gracious providence of Almighty God, he should be introduced; and on which introduction, by the blessing of Heaven, nearly all his future usefulness and comfort for a long life would depend: But thus it was. for so it seemed good in the eyes of the wise and beneficent Disposer of all events."

Before leaving England, Lady Glenorchy paid a visit to her valued friend Miss Hill, at Hawkstone; and on her arrival in Scotland, she sought leisure and retirement, as usual, at Taymouth. She returned to Edinburgh in October, where circumstances soon occurred which gave her much and long vexation. Mr. Grove, who had preached for some time in her chapel, was very acceptable to the congregation, and there was a prevalent feeling in favour of him being settled as their minister. Nor was Lady Glenorchy averse to it. Ther were some, however, who openly expressed their dissatisfaction. Anxious to bring the matter to a termination, her Ladyship addressed a letter to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, requesting them to acquiesce in the settlement of Mr. Grove. This, however, was found inexpedient and impracticable, as that gentleman was averse to signing the formula appointed by the Church of Scotland to be subscribed by every minister previous to ordination. The choice of Lady Glenorchy next fell upon the Rev. Robert Balfour, minister of Lecropt, afterwards, for nearly forty years minister of the Outer High Church of Glasgow. The high character of Mr. Balfour secured, on the part of the people, a ready acquiescence; but objections were started by some members of the presbytery, who dissented, and complained to the Synod of Lothian and Tweeddale,

grounded on some technicalities in reference to his admission. Having already declared his acceptance of the appointment to the chapel, Mr. Balfour, at the first meeting of the Presbytery of Dumblane, tendered his resignation of the charge of the parish of Lecropt. Contrary to all expectation, however, they refused to accept it; and Mr. Balfour, unwilling to carry the matter into the higher Church courts, gave up his nomination to the chapel. This threw Lady Glenorchy back into her former state of perplexity and uneasiness, and led her not merely to resolve, but actually to take measures for leaving Scotland. She accordingly set out for England, and, being joined by Miss Hill, she visited various places in the south of England, and at length came to London. In the course of her wanderings, Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Jones was introduced to her; and as long as she resided in the place where he was settled, he officiated as chaplain in her house morning and evening.

In the Synod of Lothian and Tweeddale, a strong attempt was made, which for the time was successful, to prevent the chapel of Lady Glenorchy from being admitted into the communion of the Church. The unfavourable decision of the Synod, however, was reversed by the General Assembly in the following May; and Lady Glenorchy's mind being set at rest on the subject, she returned to Scotland in the month of June. The individual on whom she now fixed as minister for the chapel was a young man of sincere piety and excellent abilities, Mr. Francis Sheriff, who was at that time officiating as a chaplain in one of the Scots regiments in Holland. On her invitation he came to

Scotland, but was never formally inducted as minister of the chapel.

He had not officiated more than a few weeks in his new charge, when symptoms of consumption began to appear. Still he continued to discharge his duties both in public and private, with much satisfaction and benefit to his people. Being anxious that sealing ordinances should be administered in the chapel, he devoted several weeks together to the examination of his people, and often said, "If I can but have the satisfaction of seeing the ordinance of the Lord's supper administered to a body of serious Christians in the chapel, I shall willingly take to my bed next day, and never rise more." This much-wished-for privilege was granted him. On the 15th of March he was enabled to go to church and dispense the ordinance to four hundred of his people, to whom he gave a very animated exhortation.

In a day or two after the communion he was taken seriously ill, and after lingering for a few weeks, he finished his earthly course, and entered into that rest which remaineth for the people of God.

Lady Glenorchy, to whom we are indebted for a very interesting notice of Mr. Sheriff, has given a full account of the state of his mind on his dying-bed. At first he enjoyed much spiritual comfort and peace, but his prospects were occasionally clouded by doubts and fears. It will be satisfactory to our readers to quote some passages from the sketch drawn up by that pious lady, under whose roof he died. Her ladyship thus writes:

"Upon offering one day to read to him a passage in one of Hill's sermons, he said, 'O no, read the Bible,

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all other writings are insipid to me-they are the words. of men, and some of them are good; but the words of God are my delight. One promise gives me more comfort than all the writings of men. I have no relish for any book or conversation, that does not bring them to my remembrance.' He would often say to those about him, 'Well, have you got any sweet promise to tell me of?' And upon one being mentioned, he would generally say, 'O that is sweet and comfortable to my soul.' On Tuesday, the 3d of May, he said, "O how I linger here! When shall I get home! I must now pray day and night for submission and patience, to wait the Lord's time without murmuring. He has hitherto given me the grace of patience: glory be to his name for it.'

"He was now so emaciated, that he could not without much pain turn himself in bed. He frequently observed what a sad situation his would be, were it not for a glorious prospect of life and immortality beyond the grave; adding, "What would have become of me, had I lain in this condition before I knew the grace of God in truth? how impatient should I have been! how miserable in the approach of death and judgment! O what a mercy it is that I did not take this disease two years ago!'

"After having, in very strong terms, expressed his assurance of eternal glory, he was suddenly tempted to doubt that he might be under a delusion. He cried out, in an agony, 'O what if I should yet be deceived! O my past life stares me in the face! I am afraid— I am afraid all is wrong-I never felt anything like this-what will become of me, if I should be deceived at last!' He wept bitterly, and seemed in great fear

and horror of mind. A person who was present said, 'Surely you have long ago renounced all dependence upon your own righteousness; you have fled for refuge to the hope set before you in the Gospel; you have believed on Jesus as your righteousness and strength: why, then, should you be afraid? Is he not able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him? Have you not again and again committed your soul unto him for salvation? and he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.' 'Yes, yes,' he cried out, he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. O why did I doubt his love? how dreadful is the sin of unbelief! I never

felt any thing like this before. It was a fiery dart; but the Lord hath delivered me from it.' Upon this he was reminded of having said some months ago, that he had no experience of Satan's fiery darts, and that he had sometimes felt uneasiness at not having had this evidence of being a child of God. He answered,' It is true; but now I know what they are. It is a dreadful thing to listen to the suggestions of the enemy, and to doubt of Christ's love. O pardon me, Lord! Indeed it was a fit of jealousy.' After this conflict was over he seemed more full of faith and love than ever. He could not find werds to express the joy and triumph of his soul. Jesus was his continual theme. Often did he call upon all to believe his goodness, his compassion, his willingness to save, saying, 'Now he stands crying out to all, Behold me! behold me! and will ye not look unto him, all ye ends of the earth, and be saved? O what has he not done for me, a poor wretched sinner! I went into all sin; yet he had mercy upon me—a vile worm. cannot express what he has done for my soul!

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