LIFE OF WILSON. 
XXIX 
brother and me; and has the means in his power to assist us — 
and I know he will. In the mean time, if you and William 
unite in the undertaking, I promise you as far as I am concern- 
ed, to make it the best plan you could pursue. 
“ Accustom yourself, as much as you can, to working out. 
Don’t despise hugging down trees. It is hard work, no doubt; 
but taken moderately, it strengthens the whole sinews; and is 
a manly and independent employment. An old weaver is a 
poor, emaciated, helpless being, shivering over rotten yarn, 
and groaning over his empty flour barrel. An old farmer sits 
in his arm chair before his jolly fire, while his joists are crowd- 
ed with hung beef and gammons, and the bounties of Heaven 
are pouring into his barns. Even the article of health is a con- 
sideration sufficient to make a young man prefer the labours of 
the field: for health is certainly the first enjoyment of human 
life. But perhaps weaving holds out advantages that farming 
does not. Then blend the two together; weave in the depth 
of winter, and work out the rest of the year. We will have 
it in our power, before next winter, to have a shop, looms, &c. 
provided. Consider all I have said, and if I have a wrong 
view of the subject, form your own plans, and write me with- 
out delay.” 
TO MR. WM. DUNCAN. 
Gray’s Ferry, December 23, 1802. 
‘‘ The two Mr. Purdies popped into my school, this after- 
noon, as unexpected as they were welcome, with news from 
the promised land. I shall detain them with me all night, on 
purpose to have an opportunity of writing you a few lines. I 
am glad you are all well. I hope that this is the last devilish 
slough of despond which you will have to struggle in for some 
time. I will do all that I said to you, in my last, by the mid- 
dle of March; so let care and sorrow be forgotten; and indus- 
try, hope, good-humour and economy, be your bosom friends. 
* * * * * * 
“ I succeed tolerably well; and seem to gain in the esteem 
