52. SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND CHARACTER 
only for the occupation of leisure time, being of 
no real value. Virtue, not ancestry, is the mark 
of true nobility. This pedigree I shall leave as 
a legacy to my descendants, who, I hope, will con- 
sider the examples of so many good and pious 
ancestors, as so many additional inducements, 
nay as obligations, to them, to tread in the same 
steps, and to adopt their moral virtues.” 
About the year 1813, his father having entered 
into a Banking concern, he joined it as the junior 
partner, and experienced much satisfaction in ex- 
changing his former occupation for one, more li- 
beral in itself, and admitting more leisure and 
repose of mind for indulging his intellectual tastes. 
The undertaking, through misplaced confidence, 
proved unfortunate ; the property he had accu- 
mulated, perished ; and in 1816 he found himself 
thrown upon the world, with only his own exer- 
tions to trust to for the support of a rising family. 
Soon afterwards he removed to Welshpool, where 
he took the management of a Bank connected 
with the firm of Messrs. Beck and Co. of Shrews- 
bury. At Welshpool he resumed the calm tenor 
of pursuits and enjoyments, which had been inter- 
rupted by temporary misfortune. Although he 
met with little congenial society there, the neigh- 
