prospect, I see this subject now in a light impossible to be described. I know my capacity will be then enlarged, but I am now as sensible of the presence of God, as I am of the presence of those I have with me."

On the very day of her death she conversed about sending missionaries to Tahiti. She had often in her lifetime mentioned, that from the first moment that God set her soul at liberty, she had such a desire for the conversion of souls, that she compared herself to a ship in full sail before the wind, and that she was carried on by such a divine influence as was not easily to be described.

An abundant entrance, suitable to a life so influenced, was ministered to her into heaven; for almost her last words were, "My work is done, I have nothing to do but go to my Father." Her ladyship died at her house in Spa Fields, next door to the chapel, June 17, 1791, in the 84th year of her age.

The body according to a direction somewhat whimsical, was clothed in a suit of white silk, with the same head dress which her ladyship usually wore, and in that attire was buried in the family vault, at Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire: her funeral sermon was preached at Spa Fields Chapel, on the Lord's day, July 3, 1791, by the Rev. David Jones of Langan, on Genesis li. 24. "And Joseph said unto his brethren, behold I die, and God will surely visit you." We shall subjoin a letter respecting Lady Huntingdon from an excellent judge, Dr. Lettsom, who, though of a different religious persuasion, paid a just tribute to her memory. The letter was written on occasion of her death, and addressed to Lady Ann Erskine.

"DEAR LADY A. E.-I deeply sympathize with thee and all the family in Christ, in the removal of that evangelic woman so lately among us, the Countess of Huntingdon. Your souls were so united, and your affections so endeared together, that I cannot but feel in a particular manner on thy account, lest the mournful state of thy mind. may undermine thy constitution, and endanger a life spent in mitigating the painful sufferings of body of our deceased friend while living. Her advanced age, and debilitated frame, had long prepared my mind for an event which has at length deprived the world of its brightest ornament. How often have we, when sitting by her sick-bed, witnessed the faithful composure with which she has viewed this awful change! Not with the fearful prospect of doubt; not with the dreadful apprehension of the judgment of an offended Creator. Hers was all peace within, a tranquillity and cheerfulness which conscious acceptance alone could convey. How often have we seen her, elevated above the earth and earthly things, uttering this language: My work is done, I have nothing to do but to go to my heavenly Father.' Let us, therefore, under a firm conviction of her felicity, endeavor to follow her, as she followed her Redeemer. Let us be thankful that she was preserved to advanced age with the perfect exercise of her mental faculties; and that under long and painful days and nights of

sickness she never repined, but appeared constantly animated in prayer and thankfulness for the unutterable mercies she experienced. When I look back upon the last years of iny attendance, and connect with it the multitudes of others whom my profession has introduced me to, I feel consolation in acknowledging, that, of all the daughters of affliction, she exhibited the greatest degree of Christian composure that I ever witnessed; and that submission to divine allotment, however severe and painful, which nothing but divine aid could inspire."

THE RIGHT HONORABLE

LADY ANN AGNES ERSKINE.

GENUINE greatness and nobility, a heathen observed, were to be found alone in exalted virtue; and we know that those great in the sight of the Lord, are not usually to be found in high rank, or entitled; "not many mighty, not many noble, are called." Yet some singular exceptions are happily seen, demonstrating that the Lord hath in his hand the hearts of all men; and where such rare instances occur, they necessarily stand on an eminence, and engage more particular attention.

The noble lady, who is the subject of this Memoir, was the daughter of the Earl of Buchan, by a lady of the House of Stuart, and the eldest of a numerous family; some of the branches of which, were lately the first ornaments of the Bar in England and Scotland; and more distinguished by their talents and integrity than even by the nobility of their descent. The names of Thomas and Henry Erskine need only be mentioned to be universally known and honored. But these with all the numerous branches of the house of Buchan, are gathered to a lamented and an honored tomb. Such is the lot of mortality,-no greatness nor excellence can stay the departing spirit! Happy are they who are always waiting their appointed change, and ready to welcome it! Surviving relatives have a peculiar call to remember, what we are all so ready to confess and to forget, that to morrow we die!

As our memorials especially embrace the faithful in Christ Jesus, it may be pleasing to remark, that the great grandfather of Lady Ann was a man of distinguished piety, of Kirkhill, and a considerable sufferer in the cause of religious profession in the days of Charles the Second and as the names of Ralph and Ebenezer Erskine have received a stamp of especial reverence in the religious world, it may not be uninteresting to observe, that they were (as we are informed) branches of this family; and that the house in which they lived, is preserved by the present Lord Buchan, in its primitive state, as a relic and memorial of them.

