to leave the company when they were proposed; but, you may be sure, I was not fond of his being abroad on that day, or yet of his having dinners or suppers at home. I was cautious of finding fault. at the time, when that was the case, but when it was otherwise, and we happened to be at home alone, I expatiated upon the happiness I felt at finding ourselves alone on that day, and even hinted how painful it was for me, either to entertain company at home, or to think of his being engaged abroad, with people who had no regard for religion, and paid no attention to its laws, at least for religion's sake. There are many good members of society in this place, and every way agreeable companions on another day; but few of them make any distinction betwixt Sunday and Saturday.

There is no occasion to say all one thinks to a man of his penetration. I gained my point, and for a long time past, except when he is visiting the sick, or at church, which he attends regularly, he is seldom to be found out of his own house on Sunday. We have always company to tea; but that cannot be avoided; but were you to pop in after they are gone, you would find him reading

sermons to me, or conversing upon religious subjects he has often acknowledged that he is much happier, and has much more satisfaction when he spends the day in this way, than when he is abroad. If he is happy, I am sure I am much more so. Let me then endeavour to make home as agreeable to him as possible, and by cheerfully complying with his will in some things, I may, by the blessing of God, accomplish my wishes in matters of more weight and importance.

I have, according to custom, chatted till my paper obliges me to finish. The Doctor joins me in compliments to Mr. Davidson, and in returning him a thousand thanks for his care of our two boys. The Doctor has received his letter, and all he has done is perfectly right. He will write by the packet. Remember us also to the boys and Hugh, to our friends at Quarelton, and other acquaintances-I never leave a bit of room for names. Farewell, my dear, dear parents-believe me to be, with much affection,

Your dutiful daughter,

I. GRAHAM.

LETTER IV.

MRS. MARSHALL TO MRS. GRAHAM*

Eldersley, 1768

You have lost one of your best friends in this place, a friend that was frequent and fervent at a throne of grace for you and yours-worthy Mr. Muir,t I need not say how much lamented, you will know that yourself. I wrote you of the situation of his foot; it seemed to be getting better for a while, but grew worse again, and on the 30th of June his leg was cut off; on the 20th of July

The attentions Mrs. Graham received, and her being in some degree obliged to mix in gay society, no doubt gave rise to her affectionate christian mother's apprehensions expressed in this and the following letters.

+ Father of the late Rev. Dr. Muir, of Alexandria, D. C.

he died. No person was allowed to see him but those who waited on him. Dr. Stuart slept constantly in the house, yet no preventing death. They sent off express for Dr. P-—; but, before he arrived, the soul had taken its last farewell-entered on its Sabbath of rest. It was on the preparation Sabbath before the sacrament. He could not have joined personally on earth at that time; but his dear Master, whom he had preached so faithfully, recommended so warmly, and served so cheerfully, made him "to drink the wine new with him, in his Father's kingdom."

I wish the entertainments of that gay place may not engage you too much, not only to the hurt of your outward circumstances, but to the hindrance of your advancement in religion, and the concerns of your precious, immortal soul. O, my dear child, no mortal knows the inward trouble of mind I undergo on your account; what, through fear of the numberless temptations you are liable to, you should be off your guard, and be suffered to fall; what, through fear of the many difficulties you may have to undergo, and be cut off in some one or other of them, I am sure you are little out of my mind; you lie down with me-you rise up

with me I carry you about with me through the whole day—and O the weary days and nights I have had, since I parted with my dear child! But O, my dear, can I do otherwise than rejoice, when I reflect that the Lord is every where present, and that I have access in, and through my Redeemer, on your account, to that God who is continually present with you, has wrought great deliverance for you, and I have reason to believe, if you continue to seek him, and walk in his ways, he will to do great things for you still? It is my only support, and no small support it is.

Farewell, my dearest! May the Lord bless you both, and keep you night and day, lying down and rising up, going out and coming in, wherever you go; may the everlasting arms of the allwise and powerful Jehovah be underneath and about you, is the earnest and most fervent prayer of your

Loving and affectionate Mamma,

JANET MARSHALL.