Now for my friends' and brethren's sakes,

Peace be in thee, I'll say;

And for the house of God our Lord,

I'll seek thy good alway.'

'The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous.'-PSALM CXVIII. 15.

ROM Kelso he went to Stirling to visit the
Russels. There he was quite in his ele-
ment; and the records which he wrote,

while dwelling under their roof, are equally valuable, as throwing light on his own religious character, and giving an interesting insight into the habits of a most godly and devoted family.

Friday, 3d June 1808.-Left Edinburgh on the mail coach for Stirling, where, after a pleasant view of this rich and fertile country, I arrived safely about three o'clock, and was received with great kindness by the Rev. John Russel, his valuable wife, and his no less valuable son, now assistant to the Rev. Mr. Sheriff, at St. Ninians. After dinner, walked round. the castle with my young friend; returned to tea,

after which the father and son retired to study, and I wrote to my father. Was summoned to family worship at eight. Old Mr. Russel, began by imploring the Lord's countenance and blessing on the service in which we were about to engage. He then gave out three verses of a psalm, which we unitedly sung. Mr. John read the tenth chapter of 2 Corinthians, and then prayed with much fervour. It was truly delightful to engage with such a family, and I could not help singing, after returning to my own room

"Blest are the sons of peace,

Whose hearts and hopes are one,
Whose kind designs to serve and please,
Through all their actions run.

Blest is the pious house,

Where zeal and friendship meet;
Their songs of praise and mingled prayers
Make their communion sweet."

After supper, had much converse with the family; and at half-past nine separated for our own rooms, where I finished my letters, read a portion of the sacred word, and commended myself to God in prayer, and then retired to rest, greatly refreshed with what I had seen and felt in this house of God, where seem to be many wrestling Jacobs, and, no doubt, prevailing Israels. Old Mr. Russel is going some distance to attend a sacrament on Sabbath; and

I propose, if spared, walking to St. Ninians with Mr. John, who is to preach there all the day. Oh that we may have the outpourings of the Holy Spirit, and that both the preacher and hearers may know and feel the power of the truth as it is in Jesus upon their hearts!

Saturday, 4th June.-Rose this morning between five and six, and, after prayer, walked to the postoffice with young Mr. Russel, and again enjoyed his spiritual conversation. Returned at seven-he to his study, and I to my room; and at half-past eight was summoned to attend worship. Old Mr. Russel began as last night. Mr. John read the fifth chapter of the Book of Numbers, after which the old man engaged in prayer; and truly it appeared from the heart, and to be a work familiar, and in which he seemed to feel the presence of the Lord. Surely, if careless and prayerless families knew the happiness this family enjoys, they would not neglect, or carelessly perform, such a delightful duty. Should I ever be united to one of the family of God, oh that it may be our great concern, that as for others, whatever they do, we and our house may serve the Lord!

"Mr. Russel's house stands next the castle, and commands a most extensive and delightful view of the river, and its various windings; and the country round about seems to be very rich and fertile, and in the neighbourhood they have many pious and

zealous preachers of the gospel, which consequently adds to the beauty and richness of the place. The Forfar Militia are at present in the castle, among whom are a number of young men of real piety, who hold a fellowship meeting under the superintendence of Mr. Russel. I have given him a number of London tracts, which he is thankful for, as also several reports of the Tract Society.

'From all I can see and observe, the family seem to live near to God, and enjoy much of His divine presence. While thus writing, I am not altogether unmindful of my dear friends in London; but while in this family of God, I do not so much envy the privileges they enjoy in dear London, as I did when about Kelso. It is far, very far different here. Religion in this family is the thing first attended to, and we have but little said on secular subjeets. May the Lord bless them, and the labours of his dear servants, on the coming Sabbath, throughout the world, wherever the standard of the cross is erected.

• Sabbath, 5th June.—Rose at six, and employed my time in reading and prayer, till the hour of worship at seven. Old Mr. Russel began as usual, then sang, and engaged in prayer. Breakfasted, and enjoyed conversation. We then retired to our separate apartments; and I have been uniting with my friends at Swallow Street Sabbath schools in prayer for the divine blessing on them, the dear youth, and the