MEMOIR OF THOMAS BEWICK. 103 



of each sect, or to attempt to go through the 

 numerous descriptions of religionists would be an 

 endless and a dreary task. They ought each of 

 them to be made welcome to follow their own 

 opinions ; and I can only observe that if they are 

 founded in truth, there can be no fear of their 

 being injured by unreserved discussion. What- 

 ever the creed may be, there can be no objection 

 to the religion of a virtuous man ; and it is to 

 be hoped that the distinctions and bickerings 

 amongst different denominations of Christians 

 will cease, and the causes of them be thought of 

 no more importance than whether a man uses his 

 quid of tobacco in the right cheek or in the left.* 



After this long digression, I must now turn 

 my attention again to London. My friend Mr. 

 Watson was very desirous to get me work with 

 Mr. Pingo, in the Mint ; and, from his being so 

 well-known and respected by "the gentlemen in 

 most of the government offices, he thought this 

 might be easily accomplished. My mind was, 

 however, bent quite another way, and no more 

 was done for me in that business. The constant 

 attention and kindness of my London friends, 

 whose company I enjoyed, was unabated. They 

 walked with me everywhere, and the house of 

 William Gray was a home to me. I met other 

 Newcastle friends, every Monday night, at the 

 "Hole-in-the-Wall," Fleet Street, where I went 

 to see the Newcastle newspapers. Some of these 

 occasionally wanted assistance, and got my last 

 sixpence. At this time I earned a deal of money; 



[* The illustration is characteristic. Bewick, as may be seen from 

 his bust by Bailey in the library of the Newcastle Literary and 

 Philosophical Society, was accustomed to this use of tobacco.] 



