
 when Mr. Moody was here; but who knows but a 
 blessing might be sent to others through his visit? 
 He came very opportunely to help me about my 
 favourite plan — the chapel at Helensburgh. Mr. M. 
 got quite interested in the subject, and in Glas- 
 gow went to different influential clergymen to 
 state the matter to them. They said, so liberal 
 a proposal should never be rejected, though it 
 were only to set an example to other landed pro- 
 prietors ; and one said that for a long time he had 
 heard of nothing which gave him so great pleasure. 
 So I trust yet to make it out. Another church also 
 interests me much at present. One of James's, in 
 
 Caithness (W n), has become vacant. The son 
 
 of the late incumbent seems so very superior a young 
 man, that, however much I am opposed to this 
 ' hereditary succession,' I think he wiU be the minis- 
 ter. J. appears to leave it entirely to me to decide, 
 and, thanks be to God for so great a blessing, as the 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 187 
 
 power of placing in this parish a devoted pastor. 
 This is a long story about churches; but, oh, dear 
 H., my heart is ftdl of the subject. The interest I 
 feel in rehgion deepens, and fain would I impart 
 somewhat of it to those who are dear to me. I feel 
 that the time to improve for this purpose is short; 
 that ' the night cometh when no man can work ; ' and 
 earnestly do I pray that my H. may be brought 
 to the foot of the cross, there to seek and to find that 
 satisfaction of spirit which she will find in nothing else." 
 
 Helensburgh is a much-frequented watering-place 
 on the estuary of the Clyde, and vpithin the Luss 
 estate ; and the scheme for providing it with a chapel 
 of its own was the first of several Church-extension 
 movements to which Lady Colquhoun largely con- 
 tributed. The chapel of her Edinburgh pastor, Mr. 
 Moody, was another, and though these erections were 
 soon forfeited to a very different ministry fi-om that 
 which the pious donors contemplated — nowise dis- 
 heartened, with the new emergency she 'redoubled 
 her munificence ; and after this she was so impressed 
 with the spiritual destitution of overgrown towns and 
 manufacturing villages, that it became a ruling 
 object in her life to provide more Christian teachers 
 and more sanctuaries. Like the father of church- 
 
188 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 builders,* she could not ' give sleep to her eyes/ till 
 she 'found out habitations- for the mighty God;' and, 
 like the projector of the temple, her devout inten- 
 tions and self-denjdng gifts were requited -with soul- 
 prosperity. 
 
 In her Sabbath-school she now formed an adult 
 class, and adopted a system, Avhich she thus announces 
 to Mrs. Reade : — 
 
 " I have begun a new plan at our school on Sun- 
 days — a class for grown-up girls. They commit 
 nothing to memory, but I explain the Bible and 
 Catechism. I adopted it in consequence of seeing 
 Mr. Moody's on Monday evenings. The class is 
 flourishing and always increasing. Several old people 
 attend regularly, and I hope to have more. My own 
 maids also asked leave to go ; so, with the children, I 
 have a pretty large congregation, and it needs some 
 nerve. But I hope to be enabled to go on, and I 
 hear it is much hked. May God send a blessing !" 
 
 These " Horse Sabbaticse " were not only very 
 popular, but became extremely useftd. During the 
 week, her Ladyship studied with much care the 
 passage which she intended to explain, and exerted 
 herself in finding anecdotes and illustrations which 
 might render it more interesting and memorable. 
 
 * Psalm cxxxii. 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 189 
 
 Her manner was full of calm benevolence and mild 
 persuasion ; and whatever nervousness she might feel, 
 her address was so fluent, natural, and dignified, that 
 the thoughts of the audience were solely directed to 
 the subject. In unison with that devout and holy life 
 which they all knew that their kiad instructor led, 
 these exhortations were singularly impressive. On a 
 dying bed more than one of her young hearers gave 
 evidence of having been by this means brought to 
 the Saviour; and from the grateful tenderness in 
 which many of the survivors hold their teacher's 
 memory, it may be hoped that all her " works " have 
 not yet "followed" her. It is to these Sabbath- 
 evening exercises that the following entries in her 
 Journal refer : — 
 
 " Bossdhu, July 30, 1837. — My Sabbaths are now 
 much occupied in preparing to address my class, 
 which I do at some length. Every week it has 
 increased, and though we had two additional benches 
 to-day, there was scarcely room enough for them. I 
 am much encouraged, and this morning prayed so 
 earnestly for a blessing, that I feel confident it shall 
 be given. Earnest prayer is a gift, and is bestowed 
 when God designs to hear. I always feel fagged in 
 the evening afterwards, and can do httle. 
 
190 LIFE OF liADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 " Auffmt 6. — ^Being Arrochar sacrament, no sermon 
 at Luss. I was, as usual, occupied with the school. 
 There were fewer this evening, as many of them had 
 gone to Arrochar. My God was present in prayer at 
 night. Last week my son James was elected Member 
 for the county. John and his family leave us to- 
 morrow. 
 
 "Sept. 3. — Have little to say to-day but that I was 
 much gratified by a very large attendance at the 
 school. There was scarcely room for any more, and 
 there must have been above sixty present. I likewise 
 observe with great pleasure the appearance of interest 
 in some who attend; in one or two I think I can 
 scarcely be mistaken. Have been much assisted in 
 preparation for my class, and, at the time, in speaking 
 to them and in prayer. To-night feel inspirited, yet 
 cannot say that devotional feehng is strong. 
 
 " 17. — ^Lady Sinclair, and Diana and Catherine are 
 here. They went with me to the school and appeared 
 much pleased. The children proved a number of 
 doctrines very well. 
 
 " October 8. — Have prayed very earnestly to-day, 
 and with great pleasure have read the ' Life of 
 Brainerd.' At the school had a good attendance. 
 Went to bed joyful, the words, ' He that believeth on 
 the Son hath everlasting life,' being delightfully 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 191 
 
 impressed on my mind. The freeness of redemption, 
 and the simpHcity of believing came to me with clear- 
 ness, so that I could not but say, I do believe, I have 
 everlasting life. 
 
 " 15. — Penitence was in exercise this morning. It 
 was the last day of my class, which I have been 
 enabled to continue for four months without a Sab- 
 bath's intermission. Now it darkens too soon after 
 church to admit of its being kept up any longer. A 
 great many were present. I felt affected in speaking 
 to them, and thought they appeared so too. Lord, 
 bless this attempt to save souls and glorify thy name ! 
 It is a pleasure to me to think it has been made, and 
 God has wonderfully assisted me." 
 
 Should any one be moved by this example to make 
 an effort in his own locality, he may find instruction 
 in her Ladyship's procedure, as well as an incentive 
 in her Ladyship's success. Allowing something for 
 the rank, and something more for the talent of the 
 teacher, her usefulness was mainly owing to her 
 affection, her prayerfulness, her diligence, and her 
 hopefulness. She loved her humble neighbours, and 
 instead of coming forth to dispense a weekly lecture 
 or reproof, she re-appeared amongst them from week 
 to week, with the law of kindness on her lips and 
 
192 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 cordiality in every feature, and in each earnest state- 
 ment and solemn entreaty, they recognised their 
 friend and weU-wisher. But before she came to 
 them she had been to God, and upon her labor 
 of love she had implored her -Heavenly Father's 
 blessing. And, then, to shovr that her prayers were 
 sincere and sanguine, she grudged no labor, and she 
 betrayed no gloom. Her assiduous preparation, and 
 her cheerful, encouraging address, were the natural 
 sequel to fervent and believing petitions. " In tes- 
 timony of desire and assurance to be heard, she had 
 said. Amen;"* but she not only said it in the closet, 
 she hved it, throughout the day. Her diligent study 
 of the subject vs^as a prolonged Amen in the ear of 
 God, and shovred how desirous was her prayer ; her 
 radiant and expectant look was to her little congrega- 
 tion a visible Amen, and told them how assured she 
 was that God had heard her, and how hopeful she 
 was that God had mercy in reserve for them. And 
 we know no other path to eminent usefulness, except 
 Hke perseverance in affectionate industry and hopeful 
 prayer. Perhaps, dear reader, you are disappointed 
 by some previous failure. Once on a time you 
 gathered a few poor people, or an up-grown class, 
 into a cottage or the servants' hall ; but it was with 
 * " Shorter Catechism," Q. 107. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 193 
 
 difficulty you fiUed up the hour, and next evening, 
 instead of a doubled attendance, only nine of the 
 dozen returned; and instead of multiplying to fifty 
 or sixty, as in the present case, in six weeks the last 
 straggler had stolen away. Nor can you blame 
 yourself; for your motive was good, and you prayed 
 for a blessing. True ; but allow us respectfully to 
 ask. What was your style of address ? Was it kind 
 and endearing? or was it not rather magisterial, 
 preceptive, reprimanding? The eloquence which at 
 once wins and commands unlettered hearers, is like 
 His whom " the common people heard so gladly," — 
 it is the sympathetic eifiision of a superior nature ; 
 the utterance of a mind so elevated that it need take 
 no thought for its OAvn dignity, but withal so cordial 
 and compassionate, that it creates or catches emotion 
 in every countenance it looks upon. The Cottage 
 Readings of Lady Colquhoun possessed this double 
 charm : her hearers could never forget the Christian 
 lady, and she never forgot her feUow-sinners and 
 fellow-candidates for an immortal crown; so that a 
 sweet benignity pervaded her exhortations and re- 
 monstrances, and her gentleness was fuU of " au- 
 thority." And did you make your hearers feel not 
 only that you wished them well, but that you were 
 full of hope regarding them ? Lady Colquhoun 
 
194 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 knew that the Gospel is " the power of God unto 
 salvation," and she announced it with a joyful 
 confidence ; and although the Hstlessness of her 
 servants or scholars might send an occasional pang 
 through her spirit, it never tinged her words with 
 resentment ; but, in the exercise of that love which 
 " hopeth aU things," she persisted, till love and hope 
 together created their own reward. And before your 
 experiment was abandoned, did you take sufficient 
 pains to warrant its success? It is not enough to 
 gather an expectant group, and assume that you shall 
 be able to address them. No multitude of guests 
 win conjure a banquet &om an empty board ; nor wfil 
 the largest congregation elicit an interesting discourse 
 from an unfurnished mind. But many imagine that 
 a pocket Bible is a magician's mirror, and needs only 
 to be opened in order to summon up forgotten facts, 
 appropriate similitudes, and powerful arguments ; and 
 they are mortified if they do not find in every text a 
 taUsman. None could depend on Divine assistance 
 more devoutly, nor court the influences of the 
 Comforter with more ardent aspirations, than did the 
 subject of this memorial; but she sought them in 
 her study as well as in her school-room ; and then, 
 when her mind was matured as to the meaning of 
 the passage, and replenished with materials for ex- 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 195 
 
 pounding and enforcing it, she was able to look up 
 for the promised help with cahn and undistracted 
 confidence. So deeply interested was she in this 
 employment, and so persuaded that God would bless 
 it, that her leisure was dehghtfuUy occupied in 
 searching the Scriptures, and in preparatory medita- 
 tions ; and till her health gave way she was never 
 daunted by the frequent sensation of fatigue. May 
 we not hope that her modest labours will afford some 
 encouragement or guidance to that growing number 
 among the refined and the leisurely who " have 
 compassion on the multitude?" 
 
 She now paid frequent visits to her son-in-law and 
 daughter, in Suffolk. She delighted in the primitive 
 nooks, the bosky dells, the winding lanes, and little 
 corn-clad hUls which make up one of the most 
 picturesque and sequestered of Old England's coun- 
 ties ; and many a musing walk she took, when the 
 tide was fuU, along the grass-girdled creek which 
 stretches away from the grounds of Stutton to the 
 ancient seaport of Harwich. But beyond the beau- 
 tiful landscape, she found materials of much interest 
 in the homely villagers. At first, when she stepped 
 into their cottages, as she had been accustomed to do 
 at Luss, and in her district of St. Luke's, in Edin- 
 burgh, they could scarcely comprehend her errand. 
 
 2 
 
196 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 But when from her conversation and the tracts which 
 she gave them, they found that her motive was pure 
 benevolence, their gratitude was as great as then- 
 surprise. She found amongst them not a few mem- 
 bers of the Wesleyan Society, and they begged that 
 she would return to their houses in the evenings, and 
 explain the Scriptures when the work of the day was 
 ended. With such requests she gladly complied; 
 but so many of the neighbours came together, that 
 she was obliged to place restrictions on their zeal, and 
 limit the attendance to a certain number. The im- 
 pressive way in which she read the Word of God, 
 and her enforcement of its truths so clear and 
 earnest, are stUl vividly remembered among them; 
 and there is reason to beheve that some got real 
 benefit. To these engagements there are a few in- 
 cidental allusions in her Diary. Thus : — 
 
 " Stutton House, June 21, 1840. — I feel that I 
 have been sent here with a message to many. The 
 people gladly receive my books and tracts, and I have 
 seen some Christians among the Methodists. 
 
 "July 12. — On Thursday I met with a number of 
 the villagers in a cottage. I read the second chapter 
 of Ephesians, with explanation, and prayed vnth 
 them. And now we are to separate, perhaps never 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 197 
 
 to meet in this world : Oh ! to meet on the right hand 
 of the Judge ! 
 
 "Aug. 'ill. — Yesterday was greatly interested in 
 speaking to one of the villagers, who said that she 
 had backsHdden from God. May I have been sent to 
 her with a blessing ! " 
 
 Among the Church of England clergymen with 
 whom she became acquainted in Suffolk, she was 
 much pleased with the active benevolence of the Rev. 
 J. B. Wilkinson, of Holbrook, and the missionary zeal 
 of the late Mr. Nottidge, of Ipswich; and, with all 
 her preference for the simple worship of the Scottish 
 Church, nothing more dehghted her than to find 
 affectionate preaching and devotional fervor else- 
 where. 
 
 " Od. 1. — We went to church at Ipswich to-day, 
 
 to hear- Mr. R , a young minister, who is doing 
 
 much good there. I was much pleased and cheered 
 to hear the truth plaidy, ably, and judiciously 
 preached ; and he read the service beautifully. My 
 heart unites with aU in every denomination in whom 
 I see the Spirit's impress. This is truly a magnet to 
 me. Spent some hours in my room agreeably after- 
 wards, and read, as usual, to the servants." 
 
198 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 Erom the same place she thus wrote to a very dear 
 invalid. Mend : — 
 
 "1839. I have gone into a few of the cottages 
 with my httle messengers of peace — ^the tracts, and 
 they give me a hearty welcome ; but I scarcely know 
 what to say to them, they seem to have so few ideas 
 in common. It appears to me that they comprehend 
 little, while they assent to everything. However, 
 they take the tracts with thanks, and sometimes the 
 cheering thought occurs that I have not come so far 
 for nothing. Who knows what God may bless? 
 
