Embarks for Europe.-Kindness of the Captain to the two Orphans.-Sabbath Profanation by his Scotch Comrades.-Storm.-Specimens of the Conversation.-Good Friday strictly ob- served. St. Helena-Extreme Distress on Board from want of Tobacco.-Death of a Sol- dier. Behaviour of his Companions.-Buried ashore.-Effects of this.-Attempt on the Au- The Author's first Sabbath in London.-His long- ing desires after the Public ordinances satisfied. Arrival in Scotland.-Disposal of the two Or- phans with their Grandfather.-One returns to the Serjeant at Peebles.-Letter from Colonel Stewart, who procures a situation for him in a Militia Regiment.-Settles at Greenock.- NARRATIVE. CHAPTER I. The Author's Birth and Education.-Sent to Edinburgh.-Engaged to a Tobacco Spinner.-Hired by Mrs. C.-Her Excellent Character.-Death.-Goes to Mr. B.-Hardships there from Hunger.-Buys a Fife and becomes Musical.-Piety in one of his School-Fellows.-Put to the Weaving.-Scanty Fare and Small Wages.-Curious Incident.-Goes to Peebles. Enlists in the Army of Reserve.-Is sent to Ireland. I was born of poor but respectable parents, in the town of Peebles, county of Tweeddale, upon the 3d day of April, 1784. Under their nursing care I remained until I was four years of age, when I was sent to my grandfather in Darnick, from whom I received any B little education I ever got. Being then too young for school, my grandmother was very attentive in giving me instruction as I was able to bear it; and before I was five years of age, when I was sent to school, I could repeat various psalms, hymns, and passages of Scripture. She employed herself frequently in spinning on the lint wheel, at which time I used to sit at her side, learning verses which she would rehearse to me. I was placed here somewhat like Timothy with his grandmother Lois; for from what I myself recollect, and especially from the testimony of some pious Christians yet living, she was a very eminent character. She laboured much to give me a high veneration for the Supreme Being, in so much that, when I could read a little, I was struck with a kind of reverential dread at the words Lord or God, when I saw them in the Bible; but I could form no kind of notion what this Great Being could be. As I grew older, my wonder was so far gratified by my worthy instructor telling me that God was a spirit and invisible, and that I could not speak, act, or even think, but he was acquainted with it all; and that he saw me at all times and in all places: but this I thought could hardly be true, as I imagined God could certainly not see me in the dark. My grandfather being a very healthy and pious man, no weather would prevent him attending the church at Melrose, which was about a mile distant; but my grandmother being older, and not so robust in her constitution, was often detained at home in stormy weather, or during the winter season; but, though absent in body from the ordinances, she was present in spirit; and it is to be desired that all Christians would improve their time when necessarily detained at home from church as she did; for it was her custom to make family worship, I only being present, during the time of divine service; and it was the greatest possible wonder to me what pleasure she could have in it when my grandfather was absent, and I could take no active part in it, except making an attempt to follow the psalm as she was singing it. It was certainly however a great pleasure to her, though a real weariness to me; but although I could not then see what advantage I could receive from her praying to God to make me an object of his special care, she saw it; and I trust I have reaped much benefit from her |