Dec. 2.—­“Warden to College appointed; looks like business!”

Dec. 7.—­“Heard astonishing news—­William appointed to the ’Terrible, the largest steam man-of-war in the service—­in the world.”

Dec. 14, 1845.—­“Sermon on Christ the True Light.  Collection for Scottish Episcopal Church Society, L151.”

15th March 1846.—­“Sermon, ’Am I your enemy because I tell you the truth?’ Here a sad blank, for I have been very ill, and out of chapel two Sundays, and could not go to confirmation, and all sorts of horrors.  I have communed a good deal with myself, and I have made up my mind to a conduct and demeanour in Church matters almost neutral.  I positively will not again mix myself up in any way with party, or even take part.  I will confine myself to St. John’s and its duties.  This is my line—­hear what every one has to say, and keep a quiet, conciliatory, and even tenor.  It is more striking the more I think of the different way in which different minds are affected by religious truth.” ...

April 16.—­“Synod meeting and Society.  I took the moderate and conciliatory side.  Did right this time.”

April 29.—­“Preached the Casuistry sermon.  Mrs. R. made it A 20.”

June 1.—­“Busy preparing for journey;” he leaves home for his summer holiday “with rather less spirit and expectation of enjoyment than usual.”

Mr. Ramsay was appointed Dean of the Diocese of Edinburgh by Bishop Terrot in 1846, after having previously declined, as we saw, the dignity of the Bishopric of New Brunswick, offered him by Sir Robert Peel.  He afterwards refused the Bishopric of Glasgow in 1847, and the Coadjutor-Bishopric of Edinburgh in 1862.

And now is the beginning of constantly recurring complaints of depression—­low spirits, a “cloud upon my spirits; headache, even pain and violent pain.”  He was disappointed at not getting to see the “Terrible;” was low and depressed.  “Went to Bath.  Delighted with Torquay; interested at Exeter; the service there the very best.  Is cathedral service more than a solemn concert?” Then he went by Beaminster to see his nephew Alexander and his family.  He stayed a short time at Crewkerne with his niece Mrs. Sparks.  “Church a fine one:  To Frome:  This visit full of interest.  How kind and good!  The only drawback is parting.  We spent a week at Frome, and did enjoy it much.  Much kindness, heartiness I should say, intelligence, and real goodness.  Changes I found, and saw how time had told on many a face and frame.  My dear companion was much pleased and interested in our visit....  July 16.—­Left Frome, and sorrowed at parting.  Saw Sydney Herbert’s gorgeous church at Wilton.  Too much!  With the exterior of Salisbury not at all disappointed; with the interior a little.  Arrived at Farnborough by eight o’clock, and a most cordial welcome we had from all the inmates of its pretty rectory.  Went back to London on Friday, and returned to Farnborough Saturday, and spent Sunday.  July 19.—­Was glad for Isabella to have an opportunity of seeing a Sunday in a country place in England.  I preached twice, and we were interested.  Aug. 4.—­Came to York.  Glorious!  Chapter-house restored by Mr. Bell.”