The Ayrshire Legatees

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 happened in the year I was licensed, that the town council, the

Lord Eglinton that was shot being then provost, took in the late Thomas

Bowet to be a counsellor; and Thomas, not being versed in election

matters, yet minding to please his lordship (for, like the rest of the

council, he had always a proper veneration for those in power), he, as I

was saying, consulted Joseph Boyd the weaver, who was then Dean of Guild,

as to the way of voting; whereupon Joseph, who was a discreet man, said

to him, "Ye'll just say as I say, and I'll say what Bailie Shaw says, for

he will do what my lord bids him"; which was as peaceful a way of sending

up a member to Parliament as could well be devised.