Latter Struggles in the Journey of Life

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CHAP. XII-1815, Continued.-First volume of my Monthly Monitor com-
pleted Mrs Grant's recommendatory notice of it, in her Popular Models-
Sale to the trade in Edinburgh, with its great success-Sale in Glasgow-I am
complimented with the freedom of the trade in that city-A laborious week-
No rest or respite for me during the next-My business at Newcastle, &c.

CHAP. XIII.-1815 & 1816.-No pleasure without its alloy-The year 1815

goes down in a manner very different from what I had anticipated-Too good

reasons for my depression of spirits as the 45th year of my pilgrimage drew

towards a close-Unhappy night of transition-Cheerless and melancholy pro-

spects, with which my new birth-day was ushered in,

CHAP. XIV.-1816.-A former matter referred to, with some allusion to the

melancholy train of circumstances that has since occurred-A little speck in the

horizon indicating a new species of troubles-Bad consequences of so many

disagreeables-Early indications of an unyielding spirit,

CHAP. XV.-1816, continued. The prospects of the author brighten a little

-A temporary glimpse of sunshine in the month of June-Despatch my new

agent, to the north-Flattering nature of his first weekly return-One good

effect of these flattering prospects The calm, alas! of short duration-Bad

consequences of hope deferred-Lose my last hold of the anchor of hope,

CHAP. XVI.-1816, continued. An old fashioned book recommended to new

fashioned readers-My conduct on an unfortunate occasion, contrasted with

that of the unfortunate tradesman of former tines, as described in that old

fashioned book-Call a meeting of my creditors-A mournful country walk-

Wretched state of my feelings-Affecting extract from a letter to a friend,

CHAP. XVII.-1816, continued.-The great pervading and operating princi-
ple in me at the time, as illustrated by its effects-Copy of my address to the
gentlemen assembled at the meeting, on the 7th September-Analysis of the
statement-Kind usage I met with-Choice drops of a most salutary balm,

CHAP. XVIII.-1816, continued.-A noble principle may be too much in-

dulged My best apology-The preservation of a character beyond the power

of suspicion-It is impossible that a man can be too honest, but he may attempt

to do too much-Good effects of kind treatment-Take time by the forelock, &c. 168

CHAP. XIX.-1817.-Terrible times, how brought to remembrance-Notch-

ed trees in the wilderness described-An ancient practice-One still more

ancient-Church-hill levelling-Charity on the stretch to devise the means of

employment for the industrious classes-Public works going on at Edinburgh

-General distress throughout Scotland-No money then to spare for buying

books,

160

175

184

193

CHAP. XX.-1817, continued. Called by business to go northward to Aber-

deen-Melancholy discovery at that place-Another example of strange events

sometimes taking their rise from apparently very inadequate causes- -Origin of

Ghost Story, and how attempted to be accounted for-Return by the High-

lands,

CHAP. XXI-1817, continued.-My own GHOST story at the Inn of Dal-
whinnie-Circumstances that may have led to it-My method of proceedure,
recommended to all placed in similar situations-Extend our business to
Caithness-Disastrous tidings from my Auctioneers-Laid up with a fever,
CHAP. XXII-1818-Enter the year 1818 with trembling steps-Appalling
motto to my New Retrospect-Matters do not mend by the end of January
-Small returns from Auctioneers-A considerable falling of in remittances
from the north-Still confined within the walls of a house-One great benefit
arising from my protracted convalescence-How I acted in consequence,

CHAP. XXIII.-1818, continued -The wonder, how accounted for, that, I

did not, at this period, altogether give up the contest-Still some straggling

rays of hope-Combined effect of a certain combination of circumstances-No

relaxation in my toils-Extensive Auction routes-My situation no sinecure, 210

CHAP. XXIV.-1818, continued. The rider does not always mount, when the

saddle is placed on the back of the horse-Set out for, and arrive at Inverness, by

