I most assuredly have done in my xxxix.) a whole chapter to their service.➡ While, of those truant school-boys, whose backs may have oftener smarted under the inflictions of the rod, than their hearts warmed in gratitude for the unspeakable advantages of early tuition,—and of these cool, calculating mortals, who never evidenced any great fellow feeling for those of their own calling and profession--some may be disposed to find fault with me for having said so much as I have done in pages 101 and 102, in favour of that meritorious and deserving class of men-who were the guides of our youth, as an old correspondent styles them, "while toiling in the paths of classic lore,"

and others, for having evidenced such decided partiality towards my old brethren of the book trade. But, in regard to the first, I must claim the privilege of being allowed, to think as I feel from my own experience, and to speak as I think, —and if, the many obligations I lie under to the second-and the warm feeling with which I must ever, in the language of Goldsmith, "fondly turn" to my old brethren of the bookselling profession,-have induced me to take up a larger portion of my volume, than these gentlemen may have thought I was warranted to do I trust they will now excuse me, for these very forcible reasons.

Others, again, who feel themselves no way interested in these things, may object to my having taken up so much of my room by a description of my numerous and various AUCTION ROUTES—and the minute details, therein given, as to the dates when, and the places where, the different sales took place. To obviate this ob. jection as much as possible, upon finding that a progressive account of these sales became a necessary characteristic in the composition of my volume, although they might not be equally interesting to all of my readers, I formed the resolution, to throw them, or the most of them, into a smaller letter, and at the bottom of the pages, by way of notes, where those, who did not wish to read them, might very conveniently pass them over-while, in the mere taking them on record, I knew that I was furnishing a very pleasant treat to others, who, from being purchasers at these sales, or other associations connected with them, might be anxious to know at what time they took place, in their respective localities, and quarters of the coun try;-and what quarter of the country, it may be asked, after consulting these short, but comprehensive lists, so far as the Scottish auction license extends-has been exempted from a call of one or other of these visitants ?

There are some, again, I am aware, who may take offence, at the number of devout expressions that may appear in my work—and others, who may express their dissatisfaction at what they may call my want of good taste, in making so frequent allusion, to, and in quoting so largely from, Scripture. But, let the former remember, that, in several of my publications, I have given evidence, that I had, at least, a taste for ASTRONOMY ;—and what says the poet ?—“ DEVOTION! daughter of ASTRONOMY!—An undevout astronomer is MAD.”

And, in regard to the other part of the accusation, of evincing, by these Scriptural allusions and quotations, a want of good taste-I must certainly deny the consequence; for I think it is rather a mark or characteristic of a want of good taste, in a Christian country-or, more properly speaking, in a member of a Christian community, if he is sincere in his profession, and not ashamed of the doctrines of that religion, which he affects to believe-not to quote freely, and as occasion requires, provided he does so with becoming reverence, from what he should consider as his principal text-book ;-however lavish he may be otherwise, in his references to, and quotations from, the authorities of Greece and Romeof which, it is presumed there will be found no want also, in these pages.

Bad taste, indeed!-Let us hear what the deep thinking, and acute reasoning,

COWPER says, who, it may be supposed, was a very competent judge in the matter having no reason to doubt his sincerity as a Christian,-and as little to suspect, from the evidence he has given in his translation of Homer, that he was an accomplished classical scholar :—

"IS CHRIST the abler teacher, or the schools?

If CHRIST, then why resort, at every turn,

To Athens, or to Rome, for wisdom short

Of men's occasions ?"

Let classical scholars, therefore, professing Christianity, prove themselves to be, in reality, classical Christians,—and while they use all manner of freedom, in quoting from their favourite-" Plato-Epictetus-or it may be Tully,"—give evidence to the world, that when occasion requires, they think it no disparage. ment to take a text or two, from the books of the OLD or NEW TESTAMENT.

