AuthorElisabeth West (fl. 1690s-1709)

Elisabeth West (fl. 1690s-1709), a Scottish servant and memoirist in Edinburgh, was encouraged to create her record by Rev. George Meldrum of the Tron Kirk in Glasgow. She was employed as a servant but she was also an early mistress at the Mary Erskine School. She was associated with the Cameronians, and opposed the union of Scotland with England. Her memoirs are notable because she was a witness to an important time in Scottish political and religious history.

Spiritual Exercises of Elisabeth West

S
There is one thing I have to observe, from the Lord’s way with me in my journey heavenward; it is up the brae and down the brae. . .Alas! my predominant sin was like my shadow, it never left me. O the confusion that in a short time it brought me under! till at last, I concluded my spots were not the spots of God’s children; for I thought I was one of the most abominable creatures that ever was born.

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