 But, my dear young friend, as well in our 
 
 winters as our summers the foundation standeth sure ; 
 ' Christ is AU.' With Him is no variableness, neither 
 shadow of turning. Precious truth ! Let us rest 
 upon it, and cease from the vain endeavour to find 
 anything in us that can give the shadow of hope. 
 Abiding hope must be fixed on an object that 
 changeth not : we change daily, hourly : He remains 
 glorious in hohness eternally. And this Perfection 
 is in the Court of Heaven our representative. Can 
 we want more? Shall we say, I will add a few of 
 my virtues and graces to the account ? When we are 
 guilty of this foUy, we weary ourselves seeking for 
 them, for they cannot be foimd, and our harp hangs 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 199 
 
 upon the willows. But we resume the songs of Zion 
 when we look entirely from ourselves to ' the Lord 
 our Righteousness.' How is it with you, dear A. ? 
 Can you rejoice in the Lord always? If not, ex- 
 perience will teach you that Kving on frames and 
 feelings wiU. not do; that comfort ebbs and flows 
 with these; and that you equally delude yourself 
 when you take comfort from the feeling of nearness 
 to God, or when you lose it because you lack that joy 
 in devotional exercises, which is nevertheless ex- 
 tremely desirable and much to be prized. This, 
 however, is distinct from joy in Christ crucified, and 
 in Christ our Righteousness ; and it is very possible 
 to feel httle heart for prayer and to mourn %,n absent 
 God, and yet to stand firm on the sure Foundation, 
 rejoicing in Christ, and never doubting that we are 
 complete in Him." 
 
 " Stutton House, June 10, 1840. — My dearest A., 
 I received your letter with mixed feehngs of pleasure 
 and pain. I was glad to hear from yourself, and 
 thankful to find that the Lord is still at your right 
 hand; but I was disappointed at the account you 
 give of your health. Dearest A., I do fear your wish 
 win be granted, and that God intends to take you 
 shortly to Himself. But when God wills it so, and 
 you are wOhng, shall I say Nay? I trust not. 
 
200 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 ' His infinite wisdom can never mistake.' As Thou 
 wilt, I desire to say, both regarding myself and all 
 who are dear to me. Difficult the duty is, but God 
 can impart the ability to perform it. I rejoice in the 
 grace given to you, dear young friend; and I must 
 repeat, Oh ! to be a partaker of it ! I know God 
 will never leave, never forsake you. Through life, 
 through death, throughout eternity, that same God 
 win be your All who now cheers you in the trying 
 hours of sickness. 
 
 " Much, very much mercy follows me. I only 
 lack greater nearness to God, a sense of his presence 
 and love, and greater joy in Him as my chief Good 
 and only Portion. If He is pleased to deny me these 
 inestimable privileges, I have no right to expect 
 them ; and even then I cleave to the covenant, and 
 to Him who ' of God is made to me Righteousness.' 
 You see I have not forgotten Mr. Smeaton's text. 
 It often comes to my remembrance with power still. 
 No other righteousness have I ; no better can I want, 
 nor do I desire." 
 
 " June 30. — I am still at Stutton, but expect soon 
 to move to London, — ^not exactly the place I should 
 have chosen ; but all is well. God, my God, can be 
 with me there, or anywhere, as He has been here. 
 He has been present lately without any outward 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 201 
 
 means save books, and I have enjoyed many a stroll 
 by the river-side with my Bible, more than I have 
 often enjoyed in the house of God with the greatest 
 spiritual advantages. I feel, too, that I am sent to 
 others, and think I see some fruit ; and when, where, 
 how Thou wilt, is what I desire to say regarding any 
 change of residence." 
 
 The years 1839 and 1840 are years much to be 
 remembered in Scotland's spiritual history. God was 
 not then " a stranger in the land ; " and at Kilsyth, 
 in Dundee and Perth, in Roxburghshire, and in 
 Breadalbane, such immediate and imwonted effects 
 accompanied the preaching of the Gospel, that 
 nothing seemed impossible to faith and prayer. Nor 
 were they only ministers who preached with assurance 
 of success ; elders of the Church and private Chris- 
 tians were roused to fresh exertions on behalf of then- 
 neighbours . In conjunction with some others. Lady 
 Colquhoun spent a considerable portion of her time 
 in visiting a neglected district of the New Town of 
 Edinburgh ; and from the transparent sanctity of her 
 character, and the commanding sweetness of her 
 manner, few visitors were more welcome or more 
 impressive. The resumption of these labours is thus 
 recorded in her Diary : — 
 
202 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 " 4, Moray-place, Nov. 24. — I have on hand much 
 new duty, having undertaken to visit, as before, the 
 poor in Thistle-street, and also to visit weekly, in turn 
 with some others, the school there. And I have 
 joined a prayer-meeting of ladies, who meet every 
 Thursday. Lord, grant thy blessing and assistance ! 
 Without Thee I can do nothing. Strengthen for 
 thine own work a poor helpless creature. Last week 
 I was much encouraged by hearing that one I had 
 visited, and whom I found in a very careless state, 
 had died hopefully." 
 
 In letters to her like-minded correspondent, she 
 occasionally notices the more interesting cases ; and 
 although it would be premature to publish what she 
 says regarding hopeful individuals tiH they have given 
 that most decisive evidence, " perseverance to the 
 end," the reader may obtain a glimpse of the home 
 missionary in the following extracts : — 
 
 " I have seen . It seems the old Highland 
 
 woman next door is her sister, and by her account 
 (for she has so little English that I cannot judge of 
 her), the sister is in the same state of anxiety in 
 which she herseK was formerly, praying night and day 
 for her soul's salvation. told her, ' Perhaps 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 203 
 
 ye '11 get peace in a moment.' The old woman has a 
 son and daughter-in-law who have come from Glasgow 
 to stay with her. They were notorious drunkards, 
 
 but are keeping sober. 's great anxiety was 
 
 that I should speak to them all. ' Oh, wiU you speak 
 to them? they think I'm hy myseV .'* So, to secure 
 the young man's being in, I went at their dinner- 
 hour, but said to , ' I fear I shall interrupt their 
 
 dinner.' ' Oh ! ' said she, ' if they were to want their 
 dinner for a twelvemonth, what does that matter?' 
 I thought they all seemed affected, especially in 
 prayer, when I earnestly pled for sinners, and the 
 young pair promised to go and hear Mr. M. I gave 
 the old woman some Gaelic tracts, and she began to 
 
 read them instantly. told me of a very 
 
 interesting case opposite : a poor woman with five 
 children, whose husband is a perfect reprobate. She is 
 interested for her soul, but he will not let her attend 
 on ordinances ; and the last commimion he scolded her 
 so, because she was dressed to go, that she was quite 
 unfitted for the Lord's Table, and stayed at home." 
 
 " Friday. — I made out a visit to the poor perse- 
 cuted woman I viTote you of, and she was telling me 
 some of her grievances, when in came her husband, a 
 forbidding-looking hackney-coachman. He started 
 * Beside myself. 
 
204 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 back, and went to another room. I sent her for him, 
 s lying, if he liked, to hear it, I was going to read the 
 Bible. He came in, and I chatted a little first, and 
 he related a long story how iU he had been used by a 
 man whom he had once befriended. I took the 
 opportunity and said, 'You may often meet with 
 ingratitude from man, because we are sinful crea- 
 tures; but go to God and trust Him, and He will 
 never forsake you ; and then I read my little portion 
 as usual with prayer; and certainly my hardened 
 acquaintance looked softened, for I saw him wipe his 
 eyes." 
 
 "Writing to the same friend, August 37, 1838, she 
 says : — 
 
 " The few words, ' God is love,' have been delight- 
 fully on my mind lately. I cannot gjve you the 
 impression that has been given me ; for I feel that it 
 is by the Holy Ghost (the reality of whose influences 
 I am more and more convinced of), and that in 
 speaking to others or they to us, of what this blessed 
 Agent teaches, we have no power to bring to the 
 mind of another what we ourselves experience. I 
 should like much to know Mr. M'Cheyne. Your 
 account of his pretty idea regarding the wilderness 
 is so like him, I think I could have told who said it." 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 205 
 
 The diary of August 19 alludes to the same 
 text : — 
 
 "For some days 'God is love' has been delight- 
 fully impressed upon my mind, and I have been 
 enabled very much to give up the creature. I saw 
 the greatness of God's love to me, and from his being 
 love — ^the essence of it — I conceived how he could 
 love multitudes, even as we do one or two. We have 
 not love enough to give to many, but God's love is to 
 all his children equally strong to that which we have 
 to a very few, and probably much greater. How 
 sweet ! " 
 
 Under the same date she apprises her friend of a 
 new volume which she was preparing, " The World's 
 ReUgion as contrasted with genuine Christianity." 
 It appeared in the following winter, and in 1835 had 
 been preceded by " The Kingdom of God." " The 
 World's Rehgion " was Lady Colquhoun's last pub- 
 lication, and though in its structure and contents 
 wholly distinct, its title will remind the reader of that 
 book which she had reason to prize beyond all human 
 authorship, the " Practical Christianity." This fond- 
 ness for a first love is an interesting feature of advanc- 
 ing years ; and though the shadows are reversed, it 
 is pleasant to know that " the light of evening tide " 
 is often richer and warmer, — ^yes, and more radiant 
 
206 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 with hope, than the morning spread upon the moun- 
 tains. In broken health and in life's decline she penned 
 this wisest and happiest of all her works, to teach 
 her youthful friends where to look for happiness. She 
 there mentions an incident which her father once told 
 her. It was the time when Lord Melville was so 
 high in office as to be the envy, or the idol, of his 
 Scottish countrymen. He had asked Sir John Sinclair 
 to spend New Year's Day with him at Wimbledon, 
 and having slept in the house the previous night, Sir 
 John repaired in the morning to the chamber of his 
 host, to vidsh him a happy new year. " It had need 
 be happier than the last," was the statesman's 
 answer, "for I cannot recollect a single happy day 
 in it." And though the pious authoress does not 
 obtrude her own experience, it is right that it should 
 now be knovm. Under the date February 3, 1839, 
 we find her recording in her diary : — 
 
 "This day three years ago, my dear husband 
 departed from me. These years have been years of 
 mercy. No misfortune has befallen me; I have 
 wanted for nothing, and grace, I trust, has grown." 
 And all throughout there predominates a cheerful 
 and confiding love, as of one in whose future there 
 could be no real evil, and who had found a Priend 
 possessed of all-sufficiency. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 207 
 
 The following year commences : — 
 
 "Edinburgh, Jan. 5, 1840. — ^A precious Sabbath, 
 with something of the Spirit's influence in public and 
 private. Mr. Moody preached twice from ' Redeem- 
 ing the time, because the days are evil.' He began 
 with a striking observation, that time has risen ia 
 price, as every commodity does when it grows 
 scarcer. He had heard of a heathen monarch to 
 whom a sorceress brought nine volumes of a book, 
 demanding a high price for them. Thinking it too 
 much he refused, and she burned three, demanding 
 for the six the price of the nine. He stUl declined to 
 give it, and she burned three more, asking the full 
 sum for the remaining three. He began to think 
 there must be something extraordinary in the books, 
 and fearing to lose them all, he gave for the three the 
 price he had refused for nine. So time, as it dwindles, 
 grows more valuable." 
 
 And now we gladly avail ourselves of a few 
 extracts from letters to her endeared correspondent, 
 
 Miss S. :— 
 
 " 13, Cumberland-street, Hyde Park, 
 "London, Aug., 1840. 
 "Many thanks for your prayers. Perhaps you 
 
208 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 prayed for me last Sabbath. I was detained at home 
 by my cold, and spent most of the day in my own 
 room ; yet God was very present, and my heart was 
 with Him. It was impressed upon me. Some one 
 prays for me, — perhaps my dear A. One verse I 
 met with in the course of reading was sweetly con- 
 solatory ; I think it is Watts's : — 
 
 " ' Jesus ! I throw my arms around, 
 And hang upon thy breast ; 
 For I have sought no other home, 
 And found no other rest.' 
 
 This rest, dearest A., abides. You are about to move 
 where you would not go (to Madeira), but your 
 home — ^your rest, goes with you. Strive to cast away 
 aU anxiety, just as if you saw the Saviour's arms 
 around you. I need not remind you. Be careful for 
 nothing, but make known your requests. He would 
 have you without careftdness. Trust him — ^try Him ; 
 I know it will go well with you. I had a letter 
 lately from my dear friend in Canada, Mrs. Scott. 
 She relates what is to me very interesting : that she 
 had read an account of Kilsyth which I gave her to 
 a man from Glasgow who was working there, but 
 who, with his wife, had become much addicted to 
 drinking. He was so much struck as to change his 
 conduct ever since, and she has hopes of the con- 
 
LIFB OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 209 
 
 version of both. I have just read in the newspapers 
 that there has been a tremendous hurricane at Liver- 
 pool, and not over on Tuesday, vphen I meant to have 
 been there. Thus, by this cold I have been spared 
 the inconvenience of remaining there, or of sailing 
 for Scotland, when neither safe nor pleasant. ' Trust 
 in the, Lord for ever.' " 
 
 TO THE SAME. 
 
 "Bossdhu, Oct. 6, 1840. 
 " Whether life or death be in your cup, I cannot 
 teU. My impression certainly is, that he has thus 
 early ripened you for glory with the view of taking 
 you to himself. And is it not a blessed thing that I 
 can teU you this without the fear of agitating or 
 distressing you ? — that while to you ' to live is 
 Christ, to die is gain?' But, it may be, years of 
 usefulness await you; and I, who am old in years, 
 and who, having long known the preciousness of 
 salvation by grace, ought to be also ready, may be 
 taken first, and may welcome you as you ' enter in 
 through the gates into the city.' I often think 
 of this passage. Two gates seem evident : Christ 
 the door, and the gate of death. There is no admis- 
 sion but through these gates, and, when these are 
 passed, no impediment. Oh, the joy of the entrance 
 
310 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 when the gates are passed, and the poor doubtful 
 behever finds himself safe in the city ! " 
 
 TO THE SAME. 
 
 " Bossdlm, Nov. 11, 1840. 
 " You ask me for texts. The eleventh chapter of 
 John, with all the particulars, as explained in B,enry's 
 Commentary, has been much blessed to me lately, — 
 particularly what is said of our Lord's love, 'He 
 whom thou lovest is sick.' No doubt upon the 
 subject ; Christ's love must have been evident to aE. 
 ' Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and 
 Lazarus.' It is simply told ; yet carries the convic- 
 tion that the apostle saw this love. I have been apt 
 to think too much of Jesus' love as pity and bene- 
 volence ; its reality never struck me so much as lately 
 in reading this passage. And if we had an apostle 
 to tell our story, he might say with equal truth, 
 ' Now Jesus loved A. and her friend, and that other, 
 and each of his redeemed ones on earth.' I know 
 this truth has been brought home to my mind by 
 the Holy Ghost; and, dear yoimg friend, I cannot 
 convey my meaning to you unless He is pleased to 
 reveal it. Perhaps you knew it long ago." 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 211 
 
 TO THE SAME. 
 
 " Bossdhu, Sept. 8, 1841. 
 
