286 MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. VI. 



maunders in very dotage. Compared with Gibbon or Robertson, 

 or, as the scholars tell me, with the ancient writers, he sinks 

 into utter puerility. A century hence, where will his literary 

 reputation be ? It is a readable book, however, rails at no party, 

 enforces a doctrine of poetical justice, maintains that honesty is 

 the best policy, that virtue is rewarded in this world, and vice 

 punished, and will in consequence be relished by all ' respect- 

 able' people, and read aloud in family parlours." 



The following portion of a letter, though without date, may 

 justly find its place here. The remainder has not been pre- 

 served ; it is addressed to Daniel. The veil which conceals his 

 sufferings so carefully from the loving eyes of friends is for 

 a moment lifted, and we see the strong, brave spirit in its 

 agony :- 



" With all your sorrows I sympathize from my heart ; I have 

 learned to do so through my own sufferings. The same feelings 

 which made you put your hand into your pocket to search 

 among the crumbs there for the wanting coin for the beggar, 

 lead me to search in my heart for some consolation for you, if 

 mayhap the dried up fountain may yield a drop of comfort. 

 The last two years have been fraught to me with such mournful 

 experience, that I would gladly exchange my condition for a 

 peaceful grave. A bankrupt in health, hopes, and fortune, my 

 constitution shattered frightfully, and the almost certain prospect 

 of being a cripple for life before me, I can offer you as fervent 

 and unselfish a sympathy as ever one heart offered another. I 

 have lain awake, alone, and in darkness, suffering sore agony 

 for hours, often thinking that the slightest aggravation must 

 make my condition unbearable, and finding my only consola- 

 tion in murmuring to myself the words patience, courage, and 

 submission. 



" You have done the same, and God, who has supported both 

 of us through cruel trials, will not desert us in our great need. 

 My religious faith is feeble, because my light is dim, and my 

 knowledge scanty, but I pray for more. I have felt assured of 

 answers to prayer already. 



" Even in this world, I feel firmly convinced there is no 



