Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

544 LIFE OF COL. BLACKADER. CHAP. XXI.
guage. I did not join them, but perhaps was too easy,
and did not reprove. I think it would have done no *
good ; yet sometimes I gave a check, as far as decency
and good breeding would allow ; and I do think that
among polite gentlemen, this way is more likely to
gain the end, than a solemn formal rebuke which
would be but laughed at. I had but one diversion
here, viz. the bowling-green, and I find I must give
that over, though it be a very innocent recreation,
upon prudential considerations ; because I do not like
the company of these officers. I am more the worse
than the better of it.
July 18. Exercising the garrison, and reading over
the Articles of war ; giving orders against immorality,
and putting them in execution immediately against a
swearer.
August 24. Sabbath. I often wish much to hear
oftener our friend at St. Ninians. I had a grudge
that I could not get him heard this day, for fear of
giving offence. And indeed it is a great grievance
to me here, that I cannot get that edification I could
get, and would fain have. I dare not go where I am
most edified, for fear it be taken amiss. I think offence
should not be taken at any body for going occasion-
ally where they get most instruction. It is the ill
humours and narrowness of mind that makes ministers
and others be offended. They should rather rejoice
that any of their people get edification to their souls,
by whatever instrument. It is a hard thing to be tied
up from Christian liberty, by the prejudices and nar-
rowness of people's humours. Lord, fill our hearts
with mutual love and charity ; there is not so much
of that as should be among us.