 " The proposed union for prayer is interesting, and 
 I shall try and not forget Madeira. I feel, also, some 
 anxiety for our dear Scotch Church. We used to 
 agree not to talk of it; but it now appears as if 
 its downfal were approaching. The Moderate party 
 push on the decision as to which side shall constitute 
 the EstabUshment ; and if they are to constitute our 
 Church, woe to many a destitute district which can 
 have access to no other preachers. Yet God reigns, 
 and is ' Head of the body — the Church.' There wiU 
 stiU be Christ's Church, and possibly there may be a 
 great reviving among us. Amen. 
 
 "I heard lately from my dear friend in Canada, 
 Mrs. Scott, and she asks with much interest about 
 you. She is a ' sister,' and you wiU meet in glory. 
 How many will be there whom we shall love as much 
 as those who are dearest to us now ! Love is the 
 fuMUing of the law, and there wiU be no scarcity of 
 love in heaven, — ' beloved, and loving ah t' embrace.' 
 Often do I think, could I perfectly love God I should 
 be quite happy : but here again, I see no hope tOl 
 taken to a better world. I can no more excite this 
 love than I can fly. I can only say. Lord, let me 
 
 p 2 
 
312 LIPE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 love Thee; permit me to love Thee; enable me to 
 love Thee. And if there be the faintest commence- 
 ment of this love, it is himself hath done it. 'You 
 hath he quickened who vrere dead;' he wiU. perfect 
 what concerns us, and wiU not forsake the work of 
 his own hands. This is my hope — my only hope, 
 but it is a noble hope ; ' God's workmanship, created 
 in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath 
 before ordained, that we should walk in them.' " 
 
 TO THE SAME. 
 
 "20, Charlotte-square, March 9, 1842. 
 " Mr. Burns' preaching has much power accom- 
 panying it; he is truly in earnest, and I hear his 
 ministrations are blessed. Mr. M'Cheyne adminis- 
 tered the Sacrament beautifully, and, oh, how he 
 prayed for our dear pastor ! * It must have reached 
 many hearts. He also read to us one evening Mr. 
 Moody Stuart's second Pastoral Letter, and inter- 
 spersed it with remarks of his own, very sweet and 
 apposite. It seemed hke the two friends speaking 
 to us together. I never saw Mr. M'Cheyne so solemn 
 and spiritual. One great loss in Mr. Burns is, that 
 he takes no superintendence of the parish; he is 
 always preaching elsewhere. But the elders are 
 
 * Then in impaired health, and also residing at Madeira. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 213 
 
 exerting themselves, and seem to feel their responsi- 
 bUity. — And now, how joyful to know that all these 
 things are nnder God's control, and not beneath his 
 notice ! A verse in Psahn civ. has often been food 
 for me. Here it is, dear A., you shall partake of my 
 bread : — 
 
 " ' Of Him my meditation shall 
 Sweet thoughts to me aiFord ; 
 And as for me, I will rejoice 
 In Grod my only Lord.' " 
 
 It was in this year that a new system of Sabbath- 
 desecration was introduced in Scotland, and, with 
 deep sorrow Lady Colquhoun in her diary records : — 
 
 "March 13. — The day when the Sabbath trains 
 begin to run on the Edinburgh and Glasgow Rail- 
 way." 
 
 On this point so strongly did she feel, that the 
 next time she had occasion to travel betvnxt the two 
 cities, she hired post-horses, rather than employ a 
 conveyance which systematically violated the Divine 
 command. She was then in feeble health, and the 
 journey consumed two days instead of as many hours; 
 but in carrying out a strong conviction of duty, few 
 thought so Ughtly of personal convenience or comfort 
 as Lady Colquhoun. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 FAVOR IS DECEITFUL, AND BEAUTY IS VAIN ; BUT A WOMAN 
 
 THAT FEAEETH THE LOKD, SHE SHALL BE PRAISED. 
 
 PROVERBS XXXI. 30. 
 
 Christ leads me through no darker rooms 
 
 Than He went through before : 
 He that into God's kingdom comes 
 
 Must enter by this door. 
 
 Come, Lord, when grace hath made me meet 
 
 Thy blessed face to see ; 
 For if thy work on earth be sweet, 
 
 What will thy glory be ? 
 
 My knowledge of that hfe is small. 
 
 The eye of faith is dim ; 
 But 'tis enough that Christ knows aU ; 
 
 And I shall be with Him. 
 
 RICHARD BAXTER. 
 
The year 1843 saw the Cliurcli of Scotland split 
 in sunder. From no dislike to State-connexion, but 
 in avoidance of secular control, two-fifths of the 
 clergy and half the population withdrew from the 
 old Estabhshment. Hot controversy and strong 
 excitement preceded this event, as every one would 
 expect, who knows the national temperament, and 
 who, when her religion is concerned, . remembers 
 how polemical the history of Scotland has ever been. 
 But just as a glowing summer will occasionally 
 ehcit some lovely plant, of which the soil has long 
 contained the dormant germ, or as a volcanic out- 
 burst will condense into crystalline beauty the 
 elements which have been hitherto crudely diffused 
 through the strata, — so, those who are careful to 
 collect the finest specimens of human excellence must 
 look for them in periods when the public mind has 
 been stimulated, or when the apathy of ages has been 
 
218 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 startled by some powerful revolution. Apart altogether 
 from the rightness of their cause, it wiU be conceded 
 that more munificence, self-sacrifice, and missionary 
 enthusiasm were developed by the day of the Disruption 
 than by a century of tame church-going and tranquil 
 sermonizing ; nor, until they learned it in the furnace 
 of affliction, did ministers and people know how dear 
 they were to one another, nor how intense was that 
 relation which bound them to their common Lord 
 and Lawgiver. 
 
 It so happened that in their capacity as members 
 of the Indian Pemale Education Society, Lady Col- 
 quhoun and her friends were constrained to a 
 miniature rehearsal of the Disruption, some time 
 before the greater event transpired ; and this first 
 step, like the final one, she took with her accustomed 
 conscientiousness, irrespective of fashion, and — ^which 
 alone was painful — ^in some instances, irrespective of 
 personal friendship. But her cahn and independent 
 mind had fully considered the question ; and, dear as 
 the Scotch EstabHshment had ever been to her, it was 
 only dear so long as in sacred things it owned itself 
 amenable to none except its heavenly Head. In 
 foUovring the cause of spiritual freedom, she beheved 
 that she was only following the Guiding Pillar ; and 
 though well aware that the ministers and elders 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 219 
 
 whom she cMefly esteemed would follow it also, it 
 was a joyful suq)rise to find such a mviltitude of the 
 people prepared for the movement. By giving im- 
 pulse and outlet to the piety of her remaining years, 
 the Disruption is entitled to form a date in her 
 biography, as well as in many a private history.* 
 
 The first notice of this memorable day occurs in 
 her journal : — 
 
 " Bossdhu, May 28, 1843. — I have been here up- 
 wards of a week; but neither this Sabbath nor the 
 last have I enjoyed pubHc ordiuances. As was ex- 
 pected, the Disruption of our Church took place 
 [May 18] when between four and five himdred of 
 our devoted pastors gave up all for Christ, and rather 
 than belong to an Erastian Church, left their homes 
 and benefices. May a blessing, a great blessing, rest 
 on themselves and their labours in ' The Free Presby- 
 terian Church of Scotland,' to which with them I 
 now belong ! Nothing is yet organized as to a stated 
 
 * The history of the whole event has just been published 
 by Dr. Robert Buchanan, in his interesting narrative, " The 
 Ten Years' Conflict." The case has also been stated with 
 singular perspicuity and force by members of other Churches ; 
 e.g., by the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel ; by Mr. Sydow, the 
 King of Prussia's Chaplain ; and by Dr. Merle D'Aubigne, in 
 his " Germany, England, and Scotland.'' 
 
220 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 ministry, and I did not think it right to attend in the 
 old Estabhshment. Both last Sunday and to-day I 
 have been enabled to read to my servants, and though 
 feeling the deprivation, have spent the day tolerably. 
 
 "June 11. — ^Mr. SomerviHe came to Luss, and 
 dehghtfuHy and very freely preached Christ, on 
 Monday, at Arnburn, and on Tuesday in the village, 
 in the open air, close to the church. Both times 
 there v\ras a good attendance, and many of the people 
 seemed affected and struck. I myself felt much 
 strengthened and invigorated." 
 
 Por many years Lady Colquhoun had been praying 
 for the parish of Luss, and her Journals show how 
 confident she was that God would arise and have 
 mercy upon that neighbourhood. In her own modest 
 but useful labours, her prayer was partly answered; 
 and in the plantation of the Free Church, she was 
 spared to see it answered yet more fully. A congre- 
 gation was organized; the Rev. Neil Stewart was 
 ordained its minister; and on sites granted by her 
 son, there now ' stand most beautiful ' the manse of 
 the minister and the Church of the people. To some 
 of these occurrences she thus alludes : — 
 
 " Stutton, Sept. 10, 1843. — Have lately found 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 221 
 
 prayer answered in several particulars, which might 
 be termed trifling, yet which cost me anxiety. Read 
 this morning what I wrote here on prayer for Luss 
 and its neighbom-hood, Oct. 11, 1840; and may I 
 not hope that these prayers are now answering ? 
 
 " Bossdhu, Nov. 19. — Had the great joy to hear 
 Christ fuUy and freely preached by our new young 
 minister, at the Arnbum, where the Eree Church 
 congregation meet. How many times have I prayed 
 for a living, hfe-giving ministry at Luss ! What a 
 difference it makes to me in hving here ! 
 
 " June 30, 1844. — ^Again at the Arnbum, and heard 
 Mr. Stewart with great pleasure. There seemed an 
 impression among the people. Oh, that God may 
 appear in his glory among us ! for this I long and 
 pray. It is expected that the new church at Bandry 
 wiQ be opened next Lord's-day. These are great 
 privileges. Lord, give the blessing ! What can men 
 do, even thine own dear children? They are alto- 
 gether powerless. 
 
 " Juli/ 14. — ^Last Lord's-day our Eree church was 
 opened. I was nearly the whole day there. The 
 services were impressive, and a great many from 
 neighbouring parishes attended. Lord, bless this 
 place, now set apart for thy worship ! May many 
 sons and daughters be born unto Thee there ! " 
 
222 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 One day, when the Pree church was a-building, 
 she went in to see how the work was proceeding, 
 and observing that one of the pews had a private 
 door, and was also much larger and more elevated 
 than the rest, she asked for whom it was intended. 
 The carpenter said, " Por your Ladyship and family." 
 She immediately directed that the private door should 
 be built up, and the pew made like its neighbours; 
 " for," as she remarked, " there ought to be no 
 distinctions in the house of God." 
 
 However, it was not only in procuring ministers 
 for the parishes along the shores of Loch-Lomond 
 that the Disruption taxed the energy of Lady Col- 
 quhoun. Por many years she had been the patroness 
 and an influential director of various benevolent 
 Societies in Edinburgh. One was an Association, 
 already mentioned, for promoting Pemale Education 
 iQ India, in connexion with the Scottish Missions 
 there. Commenced by the pious and talented Mrs. 
 Wilson, of Bombay, the system soon ramified into all 
 the eastern Presidencies ; and, as opening the simplest 
 and surest access to the homes of the Hindoos, it 
 promises to be a most powerful instrument in India's 
 moral regeneration. Lady Colquhoun set on it great 
 value, and besides keeping in her own hand the 
 minutes of the Society, with eminent wisdom and 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOXIN. 223 
 
 kindness she conducted the correspondence with its 
 several agents. Then there was the Ladies' Society 
 in Aid of the Home Mission of the Presbyterian 
 Church in Ireland. In his providence God had 
 opened to that Church a pecuhar opportunity of 
 preaching the Gospel to the Irish-speaking inhabit- 
 ants of the west and south, and at a time when few 
 felt any interest in the subject, Lady Colquhoun 
 recognised in the tidings which she heard an opening 
 towards boundless usefulness. She succeeded in 
 communicating to half-a-dozen friends something of 
 her own ardour, and founded an Institution which 
 successive years have only rendered more imperiously 
 urgent. To her feUow-labourers in this cause she set 
 a noble example, by educating one of the converts, at 
 her own expense, for the Christian ministry ; and by 
 personal communication with members of the Ulster 
 Assembly, she kept ahve the zeal of herself and her 
 colleagues. But to her patriotic and practical spirit, 
 stUl dearer, perhaps, was the Gaehc School Society. 
 Like her venerable father, whose last thoughts were 
 for the moral and rehgious welfare of the Highlands, 
 she had a warm attachment to that people; and, 
 knowing how many regions had been spiritually 
 enhghtened, and how many thousands had been 
 scripturally instructed by this Society's godly teachers, 
 
224 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 she gave it her most cordial and liberal support. But 
 each of these Societies was more or less shaken in 
 that explosion which rent in twain the Established 
 Church; and, though many statistics were long de- 
 bated, two points were soon conceded : it was plain 
 that the Pree Church had aU the missionaries, and 
 equally plain that the Established Church had most 
 of the moneyed men. And then it was that on the 
 adherents of the new and scripless Institution was 
 poured out that spirit of joyful contribution which, 
 besides covering Scotland vidth a new system of 
 schools and sanctuaries, augmented its mission-staff, 
 and invented schemes of pious enterprise as costly as 
 they were original. Amongst the foremost in the 
 ranks of hberal givers and instant doers, was Lady 
 Colquhoun. Eully persuaded in her own mind, and 
 ahve to the peerless exigency, she commenced that 
 series of sumptuous offerings so helpful to the cause, 
 and so inspiring to its friends. Apart from local 
 objects which mainly devolved upon her, if a High- 
 land 'minister wrote for help to his people who had 
 carted the stones and the timber, but who could not 
 buUd the church ; if a Lowland minister represented 
 the case of some clever and pious youth who would 
 fain go to college, but who could not pay the fees ; if 
 — as, alas ! such tales were too frequent and too 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 225 
 
 true — she heard of sufferings for conscience' sake, 
 her wonderful purse was always open, and she so 
 contrived to give that her gifts never hinted the 
 self-denial of the sender. To herself money had now 
 become a talent, and its right bestowment a means of 
 grace ; and, radiant with the bountiful spirit of this 
 new dispensation, there was contagion in her cheerful 
 offerings, as well as comfort in her cahn and 
 sagacious counsels. Inevitably she became the centre 
 of those Societies of which she had been formerly the 
 supporter; and, on the other hand, she rejoiced to 
 find that her favourite schemes for India and Ireland 
 had not suffered from the unwonted claims of Scot- 
 land. 
 