202

way of Aberdeen-Meet with my two agents-Two lions in the way-The jour-

nal of a week-The ruling passion still prodominates--Instances of its pre-

valence enumerated-A modern inhabitant of the blasted heath,

CHAP. XXV.-1818, continued-An old Scotch saying, in my case unhappily

verified-The bad effects of having a great toe pinched by a small shoe-My re-

turns from various sources still fall short-Sale to the trade in Edinburgh-More

labourers put into the vineyard-Am obliged to give up my personal exer-

tions-Pitiableness of my situation at that time-Still troubled with my toe,

CHAP. XXVI.-1819,-Probable subject of my NEW YEAR'S DAY thoughts

-More secret griefs that a stranger may not intermeddle with-Affecting ex-

tracts-Annually progressing from bad to worse- -My efforts increase with my

difficulties All will not do to avert the coming storm-The die is cast-Give

up the contest.-Write my Circular of the 5th April,

CHAP. XXVII.-1819, continued.-Affecting representation-Being an ab-

stract of my address to the meeting at Edinburgh, on the 14th, and includ-

ing, sundry references to its accompanying statements, &c. &c.

CHAP. XXVIII.-1819, continued -Pitiable as our situation in life may be,

at particular periods, yet, it is possible to conceive a case more pitiable-

Meet with, and lay my affecting representation, &c. before my creditors-

Every thing adjusted to, or beyond my satisfaction-Melancholy thoughts

will still intrude.-How chiefly occasioned,

CHAP. XXIX-1820.-Comparatively happy state, in which I entered the

year 1820-But, no time for me yet to think of ease-New auction routes-

Choice flowers-Preparations for winding up the Orkney and Caithness con-

cerns—Again take TIME by the forelock in regard to other matters,

CHAP. XXX.-1821.-A temporary glimpse of sunshine-Old customs al-

luded to, and when one of them was discontinued-Circumstances that con-

spired to render serene the morning of 1821-Reflections of the author when

arrived at the mile stone of half a century-Delusive Prospects-Kind Letter

from Mr Wilberforce-Bring out my new edition of Tom Bragwell,

CHAP. XXXI.-1822.-Of late had many unhappy returns of the New Year,

but never one like the present-More miseries brewing, or in abeyance-

Spring Auctions-Dreadful convulsions in East Lothian, in consequence of

the misfortune of the East Lothian bank-My former Agent sails for America

-Journey to the West-King's Visit-New Auction expedition,

CHAP. XXXII.—1823.—Another sober New Year-Disastrous intelligence-

Lamentable extracts from my American letter-The judgment of charity on

so afflicting an occasion-Visit the Edinburgh College Museum,
283

CHAP. XXXIII.-1824-Although the year 1824, brought with it its cares

and troubles, yet, I had now got into comparatively smooth water in many

respects-Begin to think seriously of proceeding with my Book of Nature

laid open-Beautiful extract from Galen-Golden opportunities not lost sight of, 290

CHAP. XXXIV.-1825.-Various causes that must have contributed to my

composure, on entering 1825-Another flower in life's journey-Proceed in

my preparations in respect to Popular Philosophy-The aspect of the times

becomes more favourable-Issue my prospectus-Great success with my sub-

scription lists, in a short period-Walk by the Cove Shore, &c. &c.

CHAP. XXXV.-1826.—It is well for us that we cannot see into futurity, or

the fate of my Popular Philosophy might have been sealed, while yet in em-

bryo-Deplorable re-action in the affairs of the country-Great change to the

worse in the short period of four months-Part first of my new work makes its

appearance Visit to and walk in the Botanic Garden-My book completed, 303

CHAP. XXXVI. 1827.-I am able to resume my long accustomed walk on

New Year's Day-Melancholy reminiscences with which it is attended-More

flowers-Literary Gems worth preserving-More, and new causes of disquiet-

A beautiful "String of Pearls"-Dr John Mason Good's "Book of Nature"

noticed-Correspondence with his Biographer, Dr Olinthus Gregory,

CHAP. XXXVII. 1827, Continued.-Commencement of a new series of grievous

sorrows My troubles increase-Timely appearance of a pleasant little floweret

-Sad alternative to which I am once more reduced-Again call a meeting-

Results of the abstract, &c.-My present deficiences, how accounted for-Con-
solatory and friendly letter from an old friend, dated the last day of the year,