There is one remark, I beg here to make, as it will come very appropriately in at this place, viz. that, whatever objections may be started by one description of my readers, on account of what he may be pleased to style a superabundance of devout expressions, and Scriptural allusions and quotations ;—and, however de fective it may appear to be in the eyes of others, by not coming exactly up to the standard of my Popular Philosophy, in that particular in which a certain modern traveller describes it, when he says, that in every place into which he had looked, "I have always found something to interest and instruct me,” (as see concluding testimonial at the end of this volume,)-1 trust there will be found, in every chapter,—if not in every page,—something to interest and instruct my juvenile readers and not a word, in the whole compass of my work, from which, they need apprehend the smallest danger to their morals-and which, on that account, I had reason to wish I had not written-or, written,that I had blotted out! Some of my readers, I am also aware, may not be so well satisfied with the obscurity they may observe in some parts-and the studied silence that, from first to last, I have observed in regard to those matters which I have denominated "the veiled subjects"-but, I shall allow the reasoning of Daniel Defoe, formerly quoted, to plead my excuse for the former,—and, in regard to the latter, my best apology, will be found, in the note at the foot of page 297.

There are others again, who may think, that I have been too explicit and plain in many of my statements-too candid and open in several of my disclosures, both for my own sake, as going to affect my future usefulness and respectability in the world and for the sake of others, who may suffer themselves to be the more easily led into embarrassments, by the repeated displays of leniency and generous treatment I had so uniformly experienced-to the great injury, it may be said, and prejudice, of the commercial part of the conmunity. In anwer to the first of these, I would say, that in a case like mine, where there is so little to be ashamed of-there is nothing to conceal and if an occasional relation occurs, that seems to place my prudence in rather a dubious light, and to lead it to be called in question, I shall, at least, have the satisfaction to reflect, that the more the matter is enquired into,—after making every proper allowance for the way in which I was circumstanced at the time-the error will be found to proceed, more from the head than the heart,—and so as, my integrity must still remain unsullied, however, the decision may go to affect my judgment.

In regard to my free and open disclosures, affecting my future usefulness and respectability-I must say that I am quite aware, that the poor man's wisdom, which, in the days of Solomon, saved the city, would have been more highly thought of, if he had been considered as richand, that, in more modern times, in

the estimation of many, the BELISARIUS returning in triumph, and graced with laurels, from one of his successful expeditions, was a very different person, and received a very different reception, from the BELISARIUS, who was found, at last sitting at the gate, an humble supplicant, asking alms of his countrymen as they passed; and I can scarcely expect an exemption from the effects of a prejudice, that seems to have still so powerful, and general a sway over the minds of men even in our day. But still, I believe it is generally allowed, that there is such a thing as virtuous poverty. And while I can produce such letters as that quoted so largely at page 167, and other corroborating evidences that our misfortunes have not been altogether the consequences of our "deservings," I confidently trust, that, in this more discriminating age, an acknowledgment of poverty so honourably acquired and after so many wounds and scars received in the conflict, in order to get the better of it, will operate little against us in the affairs of business,—and in making what provision I can for the important purposes so fully mentioned in these pages-beyond which, now, my greatest ambition on earth, does not extend.

As to my publication having a tendency, to promote or encourage, any idea, prejudicial to the general trading and commercial interests of the community, I certainly meant it to have, and I have no doubt that it will have, when weighed aright, quite a contrary effect. I think it extremely unlikely indeed, that any person in his senses, will be disposed to follow my example, merely for the purpose of putting himself in the way of receiving such lenient treatment as I have received on so many occasions—at such an expense as that, which he will find recorded in the sorrowful note at page 331-taken into consideration with, the uniform language of my various affecting addresses, which he will find scattered as occasion requires, throughout the volume;-and, the general doctrine so particularly inculcated, not only towards the conclusion of the note, at p. 214, but in my xvI. XVII. and part of my XVIII. chapters, all of which (it must be observed,) should rather go to hold out-what I have experienced,-what I have felt,-what I have suffered,—and I may add,-am still suffering-in consequence of my misfortunes-in the light of a beacon, to warn others to beware of the rocks on which I suffered shipwreck, than as, giving the smallest encouragement to any, to plead as an example, that which, did they attempt to do so, would prove in the end their greatest condemnation :

And if their is little danger of opposition to be apprehended on this score, after these references, in corroboration of what I say,—and this explanation,-so do I not expect any to that part of my doctrine, which I have taken some pains to inculcate in pages 351, &c.-viz. as to the propriety of those who have been unfortunate, giving their old friends, or those who have suffered by them, a preference in their future orders; should they be fortunate enough to have their business continued or restored to them again :-for the advantage of this to the one party, is as evident, as the propriety of it to the other and needs no demonstration.