 Perhaps a manly gratitude is as rare as a princely 
 munificence ; but to the affectionate memory of 
 one too high-minded to forget a favour, and too 
 devout to regard Lady Colquhoun as his only bene- 
 factor, her biographer is indebted for an instance 
 of her seasonable and discriminating kindness. It 
 was in the summer of the Disruption, and when 
 looking out for a Eree Church minister for Luss, 
 that the name of a young hcentiate was mentioned to 
 her. Though apprised that through excessive indul- 
 gence in study, — ^for he had been reading eighteen 
 hours a day, — ^his health was broken, she sent for 
 
 Q 
 
226 LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. 
 
 him. With some reluctance he came ; but instead of 
 the sturdy athlete which a country minister had need 
 to be, there stood before her a spectral invalid. Two 
 eminent physicians had told him that in less than 
 nine months he must be in his grave, and the faithful 
 warning had made him eager to work while it was 
 day. From some cause or other, however, Lady 
 Colquhoun was prepossessed with a sanguine hope 
 that if rightly treated he would recover. She thought 
 and prayed over his case, and sending for him again, 
 propounded a scheme which she had devised for his 
 benefit. She stipulated that he would put himself 
 entirely in her hands, be guided by her advice, and 
 use aU means for convalescence at her cost. Of 
 course, all preaching was strictly prohibited ; the 
 shattered student was ordered off to drink a famous 
 mineral water ; and after a year of rest and rustica- 
 tion he was ready to accept a cordial call to go 
 and minister in a Highland congregation, amongst 
 whom he has labom'ed ever since, a vigorous and 
 successful pastor. Having been favoiu-ed with a 
 perusal of the letters which Lady Colquhoun ad- 
 dressed to her young friend, if the following ex- 
 tracts strike the reader as the entire correspond- 
 ence struck us, they wiU convey some idea of that 
 deUcacy and good sense, that piety and kindness 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 227 
 
 which were so beautifully combined in her cha- 
 racter. 
 
 " Sutherland'' s Hotel, July 1, 1843. 
 
 " Dear Mr. , — On thinking over what I said 
 
 to you yesterday, I fear I was not sufficiently expUcit. 
 I wish you to promise that after the two Sabbaths for 
 which you are engaged, you will preach no more for 
 some months, and save yourself in every way as much 
 as possible. Nothing short of this will be of any 
 avail, and it would be foUy to deny yourself the 
 satisfaction of doing much in the long-run, by 
 perhaps one sermon. Therefore be firm in this 
 respect, and be silent for the present. Depend upon 
 it, to put steadily in force this resolution, requires 
 more grace and strength from above than to foUow 
 your ovra inclination and preach the word. 
 
 " Do not be very long in writing to me, as I shall 
 be anxious to hear how the Almighty prospers our 
 scheme, and trusting it may be his pleasure to grant 
 you a long life of usefulness and many souls for your 
 hire, 
 
 " I remain, your sincere friend," &c. 
 
 " Stutton House, Ipswich, Sept. 6, 1843. 
 "I received your letter this morning with real 
 
 Q 2 
 
228 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 thankfulness; for I much feared my last had not 
 reached you. I inclose — , which I can assure you 
 I give without any difficulty or deprivation to myseK, 
 and I am sure I may say with heartfelt pleasure. 
 Could I be instrumental in perfecting your recovery, 
 so that you may five to the glory of God and bring 
 souls to the Saviour, how rich would be the blessing 
 on this poor mammon of unrighteousness ! 'For this 
 I pray, and not without the hope that my prayer 
 is heard. You shall not sell your books if I can 
 keep them for you. God has brought your case 
 under my notice most providentially. I praise his 
 name for it. It is only an answer to many prayers 
 that he would point out what he would have me to do. 
 "I am beginning to look to loved Scotland now, 
 and think I shall not remain many weeks longer 
 in England. I am living with a daughter and her 
 family, in a pretty county, and where the air is 
 deHghtfully clear and salubrious. But all will not 
 make up for the want of those precious means of 
 grace with which our favoured land is blessed. May 
 our afilicted Church have a double portion of the dew 
 of Hermon descend upon her in her present afflicted 
 and yet exalted state 1 She goes on prosperously, 
 and 'with Christ in the vessel, may smile at the 
 storm.' " 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 229 
 
 " Stutton House, Se^pt 25, 1843. 
 
 "Your last letter, gloomy although it is in some 
 respects, gave me the sincerest pleasm-e, as it tells me 
 you were beginning to derive benefit &om the waters. 
 May the Almighty continue to you their healing 
 virtue, sending you health and cure ! One thing 
 I would with much earnestness entreat, that you vdU 
 not think of leaving the place till medical men say 
 there is no use in your remaining. I have a great 
 fear of your but half-doing matters, and then aU wiU 
 be thrown away. One timely and persevering effort 
 saves much. I know there will be somewhat more 
 expense in your present residence; but to what 
 better purpose can money be expended than in pro- 
 moting the glory of God in the salvation of men? 
 And do you not see that with your recovery this, 
 by his blessing, may be intimately connected? My 
 stock is not exhausted. God has given me means 
 which many others do not possess ; and in your case 
 he has plainly said to me, ' Do this.' The debt is not 
 to you; along with all I am and all I have, it is 
 claimed by Him who loved me and gave himself for 
 me. Take, therefore, without scruple, what our 
 Lord appoints as yours, and give him the praise. 
 
 " And now, as to the state of your mind. I read 
 what you say with much sympathy. Oh ! that God 
 
230 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 would enable me to send you a word from Himself ! 
 And first, I think it Mglily probable that the dis- 
 ordered state of the body has more or less connexion 
 with it ; and of this you will judge as the body 
 recovers strength and tone. But from what you have 
 written, as well as from what you said when we met, 
 I should think there is something like impatience 
 at the total inactivity, — what you term uselessness, 
 to which you are reduced. The desire of usefulness 
 
 is good in itself; but, dear Mr. , remember it 
 
 is not for us to allot the times and the seasons when 
 God shall employ our services. There is often a 
 waiting time as well as a working time, and, if I 
 mistake not, you will work ' double tides ' shortly. 
 Your present duty is to bear his will in silence, saying. 
 When, — where, — how thou wilt. But ' the face of 
 God seems hid, and the Saviour less present and less 
 precious.' Ah ! this is indeed a bitter cup, and God 
 alone can remove it. I have often thought that 
 ministers must taste such things ; or how should they 
 know how to pity and console ? This may be part of 
 your education for the ministry ; but such desertion 
 shall not always last, (Isaiah liv. 7, 8, 10,) and 
 perhaps it shall be succeeded by bright and cloudless 
 sunshine. In the meantime I would say, place 
 yourself in the everlasting arms, whether God smiles 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 231 
 
 or hides his countenance. Let faith supply the lack 
 of feeling. He will not, he cannot cast you from 
 himself. 
 
 " Continue, dear Mr. , to pray for Luss. It 
 
 has been very dead and barren since I have known it, 
 and is just beginning to show symptoms of life. I 
 hear that Mr. Stewart is gaining beyond the most 
 sanguine expectations, and that there is a party much 
 interested in his success. I am very glad my son has 
 given them the most convenient site for a church." 
 
 In the early summer of 1844 a new and affecting 
 duty devolved on Lady Colquhoun. Her son, Sir 
 James, had been scarcely a year united to a lady * 
 whose youth and amiable dispositions promised a 
 long duration of happiness, and the rejoicings over 
 the birth of a first-born had hardly been celebrated 
 in his hereditary domains, — 
 
 It was an April day ; and blithely all 
 
 The youth of nature leaped beneath the sun. 
 
 When tidings came, 
 A son was born ; and tidings came again, 
 That she who gave it birth was sick to death. 
 
 * The younger Lady Colquhoun was a daughter of Sir 
 Eobert Abercrombie of Forglen, Bart. She died at Edinburgh 
 on the 3d of May, 1844. 
 
232 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 The infant, thus bequeathed to her maternal tender- 
 ness, became an object of unceasing sohcitude to his 
 fond grandmother ; and if anything could have linked 
 her spirit to the earth once more, that child would 
 have been the tie. God blessed her anxious tending, 
 and her little grandson grevi^ in strength and stature. 
 On the rare occasions when she was obliged to send 
 him from imder her immediate eye, a minute corre- 
 spondence was maintained betwixt his attendants and 
 herself; and in thinking and planning for the welfare 
 of her precious charge, and in watching the develop- 
 ments of thought and affection she hved dehghtfully 
 over again a by-gone era of her history. 
 
 The most appropriate contribution which a Chris- 
 tian lady can make to the cause of the Gospel is, 
 when she " shows piety at home." It is related of a 
 Scottish lawyer who rose to a high judicial station in 
 England, that with infinite pains he had exchanged 
 his vernacular pronunciation for a somewhat finical 
 Enghsh accent; but when he became old and 
 infirm, they say that nature cropped out again, and 
 that it was curious to observe the broad Shibbo- 
 leths of boyhood taking a late but ample vengeance 
 on the euphuistic orator. And where piety is hke 
 Lord Loughborough's English, — a thing picked up or 
 put on, — it is liable to similar casualties. In life's 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 233 
 
 least guarded or least brilliant moments, in languor, 
 in sickness, in moments of vexation, carnality triumphs 
 over profession ; and the spleen, or the passion, or 
 the worldly-mindedness which was aU unsuspected by 
 the admiring committee or the parlour coterie, is 
 revealed without scruple to the domestic circle. 
 But the piety of Lady Colquhoun was such a per- 
 vasion that the minutest action and the most familiar 
 moment could only reveal the Christian. "She 
 behaved herself wisely in a perfect way, she walked 
 within her house with a perfect heart ; " and her 
 uniform and attractive goodness commended the 
 Gospel to her servants, to her family, and to the 
 stranger sojourning within her gates. 
 
 Por many years she had been in the habit of 
 instructing her female servants every Sabbath after- 
 noon ; and, with her systematic perseverance, she often 
 assembled them when feeble health made the exer- 
 tion distressing to herself. Thus, in her journal we 
 find her lamenting the levity which exhibited itself 
 on one of these occasions ; " for, considering the pain 
 it cost me to speak to them, I felt it rather hard." 
 But it was the tendency of such exertions for their 
 welfare to conciliate the affection of her household, 
 especially as they were the exertions of a most kind 
 and considerate mistress. One evening, in Edinburgh, 
 
234 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 she rang the bell for her maid, but was told that she 
 had gone out and had riot returned. It was late 
 before she arrived, and when she made her appearance 
 Lady Colquhoun asked where she had been. " Taking 
 tea with my mother," was the reply. But perceiving 
 her embarrassed manner. Lady C. said, "Now, I 
 know you are not telling me the truth ; " and the 
 young woman confessed that she had gone to a 
 theatrical exhibition, which was later of ending than 
 she had expected. However, it was true that the 
 party had met at her mother's and taken tea before- 
 hand ; and she had intended to ask leave, but had 
 not found opportunity. Lady 0. expressed her 
 sorrow at the occurrence, the more especially as she 
 had never before discovered in tins maid any deviation 
 from the truth. She told her how much she dis- 
 approved of theatres, which had ruined so many ; and 
 reminded her how one fault usually leads to another ; 
 " and, C," she added, " I have just been praying for 
 you." Tears started into the young woman's eyes ; 
 and she begged forgiveness of her mistress, solemnly 
 promising never to be guilty of the like fault again, 
 a promise which she faithfully fulfilled. But although 
 she objected to such places of resort, and would not 
 allow her servants to spend the Sabbath in walks and 
 visits, she was liberal in allowing them other opportu- 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 235 
 
 nities of amusement, and was especially delighted 
 when they selected such recreations as tended to 
 improve their minds. The servant just mentioned 
 had been attending some evening lectures on astro- 
 nomy, and Lady C. took great pleasure in hearing all 
 that she could remember, and in helping her to under- 
 stand them. And all the inmates of her dwelling 
 were so weU aware of her benevolent feelings towards 
 them, that it is not wonderful that they received with 
 increasing gratitude her endeavours to promote their 
 truest welfare. " There was not one in the household 
 who did not love and reverence her, and who would 
 not have done anything to serve her." And if her 
 instructions have not been followed by lasting results 
 in every case, none who were connected vsdth her can 
 ever forget how holy and unblameable was her daily 
 demeanour. 
 
 With a few final extracts from her diary, we shall 
 conclude the active portion of this history. They 
 win supply some omissions in the narrative, and they 
 will show how the Lord was preparing his servant for 
 her everlasting rest. 
 
 "127, George-street, Edinburgh, Monday, Dec. 25, 
 1843. — Having omitted to bring my diary here with 
 me, I have neglected writing for some weeks. Here 
 
236 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 I have been enjoying the highest privileges, for which 
 at some periods of my hfe I would have given any- 
 thing. I am in the same lodgings with Mr. Wilham 
 Bums, having the two best floors, and he some rooms 
 above. I am thus enabled to attend his family 
 worship night and morning, and he preaches regularly 
 every Sabbath morning and twice during the week. 
 To-day I was again feasted at his class for young 
 women by his exposition of the question. What is 
 God ? I had before, nearly two years ago I think, 
 heard part of this sublime subject with inexpressible 
 dehght, but left Edinburgh before he finished it, 
 little hoping to hear any more. Now, if spared in 
 health, I may hear the rest. Lord, grant it, and the 
 blessing ! 
 
 " 31. — ^Arrived at the end of another year, what 
 can I say of myself in it ? Perhaps I little know or 
 think of my neglected duties, or many sins, but my 
 heart does not smite me much ; and yet I see others 
 in labours much more abundant, as dear Mr. Burns 
 in this house, complaining bitterly of unprofitableness. 
 It is probable that I am contented with a very low 
 state both of feeling and labour. Let me press 
 onward and forward. I took the family worship, as 
 I do always on the Sabbaths, as Mr. Bums is late of 
 returning from the young men's class. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 237 
 
 "March 10, 1844. — ^I find more than a month has 
 elapsed and I have omitted writing here. A passage 
 from ' Domey's Letters ' came to me with power and 
 comfort. 'The soul that is wiQing Christ should 
 both save him and purge him, shall be saved and 
 purged ; and God cannot but account him clean from 
 condemning guilt.' I have made an attempt to lead 
 one, who I fear has been afar off, and have lent a 
 book with faith and prayer (' Wilberforce's View'). 
 From my being enabled to pray, I hope well in 
 this. 
 
 "March 17. — My heart is rejoiced this evening 
 by one of the servant-girls in these lodgings, whom I 
 have been teaching, with the other, on the Sabbaths, 
 teUing me that what I said to her on prayer had been 
 much blessed to her, and that she now found many 
 opportvmities to pray, and was happy in Christ. O 
 Lord ! truly I praise thee for this. Humbly and 
 gratefully I thank Thee for making me the honored 
 instrument in thy glorious work. Bless and protect 
 this poor girl, and build her up in the faith j and may 
 she glorify Thee eternally ! 
 
 " April 14. — ^An event of some importance to our 
 family has occurred since I last wrote here, — ^the 
 birth of a son to my son, Sir James. His mother has 
 been very delicate since ; but all is in the hand of 
 
238 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 God ; to Him I commit them, believing that He will 
 do well. To-day I feel rather imwell, and am the 
 less unwilling to remain at home, as (it is somewhat 
 strange) I almost always find God more present 
 during the Sabbath-day when thus confined, than 
 when attending ordinances. Oh ! it is God, not 
 ordinances, I seek. Wherever He is present, I would 
 be. And this day He was present, especially during 
 the hours of the morning service. A letter received 
 lately from Mr. Denniston, of Jamaica, with some 
 observations on walking vsdth God, was blessed to me 
 this morning. 
 