CHAP. XXXVIII. 1828.—No reason to doubt the sincerity of my friend's

sentiments, nor his ability and inclination to serve me-Pleasing cogitations to

which such considerations must have given rise-Another flower-or, rather

the last of a new chaplet-Another perplexing consideration,

CHAP. XXXIX. 1828, Continued -A refreshing Oases in the midst of the deser

-Twenty-fifth anniversary of a most happy marriage-How I employed my

pen on the occasion-A pleasant subject at last to dwell on-Pages sacred to
the memory of female worth-Beautiful extract from Thomson, &c.
CHAP. XL. 1828, Continued.-Again set out on the journey of life-A gain ex-
posed to the pelting of the storm-A new species of trial awaits me- -My son's
death-Affecting tributes to his memory-My troubles not yet at an end,

CHAP. XLI. 1829.-I seem now in a fair way to have the more successful part

of my friend's prediction verified-Business still continues to prosper-My

reasons for giving a preference in my dealings to old friends-Get once more

into good spirits-Another rejoices in my joy-A pleasant afternoon's excursion, 349

CHAP XLII. 1830.-One subject of gratulation, on being able to resume my

New Year's walk this year-Sundry reminiscences connected with it-Tribute

to a dutiful son in humble life-A double flower springs up in my path-Tri-

bute to the memory of Hervey-One of the inevitable consequences of old age, 355

CHAP. XLIII. 1831.-The winter of 1830-31, a stirring time with us-Indi-
cations at last, of my friend's prediction being likely to be fulfilled-The first
Sunday of 1831, to me, indeed "a day of rest to the weary"-Under what
circumstances I commenced my retrospections on the morning of the 14th
of January, and was, at last, obliged to discontinue them,
CHAP. XLIV. 1831, Continued-Arrival at the period, when, but one down.
sitting was necessary, to enable me to lay aside my task without inconvenience
-What happened in the interim-Remarkable dream, and how I treated it at
the time-My vision described-It follows me in my waking moments-and
in a short time is fully realized-Mournful reflections at my time of life,
CHAP. XLV. 1832-Three first days in one- -Melancholy Sunday which
ushered in an irksome and mournfully eventful week-Another meeting takes
place-Plain speaking statements and accompanying address-Immediate
acquiescence in the measure proposed-Deeds of accession come in from ab.
sentees-A precious gem worth preserving,

363

370

381

CHAP. XLVI. 1832, Continued-Many are the instances of kind treatment I

received otherwise-Am overwhelmed with acts of kindness-Happy results

-Different expedients I had recourse to in my extremity in order to raise

myself above misfortune-Original circular, with prospectus for Latter Strug-

gles-Kind offices of my old brethren in the book trade-Go to press with my

work,

CHAP. XLVII. OR, THE CONCLUDING CHAPTER -Some very pertinent

questions, that may be put, in this stage of the business-No prospect

for the present can be held out that I shall proceed with my more early re-

miniscences-Grateful emotions to present benefactors, gratefully expressed-

My parting valediction to them-My own desire to be resigned-Concluding

prayer most appropriately suited to the aged pilgrim, when he arrives near the

end of THE JOURNEY OF LIFE,

The APPENDIX, containing Testimonials, &c. follows the last, or page

The DEDICATION will be found after the TITLE.-The PREFACE, fol-

lowing the Dedication.-And these pages of CONTENTS, after the Preface.

387

397

406

Erratum-Since the concluding chapter cane from press, I have observed
Cadras used in page 402, instead of Codrus. This I see, is no fault of the printer,
being an error of my own in transcribing-and which, with all others, I trust, will
be kindly excused, for the reasons noticed in the preface.