Indeed, so fully was I convinced of the beneficial tendency of my work in these respects, that I have perhaps been heard to declare, while it was in progress through the press, that, instead of expecting any opposition from gentlemen engaged in the banking line, or respectable firms in trade, I should rather be inclined to look for a premium from such, for the manifest tendency my publication must have to promote their interests, and the well-being,-of the trading interests in general; and when I say, that my expectations in this respect, do not extend beyond the wish of, their helping me away with some of my former odds and ends as enumerated in the Appendix at the end,-and a few of my remaining copies of "Latter Struggles,"I would confidently hope, that in this instance, at least, they will not be disappointed,

Even the Lord Chancellor himself, when he sees the moderation of my views will, I trust, if ever these pages meet his eye, be the more disposed to excuse the hint given him in page 89, whether he deem it worthy of his attention or not.

But here comes the last, that my limits will allow me to touch upon, but which, considering me yet in the light of a bookseller, (which I certainly am in one sense, and in the present instance,) may be accounted the most serious because the most sordid charge of them all,-and that is, that I have converted my present into a kind of advertising medium for my other publications, and as, a sort of harbinger to announce the forthcoming of another volume or volumes, iu continuation of this.

In regard to the first part of the charge, I would observe, that if any thing I have said, or others have said for me in these pages, may be the means of drawing the attention of any of my readers, or their friends, to the few copies of my former publications I have yet to dispose of, and now offer, for a limited time, on the very reasonable terms mentioned in the Appendix, I certainly will feel much gratified; and as this will assuredly be quite in accordance with, and in further. ance of, my present attempt, I would fain hope, that, on reconsidering the matter, not one of my kind friends, will be disposed to begrudge me, the opportunity, that my present work offers, for carrying that part of my plan into effect.

And as to the other part of the objection, viz. that I have made my present volume a sort of harbinger, to announce the forthcoming of another, or others, in its train ;—this, at present, need give no person any concern. For, it must be evident, from what I have said elsewhere, that there may be still much betwixt the cup and the lip in this respect; and that although, there may be no danger of my being in want of materials, or titles to my volumes, as mentioned in page 400, and no likelihood of any want of the WILL, on my part, should circumstances other. wise warrant, and encourage me to go forward, as mentioned in the note at page 404, yet, from various considerations there noticed, it must be apparent, that the best course I can adopt for the present, is to drop all idea of any thing of the kind, until we see, what TIME, which works so many changes, will produce.

And, in the meantime, I must proceed, with the aid of my kind friends, to what is now evidently my first consideration, viz. the winding up of the present concern, with all possible expedition, and other matters enumerated towards the close of the note above alluded to; in order that, I may be the better enabled to make my present efforts, so soon as possible, available, for the purposes for which they were originally intended :—and in the further cultivation and prosecution of our little HOME TRADE or RETAIL BUSINESS, which, I trust, the fruits of these exertions will be the means of enabling us to carry on with more advantage to our. selves, and satisfaction to our kind customers; who, I confidently hope, will not be inclined to think the worse of us, after being put in possession of these afflict. ing details,-accompanied as they are, by so many flattering testimonials, and other corroborating evidence, that, as I have before observed, these misfortunes, were not according to our deservings ;-but on the contrary-(while my partner is able to maintain the situation, to which she has been so long accustomed, at the back of the counter, and I am able to superintend the business generally, and to afford all the assistance requisite, in my own more particular department, or depart. ments)-be disposed still, to continue to favour us with a share of their kind orders; -for which, and what other proportion of the public favour, a kind Providence may be pleased to send us,—as well as for the obliging patronage we have so largely experienced on the present occasion,-I fervently trust-WE SHALL NEVER CEASE TO BE GRATEFUL!