 " 28. — A communion Sabbath. I was privileged to 
 hear Mr. A. Bonar, Mr. SomervUle, and Dr. Duncan, 
 on the previous days, but without any particular 
 blessing ; when, last night, a friend said she had been 
 exhorted simply to receive Christ's broken body, as 
 broken for her sins, and his shed blood as shed for 
 her ; and these few words brought joy and faith with 
 them, which remained with me at the table ; I was 
 enabled to see a little of the Lord's beauty, and 
 rejoice ia Him. My daughter-in-law continues in a 
 most precarious state ; it seems uncertain whether or 
 not she wih recover. I have told her of the danger, 
 and prayed with her several times. 
 
 " May 5. — A difierent Sabbath indeed from the 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 239 
 
 last, Lady Colqulioun having departed this life on 
 Eriday afternoon. I witnessed her death, and have 
 been since almost constantly with my son, at 132, 
 George-street. The infant lives, and will be my 
 precious charge. Thus a fresh line of duty and care 
 devolves upon me, different, indeed, from what I 
 should have sought. I am dumb ; I open not my 
 mouth : for God has done this. It is His way, 
 therefore a right way. 
 
 "Ma^ 19. — I am beginning to awake from the 
 dream of late events in my family, and am also 
 beginning, I hope, to return to the Lord. I am 
 certainly led in a way I would not in present circum- 
 stances ; but it must be right. It goes to my heart 
 when I recollect my dear little boy at Stutton, and 
 my reUgious instructions of him last summer, and 
 that now we cannot meet. One thing sweetly 
 reconciles me, — God did it. I was present at 
 the opening of the Eree Assembly, and enjoyed it 
 much. 
 
 " 26. — I was once or twice more at the Meetings 
 of Assembly, which are truly solemn and interesting ; 
 but having caught cold, I am now debarred from 
 them, and also from ordinances, to-day. I have, 
 however, found God in private, both in reading and 
 prayer. I He very low because of shortcoming and 
 
240 LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. 
 
 sin ; but I feel the value of the sacrifice offered for it, 
 and see something of that righteousness which is 
 unto aU and upon all them that believe. Throughout 
 the day my heart has rested on God as my portion. 
 Oh, how precious ! Thus at times creatures, the 
 whole creation, keep their just place in my regard. I 
 pant for more of this. 
 
 " Bossdhu, August 11. — Was much blessed in the 
 house of prayer to-day, Mr. Stewart preaching on the 
 freedom of the Gospel offer, from John iii. 15. I 
 had longed to hear him on this subject ; and it was 
 very joyful to me to hear Christ so freely and uncon- 
 ditionally preached at Luss. Lord, thou hast given 
 us much in this Church, and in this thy devoted 
 servant as our pastor; yet all this may be without 
 the blessing. For the Holy Ghost I pray ; earnestly, 
 unweariedly I pray for the descent of the Spirit upon 
 this place and people. I pray in faith, and, looldng 
 up, expect the answer. I think I shall yet, if spared, 
 vn-ite here that I am heard. O Lord, hasten the 
 time ! 
 
 " Sept. 8. — The three last Sabbaths Lady Sinclair 
 and my sisters were here. They were tolerably well 
 spent; in some of them I was enabled to return to 
 the evening service. Our good pastor was absent 
 last Lord's-day, having lost a sister, who died in the 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUll. 241 
 
 Lord. To-day Mr. Stewart gave us a delightful 
 sermon on Christ the Resurrection and the Life. It 
 came home to my heart. Surely I possess this 
 spiritual life. I feel something within that lives to 
 God, that delights in God, that cannot exist vrithout 
 God, that must be derived from God. And if this 
 new nature be, in the first instance, imparted without 
 a right or title, it shall be preserved and strength- 
 ened unto everlasting life. These and such thoughts 
 have been very joyful to me this day. I also felt 
 truly grateftd to the Almighty that there is such a 
 change to the better in my Gospel privileges here. 
 Oh, thanks be unto God for this ! 
 
 " Bee. 15. — We little know what a day may bring 
 forth. Nearly a fortnight ago I fell down thirteen 
 steps of a stair, and was much bruised; but, most 
 providentially, had no bone broken, and was not 
 otherwise injured. It is singular that this fall has 
 been the means of prayer being answered : and, 
 between a sense of gratitude for that, and for my 
 merciful preservation, my heart has been fcdl of 
 thankfulness and praise. I was about a week con- 
 fined to bed ; but never was God so present with me 
 in illness. I could pray always, and rejoice too. 
 Mr. Stewart visits me often, and has been a great 
 comfort to me. I was stiU unable to go out to-day. 
 
242 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 My dear daugliter and Mr. Reade, with his Kttle boy, 
 are now here. 
 
 "Jan. 5, 1845. — I am now able to attend in God's 
 house, and have been there the two last Sabbaths. 
 I am happy with many of my family about me ; but, 
 alas ! intercourse with others has in some measure 
 deadened my heart to God. I look back to my sick- 
 bed with something like regret, for then I was with 
 Him all day ; yet He will never leave nor forsake me. 
 
 " March 20. — How uncertain are all things here ! 
 This day week Lady Sinclair, my kind friend and 
 stepmother, was taken ill with a bilious attack, and 
 to-day is in that state we cannot say when she may 
 be taken hence. I went in a chair to see her yes- 
 terday and to-day, being unwell myself. It is a 
 sorrowing family. I prayed with them, and said 
 what I could. Oh! for a sanctified use of the 
 afflictions that are thickening around them; for my 
 sister, Mrs. Stewart, has long been also in a very 
 precarious way, but seems to rest on the Rock of 
 Ages. Lord, how soon may such a time as this 
 come to me ! I feel this evening united to Christ. 
 
 " 27. — How much have I to write this evening ! 
 My kind friend. Lady Sinclair, is no more ; my sister, 
 Mrs. Stewart, also gone. I was much with the 
 former; but her recollection was greatly impaired, 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 243 
 
 and she covild say little on any subject. I saw her 
 after death. Ah ! how solemn was the scene ! — ^how 
 sad the feelings of her sorrowing family ! Yesterday 
 she was consigned to the same grave at Holyrood, 
 where my father Hes. Mrs. Stewart gave pleasing 
 evidence of being in a state of salvation. Oh, to be 
 ready when my summons shall come ! To-day I 
 commemorated my Lord's death in St. Luke's. 
 
 " Bossdhu, Oct. 19. — I think grace grows; but 
 it is downward growth. It is a greater sense of 
 need, and a feehng that none but Christ can help. 
 To-day I was thinking that I have every reason to 
 trust that ' the Beloved is mine,' because He has made 
 me so heartily vdlling to be saved in his ovm way. 
 
 "Jan. 4, 1846. — I begin another year in health 
 and comfort. This is the first day of the Concert for 
 Prayer. I heartily joined in petitioning for an 
 abundant outpouring of the precious Spirit; and I 
 intend meeting with the servants during the week, 
 in accordance with the appointment of our Church. 
 I had an answer to prayer last week. How merciftd 
 is our God ! 
 
 " 35. — ^Probably the last Sabbath here, as we 
 propose leaving for Edinburgh on Wednesday. I 
 pray earnestly for a blessing on the congregation and 
 its pastor, and on the parish, — a new minister having 
 
 R 2 
 
244 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 been appointed for the Established Church. I do 
 hope that this change will not prove unimportant, but 
 that some good may come of it, and the hand of God 
 be seen in it. I put my trust in Him for many 
 things now depending on his providence. 
 
 " 18, Ainslie-place, Edinburgh, April 12. — Since 
 writing here a fortnight ago, I have gone through a 
 good deal. A few days after, I became very feverish, 
 and about a week was nearly confined to bed. I 
 sufffered also, and still sufier, from a depressing 
 nervousness, which is hard to bear, — disturbing my 
 rest at night, and taking away my peace by day. 
 Yet I think this illness has been blessed to me. 
 Christ has appeared very precious ; and although at 
 times I could scarcely see my interest in Him, at 
 other times I could embrace the simple promise, and 
 hold Him fast, and not let Him go without a 
 blessing. Sick and in bed last Lord's-day, I could 
 do nothing but offer a few words of prayer. To-day 
 I am able to be up, and am rapidly recovering ; but 
 being nervous, I thought, ' How shall I spend my 
 sacred hours ? ' Looking through some books that 
 had been lent me by my sister Catherine, I ahghted 
 on ' The True Christian,' by Jones, of Creaton. 
 Here I found much just suited to my need. AU 
 seemed encouraging ; and many times to-day I have 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 245 
 
 been receiving Christ and all his fulness. In writing 
 of this illness, I must not forget to notice my many 
 temporal blessings. God has given me aU I possibly 
 could desire. Truly, ' He has made all my bed in 
 my sickness.' 
 
 " 19. — ^Although still feeble, I have been pro- 
 gressing tovrards complete recovery during the week. 
 Thanks to a gracious God ! I have felt great benefit 
 from this illness. I never so strongly saw my need 
 of Christ, nor so fuUy closed with him. Reading 
 this morning in Jones's little book, I felt assured that 
 what he describes as certain marks of the new 
 nature, — ^the love of God for what He is ; the love 
 of holiness ; the love of the Spirit wherever seen ; 
 the love of the law, — I felt convinced that these 
 marks are mine, and something like assurance grew 
 upon it. 
 
 " 26. — I communicated in Free St. Stephen's, and 
 scarcely ever enjoyed so much in the sacramental 
 feast. I was fed in last week's preparatory services ; 
 but especially to-day, both in the sanctuary and at 
 home, God was present. I awoke early, and, before 
 rising, read vrith much dehght the sixth chapter of 
 John. Mr. Gillies, on the love of Christ, from 
 John xiii. 1, was truly dehghtful. Dr, James 
 Buchanan served the second table, and followed in 
 
246 LIFE OF LADY COLQXJHOUN. 
 
 the same strain, from ' Christ loved the Church, and 
 gave himself for it.' I have heard soid-refreshing 
 truths, and I have given myself to the Lord, and 
 rejoice in his love. God enabling me, I wiU hence- 
 forth confide in Him more. 
 
 " Bossdhu, June 28. — Many vreeks have elapsed 
 since I was able to note down my spiritual state and 
 feelings. I have been very ill ; and, after coming 
 here from Edinburgh, was obhged to return to it 
 for medical advice. The Almighty directed me to 
 Dr. Simpson, who at once saw the root of the evU, 
 and whose method of treatment has, under Provi- 
 dence, given me great relief. The nervousness which 
 so distressed me is gone. I have had a sight of 
 death ; for when one attack followed another, I often 
 thought I might not recover. Alas ! I never can 
 view it with that desire to depart which many of 
 God's children feel. However, in this, as in every- 
 thing else, I must lean upon the Beloved, and hope 
 He win guide me in safety through the dark vaUey. 
 I seem to have been at school, and trust I have 
 learned something, especially my helplessness, worth- 
 " lessness, utter insufficiency. Against this could I but 
 set Christ's strength, worth, sufficiency, all would be 
 well. I was five weeks in Edinburgh, and returned 
 two days ago. God has mercifully kept my little 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 247 
 
 grandson in health during my absence, and all has 
 been mercifoUy ordered. 
 
 "July 5. — Not well, but continuing to recover. 
 Was at church, and heard a missionary, Mr. Strachan, 
 preach, on Luke i. 76 — 79. How dark, how awful 
 would have been our thoughts regarding futurity, had 
 not the tender mercy of our God caused the Day- 
 spring to visit us, giving knowledge of salvation and 
 the remission of sins ! Blessed knowledge ! most 
 needful remission ! Deeply, most deeply do I feel 
 my need of it." 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OP HIS 
 SAINTS. — PSALM CXVI. 15. 
 
 The quiet chamber where the Christian sleeps, 
 And where, from year to year, he prays and weeps; 
 Whence, in the midnight watch, his thoughts arise 
 To those bright mansions where his treasure lies, — 
 How near it is to aU his faith can see! 
 Yes, for that bliss unspeakable, unseen. 
 Is ready, and the veil of flesh between 
 A gentle sigh may rend, and then display 
 The broad, fuU splendour of an endless day. 
 
 JANE TATLOE. 
 
The last chapter left tlie subject of this Memoir ia 
 shattered health; and from its depressing influence 
 on the nervous system, the illness of that spring 
 was at first peculiarly painful. The temperament of 
 Lady Colquhoun was in unison with her sober judg- 
 ment, and any deviations from its habitual tranquillity 
 were generally in a cheerftd direction j and so seldom 
 was her religious experience tinctured vsdth gloom, 
 that she had a very imperfect sympathy with the deep 
 dejection of some eminent Christians, in whose 
 biography she otherwise found delight and instruction. 
 When, therefore, dreary or disconsolate weeks were ap- 
 pointed, she felt as if some strange thing had happened 
 to her ; but, instead of yielding to despondency, her 
 sound understanding ascribed to its real pathological 
 origin this withdrawment of sensible comfort, and with 
 unshaken confidence she rested still on the Exjck of 
 her Salvation; and through her heavenly Father's 
 
2B3 LIFE or LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 tender mercy, this trying attendant on her malady 
 was ere long succeeded by her wonted serenity. 
 
 Having come to Rossdhu in May, as has already 
 been mentioned, she was obliged to return to Edin- 
 burgh for medical advice almost immediately. There, 
 in much weakness, she spent the month of June; 
 and we have now before us the notes, neatly, but 
 feebly virritten, in which she conveyed tidings of her 
 progress to her servants at home. To her attached 
 housekeeper she wrote, — 
 
 " Monday. — Your few Hues, which I received this 
 morning, gave me pleasure, — to hear of the dear 
 child's keeping well, and that aU is going on com- 
 fortably. I am able to be up now, and in the 
 parlour; but this last Ulness has thrown me back. 
 I would say I am sorry, but am silenced by the 
 thought, — ^it is the Lord. Dr. Simpson is now to go 
 on with his prescriptions, to which the Lord can give 
 efficacy if so seemeth Him good. But what if now 
 should be His time to call me hence? I should be 
 ' also ready.' He wiU do well. I do not know that 
 there is much cause for alarm. I have less nervous- 
 ness, and sleep better. We have comfortable lodgings. 
 I am in good hands. (Deut. xxxiii. 3.) I am happy 
 you had such good assistance at the communion. 
 
 " Your sincere friend, — J. C." 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 253 
 
 To her little grandson, now two years old, she 
 had always shown the tenderest affection, and a 
 chief part of her present trial was separation from 
 him. Many of these notes are addressed to his 
 nurse : — 
 
 " May 29. — I was very glad indeed to hear that 
 my dear httle boy continued strong, and was be- 
 having well. May God in mercy watch over him, 
 and bring me back to him in comfort ! I sometimes 
 feel the thought that (poor little feUow !) he cannot 
 understand why I have left him. I am going on with 
 the means prescribed, and have less of the nervous- 
 ness than I had, and I sleep better. I am out as 
 much as possible, and have every reason to be 
 thankful for goodness and mercy following me." 
 
 In the beginning of July she returned to Dum- 
 bartonshire, recruited; but on the 18th of that 
 month an aguish fever compelled her to hasten back 
 to Edinbiu-gh. There again the means were blessed ; 
 and she recovered strength enough to hear Dr. 
 Gordon and Mr. GOlies preach, and was able to pay 
 a visit to the venerable widow of her old pastor. 
 Dr. Buchanan. When Lady Colquhoun rose to take 
 leave, her aged friend insisted on accompanying her 
 to the door; and to the gentle remonstrance of her 
 niece, replied, " It is the last time." She did not 
 
254 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 think that the younger was to go first, for her " own 
 time was not yet." 
 
