rality, honesty, and intelligence, they were in general good specimens of the Scottish poor. In addition to the common run of men, there were some characters of sterling worth and ability, who exerted a most beneficial influence on the youth of the place by imparting gratuitous religious instruction.[1] Such intelligent interest was felt by the villagers in all public questions, and they furnished a proof that education did not render them an unsafe portion of the population. They much respected those of the neighbouring gentry who, like the late Lord Douglas, placed some confidence in their sense of honour. Through the kindness of that nobleman, the poorest among us could stroll at pleasure over the ancient domains of Bothwell, and other spots hallowed by venerable associations; and few of us could view the dear memorials of the past without feeling that these monuments were our own. The mass of the working people of Scotland have read history, and are no levellers. They rejoice in the memories of "Wallace and Bruce and a' the lave," who are still much revered as the former champions of freedom. While foreigners imagine that we want the spirit to overturn aristocracy, we in truth hate those stupid revolutions which sweep away time-honoured institutions, dear alike to rich and poor.
Having finished the medical curriculum and presented a thesis on a subject which required the use of the stethescope for its diagnosis, I unwittingly procured for myself an examination rather more severe than usual, in consequence of a difference of opinion between me and the examiners as to whether this instrument could do what was asserted. However, I was admitted a Licentiate of Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons, and it was with unfeigned delight I became a member of a profession which with unwearied energy pursues from age to age its endeavours to lessen human woe.
But though now qualified for my original plan, the opium war was raging, and it was deemed inexpedient for me to pro
- ↑ The reader will pardon my mentioning the names of two of these most worthy men — David Hogg, who addressed me on his death-bed with the words, "Now, lad! make religion the every-day business of your life, and not a tiling of fits and starts; for if you do not, temptation and other things will get the better of you;" and Thomas Burke, an old Forty-second Peninsula soldier, who has been incessant and never weary in good works for about forty years. Men like these are an honour to their country and profession.
