Papers of James Mair (c.1700-1774), minister of Associate (Burgher) Congregation, West Linton

Diary covering 2 February 1752 - 29 November 1759. Octavo format, with marbelled paper boards. 82 numbered pages, followed by 41 unnumbered pages. Pages 25 - 58 have been removed.

Title page states:

'Some notes of my sinful life away. Lintown. Feb[rua]ry 2d Sab: 1752'

A pencil note in a more modern hand reads 'James Mair. West Linton. 29 May 1740 - 8 January 1774', in reference to Mair's years as an ordained minister.

Throughout the diary, Mair notes places that he visited, parishoners that he spoke with, and sermons that he gave. He writes candidly about struggles with his temper, often noting feelings of despondency and guilt over not effectively serving God. Mair repeatedly terms himself a 'carnal' and 'worldly' person, ill-suited to study and knowledge of the divine.

Excerpt:

'Sept[emb]er 20 [1752]. Wednesday.

Spending my time very idly, [and] gives way to the ordinary run of carnal thou[ugh]ts, have no pleasure in read[ing] [and] meditating upon d[iv]ine truth. My enemies triumph over my Soul as under the power of unbelief

Sept[emb]er 21 [1752]. Thursday.

Was too too much taken up w[i]t[h] the world [and] the th[ou]g[ht]s, the cares of the world are a heavie load on my Shoulders, especially w[he]n the L[or]d gives little contentm[en]t w[i]t[h] mine own Lot [and] condit[ion], Religion thrives little in my Soul'