order, a whit the worse for being promoted by Cromwell? Do we reward with large fortunes and splendid titles our Wellingtons-men of great powers, but who seem to a large class of the community little else than magnificent homicides—and shall we haggle about paltry sums to the benefactors of the species? How many-like the late excellent Dr Dick, of Broughty Ferry-have been compelled by narrow circumstances to part for a trifle with the copyright of valuable works? We are sure all who knew the "Christian Philosopher" were glad to hear of his receiving a slice, however small, of the Queen's pension money. In saying this, we do not mean that our friend's case had in it a marked parallel to the cases given. He was yet young in years and struggling to rise. He had advanced somewhat, but had not risen to eminence sufficient to demand attention. Yet, as one not only in "the pursuit of knowledge under difficulties," but also anxious to give himself to that sphere of life so much wanted in that proud city, and every large city, surely it was sad to see him so often disappointed and suffering so severely. And this the more so, when we know how little it required to help him to rise to increasing usefulness. The least help to ease the burden and the oppressed one rebounds. CHAPTER XVII. THOUGHTS ON LEAVING FOR LONDON. THE THOUGHT OF PARTING WITH HOME AND FRIENDS. THE invitation came, Mr Wilson having sent to say that a very suitable sphere was open if Mr Hillocks could find his way to London that week; so there was no time to spare. He says: "It nearly took my breath away. I was almost choked with mingled emotions-because of the invitation, and the difficulty of getting away. It was soon very evident that our circumstances would not permit Mrs Hillocks and our children then to accompany me to London; and the thought of leaving them behind pressed heavily on my mind. "This may be called mere sentimentality, and I have no wish to question the statement. As has been said, 'one might have supposed that all such emotional tenderness' might have been lashed out of me ere this. Not so, however. One of the effects of the 'lashing' seemed to rouse rather than subdue such emotions; and, perhaps, never before were the strength of the family feelings more evident than now. I ever believed, with the poet, that "To make a happy fireside clime For weans and wife, Is the true pathos and sublime Along with the wish to be able to help the helpless, strengthen the weak, and raise the fallen, had grown the ever-present desire to see my home comfortable and my loved ones happy, considering these to be the most important of our Christian duties to God and man. And this is well. A man's character is not only best known at home, his general usefulness—more especially in evangelistic work-greatly depends on the nature of the domestic circle from which he goes forth to labour. This I know, whatever have been my difficulties in the world, whatever my struggle for life, whatever have been the nature of the duties I have had to attend to, whatever the responsibilities I have had to sustain, whatever the dangers I have had to encounter, in whatever spirit I have gone up to them—whether that of courage or kindness-all, under God, was greatly and happily influenced by home-help, from the heroic mother at home,' and our dear buds of promise' there. Ah, yes, the precious gems which God had given me enlivened and beautified our poorest abode. The love, the care, and the counsel my 'better-half' were so blessed by God that to them I owe the strength and success which He-in His providence and by His grace—has been pleased to give me, helping me to speak and act with cheerful energy under the most trying circumstances. A gifted partner, a brave companion, a true-hearted woman, a skilful nurse, an affectionate mother, a loving wife. Truly, I had reason to thank God for 'Maggie and our pets.' And hence the reluctance to leave them even for a short time. But here, too, she was helpful in reminding me of what, for the time, I had almost forgotten. You know,' she said, 'God is everywhere present-in Edinburgh and in London—a very present help in every time of trouble, and nigh unto all them that call upon Him.' of "This was enough. But then came my last round as a Mission Teacher, and the parting with my scattered charge, many of whom really loved me. My salary-if the few shillings which I received weekly could be called by that name-was very small, but that was not my only remuneration. There TRAIN TO LONDON" -A PATRIOTIC DREAM. 149 was the pleasure which comes of the conviction that good is being done-in helping the poor to make the most of a hard life amid strong temptation. Even among the adults whom I thus visited, I had seen a growing improvement, especially in their watching and striving against such mere animal impulses as are certain to lead to sensual gratification. There were also evident signs of striving after that which is good, for some had been enabled to look to Jesus as their Saviour. On the part of the children I could see a marked change for the better. An incident occurred sometime after which led me to know that this was not a vain hope. One of the houses which I had then described as dangerous to the inmates as well as unfit for human habitation, fell, and life was lost. A boy, who thereby passed into eternity, was able to rejoice in Jesus, and that boy was one of my best scholars. For the moment I felt as if I could remain ; but not having enough to support my own at home, I felt also that I could no longer resist the invitation to labour elsewhere." And in him "the friendly feeling" became more intense, as if taking possession of him for the first time. He "felt them as if they had suddenly grown up in all their beauty and freshness." He says: "By this time my real friends were few compared with the professed friends I once had; but those on whom I could not count had been tested, while others, as cordial, had proved their sincerity-some in wise, wise words of deep sympathy, others in loving deeds. In some of the more genial and hearty instances such as in the case of Alexander Smith, the poet-the pleasant and elevating comingling of soul was mutually ardent. Hence it was that my farewell visit to such dear friends, Professor Blackie and others, was very trying to me." 66 TRAIN TO LONDON"- -A PATRIOTIC DREAM. "Take seats. Train for London,' said the guard at the Waverley Station, Edinburgh, on a Friday night, the 14th of December, 1860. I obeyed, and in a few minutes more the train started. The night was dark and cold, but I was too excited to notice the one or feel the other. Some of my fellowpassengers made way for sleep, and some took to reading; but I was not in a mood for either, so I began to think, in dreamy mood, while the train swept by station after station, only stopping at a few. Various were the themes that claimed consideration, and at last the conviction that our merciful Father was ever near gave point to my thoughts. I could not enter on the question, Why has all this been? I could look at results, and praise God that He had made the all things' work together for good. I felt sure that the preparation for the work on which I hoped to enter was severe, but it was a preparation, and that was something; and then the severity might yet help some poor one to realize the truth in the phrase, 'A fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind.' "In course of time such thoughts of God allayed the excitement which accompanied me into the train; and though I could not sleep, my mind settled down to something like a dream. 'Old Caledonia' and many of her doings came before me in a manner very distinct. This seemed very natural, for though I could not but look upon her as 'stern and wild,' yet I could not help regarding her as a' meet nurse' for a struggling as well as a 'poetic child.' As I thought of her own rugged history-she, too, said I to myself; yes, she, too—during her times of trial and preparation-had her life struggles; and these very struggles stirred in her that daring which led on to that enterprize that has resulted in the attainment of her present position in the United Kingdom-in the world. The volumes which in other days I had devoured, now unfolded page after page of the history of the 'Land of brown heath and shaggy wood.' Not merely the stirring events of the more romantic days of |