Letters and Papers of the Late Rev. Thomas Scott

THE articles which occur under this number will be found of a different description from any of those which follow. I insert the first letter as a specimen of the writer's correspondence with his sisters, at the period which immediately followed his ordination and removal into Buckinghamshire. The readers of his Life may, perhaps, remember that he states "his ability of writing, and his flow of thought, to have come to him chiefly" in this way-"by corresponding with his sisters on sentimental and other subjects."* specimen will be acknowledged to demonstrate a surprising change since the time when, according to his own account, he was "utterly unable to compose themes, and even greatly at a loss to write a common letter," "absolutely seeming to have no ideas." It is replete with good sense, and loaded with thought, of a kind which would not have presented itself to every young man at twenty-six years of age, even though he might have enjoyed much superior advantages. It is addressed to his sister, afterwards Mrs. Webster, at Spilsby, and treats

ON THE CHOICE OF A HUSBAND.

"MY DEAR SISTER,

"Stoke Goldington, August 6, 1773.

"I AM now afraid I shall trouble you with long and double letters till you begin to be weary of my correspon

* Life, p. 31.

+ Ibid. p. 17.

dence: but the nature of your last requires a speedy answer, as I know from experience that, when any thing of such moment is confided to another, there is an unavoidable anxiety until an answer is received. It gives me much satisfaction to see the mutual confidence that prevails between my sisters all and me; and, as far as any thing I can say or do can be of service, with most unfeigned pleasure shall I set about it. At the same time, in affairs of this nature, though never made much account of myself, I think I have made many useful observations, and in common cases deem myself a tolerable judge: but I must own that your situation has nonplussed me. Besides, you have got to those years, and are of so considerate a disposition; bestow so much pains to examine circumstances, and weigh consequences, and are so well qualified to do it; that I imagine to myself all I can say, and much more, has been ere now weighed and pondered in your mind. But, as you will not be satisfied if I go no further, I will endeavor just to give you a hint or two of my sentiments.

"I am very sorry my brother should make use of such an expression as you mention: it was unworthy of his good sense: it is an indiscriminating method of judging that I shall never adopt. It is the man, not his occupation, that makes the difference....Where is this to stop? Do we not see bad husbands, and imprudent persons, in infinitum, amongst all ranks of men? and, on the other hand, do we not find desirable relations, men of sobriety, prudence, and virtue, in every condition? People of my profession are in general deemed undesirable husbands: but, if I live, I hope to convince one person, be it who it may, that there are exceptions. You therefore see that I lay but little stress on that hasty objection. So far I allow it weight; if the person were a pedant exciseman, and neither knew nor was capable of learning any thing else, a just objection might be raised: but I think you would not be prejudiced in favor of such a man. If he were imprudent, and had no idea of making provision for a rainy day, exciseman or not, he would be worth no woman's having. But, if he be, as I am prejudiced to hope, though you are the best judge, a man of docility and prudence, a man of spirit and activity, he will never be at a loss; but, where one resource fails, he will quickly seize another. How many instances does every day present us of people brought up entirely to a business or profession, who never make any progress:

Livres