 Erom Edinburgh, about the middle of August, she 
 proceeded to Helensburgh, and was sufficiently well to 
 take a lively interest in every movement affecting the 
 welfare of the Redeemer's kingdom. She had there, 
 in the preceding year, organized a branch of the 
 Irish Home Mission ; and whilst its afi'airs gave her 
 some occupation, she was greatly cheered by accounts 
 of the progress made by Hindoo girls attending the 
 schools of her favourite Society in India. A month's 
 sojourn on the coast apparently revived her strength ; 
 and at the period of her final return to Rossdhu, her 
 habitual language was gratitude to the Pather of 
 mercies. Peaceful slumber was a boon which she 
 now frequently enjoyed, and had learned exceedingly 
 to prize ; and in the mornings she would frequently 
 say, " How thankful should I be when I think of 
 Mrs. Cathcart ! " Mrs. C. had been deprived of rest 
 at night for a long time before her death,— the only 
 true repose she could obtain being a short sleep in 
 the evening, on a sofa in the drawing-room. 
 
 On the 39th of September, when out walking, she 
 was overtaken in a shower, and obliged to seek 
 shelter under a tree. She herself apprehended no 
 injmy, and smiled at the excessive caution of her 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 355 
 
 family in sending out cloaks and shawls. Next 
 morning, however, she complained of sore throat and 
 fever ; but though that morning she appeared at the 
 breakfast-table, and for two days continued to go 
 about and converse with her usual cheerfulness, she 
 evidently grew worse, and before Sabbath the 4th of 
 October, she had taken to that bed from which she 
 was never again to arise. On that first Sabbath of 
 her illness, one of the servants, to whom she had often 
 spoken on the concerns of her soul, came into the 
 room ; and, after saying a few kind words to her, 
 Lady Colquhoun offered to pray with her, as she had 
 frequently done in other days. The» brief but 
 touching prayer will not readily be forgotten by her 
 on whose behalf it was offered, all the rather, that 
 every utterance had now become an exertion. To 
 one of her family that day she said emphatically, 
 " ' Christ is all my salvation and aU my desire.' I 
 hope for salvation in nothing but Christ." 
 
 At an early period of her illness she sent for Sir 
 James, desiring to speak to him alone. She told 
 him that before she became too iQ, she wanted to 
 give directions about her funeral; that she did not 
 wish to have any one invited but the nearest 
 relations, and that it should be quite private. She 
 then sent for her youngest son, and with perfect 
 
256 LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 composure told them her apprehension as to the 
 result, adding, " I die at the foot of the cross." 
 Next day she gave her youngest son directions 
 regarding certain charities, one of which was, that 
 the sum she had paid for the education of a 
 theological student should be continued tUl his 
 college course was ended. " I see," she said, " that 
 you are affected; but I know that you wiU pay 
 attention to my wishes, as I have not left them as 
 bequests in my wiQ." She then subjoined with 
 great earnestness, " Christ is my Portion ; and, oh ! 
 what a Portion ! Seek that Portion. " 
 
 A message had been sent to Edinburgh for Dr. 
 Simpson. His partner. Dr. Keith, arrived on the 6th, 
 and stayed aU night ; Dr. Simpson came on the 9th ; 
 and during the remainder of her illness — an attack of 
 dysentery then prevalent, — one or other of these dis- 
 tinguished practitioners was frequently with her, doing 
 all that skin and kindness could devise, often to the 
 great temporary relief of their patient. But from 
 her first seizure she herself seemed to have only one 
 impression regarding the issue. About a week after 
 its commencement she said to one of the household, 
 " Mrs. L., I am convinced that this illness is to end 
 in death ; and I have just one hope — only one, — and 
 that is, the finished work of Jesus." On her 
 
LIFE OF LADT (JOLQUHOUN. 257 
 
 attendant expressing a hope that she might recover, 
 she answered, " Oh, no ! And for me to hve would 
 be Christ, but to die will be gain, — ^unspeakable 
 gain ; " and then, after a short prayer, she musingly 
 added, " And shall I see Him as He is — so soon ? 
 And shall I join the redeemed around the throne? 
 Overwhelming thought 1 " The next day, — and it 
 was the only day that she so complained, — she spoke 
 as if imder a cloud, and requested that those words 
 might be read to her (Isa. xhii. 1 — 3), " Pear not : 
 for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy 
 name; thou art mine. When thou passest through 
 the waters, I wiU be with thee ; and through the 
 rivers, they shall not overflow thee : when thou walkest 
 through the fire, thou shalt not be burned ; neither 
 shall the flame kindle upon thee. Por I am the 
 Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour." 
 But after that she seemed to be no more disturbed, 
 often saying, " What a blessing it is that the enemy 
 is kept away ! " And from her lips were constantly 
 dropping such expressions as, " The righteous hath 
 hope in his death." " I know that my Redeemer 
 hveth." " I cannot praise Him as I would ; but I 
 shall yet praise Him in perfection ; yes, through aU 
 eternity." 
 
 She earnestly desired to see her daughter, Mrs. 
 
258 LIFE OF LADY COLQTJHOUN. 
 
 Page Reade ; but as the distance was great, feared 
 that she might not reach Rossdhu in time to see her 
 alive. 
 
 It was a great dehght to her when her second son 
 arrived from Edinburgh. She took his hand, saying, 
 " That dear hand ! " and after conversing cheerfully 
 and minutely with him about his family, she ended 
 by affectionately giving him her blessing. 
 
 Two lovely features of Christian character were 
 very observable during this illness, a sweet acqui- 
 escence in the will of God and a constant mindful- 
 ness of others. Her sufferings were often very great, 
 but she bore them without a murmur. On one occa- 
 sion, when the pain was violent, and in eagerness for 
 speedy rehef many palliatives were tried in quick suc- 
 cession, she said to one of the servants, " I fear you 
 vnU think me impatient ; " and the servant, who was 
 only thinking of her mistress's sufferings, could give 
 no answer but by bursting into tears. Another time, 
 when her daughter was expressing the hope that she 
 might yet be spared to them, her answer was, " And 
 would you wish to keep me here ? You don't know 
 what I suffer." Then recollecting how these words 
 might be understood, and alarmed at the idea of 
 their conveying an impression of repining, with a 
 look of anguish she exclaimed, " Oh, do I complain ? 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQUHOUN. 259 
 
 I did not mean to complain. I retract these words." 
 And when there was any abatement of suffering, she 
 took care to apprize those near her, often by a single 
 word when she could say no more, " Better, easy, — 
 easier," or " The Lord be praised for that." And in 
 perfect seK-forgetfdness, her great concern was for 
 the health and comfort of those who ministered to 
 her. In deep weakness she would remember the 
 minutest precautions lest her daughter might catch 
 cold sitting by her bedside over-night. During her 
 own sickness the oldest inmate of the estabHshment 
 was very low, — ^the aged nurse, Mrs. Barbara Graham. 
 For years this faithful servant had been very frail and 
 almost bed-ridden, and now, Hke her kind mistress, 
 she was rapidly sinking ; and to Lady Colquhoun it 
 was a frequent anxiety, lest in their attendance on 
 herself poor Graham should feel lonely or be any way 
 overlooked. Amongst other relatives then at Rossdhu 
 was her sister-in-law. Miss Colquhoun ; and, speaking 
 to her, she remarked, " You must find this a dull 
 house," and she charged her servants to do aU they 
 could for the comfort of the guests, so that they 
 might not be too much reminded of her own indis- 
 position. 
 
 She could now take scarcely any sustenance, and 
 as it was with the outer, so was it with the inner 
 
 s2 
 
260 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 man. Her soul desired no dainty meat. And 
 thougli she had many favourites in Christian author- 
 ship, during these latter days she never asked a 
 portion from one of them. In the same vray, though 
 her memory was richly stored with hymns and 
 spiritual songs, it looked as if the familiar stanzas 
 were now forgotten. To her the word of God was by 
 this time everything. Such texts as Isaiah xxxii. 2, 
 John xiv. 27, and xvii. 24, Romans vui. 32 — 39, 
 were cordials which her spirit drank in when it cared 
 for nothing else. That passage in the Romans was 
 the last to which she listened, and it is interesting to 
 know that it is the last which was read to her 
 beloved sister, Hannah. And though it was an effort 
 to speak much, it seemed to make the effort less if it 
 were some " tried word " that she was quoting. Just 
 previous to this illness her daughter had been suffer- 
 ing from headache, and one day to her affectionate 
 inquiry Miss Colquhoun replying that she was quite 
 weU, she rejoined, " He stayeth his rough wind in 
 the day of his east wind." And at the time when 
 her precarious state was first revealed to her family, 
 perceiving Miss. C. in deep distress, she gently said, 
 " ' All his saints are in thy hand.' Do you remember 
 that ? " — alluding to a sermon preached in the fore- 
 going spring, by Mr. GOlies, the notes of which had 
 
LIFE OF LA.DT COLQUHOUN. 261 
 
 afforded her singular delight. And at another time, 
 turning to her daughter with a look of ineffable fond- 
 ness, she repeated, " I will never leave thee nor for- 
 sake thee." 
 
 About seven days before her departure she sent 
 for all the servants, and spoke to them separately on 
 the things of their eternal peace. To one she said, 
 " Mary, you wiU soon lose me. Your day may not 
 be so near, but it is coming ; see that you have an 
 interest in Christ before that ; for what would I do 
 to-day without him ? M., don't forget me, and re- 
 member aU I have told you ; and be sure you attend 
 to the preaching of the Word. I benefited much 
 from that in my own youth. And thank you for all 
 that you have done for me." To another she said, 
 "Look at me, a poor helpless creature, and don't 
 put off preparing for eternity till you come to a 
 death-bed. May the Lord be with you ! " To 
 another, "Now I., be kind to Graham as long as 
 you have her ; but above all, oh remember your own 
 soul 1 Good by, God bless you ! " And to one in 
 whose spiritual welfare she had much interested 
 herself, " Well, Mary, I wish to bid you good by ; 
 for I will soon be taken from you. Never forget 
 what I have said to you ; and oh, take Jesus for your 
 friend, and then there will be no fear of you; good 
 
362 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 by, Mary." And great as was the exertion to 
 her wasted frame, so intent was she on addressing 
 a word of kindness and parting counsel to every 
 one of them, that, having missed one of the men- 
 servants she sent a messenger to bring him. She 
 had something suitable for each, and no one was 
 overlooked. 
 
 What else transpired within the precincts of that 
 hallowed chamber must be told in the words of filial 
 affection : — " She now felt as if her work were done. 
 At the same time she declared that she renounced 
 aU dependance on anything she had ever performed, 
 as her best was altogether sinful ; adding, ' Christ is 
 my hope, should be my motto ; I rely entirely on his 
 finished work.' To myself she said, ' My death will 
 do you more good than my life could do ; for it 
 will show you more forcibly than anything that can 
 happen, the vanity of earthly things.' After ex- 
 pressing in strong terms how much she felt at leaving 
 me behind, she said, ' I wish I could take you with 
 me ; but God can make up my loss to you.' I told 
 her that a letter had come to her from her beloved 
 friend. Miss S. She said, ' Poor A. ! little does she 
 think of the news that awaits her ; ' but she did not 
 ask to have the letter read. Indeed she was too iU to 
 listen. 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 263 
 
 " Six days before her death, the nurse brought her 
 httle grandson to the door of her chamber, and I 
 asked if she might bring him in. ' Oh, yes,' she 
 repHed, ' tell her to bring him in that I may see him 
 for the last time.' Her eyes were now ahnost con- 
 stantly closed, but she raised them and looked on 
 him with inexpressible tenderness. Then giving him 
 her blessing, she prayed ' that the Lord might make 
 him a child of grace, and that, if spared, he might 
 yet witness for his own cause.' She then said, ' I 
 have given him up to God, and commit him to 
 His care ; ' and gave his nurse her blessing. The 
 dear child's look of infantine dehght at again behold- 
 ing his grandmamma was touchingly contrasted vsdth 
 all besides in that solemn scene. She spoke of her 
 daughter, Mrs. Reade, and of the probability that 
 she and Mr. Reade were then on their way. 'But 
 tell Helen how much I love her, and give my love 
 to Mr. Reade, and their dear, dear little boy.' That 
 evening, when all the family who were then at home 
 were assembled in her apartment, she desired a light 
 to be brought near, and asked if they saw much 
 change in her appearance ; but though very wasted, 
 it was wonderftd how httle alteration had come 
 over that placid countenance. 
 
 " On the morning of the 17th, her sister and 
 
264 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 sister-in-law being about to leave, came to bid her 
 farewell. To Miss Diana Sinclair she said, ' Set the 
 Lord Jesus always before you, and it wUl be your 
 comfort on your death-bed, as it is at this moment 
 mine.' In a previous interview her sister had been 
 much affected by her aiking, ' Do I not remind 
 you of Hannah ? ' When Miss Colquhoun afterwards 
 came into the room, she likewise exhorted her to 
 go to the Saviour, and embraced her affectionately 
 and gave her her blessing. By that day's post intel- 
 Hgence was received that Mr. and Mrs. Reade would 
 reach Rossdhu in the evening. They accordingly 
 arrived at seven o'clock, having travelled day and 
 night. The meeting, though affecting, was an inex- 
 pressible comfort to mother and daughter. 
 
 " On first seeing Mrs. Reade, she repeated, ' I am 
 so thankful, I am so thankful ; ' adding, ' Yesterday 
 I never expected to see you again in this world ; but 
 how merciful is my gracious Lord to hear my prayers, 
 that you may receive my parting blessing still ! ' And 
 then she continued, 'But I am much better to-day; 
 indeed, I feel better since you arrived ; although 
 you must find me much changed. However, we 
 must look from this to the glorious change.' She 
 then asked to see Mr. Reade, and her young grand- 
 son, James Reade, for whom she had always evinced 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 265 
 
 a great affection. He was then seven years old. 
 She reminded him of the times when she used to 
 take such pleasure in teaching him chapters from the 
 Bible and hymns, and when she used to teU him 
 of Jesus' love to little children. She then asked him 
 to repeat the last six verses of the eleventh chapter of 
 Matthew, and then told him that she had no fears of 
 death because she had cast her ' heavy load ' on Jesus, 
 who was willing to receive ' all ' who ' came ' to him. 
 And when she ended vsdth saying, ' I trust, dear 
 boy, we shall one day meet in heaven ; there is 
 plenty of room there,' and more to the same purport, 
 tears filled the eyes of all who overheard her simple 
 exhortation." 
 
 Being so much better that day, Mrs. Reade asked 
 what would be her own wishes in regard to recovery. 
 She answered that her only tie to life now would 
 be to be with them all, and then she said, " Perhaps 
 it would be better if I went now, having advanced so 
 far on the way; for even if I do recover from this 
 iUness, I shall sooner or later have to go through 
 the same scene again, and at my period of life the 
 time must be short." 
 
