LITERARY AND DOMESTIC LIFE. 375 



not, therefore, see any of the Blaekwoods, nor anybody else, but 

 heard that he was keeping much the same. On Wednesday I saw 

 Alexander and Robert, and found there was no change. This morn- 

 ing (Thursday) I called, and found him looking on the whole better 

 than before, stronger in his speech and general appearance. I had 

 much conversation with him, and found him quite prepared to die, 

 pleased with the kindness of all around him, and grateful for all 

 mercies. It is impossible, I think, that he can live many days, and 

 yet the medical men all declared on Sunday that he could not hold 

 out many hours. A good conscience is the best comforter on such 

 a bed as his, and were his bed mine to-morrow, bless God I have a 

 conscience that would support me as it supports him, and which 

 will support me till then, while I strive to do my duty to my family, 

 with weakened powers both of mind and body, but under circum- 

 stances which more than ever demand exertion. I have been too 

 ill to write one word since I came, and have seen nobody, nor shall 

 I till I return to Thirlstane. Not one word of the Magazine is writ- 

 ten. Last night I made an effort and walked to the Bank through 

 a tremendous storm. 



" I was in bed to-day till after bank hours, and could not disturb 

 the Blaekwoods, of whom I have not heard since the morning. I 

 have consulted Liston. Sedentary employments are bad for that 

 complaint, but sedentary I must be, and will work till I can work 

 no longer. It is necessary that I should do, and better men have 

 done so, and will do so while the world lasts. Thank God, I in- 

 jure nobody in thought, word, or deed. I am willing to die for 

 my family, who, one and all, yourself included, deserve all that is 

 good at my hands. I believe that poor Mr. Blackwood's exertions 

 have caused Ins illness, and after his death my work must be inces- 

 sant, till the night comes in which no man can work. I have been 

 interrupted all summer, but winter must see another sight, and I 

 will do my utmost. I will write again by Ebenezer Hogg, and 

 shall not, indeed cannot, leave this before Mr. Blackwood's death. 

 He cannot survive many days, but I do not think the boys and Mr. 

 Hay need come in. I will speak of that again in my letter. I am 

 yours affectionately, John Wilson." 



"Bank, Thursday Night 

 " My dear Jane : — I arrived at the Bank at half-past twelve on 



