History of the Fife Pitcairns

268 THE FIFE PITCAIRNS.
unworthy of such honour, and yet clad in the spotless robe of Jesus'
righteousness, acceptable and beloved in God's sight. The last few
days I have rather been careful and troubled about many things,
trifles, but they have clouded my spiritual life, have deadened my
communion with God ; my prayers have been cold and listless, is it
not sad when we fall so low ? Oh that I may by the Holy Spirit's
aid see how wrong I am, abhor myself, and repent in dust and
ashes. Darling Husband, pray for me — you may indeed say we
are closely knit together, I trust by ties that may never be riven.
I think Mr Stephens is visiting the poor. Mr Walker preached
last night, an earnest, beautiful sermon, but rather too long.
The canary flew away this morning, but Burling [the gardener]
caught it in a field. I have it by me on the dining-room table, for
it has nearly died with terror ; but as it is chirping again, I think
it will live yet to welcome its master home again by a song.
Mrs Geldert's sister is waiting to put this in the post, so I must
conclude, with love to Annie when you see her. — Your own fondly
attached Wife, Emily Pitcairn.
1861, Jan. 30. Went to Mrs Le Bas' on the death of
my cousin, Mr Le Bas * — aged eighty-two.
14 Feb. To-day I am forty years of age ! " Goodness,
mercy, forbearance, and long-suffering." This is the record.
May I take it to heart, O God !
19, Tues. Up to London. Breakfasted with the Rox-
burghes at Clarendon. Saw Pepys and Spring Rice.
Dined at the Freelings'.
20, Wed. Lunched at the Clarendon. Met Pepys in
Piccadilly. He said, " You have got Eccles."
Note by Editor. — It was entirely through the Duke and
Duchess of Roxburghe's great kindness, and exertions
on his behalf, that Mr Pitcairn got the living of Eccles,
which the following letters plainly show : —
From His Grace The Duke of Devonshire to
The Rev. J. P. Pitcairn.
HOLKER, NeWTON-IN-CaRTMEL,
February 15^, 1861.
Sir, — I have seen a letter in which the Bishop of Manchester
speaks of your exertions and character in the highest terms. As
1 Principal of the East India College.