 " A few days before her death," — ^we resume Miss 
 Colquhoun's narrative, — "on being raised up, she 
 remarked, with apparent satisfaction, that she could 
 
266 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 not see out of the window nor distinguish objects 
 at any distance. Thankfulness was still a prominent 
 trait of her disposition, and every rehef from pain 
 called forth some grateful acknowledgment. ' Thanks, 
 Lord,' was her usual emphatic expression every time 
 she received her medicines or such slight nourishment 
 as she was able to take. Dr. Simpson's last visit was 
 on the night of the 19th, and he was again the 
 means of alleviating her sufferings for a time. He 
 could do no more. She gradually relapsed, and 
 it was plain that her release could not be distant. 
 She herself seemed to long for it, and frequently 
 repeated, 'Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.' She 
 asked if the doctors would not know by her pulse 
 how long she was hkely to last, and said to Mrs. 
 Reade, when they were together alone, ' Now think 
 if there is anything else you would like to say or 
 to ask ; for my time is very short.' Mrs. R. rephed, 
 ' You seem very anxious to be gone.' ' Yes,' was 
 the answer, 'the sooner the better now, for me 
 and for you too ; but I must be patient.' She 
 then said, 'Dearest H., you will never forget aU I 
 have said to you. I sometimes fear I have not said 
 enough to you aU ; but I commit you to the Saviour.' 
 Mrs. R. said, ' I am sure it rests with ourselves if we 
 have not benefited as we ought.' She replied, ' That's 
 
LIFE OP LADY COLQTJHOUN. 267 
 
 gratifying,' — and after a few more remarks, ended 
 at that time by embracing her affectionately, and with 
 great earnestness and solemnity gave her the final 
 blessing. She then desired Mrs. R. to bring her 
 httle boy, James Reade, that he might also receive 
 her parting blessing, and she took leave of him in a 
 most affectionate manner. On the evening of the 
 20th she took an affectionate leave of her eldest and 
 youngest sons. She thanked my eldest brother for 
 all his kindness to her, particularizing some of her 
 obUgations to him, and then she gave each of them 
 her last blessing, adding, ' I hope to meet you all at 
 the right hand of the Judge.' After midnight she 
 desired that I should endeavour to procure some rest, 
 and as her attendants promised to come for me if 
 Lady Colquhoun became worse, I complied, the more 
 readily as the violence of her sufferings had now con- 
 siderably abated. Towards morning she showed her 
 usual consideration for those around her. A maid- 
 servant had sat up to relieve one of her regular 
 attendants; and when she was leaving the room, 
 though articulation was now very difficult, she said, 
 ' Remember, M., you must not go to your work as 
 usual to-day.' That morning, the 21st, I found 
 her quiet, and apparently free from pain, though 
 evidently going home. Her eyes were closed, but 
 
268 LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. 
 
 she was not asleep; for when I spoke she threw 
 her arms round my neck and kissed me aiFectionately. 
 It was a mother's last embrace. She then said to me, 
 ' My Sarah, I have not given you my blessing. I 
 pray that God may bless you with all spiritual 
 blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.' By 
 and by she said, '1 wish none to be with me but 
 ray famUy.' My sister and I knew that this was 
 in allusion to her last moments. She again asked 
 to see her Httle grandson, James Reade ; but when 
 he was brought the shades of death had obscured her 
 sight. She said, ' Where is he ? I cannot see him.' 
 Mrs. R. put his hand within hers, and she grasped it 
 firmly, her hps moving as if in prayer. Mrs. R. and 
 I sat down by her bed-side, and after a short interval 
 I said to her, 'We shall meet in heaven.' She 
 returned no answer, nor could I be sure that she 
 heard me. I then said, 'And Jesus is with you 
 now.' She turned her head round to me, and made 
 an effort to reply, and by the expression of her 
 countenance I am quite certain that she understood- 
 me. She spoke no more, and seemed as in a soft 
 sleep. She faintly acquiesced when Mrs. Reade 
 asked if she would like to see Mr. Stewart, in whose 
 visits she had taken peculiar pleasure. She was quite 
 unable to speak to him when he arrived, but assented 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTIN. 269 
 
 when asked if he should pray. We kneeled down, 
 and in a most solemn and impressive prayer Mr. S. 
 coromended her soul to God. After this she lingered, 
 as if in a peaceful slumber, until three o'clock in 
 the afternoon, when, without a struggle, a groan, 
 or sigh, her willing spirit took its flight to those 
 glorious realms for which she had longed so ardently. 
 But so gentle, so imperceptible was her release, that 
 for some time we cotdd scarcely beheve she was really 
 gone. ' She was not, for God took her ; ' and after 
 death her countenance retained the peaceful, tranquil 
 look it had worn when Hving." 
 
 It was on Wednesday, October 21, 1846, that her 
 shining path thus merged in perfect day. And 
 on the following Saturday another pilgrimage ended. 
 Mrs. Graham only outlived by three days that kind 
 and grateful mistress who had provided with every 
 comfort her years of infirmity and decay. On 
 Tuesday the 27th the chapel, which ten years before 
 had received the remains of her husband, opened 
 for the coffin of Lady Colquhoun. In compliance 
 with her own request, she still wore her wedding- 
 ring and a mourning ring containing Sir James's hair. 
 The funeral was private, but a few of the people 
 in the neighbourhood sought and received permission 
 to be present. Mr. N. Stewart conducted the usual 
 
270 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 service before the precious remains were carried forth 
 to the place of sepulture. It was exactly four weeks 
 that day when last she looked on the tints of autumn. 
 The copses were russet then, and the noble trees 
 around the mansion wore their final drapery of scarlet, 
 and brown, and gold, a sight which she used wonder- 
 fully to admire. But by the time the withered leaves 
 were drifting into her grave, she needed not to mind 
 that it was vdnter in the earth; for, instead of the 
 roughening lake and the searing forest, God had 
 showed her "the pure river, clear as crystal," and 
 "the tree of Ufe, yielding fruit every month," and 
 whose leaves " heal the nations : " and, better stUl, 
 she had found her life-long wish; she "served God 
 and saw his face." 
 
 On the following Sabbath her funeral sermon was 
 preached from Heb. vi. 12, in the Pree Church 
 of Luss, by her much-valued friend and minister, the 
 Rev. Neil Stewart, and in the parish church an 
 appropriate and impressive sermon was delivered from 
 John xiv. 27, by the Rev. Robert Wright. And when 
 the various religious societies and charitable institu- 
 tions with which she had been connected held their 
 next meetings, they placed on record their fervent 
 tributes of affection and esteem.* 
 
 * In the " Thirty-sixth Annual Eeport of the Gaelic School 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOTJN. 271 
 
 Tall and dignified, with an ample and intellectual 
 forehead, and with beautiful Grecian features, lighted 
 
 Society," appeared the following just and discriminating notice, 
 which we have much satisfaction in transferring to these 
 pages : — 
 
 " Before passing from what refers to the Ladies' Association, 
 your Committee lament to say, that in common with aU the 
 friends of religion in this land, they have, in the death of Lady 
 Colquhoun, to mourn over the removal from among them of 
 one who formed a distinguished member of Christ's Church 
 upon earth, — one who adorned the profession of Christianity, 
 and who formed an invaluable friend of the Gaelic School 
 Society, as Treasurer of the Ladies' Association, and one of the 
 Society's Vice-Patronesses. The Committee have a melancholy 
 satisfaction in transferring to these pages the minute which 
 they have recorded elsewhere, on this affecting event in the 
 history of the past year, — ^with the sentiments expressed in 
 which, they feel assured, all the friends of the Society will 
 heartily sympathize : — 
 
 " ' It is with deep concern and solemnity of feeling that the 
 Committee have now to record the death of Lady Colquhoun, 
 of Luss, who for several years has acted as Treasurer to the 
 Ladies' Auxiliary Association in connexion with this Society. 
 They are deeply sensible that the event is felt by the religious 
 world to be a public loss. The influence of Lady Colquhoun's 
 holy and consistent life ; the character of her writings, uniting 
 spirituality of tone, and faithfulness in sentiment, with mental 
 acuteness and elegance of diction ; the munificence of her 
 offerings to the cause of Christ, which was ever dear to her ; 
 and, above all, the efficacy of her fervent prayers, combined to 
 render her at once the ornament of her numerous circle of 
 friends, and an esteemed and truly valuable member of the 
 
272 LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOttN. 
 
 up by a fine complexion and an eye mildly pene- 
 trating, there was something pecuharly prepossessing 
 
 Church of Christ. The removal of one who, in the providence 
 and by the grace of God, occupied such a position, especially at 
 such a time, is an occurrence which cannot fail solemnly to 
 affect the minds of all who are concerned for the cause of 
 truth. 
 
 " ' But the Committee feel that their province is specially to 
 regard this event in its bearing on the Gaelic School Society. 
 It is with melancholy interest they record the lively and 
 affectionate concern uniformly evinced by Lady Colquhoun for 
 the prosperity of this Institution. In its times of difficulty 
 and trial she was its faithful, zealous, self-denying, devoted 
 friend. When it pleased the Lord to vouchsafe to its efforts 
 any marked tokens of his countenance and blessing, such 
 tidings were ever to her the occasion of humble gratitude and 
 praise. The Society received largely of her bounty, and no 
 doubt was often the subject of her prayers. Eeflecting on the 
 high place which she was enabled to occupy, the Committee 
 feel that in her removal by the hand of Providence, one of their 
 chief earthly props has been taken away. 
 
 " 'But it is the Lord's hand which has smitten. He is 
 teaching by this event to " cease from man," and to look with 
 undivided reliance to his grace and power. He will graciously 
 maintain his own cause, and command the light to shine even 
 out of darkness. The Committee would, therefore, while 
 feeling the stroke, desire to go on with their humble labours, 
 encouraging themselves in the Lord. In the meantime, they 
 would take comfort in reflecting on the well-grounded hope 
 which they are warranted to cherish regarding their valued 
 and lamented friend. And while they pray that this solemn 
 event may be sanctified to themselves and to all who knew the 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 273 
 
 in the youthful appearance of Lady Colquhoun. A 
 total absence of aflPectation superadded the perfecting 
 
 Christian worth and zeal of Lady Colquhoun, they fervently 
 trust that the Lord will be pleased specially to bless it to her 
 sorrowing family and relatives. To them the bereavement is, 
 humanly speaking, irreparable. But their sorrow may well be 
 turned into joy, for it is written, " Blessed are the dead which 
 die in the Lord, from henceforth : yea, saith the Spirit, that 
 they may rest from their labours ; and their works do follow 
 them." ' » 
 
 The same event was thus noticed in the Report on Female 
 Education in India : — 
 
 " During the past year, not a few of those who once were 
 distinguished associates with us in this great enterprise, whose 
 tenderest sympathies were long ago aroused for the manifold 
 sorrows of the daughters of India, and whose delight it was to 
 devise and to prosecute plans which should ensure their 
 complete and final redemption from all their woes, have ceased 
 to be engaged in such occupations on earth. Lady Colquhoun, 
 of Luss, one of your Society's earliest and most highly-valued 
 friends, with whose enlightened Christian counsels and pre- 
 vailing intercessions it was for long so eminently favoured ; 
 and Major John St. Clair Jameson, of Bombay, whose 
 honoured name is associated in the minds of so many in this 
 country, with their first feelings of commiseration for the fate 
 of their afflicted sisters in the East, as well as other less distin- 
 guished, but not less devoted friends of the cause, have within 
 the last few months rested from their labours and entered upon 
 their reward. 
 
 " Regarding the elevated character of the late lamented 
 Patroness (Lady Colquhoun), the Committee feel that it would 
 be superfluous now to remark. The distinguished gifts she 
 
 T 
 
374 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 charm of a sweet unconsciousness. Her elevated 
 miiid and graceful manners were instinct with 
 
 possessed, which all were consecrated to the noblest and best of 
 purposes ; her matured graces, which served so eminently to 
 adorn the doctrine of her God and Saviour, — these were well 
 known and appreciated in the Churches while she was yet 
 here, and will long be cherished in the fond remembrance of 
 many, now that she is gone. But the Committee are assured 
 that the following brief extract from the last letter written to 
 your agent at Calcutta by their revered departed friend, 
 indicating, as it does, the views and feelings she entertained 
 regarding India during her last days on earth, will be regarded 
 as possessing peculiar interest by all the members of the 
 Society : — 
 
 " ' I would vnsh to encourage the hope that there is a 
 blessing in store for India. The windows of heaven seem 
 opening ; put in your claim for a share of the refreshing 
 shower. Hope on ! Wait on ! Urge and work on ! After 
 toil, rest is sweet ; and the rest that remains for the people of 
 God will be most welcome to those who have borne the burden 
 and heat of the day.' " 
 
 To which must be added an extract from the Sixth Address 
 of the Ladies' Society in Scotland in Aid of the Home Mission 
 of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland : — 
 
 " We cannot close this Report without alluding to the loss 
 which our Society has sustained in the removal, by death, of 
 its much-respected Patroness, Lady Colquhoun. To her this 
 Society chiefly owed its origin. In her death, the cause of the 
 Home Mission may be said to have lost, in Scotland, its oldest 
 and most influential friend. Besides defraying the College 
 expenses of one of the converts now training for the ministry 
 (Mr. Kugan), she ever contributed readily with her means to 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 275 
 
 feminine refinement and inherent nobility; and 
 though in later years her complexion had faded and 
 her figure stooped, there came the more brightly 
 forth the reassuring gentleness, the dehcate con- 
 sideration, and the tact in difiiising happiness, which 
 are among the loveliest attributes of the Christian 
 lady. 
 
 The basis of her natural goodness was truth. 
 Even before it was hallowed into " godly sincerity," 
 her disposition was unusually open and candid; and 
 after she had learned to live in the recollection, — 
 " Thou, God, seest me," she became studiously exact 
 and scrupulous. It was not only that she forbade 
 her servants to use the fashionable equivocation, 
 "Not at home," but aU her intercourse and corre- 
 spondence were pervaded by a most rigid adherence 
 to the rule of " Yea, yea, and Nay, nay." And this 
 elaborate truthfulness re-acted on all her character. 
 It materially promoted her self-knowledge, and con- 
 tributed to her growth in grace. And the blessed 
 consciousness that she had never wilfully flattered or 
 maligned, enabled her to mingle in aU society with 
 a cheerful security and a goodwill as obvious as it 
 
 the numerous demands of the Mission in other ways. The want 
 of her generous support and Christian counsel in the. manage- 
 ment of this Society will be long and deeply felt," &c., &c. 
 
 T 2 
 
276 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 was genuine. Nor was she " afraid of evil tidings. 
 Her heart was fixed, trusting in the Lord." 
 
