Maria's mother-an only daughter, whose parents occupied, for more than half-a-century, a farm of considerable extent in the parish of N- and were much esteemed for their probity-possessed a strong mind, exalted moral principle, and rich invention. Difficulties only tended to stimulate her energies. Labour and sacrifice were held in no account. She had a large-heartedness, especially in ministering to the poor, and in contributing to benevolent and religious institutions, which far exceeded the means she enjoyed for gratifying it; and, yet, though comparatively limited in her resources, her hand was ever employed in some work of compassion and beneficence. She did what she could. But there was no ostentation in her labours of love and works of mercy. Her right hand did not know what her left hand did. There was entire freedom from artifice, pretension, and guile. Favoured with the religious training and excellent example of a very godly mother, the religious sentiment was genially fostered in her, and the beneficial fruits of the advantages which, in early life, she shared, appeared in her own spirit and conduct during her whole course on earth, and in nothing so much as in the care she took in rearing her offspring in the fear of the Lord. This she ever felt to be the principal thing, and she did not lose her reward. The good effects of this kind of training appeared in the future of her offspring. In some of them these were more obvious and decided than in others; but in all of them there remained sacred impressions of revealed truth, and the importance of the salvation of the soul, under which they came when privileged with her instructions and witnessing her example. Maria especially ascribed, as a mean, her knowledge and impressions of revealed truth, and any attainments that she had made in vital religion, to the sustained and prayerful maternal efforts that were put forth for her spiritual benefit. The counsels thus given she readily entertained, and the spiritual conversation thus enjoyed afforded her delight. And when her endeared

relative had, having reached a good old age, been gathered to her God-fearing progenitors, Maria never spake of her but with the most profound regard and the liveliest gratitude.

Maria's maternal grandmother was a strongly marked character. Quick in judgment, prompt in decision, resolute in obeying the dictates and impulses of her conscience, a keen relish for the true gospel of the Son of God, an unflinching and persevering observance of religious duties, both in public and private, were among the distinctive features by which she was known. Dissatisfied with the ministry in the parish to which she belonged, she, at no small inconvenience from distance and other circumstances, attached herself to the congregation in the city of A-, who enjoyed the ministrations of —, the only truly evangelical minister in it connected with the Established Church at the time. When this worthy servant of Jesus Christ was called to give an account of his stewardship, she left the State Church and espoused the cause of the Dissenting society which was then being formed and organised, and which took root, notwithstanding the rude and withering winds of scorn which, for long time, beat upon it. He had been steadfast in his maintenance of the doctrines of the Confession of Faith in a period of very general unfaithfulness, and his teaching was highly valued by the more serious and intelligent portion of his people. In a letter to a gentleman in Edinburgh in 1742, he thus remarks on his ecclesiastical position and prospects: "Alas! How much is the Church of Scotland changed to the worse, which was once beautiful as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, and terrible as an army with banners. Her renown went forth among the churches for her beauty, but now she hath played the harlot; her beauty is departed—her adversaries are in the midst of her, they now break down the carved work at once with axes and hammers. To complain of these things is looked upon as a crime; they that would plead with their mother make themselves a prey.

The sad things that now obtain among us

are causing many to stumble at the law, and to abhor the offering of the Lord.” During his last illness some of the more devout of his congregation consulted him on the course they should take in the event of his death. His advice was that they should connect themselves with the new Dissenting community. This counsel they approved and followed. The Journal of 9th November, 1756, thus records the death of this influential pastor: "On Tuesday last, died in the 65th year of his age, and 40th of his ministry, that eminent and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, the very reverend and worthy —, eldest minister in the city; a gentleman for piety and learning distinguished; in Church matters expert; a strenuous asserter of the Reformation principles, doctrine, discipline, worship, and government of the Church of Scotland; in the public exercises of his office, grave, awful, and serious; in conversation, agreeable and facetious; zealous in testifying against the defections of the times; in his integrity, as a Protestant and Presbyterian, firm and unshaken; in his ministerial work, indefatigable; conscientious in discharging the whole of his duty, and whose life was a uniform transcript of his doctrines; so that his death is to this place justly reckoned a general, and to many an irreparable loss.” By this loss, Gospel light was nigh quenched in the Established Church in A—. The existing ministry were greatly careless in the performance of their pastoral duties. The religious tuition of the young, family visitation for sacred purposes, prayer meetings, and even attention to the sick and destitute, were nigh unknown. They were men of the world. If they got the fleece, they did not concern themselves about the spiritual and immortal well-being of the flock. They were of the unfaithful teachers whom the prophet Isaiah describes: "His watchmen are blind, they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping and lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own ways, every one for his gain, from his

quarter." So it ever comes to be with a State Church that enjoys for any length of time quietness and repose. It is only when some Dissenting convulsion shakes her bulwarks, and the Separatists gather strength and menace her foundations, that her priesthood throw off their inglorious and criminal sloth; and set about, as they best may, the work of an evangelist.

In carrying out her convictions on the point of Dissent, though she continued to share the regard of her domestic relatives, yet she found in none of them a kindred spirit. They were sober and honest, and, in a worldly sense, well-doing and reputable; but on the great business of salvation, they felt little concern. But this did not shake her purpose or cool her zeal. She had been taught that the redemption of the soul is precious. The Gospel of Christ had been hid in her heart; and made life and spirit to her. It was to her the treasure hid in the field—the pearl of great price; and she would sell all to obtain it. The obstacles which ever and anon arose from the indifference around her, did not divert her from her endeavours to keep the Sabbath devoutly, and to be-though several miles distant-regularly in the house of God, to join in his worship-to take and feed on the bread and water of life. Thus was she freshened and animated. In those public means she often found God to be a sanctuary to her, and the ordinances observed, to be wells of salvation, out of which she drew water. Thus did she grow and gather strength and prosper. She could truly say-"How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts; my soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God." Blessed are they that dwell in thy house; they shall be still praising thee, Selah." "They go from strength to strength; every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

66

In those hours of trial, and when the societies of the

Dissenters were not very thickly planted, for they were at first few in number and in general humble in social position, sacramental occasions in the summer drew extensive gatherings. Adherents often came great distances to favoured places whose watchtowers were kept by men of renown who had "done exploits." The seat and centre of Dissent lay in the counties of Fife, Stirling, Perth, and Lanark. Small parties were wont at times to go at those hallowed seasons from — to Dunfermline, a distance of not less than a hundred miles. This mother in Israel not unfrequently formed part of this band of sacred pilgrims. There were then no stage-coaches, and the journey had usually to be performed on foot. It was more than a week's employ, as they in general so arranged the matter that they might be forward to enjoy the benefit of the public services of the Fast-day,'which was usually observed on the Thursday. In the spirit in which this devotement was made, there certainly is not a little to admire and emulate, however grotesque and fanatical to many it may appear. These tribes were wont to take provisions with them for their supply by the way; and as they proceeded onward to the city or place of their solemnities, they would, at stated intervals, take rest in some well sheltered spot where they partook of their humble meal; communed freely on the wonders and mercies of the cross of Christ, and the blessings and privileges of the Gospel redemption; and observed devotional exercises. These were delightful seasons of mental excitation and profit. "As iron sharpeneth iron, so the countenance of a man his friend." Thus did they "provoke one another to good works.” These pilgrims had as a whole,—though no doubt there would be tares among the wheat, as there was a Judas among the twelve, -the baptism of the Spirit of light, and love, and holiness; and prosecuted their object rejoicing in the Lord their righteousness, and strength, and salvation. On these sacramental solemnities in those times, the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sabbath, and Monday were devoted to distinctive and appropriate