Manuscript description

The first half of the manuscript consists of works by Katherine Ross (nee Collace) and contains her autobiographical writing (fols.27r-70v), some "general remarks" about the spiritual state of Scotland (fols.70v-76v), and a spiritual meditation (fols.76v-78v). The latter half of the manuscript is works by her sister, Jean Collace, and contains a meditation written on Ross's death (fols.78v-79r), another on the death of her other sister, Elizabeth, (fol.79r-v), and Collace's own autobiographical writing (fols.79v-126v).

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Fols.1-26 contain copies of 38 letters written by John Welwood, a minister described by Katherine Ross as "dear" (fol.67v), and by Jean Collace as "blest" (fol.88r). The letters are arranged chronologically, and date from 22 July 1675 to 8 September 1677, a time when Welwood was traveling extensively. The correspondence is primarily pastoral in nature, containing a good deal of exhortation and spiritual advice. Letters 8-9,13-15, 20, 22-23, 25-26, 28-29, 32, and 36-38 are addressed to Katherine Ross. Several others are addressed to her sister, Elizabeth Collace. Other recipients include Thomas Hog (a minister praised by both Katherine Ross and Jean Collace), as well as Richard Cameron (d.1680, DNB).

These letters have been edited: see Mullan (2005).

[Fol. 26 is blank]

Memoirs of Katherine Ross.

I having been often challenged for not setting down some remarkable passages of my life, to show (when I am gone from this life what a good God I had to do with) to those who have seen and heard of my afflictions

...

the reason I conceive why the Lord hath discovered to some the heinousness of some sins that they had never the temptation to commit themselves hath been only to justify the Lord in his contending with this land and to quiet them under his delaying to answer his people's prayers for his appearing in behalf of an afflicted land;

[At the top of fol.27r is the note, "It Seems to be written eyr by Mrs Ross or Mrs Collace". This note is in the same hand as in fols.1-26, which is different from the hand in fols.27-126.]

Some general remarks left under the said Catharine Collace own hand.

In everything that we are in doubt of whether of greater or smaller consequence, whether spiritual or temporal, we ought to be determined of the Lord by enquiring of him,

...

indeed there must be other like work about this great business or we can expect that any mean we can use for our deliverance can be blessed of God.

Some devices of Satan whereby he hath gotten great advantage.

First, places of Scripture which he tempted some to abuse to colour their sinful practices, others he tempts to cast at, as if they were of no use.

...

it's an undervaluing of the glory that's to be revealed at the coming of Christ to be much moved at any Calamity that can befall us in this world.

This was left under Jean Collace hand anent her Sister Catharine's death.

My dear and precious Sister Catharine ended her days on the 10 of July 1697. in the full assurance of faith,

...

and so I am bound to believe his faithful word and to trust in his mercy for even himself help me so to do, for without him I can do nothing that can be acceptable, he knoweth this is truth.

This was left under Jean Collace hand anent her Sister Elisabeth's death.

My dear Sister Elisabeth ended her days april 9th 1704. with great joy and peace in believing,

...

I am hopeful I will not be long behind her, and I desire to trust to his faithful word.

Memoirs of Jean Collace

What followeth was left under Jean Collace hand Thus.

Some short remembrances of the Lord's kindness to me, and his work on my Soul for my own use

[The first rubric seems to have been added by a transcriber (in this manuscript and in MS Adv.34.5.19). The second one appears to have been the author's original title.]

The Lord was pleased from my Childhood to be following me with much pains, drawing my affections after that which was best,

...

I was helped to supplicate the Lord for pity and Committed the matter to himself for preparation, and am desirous to wait his time, and expect for good at his hands.

[The flyleaves are blank, and seem to be from the same paper stock as the rest of the manuscript.]