gave you a pleasing notification of the growth, as I
thought, of spirituality in this Babylon of deceitfulness, thinking that
you and my people would be gladdened with the tidings of the repute and
estimation in which your minister was held, and I have dealt largely in
the way of public charity. But I doubt that I have been governed by a
spirit of ostentation, and not with that lowly-mindedness, without which
all almsgiving is but a serving of the altars of Belzebub; for the
chastening hand has been laid upon me, but with the kindness and pity
which a tender father hath for his dear children.

I was requested by those who come so cordially to me with their
subscription papers, for schools and suffering worth, to preach a sermon
to get a collection. I have no occasion to tell you, that when I exert
myself, what effect I can produce; and I never made so great an exertion
before, which in itself was a proof that it was with the two bladders,
pomp and vanity, that I had committed myself to swim on the uncertain
waters of London; for surely my best exertions were due to my people.
But when the Sabbath came upon which I was to hold forth, how were my
hopes withered, and my expectations frustrated. Oh, Mr. Micklewham, what
an inattentive congregation was yonder! many slumbered and slept, and I
sowed the words of truth and holiness in vain upon their barren and
stoney hearts. There is no true grace among some that I shall not name,
for I saw them whispering and smiling like the scorners, and altogether
heedless unto the precious things of my discourse, which could not have
been the case had they been sincere in their professions, for I never
preached more to my own satisfaction on any occasion whatsoever--and,
when I return to my own parish, you shall hear what I said, as I will
preach the same sermon over again, for I am not going now to print it, as
I did once think of doing, and to have dedicated it to Mr. W---.

We are going about in an easy way, seeing what is to be seen in the shape
of curiosities; but the whole town is in a state of ferment with the
election of members to Parliament. I have been to see't, both in the
Guildhall and at Covent Garden, and it's a frightful thing to see how the
Radicals roar like bulls of Bashan, and put down the speakers in behalf
of the government. I hope no harm will come of yon, but I must say, that
I prefer our own quiet canny Scotch way at Irvine. Well do I remember,
for it happ