LETTERS. 285 



rooms below. His neatest trick is going to the grocer 

 everj now and then for articles in your name, which 

 he converts to his own use. I have stopped hira here 

 too, by keeping a check-book. Tea, sugar, and pocket- 

 handkerchiefs are his natural perquisites, and I verily 

 believe he will soon be filling his canister out of mine 

 before my face. There is no redress for all this ; for 

 if you change, you are no better off; they are all alike. 

 They know you regard them as a pack of thieves, and 

 their only concern is to steal so dexterously that they 

 may not be confronted with direct proof. 



* * 7^ * 



Do not be surprised at any apparent negligence in my 

 letters ; my time has so many calls for it, that half my 

 duties are neglected. Our College examination comes 

 on next Tuesday, and it is of the utmost moment that I 

 acquit myself well there. A month after will follow the 

 scholarship examination. My time therefore, at present, 

 will scarcely permit the performance of my promise with 

 respect to the historical papers, but I have them in mind, 

 and I am much bent on perfecting them in a manner 

 superior to their commencement. 



I would fain write to my brother James, who must by 

 no means think I forget him ; but I fear I shall see him 

 before I write to him, on the accounts above stated. The 

 examination for the scholarship is distinct from that of 

 our College, which is a very important one ; and while I 

 am preparing for the one, I necessarily neglect the other. 



I wish very much to hear from you on religious topics ; 

 and remember, that although my leisure at present will 

 not allow me to write to you all I wish, yet it will be the 

 highest gratification to me to read your letters, especially 

 when they relate to your Christian progress. I beseech 

 you not to relax, as you value your peace of mind, and 

 the repose of a dying bed. I wish you would take in 

 the Christian Observer, which is a cheap work, and will 

 yield you much profitable amusement. I have it here 

 for nothing, and can send you up some of the numbers, 

 if you like. 



Remember, and let my mother know, that I have no 