DUNBAR, July 1, 1833.

A SHORT ANALYSIS OF THE CONTENTS

OF THE DIFFERENT CHAPTERS:

Intended to serve as a key to the dates-and a few of the principal subjects treated of, being all that is deemed necessary, in a work, where brevity has been studied, in the construction of the chapters in general, and each is accompanied at its respective head, with so luminous and comprehensive an analysis, or table, of its contents.

PAGE.

CHAPTER I. Introductory.—One half of the world knows not how the other
lives-Nothing very magnanimous in some persons bearing up under misfor-
tune-What constitutes true greatness of mind on such occasions-Much truth
in the doctrine of the silver spoon and wooden ladle-The race is not to the
swift, &c-Man, nevertheless, born to, and fitted for, a life of activity,
CHAP. II. Introductory, Continued. Good reasons why, man should not think
of deserting his post in the hour of trial-Human life a state of trial and pro-
bation-Sublime spectacle, according to Seneca-Fortitude in adversity, one
of the heroical virtues in morals, according to Lord Bacon,
CHAP. III. Introductory, Continued.-The author no friend to egotism-Not
inclined, however, to run into a contrary extreme-A few instances of his early
efforts" Lamp of Lothian" again lighted up.-More extensive attempts to
be useful-Great extent, and diversified utility, of the literary perambulations
of the Sexagenarian,

CHAP. IV. Introductory, Continued.-A single specimen, or testimonial, in be-
half of sundry of my performances-A saying of Solomon's rightly interpreted
-The Cheap Magazine, how characterised by the editor of the Philanthropist
-Noticed with approbation by Mr Wilberforce,

CHAP. V. Introductory, Continued. The author's accordance in the opinion
of the Apostle, that "if any would not work, neither should he eat❞—His con-
sequent early habits of industry and application to business-No way abated
as he gets forward in the world-Confident but affecting appeal, &c.
CHAP. VI. Introductory, Continued Reason for adopting the present title for
my book-Natural division of time in the years of a Sexagenarian-The
evening of life, a solemn and important season-Conduct of the author, upon
arriving at, or passing the boundary of, THREESCORE,
CHAP. VII. Introductory, Continued. The whole period of my existence, al-
most one continued struggle-What else to be expected in a state of probation
-Opinion of Plutarch, as deducible from the light of nature.-Adversity, ac-
cording to Lord Bacon, the blessing of the New Testament-Man is indeed born
to trouble-His most becoming conduct in the present state-Sundry examples
of human suffering-Tribulation, the Christian's legacy,

CHAP. VIII. Introductory, Concluded.-Reasons for congratulation and satisfaction in the exercise of our duty, although our success comes not up to our expectations-Still one comfortable reflection, the having done all in our power to ensure success-Reasons why, I should, yet be up, and be doing, CHAP. IX. 1815.-The time when my "LATTER STRUGGLES" may be said to have commenced-How ascertained to have been just upon the eve of my passing the boundary line betwixt my forty-fifth and forty-sixth year-Lamentable consideration,-Prospects in embryo,

CHAP. X. 1815, Continued.-The Monthly Monitor may be viewed in the light of a continuation of the Cheap Magazine-Extracts from its title, &c-Lines to the memory of one of my correspondents, viz. Mr James Graham of Berwick-upon-Tweed-Circumstances that must have contributed to my serenity of mind in the spring of 1815-Other motives for pleasing reflection, CHAP. XI. 1815, Continued.-Happy and comfortable situation in which I was placed, on the forenoon of the 11th April,-How my family were distributed, and then employed-No example of idleness from me-Affectionate testimony of a dutiful son,-Sundry effects traced to secondary causes, &c.

b 2