Her early days were spent in Scotland; and she mentioned to a lady, her acquaintance, the gracious dealings of the Lord, when she was only about seven or eight years old. Her maid was reading to her a little book of the nature of Janeway's Token for Children; and the Life of Amelia Geddie, a little girl remarkable for early piety, made a deep impression on her mind, which she for a while retain

ed; and at times prayed with fervor and feeling; and, as she then thought, with real answers to her prayer in repeated instances, both of childish infirmity and desires. A guitar, which she preserved to the day of her death, and sometimes amused her, though far from a proficient, was one of the instances she mentioned. Her mother, Lady Buchan, was on a visit from home at Edinburgh, and was to bring her something. Ann was waiting her return; and one day praying, she thought, What shall I ask to be brought me? and a guitar struck her mind, though she had never learned, nor thought of it before; and she prayed this might be brought her. Her mother, just coming through the street, thought of Ann as she passed a music-shop, and preferring a guitar to a toy, went in and bought it. "What have I got for you, Ann?" said she.-"A guitar." Trifling as this may seem, it left an abiding impression that there was a God that heard and answered prayer.

As she grew up, her early impressions wore off; and for some years she lived like too many of her rank and sex, in fashionable follies, and in the company of those who were strangers to themselves, little affected about the eternal world into which they were going, whose frivolity and love of pleasure left no place for matters of more solemn consideration. About this time the Earl of Buchan, for his family convenience, removed to Bath; and there commenced her acquaintance with the great and excellent Lady Huntingdon, whose life was spent in endeavoring to do good; and her efforts especially, directed, at that time, to those of her own rank and station. An acquaintance formed about this time with the elder branches of the Hawkstone family, eminent for their excellence, whom she visited, contributed to fix the sense of divine truths on her mind; and she became a professor of the principles of evangelical religion. A growing intimacy with Lady Huntingdon contributed to confirm her mind; and some congeniality of spirit probably engaged Lady Huntingdon to invite Lady Ann to be with her as her friend and companion; and as this was equally pleasing to both, for many years of the latter part of Lady Huntingdon's life, she was her constant friend and intimate. During these years, as a helper in the truth, she walked with her aged friend in great affection, making herself useful in assisting to discharge the burthen of cares and engagements in which Lady Huntingdon was involved: and how well she approved herself, may be concluded from the disposition that good lady made of her affairs to such as she thought would most faithfully pursue the line she had so successfully drawn.

At Lady Huntingdon's decease, Lady Ann Erskine, with several other persons, were appointed trustees and executors of her will.

During Lady Huntingdon's life, Lady Ann was only known as zealously disposed to promote the cause of truth, without appearing in any prominent character, not being by Providence favored with the liberal provision which her predecessor enjoyed, and which died

with her. Indeed, her zeal always outran her income; and though no person ever spent so little on herself as Lady Huntingdon, she left such incumbrances as her estate was unequal to discharge, unless some of her chapels were disposed of. These incumbrances her executors and other friends immediately undertook to discharge, and preserve them for the purposes to which they had been devoted. It was on this occasion that Lady Ann Erskine was called forth to a more distinguished station than she had yet filled.

When Lady Huntingdon's disposition was known, a consultation of the trustees agreed, that as Lady Ann was better acquainted with Lady Huntingdon's mode of procedure than any other, and readily offered to devote herself to any active service; they, therefore, desired her to occupy part of Lady Huntingdon's house in Spa Fields, and be in constant residence there, to carry on all the needful correspondence, which was indeed immense, always advising with the trustees, and rendering an account to them, when required, of her procedure. To her, with Dr. Ford and Mr. Best, therefore, it was agreed the administration should be intrusted.

Lady Ann now became the prominent person; and though all Lady Huntingdon's income died with her, and Lady Ann possessed a mere pittance, there has hitherto appeared no lack of support to the cause. By wise and prudent management, the places have not only been supported, but many new chapels, raised, and a considerable number of persons in addition employed; many of whom come from the college at Cheshunt, managed by trustees united with the connexion of Lady Huntingdon. Indeed, in every view, Lady Ann was eminently qualified for her place, not only by an intimate knowledge of the manner in which her predecessor moved, but by a measure of ability, hereditary in the family of Erskine, as well as a devotedness of heart, that made it her pleasure to undergo any labor and difficulties for the sake of the work in which she was engaged.

Those who were always consulted in emergencies, and knew the complicated nature of the service, will witness how greatly she strove to please all for their good to edification; but none but herself knew the many heart-aches, and the need of patience in dealing with such a number of persons as managers of places, or employed in itinerating, where, as in a complicated machine, some wheel or tooth being out of order, rendered the uniform motion difficult to be preserved. To please every body was hardly possible, in her situation: that some might be dissatisfied, to whose wishes she could not accord; and that others slighted her, who were incompetent judges of her excellences, is not to be wondered at. That she was enabled to go on, with almost perfect satisfaction to her colleagues, and without the slightest breach for twelve years between them; that all cordially concurred in one great object, and pursued it ardently; that these are no mean proof of a Christian spirit, will be allowed by all who are acquainted with the difficulties to be encountered.