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the University, and my fancy already placed mu as struggling for academical distinction.—But a most unhappy reverse took place.———My father died insolvent; and before my fourteen birth-day, a letter from his cousin, and my benefactor informed me that, in consequence of a failure in his speculations, his fortune was impaircd, and that he could not fulfil his promise of supporting me at the University, and desired me to consider what trade I should like.--Trade, my soul sickened at the word Apprentice! horror was in the sound. I repaired to the house of my relation, and informed him as respectfully as I could of my aversion to trade. He cxpostulated with me on the subject of such terms, that at length I yielded my consent to his plan, which was to bind me apprentice to a grocer, and I was to repair to my future master on the next day. And now let me, Mr. Barnwell, conjure you to listen to me. The thirst for knowledge is occasioned by an unquenchable spark, and must be gratified, or will consume. Imagine not that I approve of that morbid sensibility, so often mistaken by its possessors for heaven born genius, but the active principle, which neither ease nor gain can satisfy; which soars in the regions of sublime inquiry; and that creative fancy, gazing with eagle-eye, even on the source of light. Let him who feels the heavenly gust obey its sacred voice; for I have contended with its power, know that genius is not to be subdued. He that submits to smother it, seeks his own misery and deceives not only himself but his friends. Every necessary was provided for me at the expence of Mr. Darnwell, my benefactor, and I bade him farewell, with a sigh to my school companions. I was received by Mr Nutting, the grocer, and his wife, in a little room at the back of the shop. They appeared plain sort of
