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.
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