 The steps by which she was brought to the 
 knowledge of the Saviour, have been traced in the 
 foregoing pages ; but, as a brief review of her 
 religious experience, and as an expression of her 
 matured feehngs and sentiments very near the close 
 of hfe, we are sure the reader will peruse with 
 interest the foUovidng letter. It was addressed to a 
 faithful minister in the Highlands, towards the 
 erection of whose church she had previously con- 
 tributed, and is dated Oct. 28, 1845 : — 
 
 "My dear Sib, — I know not how to refuse the 
 request made in your letter, which I received a short 
 time since ; and yet I am assured nothing but mis- 
 conception on your part could have induced you to 
 make it. I am to teU you ' my sentiments and 
 feelings when Jehovah causes the light of his face to 
 shine on me.' Alas ! alas ! how rare is this ! And 
 I am to say what are my ' views and feehngs when, 
 in chastisement, His face is hid.' Here, also, I am at 
 fault ; for I know httle of the heights and depths to 
 which so many of God's people are subjected. I 
 have been led in green pastures, and beside the stiU 
 waters. One thing I have learned, and from the 
 
LIFE or LADY COLQIJHOTJN. 277 
 
 bottom of my heart I feel it, — my utter nothingness. 
 But do not think my speaking thus is the sign of 
 deep humility. Ah ! no. I am sensible you win not 
 think the worse of me for saying so. I fear to write 
 of myself, — I cannot, without sin. I may write, 
 then, of my Saviour ; there is a theme upon which I 
 need not dread to enlarge. And I can with truth 
 say, that each step in my journey through life leads 
 me, with more undivided confidence, to rest on Him 
 alone, without reference to anything else but His 
 finished work. 
 
 " ' Nothing in my hand I bring. 
 Simply to thy cross I cling ; 
 Naked, come to thee for dress ; 
 Helpless, look to thee for grace ; 
 Foul, I to the Fountain fly ; 
 Wash me. Saviour ! or I die.' 
 
 " I have been led very gradually and gently in the 
 divine life. I never knew the pangs of the new 
 birth ; and at first had slight views of the depravity 
 of the heart, or of the need of salvation by Christ. 
 These things were more articles of my creed than 
 the conviction of the soul. I beheved them chiefly 
 because the Bible told me they were true. But years 
 have supervened, and proof that the heart is deceitful 
 above all things and desperately wicked has not been 
 
278 LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. 
 
 awanting ; and hence, if saved at all, I now feel it 
 must be by grace through faith. One thing, I 
 beUeve, is rather singular in my experience, — ^that I 
 was more induced to devote myself to God by the 
 beauty of the Divine character, and the lovely pre- 
 cepts of the Gospel, than by any other consideration. 
 And still, when I can get but a gUmpse of these 
 things in anything like their transcendent glory, my 
 heart is fixed. But I dare not go on in this strain. 
 I am much afraid you will think me very different 
 from what I am. I have wandered from my subject. 
 I was going to write of the Saviour. I think, then, 
 the Apostle Peter is very happy in the expression 
 when he calls him ' precious.' What so precious as 
 that which we cannot have a moment's peace 
 without ? What so precious as that in which per- 
 fection dwells, — where beauty alone shines? Or, 
 what is of equal value to us with the God-man, who 
 saves us from everlasting perdition, and makes us 
 'partakers of His holiness?' These are common- 
 place and well-known truths; but we need to be 
 reminded of them ; and, ah ! how shghtly are they 
 impressed upon the heart 1 Yet still — still we must 
 say, however listlessly and feebly, Christ is precious! 
 Many, I know, say it with more devout affections 
 than I can do. But say so I must and wiU, as He 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 279 
 
 HimseK shall enable me. He must take my heart ; 
 I cannot give it Him. You, my dear Sir, have a 
 high honour assigned to you in having the ever- 
 lasting Gospel to preach. Let not your hands hang 
 down ; you have a noble cause, a good Master, and 
 assurance, of some measure at least, of success. I 
 beheve ministers are often little aware of the effect 
 of their preaching. I knew a man of God, now 
 in his grave, or rather, I should say, now before 
 the throne, (Dr. Buchanan, of the Canongate,) who 
 told me that he had just heard of one who had died 
 in the Lord, and mentioned, on his death-bed, that 
 Dr. B.'s preaching had been the means of his con- 
 version twenty years before ; and all that time he 
 was ignorant of the circumstance. When very 
 young. Dr. B. was of great use to myself; but I 
 dared not have told him so for long after. I have 
 now, as far as I know it, and according to my 
 ability, complied with your request. May not I, 
 with equal reason, expect that a word from you will 
 benefit me ? But I do not wish to tax yoa. I know 
 the many calls you must have upon your time, and 
 I, too, have sometimes as much vmting as I can well 
 accomphsh." 
 
 The pervading element in her piety was an adoring 
 
280 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 attachment to this Divine Redeemer. The desire 
 to see his cause trimnphant in the world impelled 
 her efforts in the many Societies of which she was 
 an assiduous member. Regard for his honour 
 prompted all the more important actions of her later 
 life. The hope of introducing others to his trans- 
 forming friendship made her personally and with 
 the pen, in books and in conversation, in cottage 
 visits and in exalted society, " instant in season and 
 out of season." And the behef that they belonged 
 to the Saviour endeared to her obscure or imperfect 
 Christians, just as the perception of earnestness in 
 his service drew her regard towards ministers of 
 ordinary gifts, and made her a docile or dehghted 
 listener to sermons which would have been reckoned 
 common-place by hearers more fastidious or less 
 fervent. And closely allied to this was her unusual 
 confidence in prayer. It was one of the sisters at 
 Bethany who said to Jesus, " Lord, if thou hadst 
 been here, my brother had not died. But I know, 
 that even now, whatsoever thou wUt ask of God, 
 God will give it thee." And the subject of this 
 record had a confidence in the Saviour's grace and 
 power akin to that of Martha, and for a similar 
 reason, — she had a like affection. In everythiag, by 
 prayer and suppHcation, she made known her 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 281 
 
 requests ; and her diary abounds in notices of 
 answered prayer. • 
 
 " Ye are the hght of the world." The behever 
 fulfils his exalted function when, filled with the 
 Divine Spirit, he so acts that in his graciousness 
 men are reminded of the grace of God. " Let it 
 shine," and " let it so shine that men may see 
 your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven." 
 The piety of Lady Colquhoun was spontaneous, 
 efiusive, evenly, like a lamp abundantly replenished ; 
 and its bright spirituality at once reminded the 
 beholder of its heavenly Source. And we know not 
 that we can better describe what manner of person 
 she was in this respect, than by copying the words 
 of her own minister, and those of her eldest 
 brother. 
 
 " It has been my privilege," says the Rev. NeU 
 Stewart, "to converse with not a few persons of 
 Christian character; but I have not received the 
 same pleasure or benefit from aU. In conversing 
 with some, I have felt my affections restrained, my 
 spirits depressed, and a painful feeling of discontent 
 predominating in my mind. But I never left Lady 
 Colquhoun without feehng my affections purified, my 
 heart warmed, and my spirit raised in humble 
 thankfulness to God for his goodness, and in earnest 
 
282 
 
 LIFE OF LADT COLQUHOUN. 
 
 desire to be conformed to his image, and to do all 
 things to his glory. This, I am persuaded, was the 
 restdt of the pecidiar character of her piety, which 
 was alike devoid of that asceticism which contracts 
 the affections, and that enthusiasm which impairs 
 the judgment. Like one of her favourite authors, 
 John Howe, she dwelt with much delight on the 
 character and attributes of God as revealed in the 
 face of Jesus Christ, and by the habitual contem- 
 plation of them it seemed as if she were more and 
 more conformed to the same image." 
 
 And to his niece. Sir George Sinclair writes : — 
 " I look back with unfeigned satisfaction on aU my 
 personal intercourse with my beloved sister, because 
 I am quite certain that we never exchanged a hasty 
 word, and never harboured towards each other an 
 unkind feeling, even for a single moment. Her piety 
 was entirely free from moroseness or gloom. She 
 was never highly elevated, and never unduly de- 
 pressed. Though always dignified, her manner was 
 often playful. She did not exact from others a strict 
 and undeviating observance of the rules which she 
 laid down for her own guidance, and though uncom- 
 promising as to all principles of grave importance, 
 she was always inclined to the side of lenity and 
 indulgence when she differed from others in matters 
 
LIFE or LADY COLQUHOUN. 283 
 
 of minor moment. You are aware with what en- 
 thusiastic strength of zeal and conviction she espoused 
 the interests of the Free Church ; and yet she always 
 discussed that very exciting question with me (who 
 had reluctantly, but conscientiously, remained con- 
 nected with the Established Church) in a spirit of 
 charity and forbearance which is much more fre- 
 quently enforced than exemplified. On the whole, 
 I have never seen any character so blameless and 
 harmless, and without rebuke; so free from in- 
 firmities, and so adorned by virtues. She Hved much 
 with her Saviour in prayer, which is the surest 
 resource for being enabled to hve like him in daily 
 conversation." 
 
 Thus devoted and thus endowed, it was her 
 blessedness to accompUsh much for that Redeemer 
 whom she loved so ardently and followed so affec- 
 tionately. In the nearest circle of her kindred, in 
 her own household, amongst her younger and older 
 neighbours, to the poor of other places, to casual 
 visitors, she was the source of incalculable benefits. 
 Irrespective of her munificent contributions and 
 unwearying exertions in the cause of Christian 
 philanthropy, the friends of the Gospel felt a per- 
 petual solace in her presence, and were comforted 
 to think that in the most pohshed society was 
 
384 
 
 LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 exhibited sucli a specimen of pure and consistent 
 piety. Her light shone to the last, and was 
 brightest at the end ; and her Father in heaven was 
 glorified. 
 
 Like Hannah and Jessie Sinclair, we invite our 
 younger readers to choose "that better part, which 
 shall not be taken from them;" assuring them 
 that, if at the foot of the Cross they lay down 
 some things that are brilliant, they vdll there obtain 
 in return aU that is beautiful. When these happy 
 sisters found the Saviour they did not lose their 
 taste for intellectual enjoyments, nor their zeal for 
 personal improvement; but they found a Eriend 
 aU-wise and ever-present, who in scenes of anxiety 
 kept them calm and recollected, and in the midst 
 of flattery preserved them sober-minded ; and who, 
 along with the forgiveness of sin, imparted to 
 their character a depth and a delicacy which cannot 
 be derived from courtly rules or the most careful 
 up-bringing. In their parallel history is seen how 
 gracefully with feminine refinement may be com- 
 bined homely duties and labours of practical 
 beneficence ; and it proclaims once more how 
 essential to eminent piety are self-knowledge, watch- 
 fulness, and prayer. And surely, in the blessed con- 
 fidence that through His interposition lives so lovely 
 
LIFE OF LADY COLQUHOUN. 285 
 
 have been once more united, we have another reason 
 for loving and adoring that Redeemer who has 
 aheady transferred so much of earth to heaven. 
 
 They have been brought with gladness great, 
 
 And mirth on ev'ry side, 
 Into the palace of the King, 
 
 And there they shall abide. 
 
 MAClNtOSa, falNTEft, 
 BREAT new-street, LONDON, 
 
WORKS BY LADY COLQUHOUN. 
 
 THE WORLD'S EELI&ION", 
 
 As contrasted with Q-enuine Christianity. 
 
 Second Edition. Foolscap 8to. cloth, 3s. 6d. 
 
 THE EINGDOM OP GOD : 
 
 Containing a Brief Account of its Properties, Trials, PriTJleges, and 
 
 Duration. 
 
 12nio. cloth, 3*. 6d. 
 
 IMPEESSIONS OP THE HEART; 
 
 Relative to the Nature and Excellence of Genuine ReUgion. 
 
 Second Edition. 12nio. cloth, 3*. 
 
 DESPAIR AND HOPE : 
 
 ExempUfled in a Narrative founded on Pact. 
 
 Second Edition. 18mo. stitched. Price Gd. 
 
 *,* A New Edition of the above, with a Portrait, 
 In one Volume, uniform with the Life of Lady Colquhoun, 
 will shortly be published. 
 
 JOHNSTONE AND HUNTER, 
 
 PRINCES-STREET, EDINBURGH, AND PATERNOSTER-ROW, LONDON. 
 
WnkB f tttili# tq MM k Cn. 
 
 '^ l^nte nf ttdmt By the Hon. and Key. 
 
 ?mh MuMkm m tji? IJitlt in 3 vols. 
 imperial 8vo, £3. 3s. cloth, 
 
 (^k Inilnr's Inp! for lirasulf anil tju Maiiw. 
 
 ^^ By a Naval Officer. Foolscap, Svo, 6s. c&<A. 
 
 l^iiEt iKitt's listDq nf fnglauii m dDjiristiatt 
 
 '^■^ Principles, for the use of Totmg Persons. With Illus- 
 trations. 16mo, 5s. cloth ffilt. 
 
 '^raij lurringte ; or, a sister's Love. By the 
 ■^^ Author of liie "Curate of Ijnwood." Foolscap 8vo, 
 6s. cloth. 
 
 j^ttmw 3^rm{ui nt- tju (C^iqitls Enital nf 
 
 v3y St. James's and "Whitehall, by the Hon. and Eev. Bap- 
 tist v. Noel, M.A. 12mo, 5s. cloth, 
 
 fife in dFnmst. six Lectures on Christian 
 Activity and Ardour. By the Eev. James Hamilton, 
 F.L.S. A new Edition. 18mo, Is. Sd. cloth. 
 
 I^jtfers ukM frnra tjn (^nmspmrittiirB nf 
 
 /*« Helen PwrMPiRB, Author of " Scripture Stories," &c. 
 Second Edition. 12mo, 6s. cloth. 
 
 %ltmlmm nf t{u Eigjitos. By john 
 
 HoWB, M.A. New Edition, Eevised. 12*jo, 4s. cloth. 
 
(nfiJTf fotltitE I an Irish Story. By Ckabloxte 
 ^^ Elizabeth. Fourth Edition, enlarged. Foolscap 8vo. is. 
 
 /jNstit I a Missionary Tale. By the same Author. 
 ^^ Third Edition. Ibolsmp Svo, 3s. 6d. (loth. 
 
 iB-ntlljl ; or, Christian Comfort in the Uses of 
 ■^^ Affliction. By a Sufferer. ISmo, Is. 6d. cloth, 
 
 #\i Mk^ Etrtnni; or. Truth in Fiction. 
 By the Eev. E. W. Diddin, M.A. With Illustrations. 
 Foolscap Svo, 5s. cloth. 
 
 ^XPSSSSM, By the Eev. Edwaed LiLiiNGSioiir, 
 v9y M.A., Incumbent of St. George's, Bdgbaston, Birming- 
 ham. \2mo, 38. cloth. 
 
 (^m^AM i>WXSM. With an accompanying 
 ^^ Prayer to each. Intended for reading in Families and 
 Sick Eooms. By the Eev, Eichard Marks. Vimo, 5s. cloth. 
 
 'MM Mm mm lm%ztms: consolations ad- 
 
 V^ dress6es aux Enfans de Dieux Aflliges, Traduit de 
 I'Anglais du Eeverend Hobahus Bonab, 18»io, 2s. 6(i. cloth. 
 
 ^t /itmilq nf 3J;etlHlDg; or, Meditations on- 
 the Eleventh Chapter of the Grosjel according to St. 
 John. By L. Bonnet. Translated from the French, with an 
 Introductory Essay, by the late Eev. Huoh "White, of St. 
 Mary's, Dublin. Twelfth Edition. Foolscap Svo, 5s. cloth.