LATTER STRUGGLES

IN THE

JOURNEY OF LIFE, &c.

"MANY UPS AND DOWNS YOU HAVE HAD IN THIS WORLD BUT WE SHOULD REMEMBER THIS IS NOT OUR RESTING PLACE."---See Letter to the Author from an old acquaintance, and much valued and esteemed correspondent, of date 12th January, 1832.

"AFTER A LIFE OF CONTINUED, UNWEARIED EXERTIONS, IN HONEST INDUSTRY, TO SUCH A MIND AS YOURS, IT IS A MOST SEVERE BLOW."---From another Letter to the Author, by the much-respected surviving partner of a House, with which, he had been long in the practice of doing business; and received soon after the announcement of his recent calamity.

CHAPTER I.

One half of the world knows not how the other lives.-Nothing very magnanimous in some persons bearing up under misfortune.-What constitutes true greatness of mind in such circumstances.-Goldsmith's highly appro. priate story of the disabled soldier, quoted.-Much truth and meaning in the doctrine of the silver spoon and wooden ladle ;-as also, in that of “ man being," in a certain sense, "the creature of circumstances."-No circumstances, nor combination of circumstances, above, or beyond, the control of Providence.-Lines from Cowper.-Apt illustration of the wooden-ladle class, in the case of Goldsmith himself, of the silver-spoon class, in the instance of our late great modern poet, antiquarian, and novelist.-Old-fashioned truths strikingly exemplified in the contrary experiences of these two highly-gifted individuals. The race is not to the swift, &c.-Man, nevertheless, born to, and fitted for, a life of activity.-Calls, and inducements, and motives, to exertion.-Life's cares are comforts.-Favourite poets in my younger days.-Test of reputation according to Cicero.-Criterion to judge by, according to the doctrine of the New Testament.

It has been remarked by Goldsmith, in the introduction to one of his amusing and instructive Essays; that which contains the highly interesting and pathetic story of "The Disabled Soldier" that "no observation is more common, and at the same time more true, than that one half of the world are ignorant how the other lives;"-that "the misfortunes of the great

are held up to engage our attention-are enlarged upon in terms of declamation-and the world is called upon to gaze at the noble sufferers ;"-and that "the great, under the pressure of calamity, are conscious of several others sympathising with their distress, and have at once the comfort of admiration and pity;”—justly observing, "there is nothing magnanimous in bearing misfortunes with fortitude, when the whole world is looking on. Men, in such circumstances, will act bravely, even from motives of vanity; but HE who, in the vale of obscurity, can brave adversity,-who, without friends to encourage, acquaintances to pity, or even without hope to alleviate his misfortunes, can behave with tranquility and indifference, -is truly great. Whether peasant or courtier, He deserves admiration, and should be held up for our imitation in this respect. I have been led into these reflections," continues this pleasing and ingenious writer, "from accidentally meeting, some days ago, a poor fellow, whom I knew when a boy, dressed in a sailor's jacket, and begging at one of the outlets of the town, with a wooden leg. I knew him to have been honest and industrious when in the country, and was curious to learn what had reduced him to his present situation; wherefore, after giving him what I thought proper, I desired to know the history of his life and misfortunes, and the manner in which he was reduced to his present distress. The disabled soldier-for such he was, though dressed in a sailor's habitscratched his head, and, leaning on his crutch, put himself into an attitude to comply with my request, and gave me his history."

My limits do not permit me to enter largely into the story of the poor battered and mutilated mendicant; nor is it of much consequence that I should do so, as the affecting narrative, I dare say, from the known popularity of the author, is already, or has been, in the hands of the greater part of my readers; but there is one passage at the commencement, and another towards the conclusion, that I cannot forbear quoting, as going far to prove, not only the magnanimity and heroism with which men, in the most humble conditions of society, can bear up under misfortunes of the most disastrous nature, but, the aptitude of persons of this description, and so circumstanced, to derive consolation from the consideration that

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Latter Struggles in the Journey of Life: Or, The Afternoon of My Days ...